Disability jobs in United Kingdom

The closing date is 11 January 2026

Exciting Opportunity: Band 3 Health Care Assistant - Pre-operative Assessment Team, St Richard's Hospital

We are pleased to offer an exciting opportunity for a Band 3 Health Care Assistant to join our friendly and dedicated Pre-operative Assessment Team at St Richard's Hospital.

We are seeking an enthusiastic, motivated, and patient-focused individual to help us deliver a high-quality service to patients attending our pre-operative assessment unit (outpatient setting).

The ideal candidate will be able to work collaboratively as part of our multi-disciplinary team, while also demonstrating confidence in working independently.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting and facilitating clinic appointments
• Carrying out patient observations
• Undertaking clinical tests
• Completing a range of administrative duties
• Some experience in healthcare setting preferred but training and support will be provided
• We welcome informal visits--please call 01243 788122 ext. 31920 to arrange a time with the nurse in charge.

Flexible interview dates are available.

The successful candidate will work across both the Emer Suite and Pagham Suite at St Richard's Hospital, supporting the pre-operative assessment service in a busy outpatient clinic environment. This role is based on a 37.5-hour week, worked over four weekdays between 07:00 and 17:00.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing a welcoming, supportive, and safe environment for patients and staff
• Carrying out patient observations and supporting clinical assessments
• Handling clinical samples in accordance with protocols
• Assisting with administrative tasks, including preparing clinics and maintaining accurate records
• Supporting general housekeeping duties to ensure smooth and efficient clinic operations

Working for our organisation

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. 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 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

Candidate Pack

This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route however sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds, and any role-specific criteria. Applicants for the Senior HCA role must be able to evidence a minimum of 2 years experience in the same role (Band 3 HCA within the NHS) to meet the salary requirements to qualify for sponsorship.

If you are applying using a Graduate visa as your right to work, you must have a minimum of 18 months remaining on your visa at time of application.

As a Band 3 Health Care Assistant within the Pre-Operative Assessment Team at St Richards Hospital, you will play a vital role in supporting patients as they prepare for elective surgery. Working across the Emer Suite and Pagham Suite, you will contribute to the delivery of a safe, efficient and patient-centred service in a busy outpatient clinic environment.

Clinical Duties

• Support the pre-operative assessment of patients to a high standard, ensuring each patient is managed individually and prepared safely and promptly for elective surgery.
• Carry out routine clinical observations, ECG recordings, and assist with clinical tests as delegated by qualified staff.
• Handle and process clinical samples in line with Trust policies and infection control procedures.
• Provide clear, compassionate, evidence-based care and communication in line with Trust Values and professional expectations.
• Liaise with other clinical departments to ensure smooth coordination of patient care and clinic flow.

Professional Responsibilities

• Act as a positive role model, demonstrating professional behaviour and effective communication with patients, carers and colleagues at all times.
• Accept delegated tasks from senior nursing staff, working within the boundaries of your role and competence while seeking support when required.
• Take responsibility for developing your skills and knowledge, actively seeking opportunities for learning and improvement.
• Contribute to safety and improvement initiatives within the department, including participation in daily safety huddles.

Operational & Administrative Duties

• Help facilitate the smooth running of outpatient clinics, including patient check-ins, appointment preparation, and maintaining accurate records.
• Support general housekeeping duties to ensure clinical areas are clean, organised, and stocked appropriately.
• Assist with administrative tasks such as filing, documentation, data entry, and supporting patient flow throughout the unit.

Teamwork & Service Delivery

• Work collaboratively with all members of the multi-disciplinary team, while also demonstrating the ability to work independently when required.
• Show a high level of motivation, flexibility and initiative to support the efficient delivery of the service.
• Contribute to a positive team culture, promoting patient safety, dignity and respect in all interactions.

• NHS experience or NHS primary care experience is required or an internationally educated nurse/midwife/doctor who has worked in an acute hospital setting within recent years.
• Basic computer literacy, including the ability to use electronic patient record systems
• Good verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with patients, relatives,
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and follow instructions from registered professionals
• Care Certificate from a Ofqual regulated awarding organisation.
• Ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills acquisition, working at a higher-level standard of care delivery, equivalent to vocational qualification level 3. This is evidenced via a portfolio of practice and/or a professional discussion
• Experience in a hospital setting, particularly in outpatient, pre-operative, or surgical services.
• Additional clinical skills or training, such as taking observations, sample collection, or patient screening (if not provided through training).
• Knowledge of infection prevention and control principles
• Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of diversity and equalities issues
• Level 3 Diploma in Clinical Healthcare Support or Health and Social Care or relevant equivalent
• Level 2 apprenticeship standard in Clinical Healthcare Support, Health & Social Care or relevant equivalent qualification
• Level 3 apprenticeship standard in Clinical Healthcare Support or relevant equivalent qualification
• Maths GCSE (grade C or above or grade 4 to 9) or Maths Level 2 functional skills and English GCSE (grade C or above or grade 4 to 9) or English Level 2 Functional skills

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

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)