Job overview
The role of the discharge lounge plays an important role and aids support managing acute flow through our hospitals. The health care support worker will play a key role in helping maintain flow from the inpatient areas to the lounge creating capacity and space for patients requiring admission. The health care support worker will help over see the safe running of the lounges under the direct supervision of the nurse in charge.
Main duties of the job
The main roles of the HCSW in the lounge is to collect patients from the ward areas and bring them to the lounge and help continuing providing the same high standards of care while patients wait to go home. As a HCSW you will be able to support in completing patients clinical observations where needed and report back to the nurse in charge. Maintain ongoing holistic care by delivering evidence base care and ensuring that all - where possible of the patients needs are met in the process up until discharge.
Working for our organisation
Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust ranks among the top 10 NHS Trusts nationwide and was named the second-best Trust to work for in the South East in the 2023 and 2024 NHS Staff Survey.
We are a large acute hospital trust in south-east England, providing general hospital services and specialist care to around 600,000 residents in West Kent and East Sussex. With a dedicated and diverse team of over 8,000 staff we are proud to offer specialised cancer services to over two million people through the Kent Oncology Centre.
Fordcombe Hospital, near Tunbridge Wells, became part of the Trust in October 2024. Specialising in planned care, it offers two operating theatres, 28 inpatient and day-care beds, diagnostic services (X-ray, MRI, CT, and endoscopy), and consultation/treatment rooms.
Looking for flexible working?
We are a flexible working-friendly organisation. Whether it’s adjusting your hours or exploring other flexible arrangements, we want to work with you to find the best solution for you, our patients, and the Trust. Talk to us about how we can accommodate your working needs.
to hear what our staff say.
Joining us includes a comprehensive benefits package:
1. At least 27 days of annual leave plus public/bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time staff).
2. Membership in the NHS Pension Scheme, with a employer contribution of 23.7% and life assurance benefits
3. Blue Light card eligibility
4. And more, additional benefits can be found in the benefits documents below
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
We’ve provided all the details you need about this role in the job description and person specification. Please take a moment to review the criteria in the person specification and share specific examples in your application that demonstrate how you meet these requirements. Please also check your application for errors/omissions prior to submission.
Please note that appointment to this post will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check at Enhanced Level. (Enhanced level now includes regulated checks against vulnerable adults and children). If a role involves regulated activity and requires a DBS check with a barred list check, you cannot apply if you are on the barred list.
All successful applicants will be required to complete our corporate trust induction once a start date had been agreed.
If appointed, you will undertake a comprehensive induction programme, including the corporate induction and dedicated training days for Healthcare Support Workers. This will equip you with the knowledge and skills required to carry out your role effectively.
The induction programme is full-time for one week, with an additional 1–2 days depending on your previous experience. Attendance at all sessions is mandatory, and training days will run from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and may be at either Maidstone Hospital or Tunbridge Wells Hospital.
Following induction, you will complete a two-week supernumerary period within your clinical area, during which you will be supported by members of the education team. Ongoing support will also be provided to help you complete the Care Certificate (if not already achieved) and the required competencies relevant to your clinical area.
If you do not currently hold a nationally recognised Care Certificate obtained in a healthcare setting from a registered provider, you can commence this role as a Trainee Healthcare Support Worker, Band 2. Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust will assist you with on-the-job training to complete your Care Certificate within the 6-month probationary period, with a minimum completion time being 3 months. Upon successful completion of the Care Certificate, you will progress to a Band 3 Healthcare Support Worker.
If sponsorship is required, applicants must check to ensure they meet the full eligibility criteria before applying.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
5. Hold a nationally approved Care Certificate – this must have been obtained in a healthcare setting
Desirable criteria
6. Hold an NVQ/ Diploma level 3 in Healthcare/ or level 3 Healthcare Support Worker apprenticeship or equivalent experience.
7. Functional skills English and maths level 2 or GCSE English and maths grades A*/9 – C/4.
Experience/Knowledge
Essential criteria
8. Experience of dealing with the public
9. Experience of working in a caring environment, either in health, social or voluntary services
10. Knowledge of the Code of Conduct for Healthcare Support Workers and Adult Social Care Workers (2013).
11. Insight into role and responsibilities of post.
12. Able to describe the importance of delivering high quality care to patients.
13. Knowledge of current healthcare issues.
14. Knowledge of principles of confidentiality
Skills
Essential criteria
15. Able to communicate accurately and effectively with patients and colleagues, verbally and in writing.
16. Can understand and communicate factual information accurately.
17. Good interpersonal skills.
18. Basic information and communications technology (ICT) skills
19. Can demonstrate practical skills to others.
20. Able to deliver patient care under the indirect supervision of the Registered Nurse
21. Able to deal with the public in person and on the telephone
22. Able to support and reassure patients and their families/carers.
23. Able to follow instructions and complete assigned tasks.
24. Able to act on own initiative (in relation to delivering patient/client care)
25. Ability to work under pressure
26. Ability to work autonomously or as part of a team
27. Customer Care skills
28. Ability to prioritise and plan own work
29. Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
30. Interpersonal skills