Job summary
Haemoglobinopathy Health Care Assistant (Adults)
Band 3 (part time ) Hours: 22.5 per week
The position is for three 7.5-hour days, though we're happy to discuss spreading the hours over more days if that suits the right candidate.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a committed and enthusiastic Band 3 Support Worker to join the Haemoglobinopathy Service at Milton Keynes University Hospital. This role is an integral part of our specialist Red Cell team, providing care and support to patients living with haemoglobin disorders such as sickle cell disease and thalassaemia.
As part of this role, you will work closely with the Haemoglobinopathy Nurse Specialists to assist with both the clinical and administrative aspects of the service. You will support patients attending Red Cell Exchange clinics, help prepare clinic spaces, and assist in the coordination of care before, during and after procedures. The role also includes performing venepuncture and collecting blood samples, with full training and support provided if required.
You will be a key contact for patients and their families, helping to answer basic queries, signpost to appropriate services, and escalate concerns where necessary. In addition, you will contribute to maintaining accurate patient records, coordinating appointments, tracking care pathways and supporting audit and data collection work to aid service improvement.
This role cannot be sponsored.
Interview date: 11 December 2025
Main duties of the job
We care We communicate We collaborate We contribute
"- NHS Survey, 2024'' 94% feel that their role makes a difference to patience and service users.
This is a varied and rewarding role within a growing service that supports a unique and important patient group.
If you are a motivated and compassionate healthcare support worker, with a keen interest in haematology or long-term conditions, we would love to hear from you. You'll be part of a supportive and multidisciplinary team working to deliver high-quality, patient-centred care across both inpatient and outpatient settings.
We reserve the right to close posts early if we receive a sufficient volume of applications. Unfortunately only short listed applicants will be contacted. Candidates with a disability that meet the minimum criteria will be guaranteed an interview. Disclosure and Baring Service Checks may be required for new employees.
We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Please apply early as the job is likely to close very quickly once the maximum number of applicants is reached.
About us
Milton Keynes University Hospital, in proud partnership with the University of Buckingham, is a University Teaching Hospital committed to advancing patient care through cutting-edge research and education. With a "Good" rating from the CQC and significant investment underway, this is an exciting time to join our team and grow your career.
As a medium sized general hospital, we provide a full range of general medical and surgical services, including a busy Emergency Department, Maternity, and Paediatrics. As the population of our city and surrounding areas continues to grow rapidly, we are expanding and enhancing our facilities to meet rising demand and improve access to care for all our communities.
We are also proud to offer a growing portfolio of specialist services. In January 2025 we opened our state-of-the-art Radiotherapy Centre, bringing advanced cancer treatment closer to home. Our services also include neonatology, specialist surgical care, and a wide range of diagnostics, supported by the new Community Diagnostic Centre at Whitehouse Health Centre.
Further investment is underway, including the construction of Oak Wards - a new ward block featuring two 24-bed wards - and the recently approved Women and Children's Centre, set to open by 2030.
Visit our website to explore the latest news and opportunities at MKUH - News - Milton Keynes University Hospital -
For further information about Milton Keynes please visit - Visit Milton Keynes
Job description
Job responsibilities
Clinical Support:
Assist in the delivery of Red Cell Exchange clinics, preparing patients and supporting clinical staff during procedures.
Perform venepuncture and safely transport/collect blood samples in line with trust policies.
Support monitoring and follow-up of patients attending the service, including observations and documentation.
Assist with patient education and basic clinical queries within your competence.
Administrative Support:
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records and assist with data entry for patient tracking systems.
- Support the service with administrative tasks including scheduling appointments, managing clinic lists, and preparing documentation.
Communication & Coordination:
- Act as a point of contact for patients, providing clear information and escalating queries appropriately.
- Liaise with the wider multidisciplinary team to ensure seamless patient care and coordination.
- Assist with follow-up calls and patient reminders to improve clinic attendance and outcomes.
Professional behaviour and team work
- To act at all times in a professional and courteous manner.
- To ensure compliance with mandatory training.
- To participate in the Trusts appraisal system be involved in continuous development, keeping up to date knowledge on the Healthcare Assistants role.
- To participate in department meetings as appropriate.
- To uphold the Trust Values.
- To promote the importance of good clinical practice throughout the ward/department, acting as an ambassador for high standards and good patient care at all times.
Please refer to the job description for further details.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Clinical Support:
Assist in the delivery of Red Cell Exchange clinics, preparing patients and supporting clinical staff during procedures.
Perform venepuncture and safely transport/collect blood samples in line with trust policies.
Support monitoring and follow-up of patients attending the service, including observations and documentation.
Assist with patient education and basic clinical queries within your competence.
Administrative Support:
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records and assist with data entry for patient tracking systems.
- Support the service with administrative tasks including scheduling appointments, managing clinic lists, and preparing documentation.
Communication & Coordination:
- Act as a point of contact for patients, providing clear information and escalating queries appropriately.
- Liaise with the wider multidisciplinary team to ensure seamless patient care and coordination.
- Assist with follow-up calls and patient reminders to improve clinic attendance and outcomes.
Professional behaviour and team work
- To act at all times in a professional and courteous manner.
- To ensure compliance with mandatory training.
- To participate in the Trusts appraisal system be involved in continuous development, keeping up to date knowledge on the Healthcare Assistants role.
- To participate in department meetings as appropriate.
- To uphold the Trust Values.
- To promote the importance of good clinical practice throughout the ward/department, acting as an ambassador for high standards and good patient care at all times.
Please refer to the job description for further details.
Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge
Essential
- GCSE level or Functional Skills in Maths & English or equivalent knowledge
- NVQ Level 3 or equivalent experience
- NHS CARE Certificate
- Knowledge of personal care and activities of daily living
- Awareness of importance of infection prevention & control
- Understanding of the importance of safe working practices
- Understanding of the role of a Healthcare Assistant
Desirable
- Studying Nursing or Midwifery or similar at university
- Awareness of NHS policies
- Assessors training/certificate
- Knowledge of haemoglobinopathy patient pathway
Experience
Essential
- Experience working in a care setting
- Experience of working in a team
Desirable
- Previous NHS experience
- Experience in supporting junior staff
- Previous experience working with patients with cancer or complex needs.
- Experience in haematology.
Skills
Essential
- Ability to demonstrate commitment to high standards of care
- Accurate record keeping
- Ability to work under pressure
- Ability to prioritise tasks effectively at short notice
- Caring in a professional manner towards patients and their relatives.
- Confident in recognising the need for escalation
- Good time management
- Ability to induct, support, assess and develop junior members of staff.
- Ability to undertake clinical observations and tasks including phlebotomy
Desirable
Personal and people development
Essential
- Commitment to Safeguarding
- Presents a professional appearance
- Ability to work within a team
- Self-motivated and enthusiastic
- Commitment to working in a caring environment with people of all ages
Communication
Essential
- Clear spoken and written English
- Able to show care, empathy and respect to patients and their families
- Able to communicate with team members, carrying out instructions and feeding back information.
- Able to record care provided using MKUH documentation and complying with MKUH policies and guidelines.
- Able to feedback to staff on safe and effective practice.
Desirable
- Able to feedback on assessments undertaken.
Specific requirements
Essential
- Able to perform the duties of the post with reasonable aids and adaptations.
Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge
Essential
- GCSE level or Functional Skills in Maths & English or equivalent knowledge
- NVQ Level 3 or equivalent experience
- NHS CARE Certificate
- Knowledge of personal care and activities of daily living
- Awareness of importance of infection prevention & control
- Understanding of the importance of safe working practices
- Understanding of the role of a Healthcare Assistant
Desirable
- Studying Nursing or Midwifery or similar at university
- Awareness of NHS policies
- Assessors training/certificate
- Knowledge of haemoglobinopathy patient pathway
Experience
Essential
- Experience working in a care setting
- Experience of working in a team
Desirable
- Previous NHS experience
- Experience in supporting junior staff
- Previous experience working with patients with cancer or complex needs.
- Experience in haematology.
Skills
Essential
- Ability to demonstrate commitment to high standards of care
- Accurate record keeping
- Ability to work under pressure
- Ability to prioritise tasks effectively at short notice
- Caring in a professional manner towards patients and their relatives.
- Confident in recognising the need for escalation
- Good time management
- Ability to induct, support, assess and develop junior members of staff.
- Ability to undertake clinical observations and tasks including phlebotomy
Desirable
Personal and people development
Essential
- Commitment to Safeguarding
- Presents a professional appearance
- Ability to work within a team
- Self-motivated and enthusiastic
- Commitment to working in a caring environment with people of all ages
Communication
Essential
- Clear spoken and written English
- Able to show care, empathy and respect to patients and their families
- Able to communicate with team members, carrying out instructions and feeding back information.
- Able to record care provided using MKUH documentation and complying with MKUH policies and guidelines.
- Able to feedback to staff on safe and effective practice.
Desirable
- Able to feedback on assessments undertaken.
Specific requirements
Essential
- Able to perform the duties of the post with reasonable aids and adaptations.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
