Go back Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust
Healthcare Support Worker
The closing date is 13 April 2026
The Trauma and Orthopaedic unit is looking for people who want to make a difference and become part of a highly motivated team. #CaretoJoinusTSD?
If you are a dynamic, hard‑working, flexible worker and able to work under pressure, use your own initiative and are a team player with good communication skills, then our Healthcare Support Worker role could be for you!
This post involves preparation of the theatre, ensuring the cleanliness of the environment and equipment, working in the theatre environment, and supporting qualified staff to provide excellent care to all patients. Good communication skills and a willingness to learn are essential.
If you are looking for a post which will keep you motivated and challenged, then this post will appeal to you.
Main duties of the job
* This role also involves transiting patients to theatres from the surgical assessment unit; you must have good verbal communication skills, be able to prioritise workloads, work independently as well as part of a well‑established team, and believe in delivering high standards of patient care.
* You will be joining a busy clinical area within Torbay Hospital providing quality safe care for patients.
About us
Why work with us? We work in an integrated way with allied health care professionals within the locality, and are a motivated and caring team to both patients and colleagues.
The team is flexible and promotes a healthy work/home life balance; therefore your package with us includes a lot more than just your pay.
Listed are a few of the additional benefits that are available to you as an employee:
* Childcare at our day nursery
* Generous Holiday Entitlement, starting at 27 days a year (for full‑time workers) plus bank/public holidays
* Staff Discounts
* Career development and training opportunities – we offer all essential training and guidance to enable you to do your role to the best of your ability, and climb the promotional ladder!
* Employee Support – staff have access to a 24‑hour helpline
Our people are caring, committed, inclusive and focused on quality. We focus on solutions and people's strengths. We encourage outside the box thinking and embrace innovation and change wherever it can drive improvement.
If you share our values and vision and are passionate about working with people on what matters to them, you could be a real asset to Team Torbay and South Devon.
Job responsibilities
* Communicate with patients and members of staff, including managers, nurses, ODPs, support and medical staff to ensure continuity of patient care.
* Co‑operate with other departments in procedures carried out in the operating department.
* liaise with HSDU, the team leader and the department co‑ordinator to ensure appropriate instrumentation and stock items are available for lists and emergency procedures.
* Participate as circulating member of the theatre team, adhering to all theatre safety measures, ensuring high standards of patient care are maintained.
* Escort patients from ward to anaesthetic room and theatres as requested by theatre staff.
* Follow health and safety regulations to maintain a safe working environment.
* Report incidents, accidents and complaints to the team leader or co‑ordinator according to Trust policy.
* Adhere to all theatre procedures in carrying out duties within the department.
* Be aware of cost implications and the effective use of resources.
* Maintain competence in the use of relevant medical devices in the clinical area.
* Assist in the induction of new members of staff and students to the department.
* Recognise the importance of accurate record keeping, data collection and confidentiality concerning patient information.
* Transit role – escort patients from ward to anaesthetic room and theatres as requested by theatre staff.
* Prepare equipment for the next day and communicate with HSDU for equipment.
Person Specification
Qualifications and training
* NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care or equivalent qualification/experience
* Care Certificate
* English & Mathematics at GCSE grade A–C (9‑4) or level 2 functional skills
Knowledge and experience
* Previous experience in a care environment or able to demonstrate a caring nature/life experience
* Understand the need for strict confidentiality
* Working knowledge of complex care needs of some individuals/families including safeguarding Children & Adults, Domestic Abuse and Mental Health
Specific skills
* Basic computer/keyboard skills
* Fine motor skills – for venepuncture, phlebotomy and other clinical tasks
* Good interpersonal and communication skills
* Able to prioritise and organise work
* Able to work under instruction, under pressure and as part of a team
* Record keeping competency in handwritten and electronic records
* Able to demonstrate empathy, sensitivity, and adapt communication style to circumstances
* Able to manage stress in themselves and others
* Able to offer support at times of emotional distress
* Willingness to undertake new skills and training
* Able to work as a team member or independently
* Ability to adapt behaviour to changing and challenging situations
* Be flexible, adaptable, reliable and punctual
* Demonstrate a positive commitment to uphold diversity and equality policies approved by the Trust
* Healthcare competencies appropriate to area of work
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) will be required to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer name
Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust
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