Healthcare Assistant

Role overview

This is a full-time opportunity to join the Renal Unit at Frimley Park Hospital as a Band 3 Dialysis Assistant, with scope to grow into a Healthcare Assistant role supporting renal care. The post is based in Frimley, England, United Kingdom and is a ward-based position.

The team is seeking an enthusiastic candidate with an NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care, or an equivalent qualification, together with around 1 year of experience in a hospital environment dealing with members of the public. Flexibility is important, including availability for weekday and weekend rotation.

You will support patients with chronic renal dialysis needs who require an inpatient stay, as well as patients with severe acute kidney injury, working under the guidance of registered nurses. The ward is a small 8-bed unit known for being welcoming and supportive, with a multidisciplinary team and consultants who actively back staff.

Main purpose of the job

The unit cares for both acute and chronic kidney injury. Acute kidney injury patients are admitted from across the trust, giving staff exposure to a wide range of medical and surgical specialties. The team welcomes applicants from any specialty background, including those with limited or no renal experience, provided they bring commitment, pride in patient care, and the ability to work to high standards.

For patients with long-term renal needs, the ward provides haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, offering specialist skills not available on other wards within the trust. Because chronic patients are seen repeatedly over time, staff build lasting relationships and get to know the person behind the illness, which is a valued part of the role.

Shift pattern

Typical working hours include long day shifts from 07:00 to 19:30, early shifts from 07:00 to 15:00, and late shifts from 12:45 to 20:45. Occasional night shifts may also be offered, running from 19:45 to 08:15.

Key duties

As a non-registered care worker, you will carry out assigned tasks within the clinical team to support registered nurses. This includes helping with patient care, contributing to patient safety, and assisting multidisciplinary colleagues in meeting patients' fundamental needs.

Work may include some care tasks without direct supervision, always within the framework of dignity, human rights, and person-centred care. You will also provide support and leadership to care assistants, and take on both clinical and non-clinical responsibilities in the clinical area.

Development and support

The trust offers a full induction, a renal training programme, and a competency-based appraisal process. Staff development is actively encouraged with support from the Practice Development team, and you will be given opportunities to broaden your skills.

This vacancy is also linked to an apprenticeship route for eligible applicants. If you qualify, you may be able to gain a nationally recognised qualification while working and earning. You would not need to complete the apprenticeship if you have already finished a relevant apprenticeship, NVQ, or similar healthcare qualification.

Visa sponsorship information

Applicants who need visa sponsorship should check the latest UK immigration rules before applying. Sponsorship may not be possible if the role does not meet the minimum salary threshold, is not included on the Immigration Salary List, or is below RQF Level 6. These restrictions may also affect candidates on a Graduate Visa who want to switch to a Skilled Worker Visa. Applications from people who do not meet the current requirements cannot be taken forward.

Important application requirements

For applicants who do not already have a Care Certificate, completion of the attached self-assessment form is mandatory. It must be returned at least 48 hours before interview; otherwise, the recruitment process may be delayed or an offer may not be issued.

Elements of the job description and person specification may be assessed during interview, and the interview may end if the requirements are not met.

About the employer

Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust is an inclusive and disability-confident employer, with Gold recognition under the Armed Forces Employment Recognition Scheme. The trust offers strong development pathways across professional, management, leadership, and clinical skills training.

The organisation places strong importance on work-life balance and welcomes flexible working requests, aiming to support staff needs while also meeting service demands. Its wider strategy focuses on being the best place to receive care and work in the NHS, supported by values of excellence, teamwork, future-focused thinking, and compassionate care.

The trust is investing in facilities and services, including a new hospital at Frimley Park, major growth in diagnostic and inpatient capacity, and improvements across its sites. It has already delivered major projects such as the Heatherwood Hospital, the Emergency Assessment Centre at Wexham Park, and maternity upgrades.

Sustainability is also a priority, with estates and new developments designed to be energy efficient and environmentally responsible. The trust is progressing toward the NHS Net Zero ambition through green planning and sustainable practices. Digital transformation is another focus, including the 2024 launch of the Epic electronic patient record, which supports safer care, better connectivity, and more efficient workflows.

Contact

Candidates interested in this renal nursing environment can contact Sijo Stephen, Senior Charge Nurse, on 03006133577 to arrange an informal visit to the ward.

Person specification

Qualifications: General education such as GCSEs or equivalent Functional Skills Level 2 in Numeracy and Literacy is essential. A Health and Social Care Level 3 qualification, or equivalent, is desirable.

Experience: Essential experience includes prior work as a healthcare assistant in a hospital or registered care setting, a Care Certificate, and experience in a UK care setting. Previous experience in a renal or dialysis unit is desirable.

Special requirements: You must be willing and able to work flexible shift patterns, including internal rotation between day and night duty and unsocial hours where required by the service.

Skills: Clear communication, the ability to follow instructions and feedback, working with minimal supervision, and basic numeracy and literacy are essential. Venepuncture and cannulation are desirable skills.

Additional information

The role is based in a small 8-bed ward with a friendly culture and strong clinical support. The trust serves a population of more than 900,000 people across Berkshire, Hampshire, Surrey, and South Buckinghamshire.

Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust continues to invest in service quality, patient safety, sustainability, and digital innovation to improve both patient outcomes and staff experience.