Healthcare Assistant - Day Surgery

Role Overview

The Healthcare Assistant (HCA) in Day Surgery at Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust rotates between three key units: Day Surgery 1, Day Surgery 2, and POD. Working under the direct or indirect supervision of Registered Nurses, HCAs provide compassionate, high-quality care tailored to patient needs. Adherence to personal competency boundaries is required, ensuring tasks performed match the HCA's training and skills.

As a member of the ward team, you will collaborate closely with colleagues, prioritizing patient welfare and treating everyone with respect and dignity. Reliability, trustworthiness, and commitment to the Trust’s values and the Skills for Health Code of Conduct are essential.

This front-facing clinical position demands excellent proficiency in spoken and written English. Applicants must be currently residing in the UK with relevant UK healthcare experience as a Healthcare Assistant.

Main Responsibilities

• Perform agreed clinical duties such as collecting urine and stool samples, taking swabs, monitoring fluid intake/output, changing stomas and urine drainage bags, catheter care, and recording vital signs including pulse, temperature, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and National Early Warning Score (NEWS2). Promptly inform nursing staff of any patient condition changes.
• Provide enhanced or bay-based observations for patients requiring close monitoring.
• Support healthcare professionals in implementing individualized patient care plans.
• Assist patients with eating and drinking, including menu guidance with attention to special diets and cultural preferences.
• Help patients maintain personal hygiene and dignity.
• Assist with safe patient mobility, employing appropriate equipment post mobility assessment for comfort and safety.

Applicant Requirements

• Willingness to work full shift patterns, including early, late, night shifts, weekends, and bank holidays.
• Possess the Care Certificate and prior experience in UK healthcare settings.
• Demonstrate clear communication skills and basic literacy and numeracy.
• Ability to follow instructions accurately and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Evidence of general education equivalent to GCSEs or Level 2 Functional Skills in Numeracy and Literacy.
• Previous experience interacting with the public; hospital ward experience is advantageous.
• Alignment with Trust values and behaviours is essential.

Training and Development

The Trust offers extensive support, training, and career development opportunities, including an apprenticeship pathway for eligible candidates. This leads to nationally recognized qualifications and enhances career progression within healthcare.

Organisational Commitment

Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust serves over 900,000 people across four counties and aims to be the leading organisation both for patient care and as an employer. It prioritizes inclusive and supportive working environments, flexible work patterns to accommodate staff needs, sustainability with NHS Net Zero goals, advanced digital records for safer care, and significant investments in facilities and staff development.

Additional Information

This position is a clinical role requiring a high level of English proficiency and compliance with immigration rules regarding visa eligibility. Applicants are advised to confirm eligibility before applying.