Job overview
The role exists to provide a multi-skilled worker who, under the supervision of a Practitioner, supports the Multidisciplinary Team with clinical and non-clinical practices in order to provide patient-centred care.
You will support practitioners and assist with patients attending the Emergency Department and Urgent Treatment Centre.
There are several training opportunities that will be available to you including venepuncture, wound care and plastering.
In the absence of the care certificate/NVQ in health and social care you will be required to complete a level 2 Healthcare Support Worker Apprenticeship within the first 13 months of employment.
The role of the HCSW includes assisting with the initial assessment of patients presenting to Emergency Department who are streamed to be seen within the Urgent Treatment areas including GP in ED and Minor injuries.
The role includes undertaking observations, urinalysis, electrocardiograms (ECGs) and venepuncture. When working in minor injuries wound care, visual acuity testing and plastering are amongst the several duties that are undertaken.
Main duties of the job
1. Prioritise workload after the Practitioner has instigated the care required by each patient.
2. Receive, welcome and orientate patients and their relatives/friends to the clinical area.
3. Carry out observations and recording of the following patients physiological measurements in recognition of own knowledge and competence
4. Undertake minor clinical procedures, e.g. application of dressings, bandages, slings and wound closure (following appropriate training, supervision of practice and assessment of competence) as instructed by a Practitioner.
5. Obtain specimens, e.g. midstream specimen of urine (MSU) and MRSA screening swabs, label specimen correctly and send to the laboratory. Perform urinalysis and record findings on appropriate documentation and report to the Practitioner.
6. Prepare and support patients both physically and psychologically before, during and after treatments, procedures and investigations.
7. Escort low/medium risk patients to and from other departments following assessment by a Practitioner.
8. Store pharmacy/general supplies in the absence of the pharmacy technician/stores person.
9. Demonstrate own duties to new/temporary staff.
10. Support and participate in the training of Trainee Clinical Support Workers undertaking their Care Certificate.
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:
11. At least 27 days of annual leave plus public/bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time staff).
12. Membership in the NHS Pension Scheme, with a 20.6% employer contribution and life assurance benefits
13. Blue Light card eligibility
14. 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).
All successful applicants will be required to complete our corporate trust induction once a start date had been agreed.
Following your corporate induction you will be expected to attend the Trust’s Clinical Induction Programme for Healthcare Support Workers (which starts on the first day of employment). The programme is full-time (please contact the CSW Induction Programme Lead if you have any issues: ), lasts for two weeks and will involve travelling to both Trust sites. The programme includes two supernumerary shifts in the clinical area (an early and a late shift), all of the other days are classroom-based and run from 9am to 5pm.
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 competition of the Care Certificate, you will progress to a Band 3 Healthcare Support Worker.
Please note that we are only able to provide sponsorship for this role if you are in receipt of your Care Certificate.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
15. Good general education.
16. Ability to read, write, perform simple calculations and communicate in English
17. Holds or commitment to complete the Care Certificate Programme within the first 6 months
Desirable criteria
18. English and Maths Level 1 or GCSE English and Maths grade D/3 or above.
19. Hold or willing to work towards NVQ Level 2 / Health and Social Care Diploma Level 2 / Intermediate apprenticeship Level 2
Experience/Knowledge
Essential criteria
20. Interest in working in a care setting
21. Understands importance of and provides good customer care.
Desirable criteria
22. Experience within a care role/setting
23. Previous experience of team work
24. Previous experience of customer care
25. Working in a healthcare or related setting
Skills
Essential criteria
26. Able to communicate accurately and effectively with patients and colleagues, verbally and in writing
27. Good interpersonal skills.
28. Basic computer keyboard skills.
29. Able to support and reassure patients/carers
30. Understands importance of maintaining confidentiality
Attributes/Qualities
Essential criteria
31. Has a caring, compassionate and professional nature
32. Demonstrates self-motivation
33. Adaptable and flexible
34. Able to work as part of a team
35. Awareness of own limitations
36. Responsible and reliable.
37. Diplomatic and calm
38. Able to cope with fast pace work.
39. Willing to develop own knowledge and practice
40. Ability to work as a team and form professional relationships with colleagues