Senior Healthcare Assistant – Pre Op(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

About the Role

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Healthcare Assistant (Band 3) to join the Pre-Operative Assessment Team at St Richard’s Hospital. This role is ideal for a caring, proactive healthcare professional who enjoys working in a fast-paced outpatient environment and is committed to delivering safe, compassionate, and patient-centred care.

You will support patients as they prepare for elective surgery, helping ensure assessments are completed efficiently, accurately, and with dignity. Working across the Emer Suite and Pagham Suite, you will be a key part of a multidisciplinary team while also demonstrating confidence in working independently when required.

This post is worked over four weekdays, between 07:00 and 17:00, offering a structured and supportive working pattern.

Key Responsibilities

Patient Care & Clinical Support

• Welcome patients and provide reassurance throughout their pre-operative assessment journey
• Carry out routine clinical observations, ECG recordings, and delegated clinical tests
• Assist with patient assessments under the supervision of registered staff
• Handle and process clinical samples in line with Trust and infection prevention policies
• Communicate clearly and compassionately with patients, carers, and colleagues

Clinic & Operational Support

• Prepare clinics to ensure smooth patient flow and timely appointments
• Maintain accurate electronic and paper records in line with data protection standards
• Support general housekeeping duties, ensuring clinical areas are clean, stocked, and organised
• Assist with administrative tasks such as documentation, filing, and data entry

Teamwork & Professional Practice

• Work collaboratively within the multidisciplinary team to deliver an efficient service
• Act as a positive role model, demonstrating professionalism and Trust values at all times
• Participate in safety huddles and contribute to quality improvement initiatives
• Take responsibility for ongoing learning and professional development

Working With Us

At University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, inclusion, respect, and compassion are at the heart of everything we do. We are proud to be rated Outstanding for Caring by the CQC and are committed to creating a supportive workplace where everyone can thrive.

We actively support:

• Equality, diversity, and inclusion
• Staff networks and buddy systems for new starters
• A Disability Confident Level 3 and Veteran Aware environment

Visa Sponsorship Information

This role may be eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship, subject to meeting UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) requirements, including skill level, salary thresholds, and role-specific criteria.

Applicants must evidence a minimum of 2 years’ experience as a Band 3 HCA within the NHS to meet sponsorship salary requirements

Applicants using a Graduate visa must have at least 18 months remaining at the time of application

Further guidance can be found at:
https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

NHS or NHS primary care experience or internationally educated nurse/midwife/doctor with recent acute hospital experience

• Care Certificate from an Ofqual-regulated awarding organisation
• Ability to demonstrate Level 3 equivalent competence through a portfolio and/or professional discussion
• Basic IT skills, including use of electronic patient record systems
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work effectively within a team and follow delegated instructions
• Evidence of ongoing development in equality and diversity awareness

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in outpatient, pre-operative, or surgical settings
• Previous training in observations, sample collection, or patient screening
• Knowledge of infection prevention and control principles
• Level 3 Diploma or Apprenticeship in Clinical Healthcare Support (or equivalent)
• GCSEs or Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths and English

Apprenticeship standards:
https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

Safeguarding & Pre-Employment Checks

This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.