Healthcare Assistant - Renal Haemodialysis Unit | Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust

Southend University Hospital NHS Trust; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider in Chelmsford is seeking a Healthcare Assistant for the Renal Haemodialysis team. You will support nursing staff, ensure patient safety, and contribute to compassionate care. This role provides thorough training opportunities and a chance to progress in your career. Ideal candidates are compassionate, eager to learn, and ready to handle the challenges of providing high-quality care.

Qualifications

• Ability to deliver care with dignity and respect.
• Good communication skills with patients and families.
• Willingness to undertake training and development in renal nursing.

Responsibilities

• Support nurses in assessment of patients.
• Perform clinical baseline observations.
• Prepare haemodialysis machines prior to therapy.
• Maintain adequate stock levels in treatment area.

Skills

Patient care

Compassionate treatment

Infection control standards

Communication

Education

NVQ Level 3 (General or Renal)

Job description

Overview

Healthcare Assistant – Renal Haemodialysis

Join our dedicated Renal Haemodialysis team and play a key role in delivering high-quality, patient-focused care. Working alongside our skilled nurses, you’ll help provide safe, compassionate treatment that supports the aims and values of our Trust.

You will assist in maintaining a safe care environment — preparing for, carrying out, and discontinuing dialysis — as well as cleaning machines and work areas in line with infection control standards. Under the guidance of qualified staff, you’ll ensure care is delivered with dignity, sensitivity, and respect for individual needs and beliefs.

Progression: No previous haemodialysis experience? That’s fine — you’ll start at Band 2 and progress to Band 3 upon completion of renal and generic competencies.

Department hours: The Renal Department operates Monday to Saturday, 7:00 am–12:00 pm. In this role, you’ll gain training in all aspects of renal nursing, building knowledge to NVQ Level 3 (General or Renal) with full support from our Senior Nurses and Consultant Physicians. Training includes hands-on learning in the renal unit, dedicated classroom sessions, and a personal mentor to guide your development every step of the way.

Responsibilities

• Supports Nurses in assessment of patients.
• Performs clinical baseline observations.
• Orientates patient and relatives to the ward environment.
• Follows plan of care, reports any changes in the patient’s condition.
• Contributes with suggestions and ideas for action.
• Reports results of any intervention.
• Records and documents episodes of care in accordance with guidelines.
• Prepare haemodialysis machines prior to commencing therapy.
• Utilise the information on the eMed (Renal IT) system to obtain correct haemodialysis consumables for each patient according to individual treatment plan.
• Undertake daily quality control check on glucometer.
• Ensure adequate stock levels are maintained in the haemodialysis treatment area.

Training and development

Our ambition is to deliver excellent local and specialist services, to improve the health and well being of our patients, and provide a vibrant place for staff to develop, innovate and build careers. We aim to make the most of our skills and experiences so we can become the best we can be. As one organisation we will recruit the finest and retain more specialist staff due to more employment opportunities across our Trust.

Application information

For more information on this varied and rewarding role, please see the attached job description and person specification. We look forward to your application!

Please be aware that we reserve the right to close the vacancy early should a high number of applications be received.

Unfortunately, there is no Visa Sponsorship available for this role.

This advert closes on Monday 22 Sep 2025