We are seeking a compassionate, motivated Healthcare Assistant to join our specialist Sickle Cell and Haemoglobinopathies team. This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about delivering high-quality, culturally sensitive care to patients living with complex long-term conditions. You will work closely with clinical nurse specialists, medical staff, and multidisciplinary teams to support the holistic needs of individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease and related haemoglobin disorders.
Responsibilities
* Assist with day‑to‑day clinical tasks, including monitoring vital signs, performing urinalysis, and supporting venesection and transfusion clinics.
* Prepare patients for procedures and recognise early signs of sickle cell crisis or deterioration.
* Maintain accurate patient records and update electronic systems.
* Ensure safe infection‑control practices and contribute to smooth clinic flow and patient experience.
* Offer reassurance, education, and practical support to patients experiencing pain, fatigue, or anxiety.
* Collect, check, and transport blood products in line with local transfusion policies, ensuring safe handling, accurate labelling and timely delivery.
* Assist with patient positioning, comfort measures, and cannulation preparation during procedures.
* Support the coordination of care with the CNS team, including preparing patient information packs and reinforcing key messages on hydration, pain‑management, medication adherence and lifestyle considerations.
* Identify early signs of deterioration or sickle cell crisis and promptly escalated concerns to senior staff.
* Support administrative duties such as appointment scheduling, updating clinic lists, managing stock levels, ordering supplies and maintaining a clean, safe environment.
* Assist with data collection for audits, service improvement projects and patient‑experience initiatives.
* Participate in group education sessions, community outreach events and MDT meetings where appropriate.
Qualifications
* Excellent communication skills and cultural sensitivity with a proactive approach to patient care.
* Empathy, calmness and the ability to work effectively within a fast‑paced clinical environment.
* Prior experience in haematology, long‑term conditions or acute care is desirable but not essential.
* A commitment to ongoing learning and professional development, with willingness to develop specialist knowledge in sickle cell disease and haemoglobinopathies.
* Previous experience in supporting clinical, administrative or patient‑education activities is an asset.
About the Service
The role involves working closely with a specialist haemoglobinopathy service, requiring sensitivity to the cultural, psychological and social factors that influence patients and families. Building trusting relationships, providing reassurance, and communicating clearly and respectfully are key elements of the position.
Our Commitment
We aim to deliver excellent local and specialist services, improve the health and well‑being of our patients, and provide a vibrant place for staff to develop, innovate and build careers. The postholder will be encouraged to fully utilise training, contribute to service improvement initiatives and enhance patient experience and clinical outcomes.
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