HCA - Hospital Health Care Assistants

Job Title: Health Care Assistant

Location: London & the South East

Job Type: Part-Time Weekends and Occasional Weekdays

Salary: Competitive Daily Rates

About The Surgical Consortium:

We work with NHS Trusts to identify opportunities to reduce their surgical waiting lists through the utilisation of Trust infrastructure and our British trained and NHS registered surgeons and clinical staff. We offer a wide range of clinical specialties and wraparound care support services within our innovative insourcing model.

The Role:

We are seeking dedicated and proactive Theatre Health Care Assistants to join our dynamic surgical teams. Successful candidates will provide essential support within the operating theatre, assisting surgeons, anaesthetists, and nurses in delivering high-quality patient care before, during, and after surgical procedures.

Key Responsibilities:

Pre-Operative Support:

• Prepare the operating theatre and ensure all necessary equipment and instruments are sterile and ready for use.
• Assist in positioning and draping patients for surgery.
• Ensure that all surgical supplies are adequately stocked and available.

Intra-Operative Support:

• Assist the surgical team during procedures by passing instruments, supplies, and equipment.
• Maintain a sterile environment in the operating theatre.
• Monitor the patient’s vital signs and report any abnormalities to the nursing or surgical staff.
• Help in the handling and care of surgical specimens.

Post-Operative Support:

• Assist in the transfer of patients from the operating theatre to recovery areas.
• Help with the cleaning and restocking of the operating theatre after procedures.
• Ensure all equipment is cleaned, sterilised, and maintained according to protocols.
• Support the nursing staff in monitoring patients during the immediate post-operative period.

Outpatient Clinic Support: 

* Setting up clinics for the day's list across various specialties 

* Greet patients and help with the general flow 

* Chaperone our Consultants during minor procedures or examinations

General Duties:

• Adhere to infection control policies and procedures.
• Participate in team meetings and training sessions as required.
• Provide compassionate care and support to patients and their families.

Qualifications:

• GCSE’s or equivalent in English and Maths
• NVQ or BTEC in Health and Social Care or equivalent
• Additional training and certifications are an advantage

Experience:

• Previous experience in a hospital setting - must have experience either in clinics or operating theatres. 
• Familiarity with surgical instruments and procedures.

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
• Attention to detail and a high level of accuracy.
• Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Working Conditions:

• Must be able to work weekends
• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting and moving patients and equipment.
• Exposure to potentially infectious materials and hazardous chemicals.
• Must be able to stand for long periods and work in a sterile environment.

This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position and does not encompass all responsibilities and tasks that may be required. Duties may vary depending on the specific needs of the healthcare facility.

We are an equal-opportunity employer and welcome applications from all qualified individuals.