Job summary
- Main area
- Ophthalmology
- Grade
- NHS AfC: Band 3
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Part time - 28.5 hours per week (3 days across Mon-Fri (8-6/9-7), Occasional rotation Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday at Princess Royal Hospital)
- Job ref
- 279-7421286-OCT25
- Employer
- 279 University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Sussex Eye Hospital with Occasional Travel to Princess Royal Hospital
- Town
- Brighton
- Salary
- £24,937 - £26,598 per anum
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 02/11/2025 23:59
Employer heading
Senior Healthcare Assistant (OPD)
NHS AfC: Band 3
About our Trust
At UHSussex we’re proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of the UK’s largest acute trusts, we’re a leading example of the excellence, the ambition and the values that have embodied the NHS for over 70 years.
Our hard-working, talented and dedicated people work together towards a common goal – to deliver Excellent Care Everywhere for our patients, our people and our communities. Whatever your role here at UHSussex you will play a part in driving us forwards and in improving the lives of patients across Sussex.
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us deliver Excellent Care Everywhere. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We value compassion, inclusion and respect as our core values. We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our wellbeing programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
As part of our commitment to access for all, please see the different ways you can access the application form: https://apps.trac.jobs/accessibility?_ts=1
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Job overview
This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route however sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds, and any role-specific criteria. Applicants for the Senior HCA role must be able to evidence a minimum of 2 years’ experience in the same role (Band 3 HCA within the NHS) to meet the salary requirements to qualify for sponsorship.
To work as a Senior Ophthalmic Health Care Assistant under the supervision of Staff Nurses and Sister, predominantly within the OPD service, but with the skills to rotate to all areas of ophthalmology as required. To set up clinics, carry out and record Visual Acuity, Intra ocular pressure measurement, Auto-refraction, Foci meter, Visual Field Testing, occasional venepuncture and cannulation and to assist in Minor operation and Intravitreal injection clinics.
Main duties of the job
This role supports the ophthalmic team in outpatient clinics, assisting with visual acuities, patient flow, and clinical procedures. Key responsibilities include conducting visual field tests, instilling eye drops, performing hand held tonometry, and recording vital signs like blood pressure, temperature, and blood glucose. The post-holder will assist with routine tasks such as venepuncture, cannulation, urinalysis, and wight measurement . Supervision of junior staff and training of new team members are expected. The role also involves administrative tasks like assisting in direction where to book appointments, managing patient transport, and supporting patient inside the department.
The job includes assisting in minor ophthalmic procedures, ensuring correct eye drops administration, maintaining patient comfort, and adhering to infection control protocols. The post-holder is responsible for supporting patient care, including personal hygiene, feeding, mobility assistance, and communication support, ensuring patient dignity and privacy. Effective communication with patients, families, and multidisciplinary teams is essential.
Staff development is a key focus, with duties including mentoring junior colleagues and ensuring a positive, non-discriminatory work environment. The role may involve other duties aligned with the team's needs. Flexibility is expected as the job description evolves to meet service requirements.
Working for our organisation
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
Candidate Pack https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/resources/candidate-information-pack/
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see attached document for further information regarding the job description and main responsibilities.
Person specification
Essential and Desirable
Essential criteria
- Substantive experience within ophthalmology speciality
- Teamwork/Leadership Experience
- Evidence of completed Band 2 competencies in Ophthalmology
- Evidence of Level 3 Diploma in Clinical healthcare Support, Health & Social Care or relevant equivalent qualification
- Care Certificate from a Ofqual regulated awarding organisation
- Able to travel across sites (SEH, PRH, HPC)
- Understanding of the hospital environment and of a patient centred approach to care and teamwork.
- Understanding of visual acuity, visual fields testing, using auto refraction, to assist in minor operations and intra vitreal injections, accurate use of focimeter, record patient’s blood pressure, pulse, respiration, temperature, blood glucose, take bloods, Electrocardiogram
- NHS experience or NHS primary care experience is required or an internationally educated nurse/midwife/doctor who has worked in an acute NHS Trust within recent years.
Desirable criteria
- Evidence of completed Band 2 competencies in general areas/ward
- Venepuncture and Cannulation
- Evidence of personal development in the Band 2 role
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential criteria
- Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
- Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role)
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Application numbers
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Janelene Galindo-Evangelista
- Job title
- Nurse Manager
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 01273 696955
- Additional information
extension 63495
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