Clinical Support Worker

Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust; Luton; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in the United Kingdom is seeking a compassionate Surgical Clinical Support Worker. The role involves assisting patients with daily living, monitoring vital signs, and providing support before and after surgery. Candidates should have at least 2 years of experience in an acute hospital and a strong commitment to patient care. This is a fantastic opportunity to develop your clinical skills in a dynamic surgical environment, contributing to high-quality patient care.

Benefits

Access to training and development programmes

Potential for career progression

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years experience in an acute hospital.
• Knowledge of patient observations and basic clinical procedures.
• Good basic literacy, numeracy, and IT skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist patients with daily living, ensuring dignity and privacy.
• Record vital signs and report abnormalities.
• Support patients through their surgical journey.

Skills

Patient care support

Monitoring clinical observations

Mobility assistance

Effective communication

Teamwork

Education

NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Health and Social Care (or equivalent)

Job description

Job overview

Are you passionate about providing hands‑on care and making a real difference to patients every day? We’re looking for a dedicated and compassionate Surgical Clinical Support Worker to join our friendly and dynamic surgical team.

As a key member of the ward, you’ll work closely with registered nurses and the wider multidisciplinary team to deliver safe, high‑quality care to patients before and after surgery. You’ll assist with essential clinical tasks such as monitoring observations, supporting personal care, preparing patients for procedures, and helping them mobilise safely during recovery.

You’ll play a vital role in ensuring patients feel comfortable, supported, and respected throughout their hospital stay — providing not just physical care but emotional reassurance at what can be a challenging time.

This is a great opportunity to develop your skills in a fast‑paced surgical environment, with access to training and development programmes that support career progression, including the potential to complete your Care Certificate or progress into nursing or other healthcare roles.

If you are caring, reliable, and enjoy being part of a close‑knit team that values teamwork, compassion, and patient dignity, we’d love to hear from you.

Main duties of the job

Assist patients with all aspects of personal care, including washing, dressing, toileting, and oral hygiene, while maintaining dignity and privacy.

Support patients before and after surgery, helping them prepare for procedures and recover safely afterwards.

Accurately record and report clinical observations such as temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation under the supervision of a registered nurse.

Assist with fluid balance and nutritional monitoring, including recording food and fluid intake.

Support patients with mobility and rehabilitation, ensuring the use of appropriate aids and following manual handling policies.

Recognise and report changes in a patient’s condition promptly to the registered nurse.

Maintain a clean and safe environment, contributing to infection prevention and control.

Assist with bed making, cleaning equipment, and restocking clinical areas as required.

Maintain a clean and tidy environment

Provide emotional support and reassurance to patients and families, helping to reduce anxiety and promote recovery.

Working for our organisation

Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics‑led Maternity and Paediatrics. You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.

Our values

We not only recruit based on qualifications and experience - we recruit individuals who demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. We achieve this by using values based recruitment. We are dedicated to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone, we are committed to promoting equality and diversity, and creating a culture that values differences.

Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering first 6 months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required. Please review all documents attached to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Assist patients with daily living — including washing, dressing, toileting, and mobility — ensuring privacy and dignity at all times.
• Support patients through their surgical journey, including preparation for theatre, safe transfer, and post‑operative recovery.
• Take and record vital signs (temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, oxygen saturation) and promptly report any abnormalities.
• Measure and record input / output, weight, and nutritional status accurately.
• Support wound care procedures, including dressing changes, drain management assistance, and monitoring of wound healing (under RN supervision).
• Assist with pre‑operative preparation — including skin cleansing, fasting checks, and completion of pre‑theatre documentation.
• Support post‑operative monitoring, ensuring early recognition of complications (e.g., bleeding, infection, pain).
• Encourage and assist early mobilisation and deep breathing exercises to promote recovery and reduce post‑operative risks.
• Help manage surgical drains, catheters, and wound vac systems under the guidance of registered staff.
• Support infection prevention practices, ensuring a clean, safe, and well‑maintained environment.
• Promote hydration and nutrition by assisting with meals, recording intake, and offering encouragement to patients.
• Enhanced Recovery and Discharge Support
• Support the implementation of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) pathways by encouraging activity, nutrition, and self‑care.
• Provide information and reassurance to patients and relatives regarding recovery and discharge processes.
• Assist in preparing patients and belongings for discharge and ensure safe transfer to discharge lounge or transport.
• Communicate effectively with families and carers, signposting to the nurse in charge when additional information is required.
• Teamwork and Communication
• Work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team to deliver coordinated, holistic care.
• Attend and contribute to daily safety huddles, handovers, and team meetings.
• Report any concerns, incidents, or safeguarding issues promptly in line with Trust policy.
• Support and assist in orientating new staff, students, and volunteers.
• Maintain effective, respectful communication with all team members and patients.
• Documentation and Record Keeping
• Maintain accurate and timely records of all care delivered in accordance with Trust and NMC standards.
• Ensure observations, interventions, and patient updates are clearly documented and handed over appropriately.
• Handle confidential information sensitively and in line with data protection regulations.
• Education, Training, and Development
• Complete and maintain the Care Certificate (if not already achieved).
• Participate in mandatory training and ongoing professional development.
• Seek learning opportunities to develop clinical skills related to general surgery (e.g., wound care, catheter care, drain management).

Assist in outpatient clinic with chaperoning and supporting the clinic nurse.

Person specification

Experience

Essential criteria

• X2 years experience in an acute hospital

Desirable criteria

• X1 year experience on an acute surgical ward

Clinical Skills

Essential criteria

• Knowledge patient observations, and basic clinical procedures.

Desirable criteria

• Able to carry out ECG's

Communication

Essential criteria

• Good Basic literacy, numeracy, and IT skills

Desirable criteria

• NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Health and Social Care (or equivalent).

Applicant requirements

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.