Health Care Assistant

Cambridgeshire Community Services Nhs Trust; Luton; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in Luton is seeking an experienced Health Care Assistant to join the Rapid Response nursing team. This role involves providing nursing support and care to patients facing acute health crises to avoid unnecessary hospital admissions. Candidates should have prior NHS experience, excellent communication skills, and the ability to drive to visit patients at home. Flexible working options are available, and a supportive work environment is emphasized.

Qualifications

• Experience in NHS healthcare-associated roles preferred.
• Ability to respond to unexpected health care needs.
• Willingness to undertake training as required.

Responsibilities

• Provide nursing support and care to patients.
• Assist in personal care and medication administration.
• Communicate effectively with practice staff and patients.
• Maintain confidential patient records accurately.

Skills

Patient care

Communication

Data protection understanding

Basic IT skills

Driving skills

Job description

Overview

Driven by our Trust values: Honesty, Empathy, Ambition, Respect; the Trust's vision is to provide high quality care to the diverse communities we serve to make their lives better. We are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. Options for flexible working are considered for all roles within CCS, including job share opportunities, compressed hours, annualised hours, tailored working patterns and more. If you are interested in flexible working, please talk to the recruiting manager for this vacancy. The selection processes at Cambridgeshire Community Services are in place to ensure we recruit candidates with the right values and skills. Please be advised that the use of AI in applications is monitored to ensure it reflects candidates’ actual skills.

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced and skilled Health Care Assistant to join the Rapid Response nursing team. The Rapid Response team take referrals from GPs, Paramedics, local Hospitals and Specialist Community Teams for patients experiencing an acute health crisis. We aim to avoid unnecessary hospital admissions by assessing patients, developing care plans and liaising with other services as needed. You will be providing nursing support and care to patients on the Rapid Response caseloads including Virtual wards and supporting patients on the District Nursing caseload who may require unplanned / urgent visits.

To work as a Multi-Skilled Assistant supporting qualified members of the Community Nursing team to deliver appropriate nursing care to enable each patient to achieve their maximum potential and remain within their home environment.

To be able to respond under supervision to unexpected health care needs of patients.

As our Health Care Assistant (HCA) you will be involved in supporting patients which may involve short episodes of intensive input to prevent hospital admission. This will also involve undertaking personal care of patients, medication administration, wound care and completing patient assessments.

Responsibilities

• Provide advice and instruction to patients to explain any procedures being undertaken.
• Understand the principles of data protection and patient confidentiality and the policies and procedures surrounding them.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings.
• Basic understanding of IT and ability to use e-mail and willingness to undertake training for any systems used to collect and manage patient data.
• Communicate with practice staff and GP's regarding results and collection of specimens.
• Refer patient queries to the nursing staff in a timely fashion.
• Provide understanding and support to patients having difficulty coping with their condition.
• Be supportive and communicative with patients & colleagues.
• Ensure at all times patients are treated with care and compassion.
• Report any change or deviation from planned care package to nursing staff.
• Recognise change in patients need and with instruction adapt care package accordingly.
• Recognise abnormal results following monitoring and inform nursing staff.
• Undertake the delivery of patient care packages under the supervision of nursing staff.
• Manage and prioritise workload.
• To liaise with other health professionals, social services, GP's, hospital staff and other agencies involved in the care of each patient as required.
• To accurately take and record telephone messages as required, including supporting the screening and prioritisation of referrals according to local guidelines.
• Undertake set nursing procedures following training and assessment e.g. phlebotomy, blood pressure monitoring, blood glucose monitoring, preparing patients as necessary prior to procedure, using aseptic technique.
• Driving skills, including in icy and snowy conditions.
• To acquire core skills in nursing care and nursing techniques.
• To provide general office duties i.e.: filing, photocopying as required.
• Be able to implement packages of care, therapy or treatment prescribed by qualified members of the team. This will initially be done with supervision from a qualified member of the team.
• Support patients in achieving goals set in care packages.
• Undertake personal and social care as required to support people to remain at home.
• Deliver prescribed medication to patients, operating within set protocols.
• To provide reassurance & psychological support to patients in an acute phase of illness which may involve short episodes of intensive input to prevent hospital admission.
• To maintain a neat and tidy appearance and professional approach to work, patients, their families & other colleagues.
• To act in a manner that is in line with Trust Values at all times.
• Ensure all electronic and paper based records are kept up to date and filed appropriately.
• To maintain accurate and comprehensive records, recording and providing statistical information by means of computer and other methods.
• To supply information to the client where appropriate using computer database and written materials.
• To monitor stock in partnership with the nursing team.

Further Information

• On April 1st 2026, Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust and Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust will come together to deliver services as a single Trust.
• The specific role you are applying is with Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust and if you commence your employment before the 1st of April you will transfer to the new organisation via TUPE.
• Certificate of Sponsorship: For roles that are eligible for sponsorship, applications from job seekers who require Skilled Worker Visa to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.
• UK Registration: For roles that require professional registration, applicants must have current UK professional registration.
• Safe recruitment checks are undertaken before appointment and may include a DBS check. Driving licence validation may be required for driving roles.
• ALL CORRESPONDENCE will be via the e-mail address on your application form.
• Must have previous NHS experience in a health care associated role and be able to drive to visit patients at home.