Job overview
We are looking for a senior healthcare assistant with a professional outlook to join our team in the Renal Outpatient and Stirling Day Procedures Room.
The Sussex Kidney Unit provides a comprehensive range of acute and chronic renal services. The department is located in Brighton and is the hub for renal services in Sussex. You will work within a specialised area, providing high quality care to patients with acute and chronic renal disease. The Outpatient Unit is open Monday to Friday 9.00-18.00, and the Stirling Day Procedures Room is open 08.00-18.00.
We are looking for a Senior Healthcare Assistant and there will be opportunities to work in both the Outpatient department and Stirling Day Procedures Room. This post will be suitable for a dynamic, enthusiastic, hard-working individual with experience of working in an acute hospital trust who has an interest in this specialist area or is looking to expand their existing knowledge and skills.
Ideally the candidate would have experience of working in an outpatient department setting and IT skills would be advantageous.
Main duties of the job
The senior healthcare assistant role includes the following skills:
1. To measure and record weight, height and urinalysis on all patients.
2. To be competent in performing venepuncture for patients attending the Renal OPD, processing samples as required.
3. To be able to perform ECGs as required
4. To perform observations and monitoring of patients, reporting findings to the nurse in charge.
5. To prepare equipment for aseptic procedures as required, assisting medical staff to perform aseptic procedures such as Haemodialysis line insertions and renal biopsies.
6. To have a basic understanding of the haemodialysis process and associated machinery
7. To be able to initiate/terminate haemodialysis treatments (once trained)
8. To transfer and escort patients as required.
9. To obtain and interpret blood results from UHSx / other hospital laboratories, informing nurses accordingly
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.
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
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The senior healthcare assistant role includes the following skills:
10. To measure and record weight, height and urinalysis on all patients.
11. To be competent in performing venepuncture for patients attending the Renal OPD, processing samples as required.
12. To be able to perform ECGs as required
13. To perform observations and monitoring of patients, reporting findings to the nurse in charge.
14. To prepare equipment for aseptic procedures as required, assisting medical staff to perform aseptic procedures such as Haemodialysis line insertions and renal biopsies.
15. To have a basic understanding of the haemodialysis process and associated machinery
16. To be able to initiate/terminate haemodialysis treatments (once trained)
17. To transfer and escort patients as required.
18. To obtain and interpret blood results from UHSx / other hospital laboratories, informing nurses accordingly
Person specification
Experience/Qualifications
Essential criteria
19. Venepuncture skills
20. Ability to record ECG
21. Ability to record observations
22. Previous work in an OPD department
23. Basic IT skills
24. Previous Health Care experience
25. Care Certificate from a Ofqual regulated awarding organisation.
26. Basic understanding of renal disease and its application to patients attending the Renal OPD
27. Communication
28. 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.
29. 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
Desirable criteria
30. Renal experience
31. Cannulation skills
32. Haemodialysis skills
33. Knowledge of Renal CV5 database
34. Able to assess and deliver aspects of patient care e.g. organising blood tests, referring patient to MDT
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Essential criteria
35. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
36. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role)
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
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 the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications