Bank Health Care Assistant - Ward/ Theatres

Job description

Job responsibilities

Job Title: Health Care Assistant (Theatre and Ward)

Location:Optimised Care, Elective Surgical Hospital 31 inpatient beds, 4 operating theatres Specialties: General Surgery, Orthopaedics, Gynaecology, ENT, Plastics, Urology Reports to: Theatre Manager / Ward Sister / Clinical Lead Nurse Salary Band:Hourly Negotiable rate Contract Type:Bank

Job Summary

The Health Care Assistant (HCA) will provide high-quality, compassionate support to patients throughout their elective surgical journey, assisting the multidisciplinary team both in the operating theatres and on the surgical ward. The role involves delivering safe, patient-centred care before, during, and after surgery, ensuring comfort, dignity, and efficiency in all aspects of the patient experience.

• Assist in preparing patients for surgery, including pre-operative checks, mobility support, and personal care.

• Support theatre staff with patient positioning, transfer, and preparation of the operating environment.

• Maintain cleanliness and availability of equipment, ensuring infection control standards are met.

• Assist scrub and circulating staff as directed, maintaining aseptic technique at all times.

• Provide post-operative care under supervision, including vital signs monitoring, hygiene needs, and mobility assistance.

• Support safe discharge planning by reinforcing patient information and ensuring readiness for home recovery.

• Deliver person-centred care in line with hospital values, maintaining dignity, privacy, and respect at all times.

• Act as a reassuring presence for patients undergoing elective procedures, relaying concerns promptly to registered staff.

• Contribute to effective communication within the multidisciplinary team, attending briefings and debriefs as required.

• Assist with stock control, restocking clinical areas, and safe disposal of consumables.

• Accurately document care activities and observations in patients records or electronic systems.

• Support the smooth flow of patients between theatres, recovery, and wards.

• Adhere to all hospital and statutory health and safety policies, including manual handling and infection prevention.

Essential:

• Care Certificate or equivalent experience in a hospital or clinical setting.

• Knowledge of basic clinical care procedures and infection control.

• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.

• Commitment to maintaining high standards of patient care and confidentiality.

Desirable:

• Previous experience in a surgical ward or operating theatre.

• Basic understanding of surgical instruments or perioperative care pathways.

• NVQ Level 2/3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent.

• Compassionate and empathetic.

• Reliable, adaptable, and able to manage changing priorities.

• Good communication and interpersonal skills.

• Calm under pressure and attentive to detail.

• Ad-hoc covering early, late, and weekend shifts as required across ward and theatre departments.

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

• One year health care experience

Qualifications

Essential

• GCSE English and Maths A to C

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.

Employer details

Employer name

Optimised Care Ltd

Address

Stoney Lane

Bromsgrove

Birmingham

West Midlands

B60 1LY

Employer's website

https://optimisedcare.com/ (Opens in a new tab)