Healthcare Assistant - AMU

Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional healthcare provider in Chelmsford is seeking a passionate Healthcare Assistant to join their Acute Medical Unit. You will support patient care by performing clinical observations and assisting with transfers while gaining valuable clinical skills such as venepuncture and cannulation. Ideal candidates should be compassionate and eager to learn. The role offers a competitive salary and a supportive team environment.

Benefits

NHS salary structure and pension

27 days holiday plus bank holidays

Enhanced pay for unsocial hours

Health service discounts

Health and wellbeing support

Qualifications

• Previous HSCW experience.
• Previous experience in Acute Medicine.
• Experience working in a busy clinical area.

Responsibilities

• Carry out clinical observations including ECGs and urine testing.
• Assist with patient transfers.
• Provide reassurance to patients and escalate concerns.

Skills

Communication skills

Ability to follow instructions

Teamwork

Initiative

Experience in Venepuncture

Experience in Cannulation

Job description

Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust

Healthcare Assistant - AMU

The closing date is 12 October 2025

We are currently seeking enthusiastic and motivated Band 3 Health Care Assistants to join our dynamic team within the Acute Medical Unit (AMU) at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a vital role in delivering high standards of care in a fast-paced, ever-evolving clinical environment.

As a key member of the multidisciplinary team, you will work closely with nursing and medical staff to support patient care and contribute to efficient patient flow. The AMU is a high-turnover area, offering variety, challenge, and excellent learning experiences--no two days are the same.

From day one, you will have access to a wide range of learning, development, and training opportunities designed to support your professional growth. As you progress in your role, you will gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to deliver safe, effective, and compassionate care to our patients.

This role also offers the chance to learn and develop extended clinical skills, including venepuncture and cannulation, under appropriate supervision and training.

At Mid and South Essex, we are proud of our inclusive and supportive culture, where all staff are valued and empowered to succeed. We welcome applicants who reflect our core values and who are committed to helping us further develop a diverse and talented workforce.

If you are compassionate, proactive, and ready to take the next step in your healthcare career, we would love to hear from you.

Main duties of the job

As a Band 3 Health Care Assistant in the Acute Medical Unit, you'll play a key role in delivering high-quality, compassionate care in a busy and fast-paced environment. Working as part of a supportive multidisciplinary team, you'll help maintain patient flow and safety while developing valuable clinical skills.

Your day-to-day duties will be varied and rewarding. You'll carry out clinical observations (including ECGs and urine testing), assist with patient transfers, and, with appropriate training, perform extended skills such as venepuncture and cannulation. You'll also provide reassurance to patients and families and escalate any concerns about patient wellbeing.

We're looking for someone who is kind, reliable, and eager to learn. You'll need to be a good communicator, able to follow instructions, work well in a team, and use your initiative when needed.

Job responsibilities

What we Offer:

• Range of opportunities for flexible working
• Strong team ethos
• NHS salary structure and pension
• 27 days holiday plus days off for bank holidays worked
• Enhanced pay when you work unsocial hours
• Maternity, paternity and adoption leave
• Wide range of LGBTI+ initiatives
• Health service discounts and online benefits
• Health and wellbeing support
• Discounts on public transport
• Disability Confident Reasonable adjustment

Person Specification

Experience

• Previous HSCW experience
• Previous experience in Acute Medicine

Skills

• Previous experience working in a busy clinical area
• Experience in Venepuncture and Cannulation

Knowledge

• Aware of data protection
• Knowledge of NEWS2 scoring and correct observations
• Knowledge of electronic systems within the trust

Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust offers a salary of £24,937 a year. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.