Senior Healthcare Support Worker

Job overview

Pre Operative Assessment Senior Healthcare Support Workers (SHCSWs) support registered practitioners to deliver high quality, compassionate health and social care to people. Senior Healthcare Support Workers carry out a range of clinical and non-clinical healthcare or therapeutic tasks, under the direct or indirect supervision of the registered healthcare practitioner.

The post holder will work as a member of the Pre-operative assessment team in the delivery and efficient running of Preoperative  assessment clinics. The post holder will assist and support other team members in delivering high standards of patient care prior to elective surgery. Whilst working under the supervision of a registered nurse and in accordance with the needs of the department, the post holder will have flexibility to meet service needs following induction and required  training.

Under current Home Office Immigration Rules, this role does not meet the UK Visas and Immigration criteria and the position is not therefore eligible for skilled worker sponsorship. Applications from candidates that require skilled worker sponsorship will NOT be shortlisted, excluding NHS service holders eligible top of NHS Band 3).

Main duties of the job

The postholder will deliver high‑quality, safe and compassionate care under the supervision of registered staff, carrying out a range of clinical and personal care duties in line with NVQ Level 3 competencies.

Responsibilities include undertaking venepuncture, ECGs, clinical observations (TPR, BP, oxygen saturation, blood glucose, peak flow), height, weight and BMI measurements, and accurately documenting and reporting abnormal findings.

They will perform urinalysis, collect and prepare specimens, support with aseptic techniques for simple wound care, and safely manage and dispose of bodily fluids following infection control policies.

The role involves assisting patients with all aspects of daily living including toileting, moving and handling, maintaining dignity and safety at all times.

The postholder will help Registered Nurses in assessing patients, implementing care plans, and identifying risks using Trust assessment tools such as skin integrity, falls, nutrition and manual handling. They will recognise changes in condition, initiate basic life support, request support in emergencies, and transport blood products when required.

They will contribute to maintaining cleanliness of the department, support skin integrity care, initiate referrals within protocol, and liaise with therapy teams regarding discharge needs.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

- Support patients, families and carers throughout their care journey, offering information and promoting health and wellbeing.

- Recognise changes in patient wellbeing and escalate concerns appropriately.

- Carry out routine delegated clinical tasks such as observations (BP, pulse, temperature), blood glucose monitoring, urinalysis, wound checks, simple dressings, venepuncture, and removal of peripheral cannula/catheters (where trained).

- Work within defined procedures, protocols and care plans.

- Maintain accurate and timely patient records using written and digital systems.

- Safely use and maintain clinical equipment, ensuring appropriate demonstration and guidance for patients and carers.

- Recognise and respond to emergency situations within the limits of competence.

- Communicate effectively with patients, families, and colleagues using verbal, non‑verbal and written communication.

- Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team, contributing to coordinated care.

- Support new starters, apprentices, students and junior staff through supervision and demonstrating duties.

- Maintain a safe, clean and inclusive environment, adhering to infection control, safeguarding, confidentiality and data protection standards.

- Identify and report risks, incidents or concerns promptly.

- Uphold the Trust’s values and NHS Constitution behaviours at all times.

- Participate in audits, service evaluation and quality improvement activities.

- Contribute to research and evidence‑based practice under guidance.

- Take responsibility for your own learning, development and wellbeing, including participation in appraisal and personal development planning.