Critical Care Health Care Assistant
The closing date is 23 January 2026
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us. Please see below for the detailed job description of the role.
Main duties of the job
We are looking for a compassionate, caring and great communicator to join our Critical Care Department, which includes:
* General Intensive Care
* Surgical High Dependency
* Neuro Intensive Care
* Cardiac Intensive Care
This is a vital role, supporting critically ill patients and their families. You'll work closely with nurses, doctors and allied health professionals to deliver the highest standards of care in a fast‑paced, emotionally challenging environment.
You'll begin with a full‑time, one‑week induction programme, including completing your Care Certificate, and we offer ongoing training and development.
About us
University Hospital Southampton is one of England’s largest acute teaching Trusts. Located on the south coast, we offer a diverse and inclusive working environment.
Job responsibilities
What you will do
* Assist patients with personal care and daily living needs.
* Provide emotional support and reassurance to patients and their families.
* Support infection prevention and control procedures.
* Help maintain a clean, safe and well‑equipped clinical environment.
* Work as part of a multidisciplinary team to deliver high‑quality patient care.
* Care for patients requiring intensive monitoring and life support following major surgery, trauma, or serious medical conditions.
This role is rewarding and essential to patient recovery.
What we’re looking for
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
* A collaborative attitude and commitment to delivering high‑quality care.
* A flexible approach to meet the needs of a 24/7 service.
* A willingness to learn and grow in a critical care setting.
* An innovative and academically inclined mindset.
Person specification
Qualifications, knowledge and experience
* Completed Care Certificate or ability to complete within 6 months of appointment.
* Completed secondary education.
* Ability to move and handle patients and equipment.
* Evidence of empathy, patience and dependability.
* Ability to deal with a range of difficult situations.
* Take instruction/directions and work within the confines of the role.
* Ability to cope with fluctuating demands and pressures.
* Awareness of and adherence to Care Certificate standards (https://www.hee.nhs.uk/our-work/care-certificate).
* Capable of completing core HCSW competencies related to area of work within 12 months of appointment.
* Previous experience in an acute hospital setting, HCA experience, volunteer sector, teaching assistant, nursing home carer, or caring role.
* Understanding of acute hospital environment and role of HCA.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and will require a Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous convictions.
Salary: £24,465 per annum (or pro‑rata).
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