Healthcare Assistant (Acute Oncology)

Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A University Teaching Hospital in England seeks a dedicated Band 3 Support Worker for the Acute Oncology team. The role involves supporting clinical operations, assisting with patient care, and performing nursing-related tasks under supervision. Ideal candidates will demonstrate excellent communication skills and a compassionate approach to patient care. Flexible working arrangements and generous benefits are offered.

Benefits

Free on-site parking including EV charging

Flexible working arrangements

Discounted gym membership

Generous annual leave

Membership of the NHS Pension Scheme

Staff health and wellbeing programme

Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of clinical preparations and setups.
• Previous experience in healthcare settings preferred.
• Ability to perform basic nursing tasks and follow safety protocols.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the operation of the Acute Oncology Service and PICC line service.
• Support nursing staff with patient care and administration tasks.
• Monitor and escalate symptoms under supervision.
• Participate in the scheduling of patient appointments and administration.

Skills

Compassionate care

Phlebotomy

Communication

Teamwork

Administration support

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a dedicated and enthusiastic Band 3 Support Worker to join the Acute Oncology team. The role involves supporting the smooth operation of the Acute Oncology Service and PICC line service. You will assist and support the nursing team with both nursing and non‑nursing tasks, enabling the care of haematology and oncology day‑cases and outpatient attendances, as well as supporting the administration of relevant documentation. The Healthcare Assistant (HCA) will provide high‑quality, safe and compassionate care in support of the Acute Oncology Service, ensuring prompt assistance for patients experiencing cancer‑related emergencies and ongoing treatment requirements. The role primarily involves delivering holistic care under the supervision of registered healthcare professionals, supporting patients undergoing treatment, assisting with monitoring and escalation of acute symptoms, and supporting the implementation of the new Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) line service. The HCA will work closely within the multidisciplinary team to enhance the patient experience, promoting dignity and respect in all interactions.

Responsibilities

• Participating in the set‑up and organisation of the PICC line service under guidance.
• Understanding and assisting in the scheduling and ringing of patients to confirm appointment times, providing additional administration support to AOS service and cancer centre reception as required.
• Covering outpatient reception as required, taking all reception administration tasks, checking in and out of patient appointments, scheduling and taking calls, liaising with outpatient and day‑case area on patient appointments.
• Welcoming patients and relatives to the clinic/unit and facilitating their progress through the system.
• Performing phlebotomy, measuring blood pressures, pulse, temperature, respirations and oxygen saturations – escalating concerns appropriately.
• Acting as a chaperone when requested.
• Maintaining the safety of patients and visitors while in the department.
• Providing a professional and caring environment for patients and visitors attending the department.
• Having a thorough knowledge of the set‑up and preparation required to maintain and run a clinical session.
• Assisting the senior nursing staff in ensuring clinical equipment is kept in good working order and ready to use.
• Performing general hotel service duties such as tidying the department and maintaining set stock levels.
• Undertaking supervised training to gain appropriate skills within the department.
• Attending in‑service and other training sessions as required, including Health and Safety or the moving and handling of patients or loads.
• Carrying out some basic nursing tasks.

About the Hospital

Milton Keynes University Hospital, in proud partnership with the University of Buckingham, is a University Teaching Hospital committed to advancing patient care through cutting‑edge research and education. With a "Good" rating from the CQC and significant investment underway, this is an exciting time to join our team and grow your career. As a medium‑sized general hospital, we provide a full range of general medical and surgical services, including a busy Emergency Department, Maternity and Paediatrics. Our expanding facilities include the recently opened state‑of‑the‑art Radiotherapy Centre, new community diagnostic services, future new wards and a Women and Children’s Centre set to open by 2030.

Benefits

• Free on‑site parking including EV charging.
• Complimentary refreshments.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Discounted gym membership.
• Salary and car scheme with sacrifice.
• Generous annual leave, with the option to bank holiday entitlement.
• Membership of the NHS Pension Scheme.
• On‑site nursery (charges apply).
• A wide‑ranging staff health and wellbeing programme including EAP.
• VIVUP products supporting mental, physical, and financial wellbeing.

We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Candidates with a disability that meet the minimum criteria will be guaranteed an interview. Disclosure and Baring Service Checks may be required for new employees. We reserve the right to close posts early if we receive a sufficient volume of applications. Unfortunately, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.