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Job overview
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.
We are looking for Healthcare Support workers to join our Theatres department, working alongside Scrub Nurses, ODP’s and Consultants in a dedicated Theatres team. We are therefore looking for Healthcare Support Workers with care experience. The ideal candidate will be naturally curious and enthusiastic about learning, taking pride in continuously developing their understanding of equipment, technology, and patient care. This vacancy does not meet the Home Office threshold for sponsorship; we require applicants to hold a current right to work in the UK Whilst there is no expectation several of our theatres HCSW’s go onto complete their Operating Department Practitioner Apprenticeship.
Main duties of the job
As part of our team, a Theatres Healthcare Support Worker, you will work alongside the dedicated Theatres team.
At UHS, we value the diverse experience that Healthcare Support Workers can bring from different backgrounds. Previous healthcare experience is desirable but not essential — If you are beginning your healthcare journey or looking to take the next step, we would welcome your interest.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
In this role, your key responsibilities will include:
- Deliver compassionate, person-centred care and support patients with daily living activities.
- Assist with patient transfers, positioning, moving and handling, ensuring safety and comfort.
- Support patients before, during and after procedures, including acting as a chaperone where required.
- Prepare, check, and maintain theatre equipment and the clinical environment.
- Assist with patient monitoring and accurately record care, observations and relevant information.
- Maintain cleanliness, infection prevention standards, and safe disposal of clinical waste.
- Communicate effectively with patients, relatives, and the multidisciplinary team.
- Manage stock, equipment, and housekeeping duties to ensure a safe and efficient clinical area. You will begin with a comprehensive one-week induction program before completing a structured development pathway.
- Monthly development study days over five months.
- Workplace learning and competency development.
- Enhanced clinical skills training appropriate to your area. Our supportive induction programme will help you:
- Complete your Care Certificate
- Settle into your new role with confidence
- Become a valued member of the team
- Develop the skills and knowledge needed for future career progression A detailed job description and person specification is attached
Applicant requirements
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Person specification
Trust Values
Essential
- Patient First
- Always Improving
- Working Together
Qualifications, knowledge and experience
Essential
- 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
- Be able to take instruction / directions and work within the confines of the role
- Ability to cope with fluctuating demands and pressures of the role
- Requirement to be aware of and adhere to the care certificate standards; https://www.hee.nhs.uk/our-work/care-certificate
- Capable of completing core HCSW competencies and additional specific competencies related to area of work within 12 months of appointment
Desirable
- Previous experience in: Acute hospital setting. HCA experience. Volunteer sector Teaching Assistant Nursing home carer Experience in a caring role
- Understanding of acute hospital environment and the role of HCA
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Healthcare Support Worker Theatres with University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust in University Hospital Southampton. It is listed as a Band 2 Healthcare support worker role. The advertised salary is £25,272 Per Annum. The contract type is Permanent: Progressive Training post and the pathway to Band 3. The application deadline is 02 Sep 2026.
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