Job overview
The Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) service provides rapid assessment, diagnostics, and treatment for patients referred from primary care, urgent care, or internal hospital teams.
As a Band 2 General Support Worker, you will play a key role in maintaining the smooth and efficient running of the SDEC environment. You will support clinical teams by transporting patients safely, collecting and delivering blood products, and assisting with the cleaning, checking, and basic maintenance of clinical equipment. You will also help ensure that clinical areas remain well‑stocked, organised, and ready for use.
This is a fast‑paced, patient‑focused role that requires excellent communication skills, a calm and compassionate approach, and the ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team. You will contribute directly to patient flow and the overall patient experience, helping the service deliver safe, timely, and high‑quality care.
Please note: This role does not meet the minimum criteria for visa sponsorship under the current UK immigration rules, which set specific salary and skill thresholds. As such, we are unable to provide sponsorship for this post. Applicants will therefore need to already have the right to work in the UK to be considered. We include this information at the outset to provide clarity and avoid unnecessary inconvenience for applicants.
Main duties of the job
• Safely transport patients to and from the SDEC using appropriate mobility aids and following manual handling guidance.
• Support the timely collection and delivery of blood products, specimens, and clinical items in line with local protocols.
• Assist with the cleaning, checking, and basic maintenance of clinical equipment, ensuring it is safe, functional, and ready for use.
• Maintain stock levels by replenishing consumables, preparing clinical areas, and ensuring equipment is available where needed.
• Help keep patient and clinical areas clean, tidy, and organised to support infection prevention and control standards.
• Provide a welcoming, compassionate, and professional service to patients, relatives, and visitors, supporting their comfort and dignity.
• Work closely with nursing, medical, and administrative teams to support smooth patient flow through SDEC.
• Escalate any concerns about patient wellbeing, safety, or equipment issues to the appropriate clinical staff.
• Assist with general duties such as moving equipment, preparing bays, and supporting the wider team during busy periods.
• Participate in mandatory training and maintain awareness of local policies, procedures, and safety requirements.
Working for our organisation
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
Candidate Pack
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) service provides rapid assessment, diagnostics, and treatment for patients referred from primary care, urgent care, or internal hospital teams.
As a Band 2 General Support Worker, you will contribute to the smooth and efficient running of both SDEC by providing essential non‑clinical support to the multidisciplinary team. You will play a key role in maintaining patient flow, supporting safe patient movement, and ensuring that clinical areas and equipment are prepared, clean, and ready for use. Your work will directly support the delivery of high‑quality, timely care and a positive patient experience.
You will be expected to work flexibly within a fast‑paced environment, demonstrating excellent communication skills, a compassionate approach, and a commitment to maintaining high standards of safety and professionalism. You will work closely with nursing, medical, and administrative colleagues, responding to service needs and supporting the team during busy periods.
Main Responsibilities
Patient Support & Transport
• Safely transport patients to and from SDEC and diagnostic areas using appropriate mobility aids.
• Assist patients with comfort, orientation, and basic non‑clinical needs while maintaining dignity and respect.
• Follow manual handling guidance and escalate any concerns about patient mobility or wellbeing.
Clinical Support Tasks
• Collect and deliver blood products, specimens, and clinical items in line with trust protocols.
• Assist with preparing clinical bays, trolleys, and assessment areas for incoming patients.
• Support staff during busy periods by undertaking delegated non‑clinical tasks that contribute to patient flow.
Equipment & Environment
• Carry out routine checks, cleaning, and basic maintenance of clinical equipment, reporting faults promptly.
• Ensure equipment is stored safely, available when needed, and replenished appropriately.
• Maintain stock levels of consumables and assist with ordering or restocking as required.
• Help keep clinical and patient areas clean, tidy, and compliant with infection prevention and control standards.
Teamwork & Communication
• Work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team to support efficient patient flow through SDEC.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with patients, relatives, and colleagues.
• Escalate concerns regarding patient safety, equipment issues, or environmental risks to senior staff.
• Participate in handovers, briefings, and team discussions as required.
Professional Standards
• Adhere to trust policies, procedures, and mandatory training requirements.
• Maintain confidentiality and uphold the values of the NHS at all times.
• Demonstrate reliability, flexibility, and a proactive approach to supporting the service.
• Engage in ongoing learning and development to support personal and service improvement.
Person specification
Experience/Qualifications
Essential criteria
1. Good general education (e.g. GCSE's or equivalent)
2. Experience working with the public
3. Experience of working in a busy, high demand environment
4. Experience of working as part of a multidisciplinary team
Desirable criteria
5. Relevant experience in a healthcare setting
6. Experience working within the NHS
7. NVQ level 2
8. Experience handling clinical equipment
9. Knowledge of health and safety, manual handling and infection control
Skills
Essential criteria
10. Ability to communicate clearly and courteously with patients, families and healthcare staff
11. Ability to manage time effectively, balancing multiple tasks and priorities
12. Understanding of basic patient care principles
13. Capability to maintain organised and well stocked environments
Specific requirements
Essential criteria
14. Compassionate patient-focused approach
15. Reliable, punctual and able to work flexibly to meet service needs
16. Physically able to meet the demands of the role
Equality Diversity and Inclusion
Essential criteria
17. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
18. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications