Health Care Support Worker
The closing date is 08 July 2026
We are looking to recruit enthusiastic and motivated Healthcare Support workers to join our team within Outpatient Services. Our support workers are integral to the team and can start their careers or further develop their skills in a supportive environment.
Main duties of the job
To work as a member of the Team in the delivery of high quality care under the direction of the Outpatient Manager, supporting the clinical leadership Team. To be flexible to work over three sites supporting service provision over a seven‑day week. To assist with basic care and other clinic‑related activities under the supervision of, or as directed by, a Registered Nurse. To assist the Registered Nurses with the smooth running of clinics, supporting the delivery of high‑quality, safe care. To complete the National Care Certificate. At times of exceptional pressure within the Trust, to support other clinical areas within the Hospital.
Responsibilities
- Work co‑operatively as part of the multi‑disciplinary team, helping nursing, midwifery and other clinical staff in routine work associated with patient care.
- Support registered nurses in the implementation of programmes of care within the limits of the HCSW’s knowledge and competence.
- Provide comfort, reassurance and support to patients and/or their carers if anxious or distressed.
- Assist with essential patient care, e.g. making beds, sorting clean linen, etc.
- Assist patients to become as independent as possible by giving the appropriate level of support as delegated and under supervision.
- Maintain patients’ personal and oral hygiene, e.g. help with dressing/undressing, giving bed baths, mouth and skin care, assisting with pressure area care.
- Escort patients to other departments.
- Have a basic understanding of special dietary needs and implications for the patient’s condition.
- Ensure adequate hydration and nutritional intake – including feeding patients.
- Record intake and output and understand the need for accuracy.
- Assist patients to access and use appropriate toilet facilities, ensuring privacy and dignity are maintained.
- Record routine observations as designated by the nurse in charge (following training and having been assessed as competent, e.g. TPR & BP, urine tests, ECG).
- Alert trained staff promptly of changes in the patient’s condition or any possible risks.
- Maintain and improve the patient’s mobility using appropriate equipment and handling techniques.
- Assist the patient to be as comfortable as possible, i.e. help with moving and positioning the patient using appropriate equipment.
- Assist with checking pain levels and requesting pain‑relieving medication on patient’s behalf.
- Involve the patient in shared decision‑making and obtain their consent before undertaking nursing procedures.
- Prepare appropriately for the activity to be undertaken.
- Support and encourage the patient to meet their own health and wellbeing needs.
- Ensure a welcoming, caring and safe environment is provided for the patient and their family/visitors/carers.
- Aware of and maintains required standard of care.
- Ensure that patient areas are kept clean and tidy.
- Comply with Trust/local policies and procedures.
- Acts as a professional to all staff, patients, carers and the public at all times.
- Ensure a safe and tidy working environment at all times, e.g. patient areas – clean and tidy bed tables, clinical areas, corridors – uncluttered etc.
- Undertake a range of duties involving direct patient care, as instructed by experienced practitioners, and ensure delegated nursing care is completed safely and effectively, e.g. washing patients, shaving patients, caring for deceased patients.
- Assist in monitoring patients’ condition, record observations as instructed, and report to nursing staff.
- Assist patients to access and use toilet facilities, and dispose of body waste.
- Assist in the collection of pathological specimens e.g. urine, faeces, sputum.
- Assist with moving patients and equipment within the unit and between wards and departments, in accordance with safe moving and handling techniques.
- Assist staff with therapeutic and diagnostic procedures by preparing, cleaning and handling equipment when necessary.
- Help maintain materials, equipment and stock, reporting problems and defects in a timely and appropriate manner.
- Respond and provide assistance, as directed by registered staff, in the event of a health emergency.
- Help patients in maintaining emotional wellbeing, personal hygiene, appearance and dignity, observing and reporting any changes to registered staff.
- Undertake duties appropriate to the role and patient care needs as follows: escorting patients for investigations, assisting with feeding of patients that are unable, and completing administrative duties as required.
Qualifications
- Level One Functional Skills in maths and English (or equivalent).
- Care Certificate.
- NVQ Level 2/3 in healthcare.
Experience
- Able to communicate effectively with patients and colleagues verbally and in writing.
- Previous experience in healthcare/working as a care provider.
- Previous experience in an acute hospital environment.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
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.
Employer name
The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust
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