# Senior Health Care Assistant > NHS job listing from Job Clerk for Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust. ## Canonical URLs - **HTML:** https://www.jobclerk.com/job/senior-health-care-assistant/d4e7ef03-353b-4f4a-9ad7-dc04affe0d3e - **Markdown:** https://www.jobclerk.com/job/senior-health-care-assistant/d4e7ef03-353b-4f4a-9ad7-dc04affe0d3e.md ## Summary - **Status:** Live - **Employer:** Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust - **Town:** West Bromwich - **Region:** Midlands - **Country:** England - **Profession:** Healthcare support worker - **Grade:** Band 3 - **Salary:** £25,760 - £27,476 pa - **Contract type:** Permanent: Patch Healthcare Assistance - **Employment type:** Full time - 37.5 hours per week - **Closing date:** 2026-06-22T23:59:00.000Z - **Posted:** 2026-06-08T09:16:00.916Z - **Source information URL:** https://www.healthjobsuk.com/job/UK/Birmingham_Black_Country/birmingham/Sandwell_West_Birmingham_NHS_Trust/Dermatology/Dermatology-v7751957 - **Application URL:** https://apps.trac.jobs/job-advert/7751957?ShowJobAdvert=&feedid=9002 - **Employer website:** https://www.swbh.nhs.uk ## Job Content ### Job overview The Dermatology Patch Test Technician plays a key role in supporting dermatologists and specialist nurses in the delivery of the cutaneous allergy patch testing services. This role involves preparing, applying, and removing standardized allergen patch tests, monitoring patients during the testing process, and recording accurate clinical data. The technician ensures that patients are supported throughout their care pathway, contributing to the safe, effective, and high-quality management of suspected contact dermatitis and related skin conditions. ### Main duties of the job Prepare, apply, and remove dermatology patch test chambers in line with clinical protocols. Provide clear instructions and support to patients before, during, and after testing. Monitor patients for any adverse reactions and promptly report concerns to the clinical team. Accurately document test details and outcomes in patient records. Ensure patch testing equipment and materials are prepared, maintained, and stored safely. Work collaboratively with dermatologists, nurses, and administrative staff to deliver an efficient and high-quality service. Uphold infection prevention, confidentiality, and patient safety standards at all times. ### Detailed job description and main responsibilities The Healthcare Assistant (HCA) will support the dermatology team in the safe and effective delivery of the cutaneous allergys/patch testing service, a specialist diagnostic pathway used to identify allergic contact dermatitis. The post‑holder will assist with all stages of patch testing, including preparation, application, reading support, documentation and patient education. All work must be carried out in line with British Dermatological Nursing Group (BDNG) Best Practice Guidelines and the BAD/BSCA Cutaneous Allergy Service Standards. The role requires excellent attention to detail, strong communication skills, and the ability to work within clear clinical boundaries while recognising when to escalate concerns to registered professionals. Prepare patch test materials, allergens, chambers and equipment according to BDNG best‑practice procedures. Review patient information, confirm appointment schedule (Day 0, Day 2, Day 4 and Day 7 if appropriate), and ensure patients meet safety criteria for testing (e.g. no recent sun exposure leading to sun tan).  Ensure the patch testing clinical area is organised, clean and compliant with infection‑prevention standards. ## Job Details The Dermatology Patch Test Technician plays a key role in supporting dermatologists and specialist nurses in the delivery of the cutaneous allergy patch testing services. This role involves preparing, applying, and removing standardized allergen patch tests, monitoring patients during the testing process, and recording accurate clinical data. The technician ensures that patients are supported throughout their care pathway, contributing to the safe, effective, and high-quality management of suspected contact dermatitis and related skin conditions. ## Job Description Prepare, apply, and remove dermatology patch test chambers in line with clinical protocols. Provide clear instructions and support to patients before, during, and after testing. Monitor patients for any adverse reactions and promptly report concerns to the clinical team. Accurately document test details and outcomes in patient records. Ensure patch testing equipment and materials are prepared, maintained, and stored safely. Work collaboratively with dermatologists, nurses, and administrative staff to deliver an efficient and high-quality service. Uphold infection prevention, confidentiality, and patient safety standards at all times. ## Responsibilities The Healthcare Assistant (HCA) will support the dermatology team in the safe and effective delivery of the cutaneous allergys/patch testing service, a specialist diagnostic pathway used to identify allergic contact dermatitis. The post‑holder will assist with all stages of patch testing, including preparation, application, reading support, documentation and patient education. All work must be carried out in line with British Dermatological Nursing Group (BDNG) Best Practice Guidelines and the BAD/BSCA Cutaneous Allergy Service Standards. The role requires excellent attention to detail, strong communication skills, and the ability to work within clear clinical boundaries while recognising when to escalate concerns to registered professionals. Prepare patch test materials, allergens, chambers and equipment according to BDNG best‑practice procedures. Review patient information, confirm appointment schedule (Day 0, Day 2, Day 4 and Day 7 if appropriate), and ensure patients meet safety criteria for testing (e.g. no recent sun exposure leading to sun tan). Ensure the patch testing clinical area is organised, clean and compliant with infection‑prevention standards. ## Person Specification ### qualifications, **Essential** - Evidence of completion or willingness to undertake formal training in patch testing, delivered under supervision from an experienced practitioner (e.g., Consultant Dermatologist or Dermatology CNS). - Willingness to work within local and national dermatology quality standards, including completion of competency tools (e.g., DOPS, mini‑CEX) as outlined by BDNG. ### Knowledge and understanding **Essential** - Basic understanding of contact dermatitis, allergens, and the purpose of patch testing (including common allergens such as metals, preservatives, perfumes, and rubber). - Awareness of indications and contraindications for patch testing, including conditions where testing must not proceed (e.g. extensive eczema on the back, recent sun exposure and systemic steroids \>10 mg prednisolone/day). - Ability to prepare, apply and secure patch test chambers accurately using hypoallergenic tape and correctly mark test sites. - Ability to observe, recognise and accurately record positive, negative, irritant and doubtful reactions during readings. - Ability to provide clear, consistent patient advice before, during and after patch testing (e.g., avoiding moisturisers, keeping the back dry, avoiding heavy activity or sun exposure). - Ability to assess and document patient‑reported concerns, late reactions and product‑related issues. - Commitment to safe practice, accurate documentation, and adherence to infection‑prevention and data‑handling standards. **Desirable** - Previous experience working in a dermatology clinic or allergy‑related service. - Experience supporting patients with chronic skin conditions. - Knowledge of dermatology‑related products, workplace chemicals, or COSHH information. ## Documents - [hca jd (pdf, 208.6kb)](https://www.healthjobsuk.com/documents?vdoc=10183236) - [hca ps (pdf, 178.2kb)](https://www.healthjobsuk.com/documents?vdoc=10183237) - [swb- sustainability (pdf, 49.1kb)](https://www.healthjobsuk.com/documents?edoc=2657) - [candidate briefing pack (pdf, 1.3mb)](https://www.healthjobsuk.com/documents?edoc=2982) - [swb reward & recognition guide (pdf, 704.4kb)](https://www.healthjobsuk.com/documents?edoc=2604) - [flexible working document – healthier futures (pdf, 1.1mb)](https://www.healthjobsuk.com/documents?edoc=2437) ## Agent Notes - This Markdown page is generated from the same Job Clerk job record as the HTML job detail page. - Use the canonical HTML URL for user-facing references. - Use the application URL when the user wants to apply on the source NHS site.