Health Care Assistant - Powys Ward

NHS; Oswestry; On-site; GBP 25,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider is seeking dedicated individuals to support nursing staff in caring for patients before and after surgery. This part-time role offers a chance to make a positive impact in a patient-focused environment in North Shropshire.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Access to state-of-the-art facilities

Qualifications

• Experience in a caring environment is essential.
• Basic computer skills required.
• Willingness to attend mandatory training.

Responsibilities

• Assist patients with daily activities and ensure safety.
• Maintain effective communication with patients and staff.
• Perform basic nursing observations and assist qualified nurses.

Skills

Communication

Initiative

Teamwork

Education

Willingness to complete NVQ level 2 in healthcare or equivalent

Willingness to complete phlebotomy/ECG training

Job description

Job summary

To support the nursing staff in the caring of patients pre and post surgery and to aid the efficient and smooth running of the ward.

All activities will be under the direction of the professional responsible for the care of the patient.

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker Sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.Job seekers should be aware that not all roles will be eligible for Skilled Worker Sponsorship. For further information visit UK Visas and Immigration - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Main duties of the job

Under the direct/indirect supervision of trained staff, be able to use own initiative and be able to assist patients in all activities of daily.

On a daily basis to receive patients, relatives and visitors to the ward, demonstrating effective communication and directing them to appropriate areas within the department & Trust & documenting appropriately.

Provide patient care, which may require the use of physical effort to roll, manoeuvre and stand patients. The use of manual handling equipment and training is essential, to reduce physical strain and maintain safety of the patient. Annual manual handling training is mandatory.

Assist other team members to maintain the skin integrity of all patients and have a working knowledge of all aids that are available to support this practice.

Assist patients with an appropriate dietary intake. Provide assistance and monitoring with eating and drinking as required.

To have a basic understanding in the safe use of wheelchairs, theatre trolleys, recliner chairs, commodes and other equipment used on the unit.

Be able to handle waste body fluids, ensuring correct disposal according to Trust policies. Take specimens of urine, faeces, sputum, wound and other swabs, when requested to do so from a qualified nurse.

Communicate and liaise well with other team members, contributing to the Safety Huddle.

Basic life support skills are essential and will be updated at least yearly.

Ability to call help and support staff in the event of an emergency

About us

The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic NHS Trust (RJAH)is one of the leading orthopaedic hospitals in the country, with some of the highest levels of staff and patient satisfaction, as well as a strong reputation for research and innovation.

Joining RJAH is more than just a job - we want our people to have the best opportunities to thrive in their role.We have a range of fantastic staff benefits on offer to everyone who joins RJAH and you'll have access to outstanding professional development opportunities and state-of-the-art facilities - including our recently-opened £6 million Headley Court Veterans' Orthopaedic Centre (the first unit of its kind in the UK).RJAH has strong links with a range of universities including Staffordshire, Keele, Glyndwr, Chester and Birmingham.The hospital is located on a site outside Oswestry in Oswestry, just off the A5. The nearest train station is in Gobowen, approximately two miles from the hospital. The station is part of the Chester to Birmingham line.We are based in North Shropshire, close to the border with North and Mid Wales. It is one of the most attractive parts of the country, with a rich historic culture and excellent transport links. It offers outstanding opportunities for anyone who enjoys an outdoor lifestyle or is looking to raise a family.

Details Date posted

17 June 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 2

Salary

£24,169 a year pa pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

224-PA20250502733

Job locations

MSK Wards

Robert Jones Agnes Hunt Orthopedic Hospital

Oswestry

SY11 7AG

Job description Job responsibilities

Professional and Clinical issues

Under the direct/indirect supervision of trained staff, be able to use own initiative and be able to assist patients in all activities of daily living within own level of competencies stated in Level 2 Direct Care.

On a daily basis to receive patients, relatives and visitors to the ward, demonstrating effective communication and directing them to appropriate areas within the department & Trust & documenting appropriately.

Provide patient care, which may require the use of physical effort to roll, manoeuvre and stand patients. The use of manual handling equipment and training is essential, to reduce physical strain and maintain safety of the patient. Annual manual handling training is mandatory.

Assist other team members to maintain the skin integrity of all patients and have a working knowledge of all aids that are available to support this practice.

Provide a safe and clean environment for patients by having and demonstrating a working knowledge of all Health and Safety issues.

Assist patients with an appropriate dietary intake. Provide assistance and monitoring with eating and drinking as required.

To have a basic understanding in the safe use of wheelchairs, theatre trolleys, recliner chairs, commodes and other equipment used on the unit.

Ensure due regard is given to the customs, culture, values and spiritual beliefs of the patient, family, carers and staff. To uphold the Trust's Diversity/Equal Opportunities Policy.

Ensure due regard is given to the safety of patients belongings according to Trust and local unit policies.

Be able to handle waste body fluids, ensuring correct disposal according to Trust policies. Take specimens of urine, faeces, sputum, wound and other swabs, when requested to do so from a qualified nurse.

Assist with escort duties as required. Chaperoning patients during medical examinations, assisting the medic and reporting verbal instructions to the qualified nurse.

Undertake and record nursing observations, including temperature, pulse, blood pressure, respirations, oxygen saturations, height, weight, blood sugar and urinalysis showing understanding of the normal ranges following training. Performing ECGs & Phlebotomy (when appropriately trained) Reporting any abnormalities / concerns to a senior member of staff.

Act as a Link Nurse for the ward, with the support of a registered nurse.

Communicate and liaise well with other team members, contributing to the Safety Huddle.

Provide information to relatives and family as appropriate.

Basic life support skills are essential and will be updated at least yearly.

Ability to call help and support staff in the event of an emergency.

Be accountable for own practice and take every reasonable opportunity to sustain and improve knowledge and professional competence.

Attend relevant in-house training sessions which is pertinent to own clinical practice, to enhance knowledge and skill, maintaining competencies

Maintain personal training records.

Participate in a yearly appraisal, setting personal objectives for own professional development plan.

Records Management

As an employee of the Trust, you have a legal responsibility for all records (e.g. including patient records, financial, personal and administrative) that you father or use as part of your work within the Trust. The records may be paper, electronic, microfiche, audio, videotapes or x ray images etc. All such records are considered public records (under the Public Records Act 1958). You must consult your manager if you have any doubt as to the correct management of the records with which you work.

Competence

You are responsible for limiting your actions to those which you feel competent to undertake. If you have any doubts about your competence during the course of your duties, you should immediately speak to your line manager/supervisor.

Safeguarding Children and Adults

The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt NHS Foundation Trust takes the issues of Safeguarding Children and Adults very seriously. All employees have a responsibility to support the Trust in its duties by:-

1) Attending mandatory training on Safeguarding children and adults.

2) Being familiar with the individual and Trust requirements under relevant legislation.

3) Adhering to all relevant national and local policies, procedures, practice guidelines and professional codes.

4) Reporting any concerns to the appropriate manager or authority

General

This job description does not attempt to describe all the tasks the post holder will undertake. It does indicate the degree of authority, range of duties covered and the flexibility required for the job.

This job description may be amended in consultation with the post holder as developments evolve, and as part of the appraisal process.

You have a responsibility for ensuring that you are committed to maintaining a high quality service to patients by continual development of practice in the light of research evidence, National Service Frameworks, NICE Guidance and Clinical Guidance and by audit against clinically relevant standards.

To suggest and implement improvements to services, exercising professional responsibility, including lifelong learning within an open "no-blame culture

Job description Job responsibilities

Professional and Clinical issues

Under the direct/indirect supervision of trained staff, be able to use own initiative and be able to assist patients in all activities of daily living within own level of competencies stated in Level 2 Direct Care.

On a daily basis to receive patients, relatives and visitors to the ward, demonstrating effective communication and directing them to appropriate areas within the department & Trust & documenting appropriately.

Provide patient care, which may require the use of physical effort to roll, manoeuvre and stand patients. The use of manual handling equipment and training is essential, to reduce physical strain and maintain safety of the patient. Annual manual handling training is mandatory.

Assist other team members to maintain the skin integrity of all patients and have a working knowledge of all aids that are available to support this practice.

Provide a safe and clean environment for patients by having and demonstrating a working knowledge of all Health and Safety issues.

Assist patients with an appropriate dietary intake. Provide assistance and monitoring with eating and drinking as required.

To have a basic understanding in the safe use of wheelchairs, theatre trolleys, recliner chairs, commodes and other equipment used on the unit.

Ensure due regard is given to the customs, culture, values and spiritual beliefs of the patient, family, carers and staff. To uphold the Trust's Diversity/Equal Opportunities Policy.

Ensure due regard is given to the safety of patients belongings according to Trust and local unit policies.

Be able to handle waste body fluids, ensuring correct disposal according to Trust policies. Take specimens of urine, faeces, sputum, wound and other swabs, when requested to do so from a qualified nurse.

Assist with escort duties as required. Chaperoning patients during medical examinations, assisting the medic and reporting verbal instructions to the qualified nurse.

Undertake and record nursing observations, including temperature, pulse, blood pressure, respirations, oxygen saturations, height, weight, blood sugar and urinalysis showing understanding of the normal ranges following training. Performing ECGs & Phlebotomy (when appropriately trained) Reporting any abnormalities / concerns to a senior member of staff.

Act as a Link Nurse for the ward, with the support of a registered nurse.

Communicate and liaise well with other team members, contributing to the Safety Huddle.

Provide information to relatives and family as appropriate.

Basic life support skills are essential and will be updated at least yearly.

Ability to call help and support staff in the event of an emergency.

Be accountable for own practice and take every reasonable opportunity to sustain and improve knowledge and professional competence.

Attend relevant in-house training sessions which is pertinent to own clinical practice, to enhance knowledge and skill, maintaining competencies

Maintain personal training records.

Participate in a yearly appraisal, setting personal objectives for own professional development plan.

Records Management

As an employee of the Trust, you have a legal responsibility for all records (e.g. including patient records, financial, personal and administrative) that you father or use as part of your work within the Trust. The records may be paper, electronic, microfiche, audio, videotapes or x ray images etc. All such records are considered public records (under the Public Records Act 1958). You must consult your manager if you have any doubt as to the correct management of the records with which you work.

Competence

You are responsible for limiting your actions to those which you feel competent to undertake. If you have any doubts about your competence during the course of your duties, you should immediately speak to your line manager/supervisor.

Safeguarding Children and Adults

The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt NHS Foundation Trust takes the issues of Safeguarding Children and Adults very seriously. All employees have a responsibility to support the Trust in its duties by:-

1) Attending mandatory training on Safeguarding children and adults.

2) Being familiar with the individual and Trust requirements under relevant legislation.

3) Adhering to all relevant national and local policies, procedures, practice guidelines and professional codes.

4) Reporting any concerns to the appropriate manager or authority

General

This job description does not attempt to describe all the tasks the post holder will undertake. It does indicate the degree of authority, range of duties covered and the flexibility required for the job.

This job description may be amended in consultation with the post holder as developments evolve, and as part of the appraisal process.

You have a responsibility for ensuring that you are committed to maintaining a high quality service to patients by continual development of practice in the light of research evidence, National Service Frameworks, NICE Guidance and Clinical Guidance and by audit against clinically relevant standards.

To suggest and implement improvements to services, exercising professional responsibility, including lifelong learning within an open "no-blame culture

Person Specification Qualifications/Training Essential

• Willingness to complete NVQ level 2 in healthcare or equivalent
• Willingness to complete phlebotomy/ECG training

Desirable

• NVQ level 2 in healthcare or equivalent
• Evidence of phlebotomy/ECG training

Experience Essential

• Demonstrate experience in a caring environment

Desirable

• Previous hospital experience

Skills and Competencies Essential

• Person centered focus and approach to work
• Able to work on own initiative and under pressure
• Able to work within a multidisciplinary team
• Have good levels of communication skills

Personal Qualities Essential

• Motivated
• Confident
• Supportive
• Innovative
• Initiative

Knowledge Essential

• Basic computer skills
• Maintaining professional development

Desirable

• Evidence of computer literacy

Person Specification Qualifications/Training Essential

• Willingness to complete NVQ level 2 in healthcare or equivalent
• Willingness to complete phlebotomy/ECG training

Desirable

• NVQ level 2 in healthcare or equivalent
• Evidence of phlebotomy/ECG training

Experience Essential

• Demonstrate experience in a caring environment

Desirable

• Previous hospital experience

Skills and Competencies Essential

• Person centered focus and approach to work
• Able to work on own initiative and under pressure
• Able to work within a multidisciplinary team
• Have good levels of communication skills

Personal Qualities Essential

• Motivated
• Confident
• Supportive
• Innovative
• Initiative

Knowledge Essential

• Basic computer skills
• Maintaining professional development

Desirable

• Evidence of computer literacy

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Additional information Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Employer details Employer name

Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Address

MSK Wards

Robert Jones Agnes Hunt Orthopedic Hospital

Oswestry

SY11 7AG

Employer's website

https://www.rjah.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details Employer name

Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Address

MSK Wards

Robert Jones Agnes Hunt Orthopedic Hospital

Oswestry

SY11 7AG

Employer's website

https://www.rjah.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)