Job Title: Patient Care Assistant Location: Forest Veterinary Centre, Hemnall Street, Epping, Essex, CM16 4LQ Contract: Permanent, Full Time (40 hours per week) Reporting to: Lead Nurse About Forest Veterinary Centre – Epping Hospital Forest Veterinary Centre in Epping is part of the Linnaeus group, serving the Essex area from its main hospital located on Hemnall Street. The hospital provides first-opinion and referral services, with advanced diagnostic capability, inpatient and outpatient care, and 24-hour nursing.The facilities include imaging (CT, MRI, ultrasound, x-ray), large kennel wards, isolation units, and complex surgical suites. Role Purpose To support the veterinary surgeons, registered veterinary nurses, and wider clinical team in delivering excellent standards of patient care at Epping Hospital. The Patient Care Assistant will work flexibly across shifts that include evenings, weekends, and may be asked to assist across branches when required. Hours & Flexibility Full time, 40 hours per week. Evenings and weekends required. Flexible working across branches if needed. Key Roles & Responsibilities Assist with safe handling and restraint of patients, aiming to minimise stress. Maintain patient accommodation: wards, isolation units; including cleaning, disinfection, enrichment. In-patient care: feeding, exercising, grooming, monitoring of hospitalized animals. Assist with laboratory diagnostic work: sample prep, processing, dispatch. Assist with diagnostic imaging: preparation, positioning of patients. Sterilisation, cleaning and maintenance of surgical and treatment equipment. Support in theatre: preparation, surgical assistance under direction, recovery care. Assist with pharmacy tasks: stock management, unpacking, temperature monitoring. Assist with reception/client care when needed: telephone calls, appointment booking, client enquiries. Adhere to standard operating protocols: PPE, waste disposal, hygiene and safety. Participation in training, team meetings, continuous improvement of practice. Person Specification / Experience Required Prior experience in a veterinary or animal care setting (e.g. kennel work, PCA, etc.) preferred. Comfortable handling animals safely; calm and empathetic manner. Reliable, adaptable, strong team player. Good communication skills with both clients and colleagues. Willingness to work under supervision and accept direction. Flexibility in hours (including evenings, weekends). Driving licence preferred but not essential. Benefits · 5 weeks holiday bank holidays Birthday Leave · RCVS, BVNA & VDS fees paid · External CPD funded · Extensive free online Linnaeus CPD program · Career progression opportunities · Staff discount schemes · Life Assurance · Enhanced sickness pay · Enhanced equal family leave · E-car salary sacrifice scheme · Employer contribution pension scheme · Wellness program including: o Employee assistance program o Eyecare voucher scheme o Free annual Flu jab o Cycle to work scheme · Recruitment referral reward scheme Contact : purvi.kataria@linnaeusgroup.co.uk LI-PK1 LI-Onsite