Job Description
About the Role
University Hospitals Dorset is recruiting Health Care Support Workers to join the Medicine teams at Royal Bournemouth Hospital. This is a rewarding opportunity for compassionate, motivated individuals who want to make a genuine difference to patients during their hospital stay.
You will support adults aged 16 and over, delivering hands-on care in a respectful, non-judgemental, and person-centred way. You will work closely with registered healthcare professionals and become part of a supportive, multidisciplinary team where kindness, dignity, and teamwork matter.
This role is ideal for someone who is organised, calm under pressure, and committed to providing high-quality care while building strong working relationships with colleagues and patients.
Service Transformation & Future Developments
UHD is undergoing an exciting period of transformation as part of the New Hospital Programme. In Summer 2026, many Medicine and Respiratory services will move into the new COAST Building at Royal Bournemouth Hospital — a modern, purpose-built inpatient facility designed to improve patient experience and staff working environments.
Ward allocations are currently under review, and applicants should be aware that their base ward may change as services transition.
Key Responsibilities
Patient Care & Clinical Support
- Deliver compassionate, dignified, and safe care under the supervision of a registered healthcare professional
- Support patients with daily living activities while respecting individual choice and diversity
Undertake delegated clinical duties once appropriately trained, including:
- Venepuncture
- Cannulation
- ECG recording
- Bladder scanning
- Contribute to patient assessments under direct supervision
- Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential documentation
Teamwork & Professional Practice
- Work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team
- Communicate clearly with patients, families, carers, and colleagues
- Follow Trust policies, procedures, and clinical guidelines
- Complete all required training, competencies, and the Care Certificate
- Support practice development within the clinical area
About University Hospitals Dorset
University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust is committed to developing and transforming services to meet future healthcare needs. We actively support equality, diversity, and inclusion through staff networks including Women’s, BAME, Pride, EU, Pro Ability, and Armed Forces groups.
We are proud members of the Disability Confident Scheme and the Armed Forces Covenant, offering guaranteed interviews where criteria are met.
Person Specification
Essential Experience
- Experience working as part of a team under appropriate supervision
- Experience working with the public or a wide range of people
Desirable Experience
- Previous experience in a healthcare, care, or NHS setting
- Basic food handling knowledge
Essential Qualifications
- Good standard of literacy and numeracy
- Completion of the Care Certificate or equivalent competency-based training
- Experience equivalent to Level 3 vocational standard
Desirable Qualifications
- GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Maths
- Short courses related to patient or clinical care
Technical Skills & Competencies
Essential
- Basic IT skills
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively
- Ability to follow instructions and report concerns appropriately
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Desirable
- Venepuncture and cannulation
- ECG recording
- Bladder scanning
- Understanding of basic physiology (vital signs, nutrition, fluid balance)
Personal Attributes
- Kind, patient, and compassionate
- Calm and supportive in challenging situations
- Adaptable and willing to learn
- Respectful of diversity and inclusion
Information on equality and inclusion in healthcare:
 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/equality-act-guidance
- Important Information – Sponsorship & Right to Work
- Applicants must have the right to work in the UK at the time of application.
Right to work guidance:
 https://www.gov.uk/check-job-applicant-right-to-work
Safeguarding & DBS
This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.