Bank Health Care Assistant

NHS; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A healthcare provider in Birmingham is looking for experienced Health Care Assistants to join their team for flexible bank shifts in theatre and ward departments. The role involves preparing patients for surgery, assisting theatre staff, and providing compassionate care in a clinical setting. Candidates are expected to have a Care Certificate or equivalent experience and demonstrate good communication skills. This position offers a starting salary of £13 an hour and is suited for those committed to high standards of patient care.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of basic clinical care procedures and infection control.
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Commitment to maintaining high standards of patient care.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing patients for surgery and provide post-operative care.
• Act as a reassuring presence for patients and document care activities.
• Support the smooth flow of patients between departments.

Skills

Compassionate and empathetic

Reliable and adaptable

Good communication skills

Attention to detail

Education

Care Certificate or equivalent experience

NVQ Level 2/3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent

Job description

Job Summary

At Optimised Care, we are looking for enthusiastic, experienced Health Care Assistants to work either on our ward or theatre department as part of our pool of bank staff. The specialities we currently provide include Orthopaedics, ENT, Gynaecology, Urology, Plastics and General Surgery. We are looking to grow the team to allow flexible ad‑hoc work across 7 days of the week and a variety of shift patterns.

Main Duties

• Circulating in theatre to assist the theatre team in maintaining a sterile field whilst taking care of patients in a vulnerable setting.
• Meeting and greeting patients.
• Transferring patients to and from theatres and the ward.
• Acting as a patient advocate.
• Patient observations.
• Assisting in clinics.
• Chaperoning patients.
• Assisting the nursing team with general ward duties.
• Assisting with patient care and activities of daily living.

About Us

We have a close‑knit team that strives to give the best possible care to all patients. We are inclusive and provide a busy but friendly working environment that prides itself on theatre productivity, turnaround and our recent CQC Good rating.

Details

Date posted: 29 January 2026.

Pay & Contract

Salary: £13 an hour.
Contract: Bank.
Working pattern: Flexible working.

Job Title

Health Care Assistant (Theatre and Ward)

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing patients for surgery, including pre‑operative checks, mobility support and personal care.
• Support theatre staff with patient positioning, transfer and preparation of the operating environment.
• Maintain cleanliness and equipment availability, ensuring infection control standards.
• Assist scrub and circulating staff as directed, maintaining aseptic technique at all times.
• Provide post‑operative care under supervision, including vital signs monitoring, hygiene needs and mobility assistance.
• Support safe discharge planning by reinforcing patient information and ensuring readiness for home recovery.

Patient Care & Communication

• Deliver person‑centred care in line with hospital values, maintaining dignity, privacy and respect at all times.
• Act as a reassuring presence for patients undergoing elective procedures, relaying concerns promptly to registered staff.
• Contribute to effective communication within the multidisciplinary team, attending briefings and debriefs as required.

Operational & Administrative

• Assist with stock control, restocking clinical areas and safe disposal of consumables.
• Accurately document care activities and observations in patient records or electronic systems.
• Support the smooth flow of patients between theatres, recovery and wards.
• Adhere to all hospital and statutory health and safety policies, including manual handling and infection prevention.

Skills and Qualifications

• Essential: Care Certificate or equivalent experience in a hospital or clinical setting.
• Knowledge of basic clinical care procedures and infection control.
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Commitment to maintaining high standards of patient care and confidentiality.
• Desirable: Previous experience in a surgical ward or operating theatre.
• Basic understanding of surgical instruments or peri‑operative care pathways.
• NVQ Level 2/3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent.

Personal Attributes

• Compassionate and empathetic.
• Reliable, adaptable and able to manage changing priorities.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Calm under pressure and attentive to detail.

Working Pattern

Ad‑hoc covering early, late and weekend shifts as required across ward and theatre departments.

Disclosure & Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check to assess any previous criminal convictions.