Job overview
****** THIS POSITION IS ONLY OPEN TO CURRENT UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS NHS FOUNDATION TRUST EMPLOYEES ****** Sussex Kidney Unit have an exciting secondment opportunity for a motivated and compassionate Healthcare Assistant to join our specialist Renal Vascular Access Team. You will play a vital role in supporting patients receiving haemodialysis, providing high‑quality care focused on safe vascular access management and exceptional patient experience. This is to cover maternity and will be until January 2027. This is a rewarding role within a fast‑paced environment where you will work closely with nurses, vascular access specialists, and the wider renal multidisciplinary team. Prior to submission of your application for any internal secondment or fixed term post, please ensure that you have discussed this with your line manager to obtain their approval. If you do not have written approval from your current line manager to take this position if successful as an internal secondment opportunity, it would be offered as a fixed term position
Main duties of the job
1. Work collaboratively with the renal access nursing team to coordinate access clinics, access assessments and renal access theatre list
2. Assist in the preparation and maintenance of vascular access sites, including fistulas and grafts
3. Monitor and record observations, escalating changes promptly to senior staff
4. Provide reassurance, information, and compassionate care to renal patients
5. Prepare clinical areas and equipment to maintain safe infection‑control standards
6. Support with cannulation preparation (if trained) and vascular access assessments
7. Maintain accurate documentation and contribute to patient care plans
8. Work collaboratively within a specialist renal team to deliver excellent clinical care
We are looking for:
9. Caring, patient‑focused, and committed to high standards
10. Keen to develop specialist skills within renal and vascular access care
11. Confident working in a busy clinical environment
12. A strong team player with good communication skills
13. Experienced as an HCA (renal experience essential — training will be provided for specialist skills)
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
For this role it is essential that you have previous NHS or NHS primary care experience with a Care Certificate from an Ofqual regulated awarding organisation. Or that you are an internationally educated nurse/midwife/doctor who has worked in an acute hospital setting within recent years with evidence of your degree verified by an ENIC/ ECCTIS report.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
14. Work collaboratively with the renal access nursing team to coordinate access clinics, access assessments and renal access theatre list
15. Assist in the preparation and maintenance of vascular access sites, including fistulas and grafts
16. Monitor and record observations, escalating changes promptly to senior staff
17. Provide reassurance, information, and compassionate care to renal patients
18. Prepare clinical areas and equipment to maintain safe infection‑control standards
19. Support with cannulation preparation (if trained) and vascular access assessments
20. Maintain accurate documentation and contribute to patient care plans
21. Work collaboratively within a specialist renal team to deliver excellent clinical care
This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route. Sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds, and any role-specific criteria. For example, applicants for the Senior HCA role must be able to evidence a minimum of 2 years’ experience in the same role to qualify for sponsorship.
If this role is not sponsorable, and you are applying using a Graduate visa as your right to work, you must have a minimum of 18 months remaining on your visa at time of application.
Person specification
Renal experience
Essential criteria
22. Significant experience in renal setting
23. NHS experience or NHS primary care experience is required or an internationally educated nurse/midwife/doctor who has worked in an acute hospital setting within recent years.
24. Care Certificate from a Ofqual regulated awarding organisation.
25. Ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills acquisition, working at a higher-level standard of care delivery, equivalent to vocational qualification level 3. This is evidenced via a portfolio of practice and/or a professional discussion
Desirable criteria
26. Knowledge of vascular access
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential criteria
27. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role)
28. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
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