Job Description

We have exciting times ahead within Elective Orthopaedics in Derriford Hospital as we a new theatre suite which will soon have it's first year of opening in June 2025 .We are an established dynamic team and looking for a likeminded applicant to join us. Bigbury is a self-contained Unit with admissions area and state of the art medi-rooms for optimum patient experience.
We are looking for Band 3 Senior Health Care Assistants to join our team - working in the admission and recovery areas. Successful candidates will be patient orientated, enthusiastic and able to work in a dynamic, ever developing environment.
We are working towards enhanced patient pathways and have a fantastic opportunity to join a forward-thinking dynamic team to take this forwards.
Experience in theatres and or recovery areas is desirable however full training will be provided via a Recovery Foundations Programme and ongoing Competency Training.
***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***
Main duties of the job
This role will involve supporting registered practitioners in admitting, recovering and discharging patients as well as recovering your own patients and undertaking some administrative duties.
About us
We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure.
PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment team on 01752 432100. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission.
We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.
Details
Date posted
13 June 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 3
Salary
24,625 to 25,674 a year Per Annum, Pro Rata
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time, Part-time, Job share
Reference number
216-SF-S7198790
Job locations
Derriford Hospital
Plymouth
PL6 8DH
Job description
Job responsibilities

• To assist in the preparation of the admissions and recovery areas prior to operations and to carry out cleaning of designated areas as directed.
• To be able to recognise and meet the specific needs of patients undergoing surgery/ recovery.
• To maintain a safe environment for patients and staff.
• To implement care packages for patients undergoing general and local anaesthesia post-surgery. Support patients during their recovery phase post-surgery.
• To escort patients as required in accordance with Hospital policy.
• To assist, under supervision of a Registered Practitioner, in Stage 1 recovery for patients having had surgical interventions or procedures carried out on them. To implement the care pathway for patients in stage 2 of their recovery as a designated practitioner.
• To perform clinical observations on patients under the supervision of Registered Practitioners, being able to recognise, record and escalate changes in patients normal parameters to Registered Practitioners/Medical staff.
• To update patient information systems to allow for a bigger picture view of any and all patients who have been through the Recovery area. To accurately maintain records relating to patient care.
• To plan ahead to avoid potential issues with patient flow through the unit. To escalate any potential issues and liaise with Site/Bed manager to ascertain bed availability and location.
• The post holder will be expected to be familiar with and contribute to the control of infection within areas of work to maintain a high standard of hygiene at all times.
• To complete accurate and detailed documentation of individual patient care pathways.
• To participate in the ordering of and maintenance of equipment used in Recovery and be able to use it under supervision.
• To continually evaluate personal performance and development, maintaining and updating clinical skills and knowledge.
• To undertake training for new equipment or service developments as required.
• To actively participate in department based continuing education, assisting in mentoring and facilitating junior support junior support worker/HCAs and providing support for students, visitors and new members of the team.

Job description
Job responsibilities

• To assist in the preparation of the admissions and recovery areas prior to operations and to carry out cleaning of designated areas as directed.
• To be able to recognise and meet the specific needs of patients undergoing surgery/ recovery.
• To maintain a safe environment for patients and staff.
• To implement care packages for patients undergoing general and local anaesthesia post-surgery. Support patients during their recovery phase post-surgery.
• To escort patients as required in accordance with Hospital policy.
• To assist, under supervision of a Registered Practitioner, in Stage 1 recovery for patients having had surgical interventions or procedures carried out on them. To implement the care pathway for patients in stage 2 of their recovery as a designated practitioner.
• To perform clinical observations on patients under the supervision of Registered Practitioners, being able to recognise, record and escalate changes in patients normal parameters to Registered Practitioners/Medical staff.
• To update patient information systems to allow for a bigger picture view of any and all patients who have been through the Recovery area. To accurately maintain records relating to patient care.
• To plan ahead to avoid potential issues with patient flow through the unit. To escalate any potential issues and liaise with Site/Bed manager to ascertain bed availability and location.
• The post holder will be expected to be familiar with and contribute to the control of infection within areas of work to maintain a high standard of hygiene at all times.
• To complete accurate and detailed documentation of individual patient care pathways.
• To participate in the ordering of and maintenance of equipment used in Recovery and be able to use it under supervision.
• To continually evaluate personal performance and development, maintaining and updating clinical skills and knowledge.
• To undertake training for new equipment or service developments as required.
• To actively participate in department based continuing education, assisting in mentoring and facilitating junior support junior support worker/HCAs and providing support for students, visitors and new members of the team.

Person Specification
Knowledge & Experience
Essential

• Demonstrable experience within a similar role with transferable skills to the theatre environment.

Desirable

• Demonstrable experience at HCA /NVQ Level 3.
• Demonstrable IT experience working with Windows based programmes.

Qualifications
Essential

• GCSEs Grades A-D or Levels 3-9 in Maths and English or Functional Skills Levels 2 in Maths and English
• NVQ level 3 in Health & Social Care or HCA UHP Level 3 or definitive evidence of working towards - 75% completed (or equivalent transferable qualification)
• Undertake and complete the Care Certificate training program offered in-house

Aptitude & Abilities
Essential

• Effective verbal and non -verbal communication skills
• Ability to prioritise workload
• Good time management.

Person Specification
Knowledge & Experience
Essential

• Demonstrable experience within a similar role with transferable skills to the theatre environment.

Desirable

• Demonstrable experience at HCA /NVQ Level 3.
• Demonstrable IT experience working with Windows based programmes.

Qualifications
Essential

• GCSEs Grades A-D or Levels 3-9 in Maths and English or Functional Skills Levels 2 in Maths and English
• NVQ level 3 in Health & Social Care or HCA UHP Level 3 or definitive evidence of working towards - 75% completed (or equivalent transferable qualification)
• Undertake and complete the Care Certificate training program offered in-house

Aptitude & Abilities
Essential

• Effective verbal and non -verbal communication skills
• Ability to prioritise workload
• Good time management.

NHS