Senior Healthcare Support Worker

We're seeking experienced Healthcare Support Workers to join the Emergency & Vascular Cluster in our Operating Theatres

In this role, you will be an integral member of a multidisciplinary team, supporting Scrub Practitioners, Operating Department Practitioners, Surgeons, and Anaesthetists. You will work in advanced operating theatres, assisting with a variety of complex surgical procedures while maintaining a strong focus on patient care throughout their operation.

You will be caring for patients whilst they are having their surgery and will also be involved in the preparation and maintenance of the theatre throughout the operating list, cleaning and infection control procedures.

Please note, this role does not currently meet the minimum £25,000 salary threshold required for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship, effective from 9th April 2025. Although higher pay points may be available depending on relevant NHS experience, most new appointments commence at the lower band, which falls below this threshold.

Your tasks will include:

Communicating with the whole theatre team including participating in team safety briefs

Ensuring good infection control procedures are being followed

Preparing the theatre before procedures, cleaning the theatres between procedures and at the end of the day

Understanding the equipment that is being used and being able to position and check it correctly

Collecting and instruments checking disposable items with a registered practitioner that will be used during surgery

Assisting the scrub practitioner to prepare the instruments ready for surgery including taking part in essential safety checks

Helping with the safe collection of clinical specimens

Assisting with patient documentation

Participating in all aspects of the patient's care such as correctly positioning them for surgery, maintaining their privacy and dignity, keeping them warm and safe during surgery

Sitting and talking with patients who are undergoing procedures under local anaesthetic as a way of supporting and reassuring them

Helping ensure that patient safety is at the heart of all we do in theatres

The successful candidate should be enthusiastic about their ongoing development and will need to be either willing to work towards or already have achieved their Level 3 NVQ/ QCF Diploma in Healthcare.

North Bristol NHS Trust employs over 12,000 staff providing healthcare to the residents of Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset from our award-winning hospital building at Southmead. We are the regional Major Trauma Centre, and an internationally recognised centre of excellence in a range of services and major specialities. Our vision is that by enabling our teams to be the best that they can be, we will provide exceptional healthcare, personally delivered.

We commit to treating each patient as an individual with respect and dignity, aiming to deliver excellent clinical outcomes and a first-class experience for everyone who uses our services.

North Bristol NHS Trust values all people as individuals. We aim to be an anti-discriminatory organisation and are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We welcome applicants from all underrepresented groups.

For a full overview of the Job Description, please refer to the PDF Job Description attached as an additional document to this advert.

Deliver clinical and therapeutic care to patients as required within set protocols/policies and within the scope of the Health Care Support Worker remit.

Participate in patient assessment (with direct supervision and after appropriate delegation from the Registered Practitioner/Assistant Practitioner), to deliver high standards of care.

Perform area specific clinical competencies to enhance the delivery of patient care/therapy.

Under supervision follow individual care treatment plans, and report any changes immediately to the Registered Practitioner/Assistant Practitioner.

Work effectively as part of a team.

Maintain effective communication with patients, relatives and members of the Multidisciplinary team regarding all aspects of care demonstrating a variety of communication skills in accordance with the patient group.

Contribute to clear concise patient records and documentation adhering to national standards and trust policies and procedures.

Obtain consent prior to giving care/therapy in accordance with Trust Consent Policy.

Provide information to other members of the Multi-disciplinary team on the care/therapy provided.

Undertake transfer/escort of patients from one area to another after appropriate delegation from the Registered Practitioner within their scope of practice.

Provide clinical care/therapy in accordance with infection prevention and health and safety policies and procedures.

Promote Health Education specific to the clinical area and in line with national and local policies.

Initiate and participate with cardio-pulmonary resuscitation procedures

Environment Support

Ensure clinical area is prepared and maintained as appropriate to individual patient needs.

Maintain the work environment in line with Trust Infection prevention and Health and Safety policies.

Identify requirements for and availability of equipment stores, CSSD as appropriate for patients clinical care/ therapy.

Identify and take appropriate action when equipment malfunctions.

Identify potential risk issues, which could affect the patients' health or social care needs

Professional

Be familiar and comply with all Trust Policies and Procedures.

Act at all times in a manner, which illustrates respect for privacy, dignity and confidentiality.

Exhibit professional behaviour and attitude at all times, and demonstrate excellent customer care skills and ensure actions support equality and diversity.

Act within limits of own competence, ensuring actions support care, protection and wellbeing of others.

Maintain responsibility for the identification of own continuing educational and development needs, including audits of own work practice. Formulate a personal development plan, and participate in the annual appraisal process.

Ensure all required mandatory training is undertaken in line with Trust policy.

Participate where needed, during investigations relating to incidents involving patients and/or staff

Administration

Use IT systems for e.g. data collection, patient records, information and treatment investigative requests.

Effectively utilise resources within departmental budgetary requirements.

Ensure that correct procedures are followed in the event of an incident or accident involving patients, staff or visitors.

Participate in ward and departmental meetings.

Participate in the induction and orientation of newly appointed staff, learners and other visitors to the ward/dept.

Ensure safe custody, return or disposal of patient's property in accordance with Trust Policies.