Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Health Care Assistant
The closing date is 01 May 2026
Department: Haemoglobinopathy/Haematology
Hours: Part time, 22.5 per week, all MKUH roles will be considered for flexible working
Shift pattern: The position is for three 7.5-hour days, though we're happy to discuss spreading the hours over more days if that suits the right candidate.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a committed and enthusiastic Band 3 Support Worker to join the Haemoglobinopathy/Haematology Specialist Nursing Service at Milton Keynes University Hospital. This role is an integral part of our specialist team, providing care and support to patients living with haemoglobin disorders such as sickle cell disease and bone marrow disorders such as blood cancer.
This is a varied role with a strong administrative focus (approximately 70% administrative and 30% clinical duties). You will work closely with the Nurse Specialists to support the smooth running of the service, contributing to both patient care and essential administrative processes.
Please note: We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.
Interview date: 18 MAY 2026
Please apply early as the job is likely to close very quickly once the maximum number of applicants is reached.
Please note: applications made using AI will not be accepted.
Main duties of the job
A key aspect of this role is the ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with patients and families, including supporting individuals living with chronic and, at times, life‑limiting conditions. You will need to feel confident engaging in sensitive conversations, offering reassurance, and responding appropriately to patient needs while escalating concerns when required.
Your administrative responsibilities will include coordinating appointments, maintaining accurate patient records, tracking care pathways, supporting audits, and assisting with data collection to improve service delivery. You will need to have a good basic foundation of IT skills.
On the clinical side, you will support patients attending Red Cell Exchange clinics, assist with preparing clinical areas, and help facilitate care before, during and after procedures and treatment under the guidance of the specialist nursing team.
You will act as a key point of contact for patients and their families, helping to answer queries, signpost to relevant services, and ensure a positive and supportive patient experience.
This is a rewarding opportunity to join a growing and supportive multidisciplinary team delivering high‑quality, patient‑centred care across both inpatient and outpatient settings.
Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge
* GCSE level or Functional Skills in Maths & English or equivalent knowledge
* Knowledge of personal care and activities of daily living
* Understanding of the importance of safe working practices
* Understanding of the role of a Healthcare Assistant
* Awareness of NHS policies
* NVQ Level 3 or equivalent experience
* CARE Certificate
* Awareness of importance of infection prevention & control
* Knowledge of haemoglobinopathy patient pathway
Skills
* Ability to demonstrate commitment to high standards of care
* Ability to work under pressure
* Ability to prioritise tasks effectively at short notice
* Caring in a professional manner towards patients and their relatives
* Good time management
* Ability to induct, support, assess and develop junior members of staff
* Ability to undertake clinical observations and tasks including phlebotomy or willingness to train
* IT Skills
Personal and people development
* Commitment to Safeguarding
* Presents a professional appearance
* Ability to work within a team
* Self‑motivated and enthusiastic
* Commitment to working in a caring environment with people of all ages
Communication
* Clear spoken and written English
* Able to show care, empathy and respect to patients and their families
* Able to communicate with team members, carrying out instructions and feeding back information
* Able to record care provided using MKUH documentation and complying with MKUH policies and guidelines
* Able to feed back to staff on safe and effective practice
* Able to feed back on assessments undertaken
Experience
* Experience of working in a team
* Experience working in a care setting
* Previous NHS experience
* Experience in haematology
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer name
Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
£25,760 to £27,476 a yearPer annum, pro rata
#J-18808-Ljbffr