Healthcare Support Worker

Job overview

The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust is one of the leading cancer centres in the world and has an international reputation for the care and treatment it provides. The Royal Marsden serves a local, regional, national and international population from two hospital sites, Chelsea and Sutton. An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and committed individual to join our Medical Day Unit - Chelsea team as a Band 3 Senior Healthcare Assistant. The Medical Day Unit is a fast-paced outpatient department serving a large volume of patients receiving treatment for cancer. The unit is split into 3 areas, the prescribing clinics run by the Healthcare Assistant team, the phlebotomy room and the treatment area made up of 30 chairs. Previous experience in venepuncture is essential and experience of working with cancer patients is desirable. You will need to have excellent communication skills and be able to work well within a team.

Main duties of the job

To carry out in a responsible and efficient way, the nursing care for patients which has been drawn up in conjunction with the co-ordinator of the shift.

To demonstrate the ability to develop a greater awareness and understanding of the needs of patients with cancer and the different treatment modalities and work autonomously under supervision of a registered nurse.

As an integral member of the nursing teamwork with team members to ensure the maintenance of an efficient, safe, clean and pleasant environment for all patients

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To practice the Care Certificate and support junior staff to achieve the standards. Communicate with tact, empathy, overcome barriers to understanding e.g., patients with physical impairment, mental health conditions or learning disabilities.

Monitoring and recording patients’ vital signs (including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, oxygen saturation) and reporting any abnormal results to registered nursing staff. Assess comfort of patient and instigate emergency procedures.

Measuring and recording patients’ height and weight.

Performing venepuncture and venous blood sampling, after training and assessment of competency.