Job overview

Are you passionate about delivering compassionate, patient-centred care? Do you want to make a real difference as part of a friendly and supportive team? If so, we’d love to hear from you!

We are currently recruiting for a Band 3 health care support worker to work in our large post anaesthetic care unit that provides a 24/7 service caring for a wide range of specialties both in day case and major surgery. We recover Elective & Emergency surgery and cover Emergency surgery care out of hours on this site. We work a range of differing shifts mainly 10 hours long 7 days a week.

We cover many disciplines from, Obstetrics, Vascular, Upper and lower GI, Robotic surgery, Gynaecology, Head & Neck, Trauma & Spinal surgery in Adults and Paediatrics. We also care for the level 2 high dependency surgical patients prior to admission to Critical Care. On average our patient throughput may be 40 – 60 patients a day and every day is different. 

You will be joining a welcoming and motivated team, dedicated to supporting you throughout your development. Successful candidates will receive an induction programme covering all PACU specialties.

Main duties of the job

- To contribute to safe and timely patient transfer process within and out of theatres

- To greet surgical patients in the preoperative area, reviewing theatre paperwork and ensuring all documents are met for surgery

- To contribute to the recovery efficiency through active engagement in the movement and delivery of patients, equipment and stock as required

- To provide personal care to patients to help make them feel safe and cared for

- Ability to get on well with people at all levels and work effectively as a team member

- To communicate effectively, especially where patient ability to do so is compromised and there are barriers to understanding e.g. hearing difficulties, using tact, persuasion and re-assurance

- Occasionally the job holder may be exposed to distressing or emotional circumstances

- Take an active role in theatre/recovery decontamination in line with infection control policies

- Discretion and understanding of confidentiality and data protection

- Understand and adhere to Trust Policies and Procedures

- Provide advice and guidance within own sphere of knowledge to other team members

- Willingness to be involved in the development and training of new starters once competent and confident in the role of a HCSW within a theatre team.

Working for our organisation

We take pride in placing people at the centre of everything we do, working together as a united team. Driven by a shared ambition to continually grow, develop, and learn, we recognise and value every contribution. By combining our experience and skills, we not only support our vibrant, diverse communities, but also support one another.

With a team of over 9,000 employees, we are proud to be the largest employer in Gloucestershire and rank among the top 10 largest Trusts in the South West region. By joining our Trust, you will benefit from an excellent package that includes exclusive benefits, flexible working opportunities and the chance to gain valuable experience in one or both of our innovative hospitals.

As well as generous annual leave allowance, you will have access to the excellent NHS pension scheme, competitive bank rates, discounts at local shops and restaurants, access to two on-site nurseries, discounted public transport, reward and recognition and a range of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.