Healthcare Support Worker - Outpatient Assessment Centre
As University Hospitals Dorset we are a three site acute trust with ‘university hospital’ status through our partnership with Bournemouth University, working with an annual budget of £730m.
We offer highly regarded health services, employing some 10,000 staff. Our ambitious £500m transformation programme is well on the way to delivering state-of-the-art facilities over the next two years to meet the current and future healthcare needs of the populations we serve.
In an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with over seven miles of sandy beaches you’ll find inspirational opportunities to achieve your perfect work/life balance. With the New Forest and the Purbecks on our doorstep, we’re also less than three hours from London by road or train.The thriving towns of Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch give way to idyllic villages and unspoilt landscapes just minutes from our hospitals.
We believe that having a diverse workforce, and allowing people to be themselves, is essential in ensuring we offer an inclusive, welcoming and productive place to work.
We especially welcome applications from minority groups in the community who may be underrepresented in our workforce.
At UHD our active staff network groups are the Women's Network, Black Asian Minority Ethnic Group (BAME), Pride Network, European (EU), Pro Ability Staff Network, and the Armed Forces Support Group.
As a Trust we are proudly signed up to the Disability Confident and Armed Forces Covenant guaranteed interview schemes.
We are aware that some candidates may choose to use AI tools to support the preparation of their application. While this is not discouraged, we kindly remind applicants that submissions should remain an honest and accurate representation of your own experience and suitability.Personal integrity is an important part of the recruitment process.
Job overview
We are looking for a compassionate, reliable and enthusiastic Band 3 Health Care Support Worker to join our friendly and fast-paced team in the Outpatient Assessment Centre and Minor Procedure Suite at St Mary’s Site, University Hospitals Dorset.
This varied role involves working across multiple clinical specialties, including:
- Urology
- Trauma & Orthopaedics
- Dermatology
- Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS)
- And other day-case specialties
Please note it will be a mix of short and long days over 4 days
As a Band 3 HCSW, you will support registered nurses, clinicians and patients through all stages of minor procedures. You’ll play an essential part in delivering high standards of personal care, maintaining a safe environment and supporting the smooth running of clinics and procedure sessions.These are busy clinics and the role would suit someone who is organised, adaptable and able to move between tasks efficiently.
Please note that while this post is currently based at St Mary’s site, the service is expected to relocate within the next couple of years. As part of the role, the successful candidate may also be required to work across any University Hospitals Dorset (UHD) sites in line with service needs.
Interview date: tbc
Main duties of the job
Patient Care and Support- Assist in the preparation of patients for outpatient procedures, ensuring privacy, dignity, and comfort at all times.
- Support patients before, during and after minor surgical or diagnostic procedures, under supervision of registered staff.
- Monitor patient observations (e.g. pulse, blood pressure, oxygen saturation) and report any concerns to a registered nurse.
- Support the recovery and discharge of patients following procedures, providing clear post-care instructions when appropriate.
- Escort patients safely between areas on beds and chairs when required.
- Provide reassurance and emotional support to patients, carers, and families.
- Assist in setting up and maintaining procedure rooms, ensuring equipment is clean, available, and fit for purpose.
- Undertake cleaning of clinical equipment and rooms in accordance with infection prevention and control policies.
- Assist with specimen labelling and transport according to local protocols.
- Maintain stock levels, ordering and replenishing supplies to ensure efficient service delivery.
- Accurately document care provided, including patient observations and interventions, in line with Trust policy.
Working for our organisation
our values define who we are as #TeamUHD. They underpin everything we do now and in the future. They define how we treat our patients, visitors, and each other, our valued teammates and colleagues. UHD are investing in services across the Trust, with many being transformed and developed following merger and the New Hospital Programme.This means that some services may move site this year or next, either temporarily or long term. Recruiting Managers interviewing for this role will be happy to answer any specific questions that you have about this at interview.
Please note if the role or service is relocated as part of a planned move, employees will not be eligible for excess mileage reimbursement. Travel from the postholder's home to the new work base will be considered a normal commute. Any other changes not related to this relocation will be managed according to the relevant Trust or National terms and condition
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Communication and Teamwork- Work closely with registered nurses, advanced clinical practitioners, consultants, and administrative staff as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Participate in handovers and team briefings to support continuity of care.
- Communicate effectively and respectfully with patients and staff, including handling sensitive conversations.
- Report any patient concerns, changes in condition, or incidents promptly to a registered nurse.
- Actively participate in mandatory training and learning opportunities relevant to the role.
- Undertake competency assessments in line with Trust guidelines for Band 3 duties (e.g. venepuncture, ECG recording, or wound care – if trained).
- Maintain awareness of Trust policies, procedures, and values, working within scope of role at all times.
- Take responsibility for own personal development and seek support from senior staff when required.
- Frequent standing, walking, and assisting with patient mobility and equipment.
- Regular exposure to clinical environments, including body fluids and medical equipment.
- Requirement to manage emotionally challenging situations and provide support to distressed or anxious patients.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria- Good standard of numeracy and Literacy
- Completion of a competency-based workbook (Care Certificate) or equivalent relevant experience to vocational level 3.
Experience
Essential criteria- Ability to adapt and learn in healthcare environment
- Previous experience of working within a care environment /NHS
- Experience of working as part of a multidisciplinary team
- Experience of working with the public
- theatre experience
technical skills / Competencies
Essential criteria- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively (to understand and be understood)
- Ability to follow clear instruction and feed back to senior staff.
- Ability to work as part of a team, as well as on own initiative
- IT literate
- Understanding of basic physiology e.g. normal vital signs, fluid balance, nutritional requirements etc.
- Venepuncture
- Simple wound dressings
- Performing ECG’s
Knowledge
Essential criteria- An understanding around basic patient care
- Understanding of the importance of the promotion of health and well-being
- Knowledge of care and related procedures, clinical observations, relevant legislation;
other requirements specific to role
Essential criteria- Ability to communicate with all levels of staff
- Ability to exchange factual information accurately
- Ability to deal with sensitive situations
- Ability to deal with difficult patient/ relatives and clinicians
- Is adaptable to to different clinical areas
Please note:
Staff recruited are expected to be available to work flexibly across all our Trust locations to meet service demands.
This advert may be closed early if sufficient applications are received.
COVID-19 vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself and our patients from the virus when working in our healthcare settings. Whilst this vaccination is not a condition of employment we do encourage our staff to get vaccinated.
Internal Candidates: staff employed prior to merger who voluntarily change jobs will be appointed to UHD terms and conditions.