Healthcare Assistant

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Plymouth seeks dedicated Band 2 Health Care Assistants to join their team. The role involves providing compassionate patient care, supporting the theatre team, and engaging with patients to enhance their experience in a dynamic environment. Successful candidates will receive required training and must demonstrate skills in teamwork and effective communication. Full-time permanent positions are available with opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• Experience in theatres and/or orthopaedic is desirable.
• Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team.
• Committed to providing high quality patient care.

Responsibilities

• Provide exceptional patient care in the theatre environment.
• Escort patients and support anaesthetist during procedures.
• Undertake personal care duties and record vital information.

Skills

Teamwork

Time management

Effective communication

Caring approach

Education

Accredited Vocational Qualification at Level 2

GCSE A*-D in English Language

GCSE A*-D in Mathematics

Job description

Job Summary

We are looking for Band 2 Health Care Assistants to join our team. Successful candidates will be patient orientated, enthusiastic and able to work in a dynamic, ever developing environment.

Demonstrable experience in theatres and/or orthopaedic is desirable however full theatre training is available in the form of a Foundation Programme and Competency Training if you are new to the theatre environment or orthopaedic speciality.

You primarily work in the escort and circulatory roles, with other healthcare tasks undertaken, under the direct supervision of the registered healthcare practitioner. Your role is to provide compassionate care, to agreed quality standards and in accordance with Trust values.

We very much look forward to receiving your application and will be in touch via NHS Jobs if you have been shortlisted for interview. If you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the closing date then please note you have not been successful on this occasion.

Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as ‘Priority’ and ‘At Risk’ status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.

Main duties of the job

Work within the multidisciplinary theatre team to provide exceptional patient care. Escort patients in the unit to theatres and support the anaesthetist and anaesthetic practitioner. In theatre undertake the role as circulatory practitioner and undertake tasks as directed by registered practitioners.

Details

• Date posted: 10 December 2025
• Pay scheme: Agenda for change
• Band: Band 2
• Salary: £24,465 a year
• Contract: Permanent
• Working pattern: Full‑time
• Reference number: 216-NB-S7657977
• Job location: UHP‑Derriford Hospital, Derriford Road, Plymouth, PL6 8DH

Job Responsibilities

• Develop the skills to obtain consent prior to giving care in accordance with Trust policies.
• Under supervision follow individual patient care plans and report any changes immediately to the Registered Practitioner.
• Demonstrate care and compassion to patients, carers, and relatives to help ensure high‑quality person‑centred patient care is delivered at all times.
• Undertake basic patient assessment whilst providing personal care and feeding back to the Registered Practitioner to ensure high standards of care, in particular relating to skin integrity and the alertness of the patient.
• Practice safe standards of care to patients following Trust guidelines and policies and be able to concentrate for periods throughout the day with occasional interruptions.
• Ensure care is given in accordance with the infection prevention and health and safety policies and procedures.
• Ensure that the patient’s bed space is clean, tidy, and accessible and that the person has what they need within easy reach.
• Develop the skills to actively facilitate self‑care and independence with patients.
• Undertake personal care duties.
• Supporting with toileting, bathing, dressing, and feeding. Recording oral fluid balance and nutrition.

Person Specification

Essential

• Knowledge & Experience
  • Be able to work as a member of a team.
  • Demonstrable experience of time management and prioritising work.
  • Understands and committed to a caring approach to patients & relatives.
• Qualifications
  • Training and qualifications are provided to enable the HCSW to comply with mandatory HCSW standards where you will obtain either: Accredited Vocational Qualification at Level 2 or equivalent relevant demonstrable experience. If you are new to care, training will be provided to NVQ Level 2 or equivalent.
• Aptitude & Abilities
  • Effective and appropriate communication skills both written and verbal.
  • Able to complete appropriate documentation accurately.
  • Committed to providing high quality patient care.

Desirable

• Knowledge & Experience
  • Demonstrable experience of providing care in a healthcare or social setting.
• Qualifications
  • Level 2 QCF Diploma in Clinical Healthcare support.
  • or Level 2 NVQ in Healthcare Health & Social Care.
  • or Level 2 in Health & Social Care (NVQ, QCF, RQF).
  • GCSE A*-D in English Language, or equivalent (e.g. Certificate in Adult Literacy at Level 1).
  • GCSE A*-D, or equivalent in Mathematics (e.g. Certificate in Adult Numeracy at Level 1).
• Aptitude & Abilities
  • Demonstrate an awareness of healthcare work and policies and procedures.

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.

Employer details

• University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
• UHP‑Derriford Hospital
• Derriford Road
• Plymouth
• PL6 8DH
• Website: https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/