Job overview

We are looking for Health Care Assistants to join us as a valued member of the multi-disciplinary team within the Frederick Banting ward (Vascular) , providing safe, high-quality, and compassionate care to all vascular patients. Under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse, the HCA will contribute to the delivery of holistic, person-centred care, supporting patients with complex physical, cognitive, and social needs.

This role involves assisting patients with activities of daily living, mobility, nutrition, personal hygiene, and emotional support, while maintaining dignity, respect, and comfort at all times. The HCA will also play a key role in supporting safe discharge planning, falls prevention, and the management of long-term conditions associated with frailty.

Working in close collaboration with the ward team, the HCA will follow Trust policies and uphold the philosophy of the ward, promoting independence and enhancing the quality of life for older patients. The post-holder will also be expected to communicate effectively with patients, families, and professionals, recognising the unique needs and vulnerabilities of the elderly population.

Ongoing professional development will be supported, with opportunities to expand knowledge and skills in the care of older people in line with the Trust’s career progression framework.

Please note VISA sponsorship is not available for this role. 

Main duties of the job

The Health Care Assistant will support the delivery of safe and effective care to vascular patients by assisting with personal care, mobility, nutrition, and monitoring. They will communicate effectively with patients, families, and the wider multidisciplinary team, escalating concerns appropriately. The HCA will contribute to patient assessments, observe and report changes in condition, and accurately document care delivered.

Under the guidance of registered staff, the HCA will maintain clinical skills such as blood glucose testing, catheter care, and infection control procedures, including care of patients in isolation. They will help maintain ward cleanliness, manage resources efficiently, and ensure equipment is clean and ready for use. The post-holder will also engage in Trust training, audits, and quality improvement initiatives, while promoting a calm, respectful, and supportive environment for both patients and colleagues.

Working for our organisation

Our ambition is to deliver excellent local and specialist services, to improve the health and well being of our patients, and provide a vibrant place for staff to develop, innovate and build careers.

We aim to make the most of our skills and experiences so we can become the best we can be. As one organisation we will recruit the finest and retain more specialist staff due to more employment opportunities across our Trust.

The Mid and South Essex Integrated Care System (ICS) brings together key health, care, community, and voluntary sector organisations from across our area. Our aim is to work together in partnership to join up health and care services, improving our populations health and wellbeing and reducing health inequalities. One such example of this collaborative work is the launch of our HCA Academy, an ICS initiative between Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) and Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust (MSEFT) to support the incoming Health Care assistant (HCA) workforce. The academy models a ‘one workforce’ cross system approach to the onboarding, induction, education, and experience of Healthcare Assistants.

Successful candidates to this role will be able to access the additional support provided by the HCA Academy following their induction with MSEFT. This includes development opportunities, pastoral support, staff rewards and access to HCA exclusive resources such as HCA App.