Healthcare Assistant

Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Tr; England; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in the UK is seeking an experienced Health Care Assistant to support the Rapid Response nursing team. The role involves delivering care packages, assisting patients, and performing various nursing duties. Applicants must have previous NHS experience, a UK driving license, and effective communication skills. The role offers the chance to make a significant impact on patients' lives while ensuring they receive the right care in their home environment. Flexible working patterns are available.

Qualifications

• Previous NHS experience in an associated healthcare role is required.
• Must hold a UK driving license.
• Willingness to work a flexible pattern is essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide nursing support to patients on Rapid Response caseloads.
• Support patients on District Nursing caseload who may require urgent visits.
• Manage and prioritize workload efficiently.

Skills

NHS experience

Communication skills

Driving skills

Flexibility

IT skills

Job description

Overview

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced and skilled Health Care Assistant to join the Rapid Response nursing team.

The Rapid Response team takes referrals from GPs, paramedics, local hospitals and specialist community teams for patients experiencing an acute health crisis. We aim to avoid unnecessary hospital admissions by assessing patients, developing care plans and liaising with other services as needed.

You will be providing nursing support and care to patients on the Rapid Response caseloads, including virtual wards, and supporting patients on the District Nursing caseload who may require unplanned or urgent visits.

To work as a Multi‑Skilled Assistant supporting qualified members of the Community Nursing team to deliver appropriate nursing care that enables each patient to reach their maximum potential and remain in their home environment.

Rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission, we are proud to provide high‑quality innovative services across most of East England that enable people to receive care closer to home and live healthier lives.

Responsibilities

• Provide nursing support and care to patients on Rapid Response caseloads, including virtual wards.
• Support patients on the District Nursing caseload who may require unplanned or urgent visits.
• Deliver patient care packages under the supervision of qualified nursing staff.
• Provide personal care, medication administration, wound care and patient assessments.
• Communicate with practice staff and GPs regarding results and collection of specimens.
• Refer patient queries to the nursing staff in a timely fashion.
• Provide support to patients having difficulty coping with their condition.
• Communicate and remain supportive and communicative with patients and colleagues.
• Ensure patients are treated with care and compassion at all times.
• Report any changes or deviations from the planned care package to nursing staff.
• Recognise changes in patient needs and adapt the care package accordingly.
• Recognise abnormal results following monitoring and inform nursing staff.
• Manage and prioritise workload efficiently.
• Liaise with other health professionals, social services, GP’s, hospital staff and other agencies involved in the care of each patient as required.
• Accurately take and record telephone messages and support the screening and prioritisation of referrals according to local guidelines.
• Undertake set nursing procedures following training and assessment (phlebotomy, blood pressure monitoring, blood glucose monitoring, preparing patients prior to procedure, aseptic technique).
• Drive patients to assessment centres, home visits in all weather conditions, demonstrating driving skills including in icy and snowy weather.
• Acquire core skills in nursing care and nursing techniques under supervision.
• Provide general office duties such as filing and photocopying as required.
• Implement packages of care, therapy or treatment prescribed by qualified members of the team.
• Support patients in achieving goals set in care packages.
• Undertake personal and social care to support people to remain at home.
• Deliver prescribed medication to patients operating within set protocols.
• Provide reassurance and psychological support to patients during acute illness episodes to prevent hospital admission.
• Maintain a neat and tidy appearance and professional approach to work, patients, families and colleagues.
• Act in a manner that is in line with Trust values at all times.
• Keep all electronic and paper‑based records up to date and filed appropriately.
• Monitor stock in partnership with the nursing team.
• Supply information to clients using computer database and written materials.
• Maintain accurate and comprehensive records, recording and providing statistical information by means of computer and other methods.

Qualifications

• Must have previous NHS experience in an associated health‑care role.
• Must have a UK driving licence and be able to drive patients to assessments and home visits.
• Must be willing to work a flexible working pattern.
• Basic understanding of IT and ability to use e‑mail; willingness to undertake training for any systems used to collect and manage patient data.
• Good communication skills with patients and practice staff.
• Ability to adapt care packages and respond to changes in patient needs.

Other Information

Please note that applicants should be aware of the salary threshold required for a certificate of sponsorship; overseas applicants who are new to care may not reach the minimum salary threshold to obtain such a certificate.

We reserve the right to close the advert anytime after 4 February 2026 if we receive a high number of applications.

All are welcome to apply and our promise to you is a culture which prioritises staff engagement and development.

This advert closes on Sunday 8 February 2026.