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Job summary

Main area
Healthcare Support Worker
Grade
Band 3
Contract
Permanent
Hours
  • Full time
  • Part time
37.5 hours per week
Job ref
387-S4795-GW
Employer
Bristol NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
Bristol Eye Hospital
Town
Bristol
Salary
£25,760 - £27,476 pa, pro rota
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
10/09/2026 23:59

Employer heading

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust logo

Senior Healthcare Support Worker - Outpatients Department

Band 3

North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) have merged as of 1st July 2026 to become Bristol NHS Foundation Trust. This will create an exciting future that brings together the best of both organisations. As a single, strong and sustainable organisation, we will not only be able to deliver better outcomes for our patients and fairer care for our population, but it will also provide greater opportunities for our people.

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust recognise the value of a healthy work-life balance. When applying, speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate flexible working, so your work life fits around your home life.

We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates as they are under-represented within the Trust.

Our job adverts may close as soon as sufficient applications have been received. Considering this, if you are interested in this role, please do apply as soon as you can.

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) describes algorithms that can be used to produce new content, including audio, code, images, text, simulations, and videos. It is developing all the time and is now being used as a support mechanism for all kinds of content-based creations. Please note the use of AI is monitored and if applicants have used it then they are required to declare this.


 

Job overview

Are you a qualified and experienced Senior Healthcare Support Worker (SHCSW) looking for a new challenge?

The H305 Preoperative Assessment Unit at Bristol Eye Hospital is seeking an experienced Healthcare Support Worker (HCSW) to join our dedicated team. This role offers an excellent work-life balance, with working hours of Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 17:00, with no nights, weekends, or Bank Holiday working.

The successful candidate will support patients attending for preoperative assessment prior to undergoing eye surgery. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, you will be responsible for carrying out a range of clinical duties including ECGs, phlebotomy, calculation of BMI, and recording general observations, ensuring patients are safely prepared for surgery.

Whilst previous HCSW experience is essential, full training will be provided in specialist ophthalmic assessment procedures including Visual Acuity testing, Biometry, and Intraocular Pressure (IOP) measurements.

Working at Bristol Eye Hospital can be busy, demanding and at times challenging, requiring excellent communication skills, compassion, adaptability, and the ability to work effectively under pressure. In return, staff benefit from working within a supportive team environment and have access to a comprehensive staff wellbeing programme, promoting health, resilience, and work-life balance.

 

Main duties of the job

A SHCSW will be expected to undertake a range of duties under the direction of and will be required to report back on those delegated duties to a Registered Nurse. This role requires basic IT skills, problem-solving and liaising with other members of the multidisciplinary team.

Practice safe standards or care following Bristol Foundation Trust  guidelines and policies within the scope of the SHCSW Role.

You will be working alongside Doctors, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Allied Health Professionals and other professions.

We’re a social and fun team that is constantly celebrating each other’s success and where everyone supports one another.

Our supportive team-working culture will empower you to build professional relationships with your patients and their family as you follow their progress closely.

Working for our organisation

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust brings together more than 28,000 staff to deliver over 160 clinical services across thirteen hospital locations, operating from three main sites at Southmead, Bristol city centre and Weston. 

With an annual turnover of £2.3 billion, we are now one of the largest NHS trusts in the United Kingdom. Our hospitals are spread across Bristol and Weston, join us and you can enjoy the very best of both worlds; city living within a stone’s throw of the countryside or beside the seaside, both with easy access to all that the South West has to offer. Bristol NHS Foundation Trust values all people as individuals. As an equal opportunities employer actively working towards a diverse workforce we aim to recruit and retain a workforce which represents the rich diversity of the local population at all levels and are committed to designing our services around the needs of individual patients and those around them. Anonymous information will be used from your application in order to ensure we’re meeting our pledge.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Full details are provided in the attached Job Description

- We are currently receiving high volumes of applications for all our HCSW roles. Please ensure that you state in the supporting information why you would like to work in BEH  and what you can bring to these specialised roles.

- We do not support AI in applications, if this is suspected you will be rejected.

- Previous applicants need not apply.

Applications will be reviewed through a shortlisting process, after which shortlisted candidates will be contacted regarding the next stage of recruitment.

Person specification

Skills and Abilities

Essential criteria
  • Effective and appropriate communication skills both written and verbal
  • Able to complete appropriate documentation accurately
  • Demonstrate an awareness of healthcare work and policies and procedures
  • Committed to providing high quality patient care
  • Ability to work with minimum supervision to a high standard
  • IT skills, basic word, Email, keyboard skills
  • Ability and willingness to undertake appropriate training within given time frames
  • Able to demonstrate calm, caring patient manner / attitude
  • Enthusiasm and commitment to working within the healthcare setting
  • Able to meet the physical and developmental demands of the role
Desirable criteria
  • Previous NHS experience

Knowledge and Experience

Essential criteria
  • Experience of providing care in a healthcare or social setting
  • Be able to work as a member of a team
  • Experience of time management and prioritising work
  • Understands and committed to a caring approach to patients & relatives

Qualifications and Training

Essential criteria
  • One of the following; Level 3 (SCQF – 6): - City and Guilds 3  NVQ 3  BTEC National Diploma  Experience equivalent to the above qualifications
  • Level 2 Functional skills in English and Math’s, or equivalent
  • Completion of Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support (that maps to the Apprenticeship Standard for Senior Health Care Support Worker)  Equivalent experience

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Trust IDDisability Confident - two yearsVeteran AwareApprenticeships logoNo smoking policyAge positiveCare quality commission - GoodMindful employer.  Being positive about mental health.Disability confident employerNHS Pastoral CareStep into healthMenopause Workplace PledgeDefence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) - GoldPride In Veterans

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.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Francisco Jose Fernandez Valdes
Job title
Ward manager/ Charge Nurse
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
01173427130

If you have problems applying, contact

Address
University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust
Telephone
0117 3425000 (option 1 )
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