Health Care Support Worker - Pre Operative Assessment

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board; Bangor; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (NCW) seeks a Band 3 Healthcare Support Worker to support the Pre-Operative Assessment team. You will perform phlebotomy, ECGs, and clinical observations, while assisting with screening questionnaires and administrative tasks to ensure safe, efficient patient pathways.

Working within a multidisciplinary team, you will help identify needs requiring further investigation and contribute to service improvements.

Qualifications

• Essential criteria: Level 3 qualification in a healthcare related subject.
• Current/recent hospital experience.
• Good communication skills, verbal and written.
• Welsh language skills are desirable.

Responsibilities

• Undertake venepuncture/phlebotomy in line with local policies.
• Perform and record ECGs accurately.
• Measure and record physiological observations (BP, pulse, SpO2, height, weight).
• Support pre-operative screening processes and patient information.
• Escalate concerns to registered healthcare professionals.
• Maintain clinical documentation and electronic patient records.

Skills

Communication skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Phlebotomy

ECG

Welsh language skills

Education

Level 3 qualification in a healthcare related subject

Job description

Job Overview

The Pre-Operative Assessment Service is an established team that plays a vital role in ensuring patients are prepared safely and effectively for surgery. As the service continues to develop and expand, we are seeking a motivated and adaptable Band 3 HSW to support the delivery of high-quality patient care and contribute to service improvement initiatives. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, the post holder will support the assessment and preparation of patients undergoing elective surgery. The role combines direct patient care, clinical skills and administrative responsibilities to ensure patients receive a seamless pre-operative assessment experience.

Key duties will include undertaking phlebotomy, performing and recording electrocardiograms (ECGs), collecting patient observations, supporting patient screening processes, and assisting Nurse Practitioners in identifying patients who may require further investigation. The post holder will also provide administrative support.

A significant aspect of the role will be supporting the continued development of the service, including assisting with the implementation/roll-out of health screening questionnaires and digital assessment processes. The successful candidate will contribute to achieving performance targets, improving patient pathways, and ensuring patients are optimised for surgery. This is an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic individual who enjoys working in a patient-focused environment.

Main duties of the job

Undertake venepuncture/phlebotomy in accordance with local policies and procedures. Perform and accurately record ECGs. Measure and record physiological observations including blood pressure, pulse, oxygen saturations, height and weight. Support patients through the pre-operative assessment process, providing information and reassurance where appropriate. Assist with the completion and validation of pre-operative health screening questionnaires. Escalate any concerns or abnormal findings to registered healthcare professionals. Maintain accurate clinical documentation and electronic patient records. Provide administrative support including appointment management, data entry and correspondence. Support service developments, quality improvement initiatives and achievement of waiting time and assessment targets. Work collaboratively with colleagues across surgical specialties and supporting departments to ensure efficient patient pathways. Uphold patient confidentiality, dignity and safety at all times.

Working for our organisation

If you relish a challenge, have a passion to help others or simply fancy a fresh start, then Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) North Wales, has all the right ingredients. The largest health organisation in Wales, providing a full range of primary, community, mental health, acute and elective hospital services for a population of around 700,000, across North Wales. Join our team and get the support you need, in line with our Organisational Values and 'Proud to Lead' competence framework.

Enjoy being part of working with engaged leadership at all levels, and be assured we are committed to promoting equality and diversity, and are proud to welcome applicants under the "Disability Confident Employer" scheme.

The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.

Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities

The Band 3 Healthcare Support Worker (HCSW) is a key member of the Pre-Operative Assessment team, providing delegated clinical and administrative support to ensure patients are safely prepared for surgery. Working under the supervision of registered practitioners, the post holder undertakes a range of routine clinical duties, contributes to patient assessments, and supports the smooth delivery of the pre-operative pathway.

The post holder will perform clinical observations and investigations within their scope of competence, including venepuncture, ECG recording, urinalysis, height, weight and vital signs monitoring. They will accurately document and report findings, identify and expedite concerns appropriately, and assist in gathering patient information to support clinical decision-making.

The HCSW will provide reassurance and support to patients attending assessment clinics, promote a positive patient experience, and maintain high standards of dignity, confidentiality, infection prevention and safety. They will work collaboratively with multidisciplinary colleagues to facilitate efficient patient flow and contribute to the delivery of a safe, effective and patient-centred pre-operative assessment service.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria

• Level 3 qualification in a healthcare related subject
• Knowledge of the Code of Conduct for Healthcare Support Workers
• Current/recent experience in a hospital setting
• Good communication skills, verbal and written

Desirable criteria

• Phlebotomy
• Undertaking ECG
• Welsh language skills

Experience

Essential criteria

• Experience of working in a relevant healthcare setting
• Able to work with minimum supervision to a high standard

Desirable criteria

• Experience of working with a range of adult patient groups.