Healthcare Support Worker - Cancer Services
Job overview
Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of cancer patients ?
As a Healthcare Support Worker, you will play a crucial role in delivering compassionate, patient-centred care. Based on the Ricky Grant Day Unit and Turner Ward, you’ll be at the heart of providing essential nursing support, clinical interventions, and emotional care to patients undergoing cancer treatment.Whether assisting with personal care, performing vital clinical tasks like venepuncture and ECGs, or advocating for patient safety and wellbeing, you’ll contribute meaningfully to the patient journey.
We’re looking for individuals with a caring nature, strong communication skills, and a commitment to excellence. If you’re flexible, eager to learn new skills, and thrive in a fast-paced yet supportive environment, this role is for you. In return, you’ll join a team that’s as passionate about your growth as they are about patient care, with access to robust training, career development opportunities, and the chance to make a real impact in a rewarding specialty.Take the next step in your healthcare career with us—where your dedication truly changes lives.
Main duties of the job- Provide patient-centered care in line with Trust policies, including personal care (e.g., washing, dressing, toileting) while promoting independence. Use effective communication skills to overcome barriers, offering reassurance, empathy, and persuasion.
- Undertake training to perform clinical interventions (e.g., observations, venepuncture, ECGs, cannula insertion/removal, urinalysis) and remain competent in these skills. Assess patients’ conditions using tools like NEWS2, pain assessments, and escalate concerns appropriately.
- Work independently or within a team, prioritizing patient needs, and demonstrate accurate use of equipment for interventions. Support patients at risk (e.g., falls, pressure damage) by following care plans and escalating changes in condition. Promote mobility, independence, and mental stimulation through appropriate activities.
- Ensure adherence to Trust policies and maintain accurate documentation (e.g., care plans, observations, fluid/food charts). Assist with nutrition by supporting mealtimes and recording intake. Act as an advocate for patient safety, safeguarding from harm, and reporting concerns or incidents through the Trust's system.
- Provide guidance to less experienced staff, ensuring safe practices, maintaining clinical environments, and performing quality control checks to uphold standards. Demonstrate Trust values and a professional approach in all aspects of care.
Working for our organisation
You will be working with a friendly and dynamic team in a fast-paced environment supporting patients on the Ricky Grant Day Unit and Turner Ward.
Turner Ward
Turner ward provides the in-patient base for cancer medicine. It is an 18-bedded ward, shared with our Haematology colleagues and has one four bedded bay, three two bedded bays and seven side rooms. The ward is staffed by highly skilled specialist staff including dedicated dieticians, occupational therapists and palliative care.The junior medical team on Turner Ward consists of 1 Core Medical Trainee, 1 GPST, 1 F2, 1 F1. The junior medical team also assist in covering the oncology day unit alongside the SpRs and oncology speciality doctors (SAS).
Ricky Grant Day Unit
Ricky Grant Day Unit (RGDU) is located next to Turner Ward and provides out-patient systemic anti-cancer treatment (SACT) alongside a dedicated PICC line service and paracentesis clinic. It also hosts the 24-hour telephone triage support line for patients on SACT, and a dedicated chemotherapy CNS team provide oral SACT clinics with home delivery.The trust uses the electronic SACT prescribing system ChemoCARE and the department is supported by a dedicated oncology pharmacist team with its own aseptic suite for the preparation of cytotoxics.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
For the full detailed job description and main responsibilities please see the attached job description.
Person specification
Qualifications and training
Essential criteria- NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care or equivalent qualification/experience
- Care certificate
- English & Mathematics at GSCE grade A-C (9-4) or level 2 functional skills
Knowledge and experience
Essential criteria- Previous experience in a care environment or able to demonstrate a caring nature/ life experience
- Understands the need for strict confidentiality
- Working knowledge of complex care needs of some individuals/families including Safeguarding Children & Adults, Domestic Abuse and Mental Health
Specific skills
Essential criteria- Basic computer/keyboard skills
- Fine motor skills – for venepuncture, phlebotomy and other clinical tasks
- Good interpersonal and communication skills
- Able to prioritise and organise work
- Able to work under instruction, under pressure and as part of a team
- Record keeping competency in handwritten and electronic records
- Able to demonstrate empathy, sensitivity, and to adapt communication style to circumstances
- Able to manage stress in themselves and others
- Able to offer support at times of emotional distress
- Willingness to undertake new skills and training
- Able to work as a team member or independently
- Ability to adapt behaviour to changing and challenging situations
- To be flexible, adaptable, reliable and punctual
- The post holder must demonstrate a positive commitment to uphold diversity and equality policies approved by the Trust
- Healthcare competencies appropriate to area of work
You will be joining the organisation at an exciting time. As the first fully integrated care organisation in England, we are working to improve the way we deliver safe, high-quality health and social care. We have a positive and vibrant working atmosphere, we are proud of our investment in our staff both in terms of developing potential career skills and valuing people.
If you provide support to a family member or friend with health or care needs, we aim to be a Carer-friendly employer. We have a ‘Staff Carers’ policy which includes flexible working where possible and a Carer’s Passport scheme that links you into support and discounts.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION- We reserve the right to close vacancies early if we receive a high volume of applications. Therefore, we encourage you to apply promptly.
- Please read the job description carefully and tailor your application to reflect the requirements of the role.
- Applicants who identify in their application form they are a part of the Armed Forces community will be guaranteed an interview, provided they meet the minimum essential criteria outlined in the job description and person specification for the role. Step into Health guidance can be found on our NHS Employers website.
- Correspondence will be sent via Trac, text, and email. Please ensure you check your email and Trac account regularly.
- Applicants with no previous NHS experience will ordinarily be appointed to the minimum of the band.
- If you have not received an invitation to interview within 28 days of the closing date, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.
- It is your responsibility to ensure the timely receipt of appropriate references.
If you require support you can obtain this from our Equality Business Forum which has representatives from all protected groups.