Healthcare Assistant (HCA)

St George's University Hospitals; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in the UK is seeking a dedicated Healthcare Assistant to join their Surgical Admissions Lounge team. The role involves supporting patient admissions and discharges, providing direct care, and maintaining high safety standards in a busy environment. Candidates should have excellent communication skills and a kind attitude. No prior surgical experience is necessary, as training will be provided. Join us to make a real difference every day.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a surgical or acute setting is desirable but not essential.
• Full training and support will be provided.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the admission and discharge of patients undergoing elective surgery.
• Support patients with personal care needs, including hygiene and mobility.
• Undertake basic clinical observations and report findings appropriately.
• Perform ECGs and ensure accurate documentation.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Kind and professional attitude

Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team

Job description

Are you passionate about delivering high-quality patient care in a fast-paced surgical environment? We are looking for a dedicated and compassionate Healthcare Assistant (HCA) to join our team in the Surgical Admissions Lounge, where patients are admitted and discharged for elective surgery. This vital role supports the smooth flow of patients through the hospital. You will provide direct, hands‑on care including admissions, observations, mobility, and discharge processes. The unit sees a high volume of patients daily, and your contribution is key to safe staffing, patient safety, and efficient bed flow. You’ll need to be responsive to changing priorities and willing to undertake extended roles. Our team of nursing, medical, and support staff uphold high standards and are committed to delivering exemplary care and patient experience.

We are seeking someone with excellent communication skills, a kind and professional attitude, and the ability to work effectively in a busy multidisciplinary team. Previous experience in a surgical or acute setting is desirable but not essential. Full training and support will be provided. Join us and be part of a team that makes a real difference every day. The post holder will support the clinical team in assessing, treating, and caring for patients in the Surgical Admissions Lounge by:

Key Responsibilities

• Assisting with the admission and discharge of patients undergoing elective surgery.
• Supporting patients with personal care needs, including hygiene, toileting, and mobility.
• Undertaking basic clinical observations (e.g., temperature, pulse, blood pressure) and reporting findings appropriately.
• Performing ECGs as required and ensuring accurate documentation.
• Completing pre‑operative checklists on iClip, ensuring all required information is accurately recorded prior to surgery.
• Assisting in the preparation of patients for surgery, ensuring documentation and belongings are in order.
• Handling patients' belongings, including securing them when patients go to theatre and delivering them to the recovery room, ward, or designated storage area.
• Promoting patient safety and comfort throughout their stay in the unit.
• Supporting effective communication between patients, families, and the multidisciplinary team.
• Maintaining cleanliness and infection control standards within the unit.
• Responding flexibly to changing priorities and demands within a busy clinical environment.
• Participating in team meetings, training sessions, and service improvement initiatives.

St George's, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group cares for a population of four million people in South West London and North East Surrey. Our sites include St George's Hospital, one of 11 major trauma centres in the UK and the largest healthcare provider and major teaching hospital in the area; St Helier Hospital, home to the South West Thames Renal and Transplantation Unit and Queen Mary's Hospital for Children; and Epsom Hospital, home to the South West London Elective Orthopaedic Centre (SWLEOC). After years of collaboration, our two Trusts became a hospitals group in 2021. While remaining as two separate Trusts, being a hospitals group will help us to collaborate more closely on research, and the development, education, and training of our 17,000‑strong workforce.