Healthcare Support Worker

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust; Chichester; On-site; GBP 24,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in healthcare is seeking dedicated Healthcare Support Workers to join their innovative Same Day Emergency Care and Acute Assessment Unit teams. This role offers the opportunity to provide essential care to patients in a fast-paced environment, ensuring their comfort and well-being. As part of a compassionate and diverse team, you will play a crucial role in enhancing patient care and streamlining emergency services. With a strong commitment to staff development and well-being, this position promises a fulfilling career where your contributions will directly impact the lives of patients across Sussex. If you are passionate about providing high-quality care, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Wellbeing Programme

Diversity and Inclusion initiatives

Buddy system for new members

Qualifications

• Experience in a care support role is essential.
• Care certificate and knowledge of NHS policies required.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct patient support and assist with clinical tasks.
• Record vital signs and assist with patient care and mobility.

Skills

Ability to work under pressure

Prioritising workload

Utilising patient administration systems

Compassionate and empathetic

Accurate recording of observations

Education

Care certificate

Experience in a care support role

Tools

Careflow

Patient administration systems (PAS)

Job description

View all our vacancies across our hospitals in Sussex. Search, find and apply for a job with us today.

Main area: Urgent and Emergency Care

Grade: Band 2

Contract: Permanent: Rotation between AAU and SDEC

• Full time
• Part time

Hours: 37.5 hours per week (Internal rotation and 7 day working)

Job ref: 279-6775023-DEC24

Employer: University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust

Employer type: NHS

Site: St Richards, Town: Chichester

Salary: £23,615 Per annum, pro rata

Salary period: Yearly

Closing: 05/01/2025 23:59

About our Trust:

At UHSussex we’re proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of the UK’s largest acute Trusts, we’re a leading example of the excellence, ambition and values that have embodied the NHS for over 70 years. Our hard-working, talented and dedicated people work together towards a common goal – to always put our Patient First. In fact, our mission is summed up by our ‘where better never stops’ motto and you will play a part in driving us forwards and in improving the lives of patients across Sussex.

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work-life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.

Job overview

Introducing our new Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) and Acute Assessment Unit (AAU).

We are thrilled to announce the opening our new purpose-built SDEC unit in April 2025, alongside the rebranding of our Emergency Floor as an AAU. These units are designed to enhance patient care and streamline emergency services. Their function is to provide quick, efficient and effective care to patients in urgent need of medical attention.

Same Day Emergency Care: Our SDEC allows patients to be assessed, diagnosed and treated all within the same day, minimizing hospital admissions and ensuring fast, high-quality care.

Acute Assessment Unit: currently known as the Emergency Floor, the AAU offers an immediate and thorough evaluation of acutely ill patients, allowing us to quickly identify needs and create an individual plan of care.

Why choose to join our team?

Are you passionate about delivering high-quality care? We are looking for dedicated people to be a part of our innovative and dynamic team that redefines acute patient care.

As a member of the SDEC/AAU team, you’ll have the opportunity to rotate between both units providing essential care to patients. Join us and become part of progressive units designed to provide SDEC, swift assessments and tailored treatment plans for acutely ill patients.

Ready to make a difference?

If you are ready to help us bring compassionate, efficient care to those who need it most, and be part of the future of healthcare, apply today to join our family.

Main duties of the job

The main duties of a Healthcare Support Worker (HCSW) in SDEC and AAU involve providing direct patient support, assisting with clinical tasks, and supporting the healthcare team to ensure smooth patient flow. HCSWs in these units play a vital role in patient comfort, assessment preparation and performing clinical tasks that their competence and training allows, under the supervision of the registered nursing team.

Working for our organisation

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work-life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Main duties of a HCSW in SDEC/AAU:

Patient admission and initial observation

• Welcome patients to the unit, assisting with admission procedures and preparing them for initial assessment.
• Record vital signs, such as temperature, blood pressure, pulse and respiratory rate, as instructed by the nursing team.
• Measure and record other observations, such as height, weight and oxygen saturation, and report any abnormalities to the nursing or medical staff.

Assisting with Patient Care

• Provide personal care for patients, including assistance with toileting, bathing, dressing and feeding as required.
• Help with patient mobility, such as repositioning patients in bed, assisting them to sit or stand, and ensuring they are comfortable.
• Monitor patients' wellbeing, looking out for any signs of distress or discomfort and promptly reporting these to the nursing team.
• Ensure that patients are comfortable, providing blankets etc., and any other item they may need.
• Provide reassurance and support to patients who may be anxious or in discomfort.
• Support patients' nutritional needs by offering drinks or snacks where appropriate and assisting with meals.

Supporting Clinical Procedures

• Assist nurses and doctors (and undertake if competent) with clinical tasks such as venepuncture, cannulation, simple wound dressings.
• Clean and maintain equipment after use, ensuring the units environments are clean, organised and fully stocked.

Documentation and Communication

• Accurately document patient observations, personal care, and any other care related information provided.
• Report any concerns, changes in a patients' condition, or unusual findings to the nursing team promptly.
• Communicate effectively with the MDT, ensuring information about patient needs is shared accurately and in confidence.
• Assist with the discharge process by helping patients gather their belongings and assists with transportation needs if required.
• Escort or transfer patients to other wards or departments when required.

Person specification

Experience/Qualifications

• Experience of working in a care support role
• Care certificate
• Knowledge of the role
• Awareness of NHS policies
• Experience of working in an acute NHS trust
• Experience of working in an AAU/Emergency Department/SDEC

Skills

• Ability to work under pressure
• Able to prioritise workload
• Awareness of the Trusts applications
• Experience in utilising patient administration systems (PAS)
• Training in Careflow
• Able to accurately undertake and record observations

People Management and Development

• Able to share knowledge
• Supportive to members of the MDT
• Compassionate and empathetic
• Evidence of having championed diversity

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

• Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
• Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).

Important information for applicants

Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.

DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.

Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for those that meet the Visa and Immigration eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker.

Closing adverts early: Please apply as early as you're able for this role. In the event of exceptional interest we may close adverts earlier than specified.

UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications.

Further Information: For help with the application process for non-medical vacancies only, please contact the Resourcing Team by Email: [e-mail]

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.