Job Description

If you are a current Linnaeus Associate, you will need to apply internally. In order to do this, please contact our Talent Acquisition team (details can be found via The Link) and someone will be in touch to discuss and progress your application.

Job Title:

Patient Care Assistant

Location:

Forest Veterinary Centre, Hemnall Street, Epping, Essex, CM16 4LQ

Contract:

Permanent, Full Time (40 hours per week)

Reporting to:

Lead Nurse

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About Forest Veterinary Centre - Epping Hospital

Forest Veterinary Centre in Epping is part of the Linnaeus group, serving the Essex area from its main hospital located on Hemnall Street. The hospital provides first-opinion and referral services, with advanced diagnostic capability, inpatient and outpatient care, and 24-hour nursing.The facilities include imaging (CT, MRI, ultrasound, x-ray), large kennel wards, isolation units, and complex surgical suites.

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Role Purpose

To support the veterinary surgeons, registered veterinary nurses, and wider clinical team in delivering excellent standards of patient care at Epping Hospital. The Patient Care Assistant will work flexibly across shifts that include evenings, weekends, and may be asked to assist across branches when required.

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Hours & Flexibility

Full time, 40 hours per week. Evenings and weekends required. Flexible working across branches if needed.
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Key Roles & Responsibilities

Assist with safe handling and restraint of patients, aiming to minimise stress. Maintain patient accommodation: wards, isolation units; including cleaning, disinfection, enrichment. In-patient care: feeding, exercising, grooming, monitoring of hospitalized animals. Assist with laboratory diagnostic work: sample prep, processing, dispatch. Assist with diagnostic imaging: preparation, positioning of patients. Sterilisation, cleaning and maintenance of surgical and treatment equipment. Support in theatre: preparation, surgical assistance under direction, recovery care. Assist with pharmacy tasks: stock management, unpacking, temperature monitoring. Assist with reception/client care when needed: telephone calls, appointment booking, client enquiries. Adhere to standard operating protocols: PPE, waste disposal, hygiene and safety. Participation in training, team meetings, continuous improvement of practice.
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Person Specification / Experience Required

Prior experience in a veterinary or animal care setting (e.g. kennel work, PCA, etc.) preferred. Comfortable handling animals safely; calm and empathetic manner. Reliable, adaptable, strong team player. Good communication skills with both clients and colleagues. Willingness to work under supervision and accept direction. Flexibility in hours (including evenings, weekends). Driving licence preferred but not essential.
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Benefits

5 weeks holiday + bank holidays + Birthday Leave RCVS, BVNA & VDS fees paid External CPD funded Extensive free online Linnaeus CPD program Career progression opportunities Staff discount schemes Life Assurance Enhanced sickness pay Enhanced equal family leave E-car salary sacrifice scheme Employer contribution pension scheme Wellness program including:

o Employee assistance program


o Eyecare voucher scheme


o Free annual Flu jab


o Cycle to work scheme

Recruitment referral reward scheme Contact : purvi.kataria@linnaeusgroup.co.uk #LI-PK1 #LI-Onsite

We are proud to be Linnaeus, part of Mars. Linnaeus is a forward-thinking group of highly respected primary care and specialist referral practices in the UK and Ireland. Being family owned and part of Mars Veterinary Health, the largest veterinary company in the world, allows us to focus on advancing the veterinary profession to provide industry-leading pet care and unique career opportunities for our people. Why Linnaeus? - We pride ourselves in offering high-quality excellence of service and clinical care for our clients and their pets - We lead on sustainability and collectively drive positive change for people, pets and the planet - We prioritise your mental health and wellbeing - valuing equity, diversity and inclusion - We support your personal and professional development with best-in-class career frameworks and training programmes. We will empower and support you to grow your career from day one. We team up within our Mars family in partnership for a stronger future. Linnaeus is an equal-opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. We treat each other fairly and equitably and we are committed to fostering a culture that is inclusive and diverse for all our Associates. At Linnaeus, A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS starts with a better world for our people. If you would like to apply for this role, please click the Apply Button or for more information, please feel free to reach out directly to our Talent Acquisition team at careers@linnaeusgroup.co.uk