Job summary
- Main area
- Dermatology
- Grade
- NHS AfC: Band 3
- Contract
- Permanent: Patch Healthcare Assistance
- Hours
- Full time - 37.5 hours per week
- Job ref
- 381-CT-7751957
- Employer
- Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- City Health Campus
- Town
- birmingham
- Salary
- £25,760 - £27,476 pa
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 22/06/2026 23:59
Employer heading
Senior Health Care Assistant
NHS AfC: Band 3
Here at Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust we’re committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse workforce and we welcome applications from all parts of the community. We are committed to having a team that is made up of diverse skills, experiences and abilities whilst employing people to our organisation who meet our Trust values of ambition, respect and compassion. With the opening of our new hospital, Midland Metropolitan University Hospital, it’s the coming together of expertise from every corner of our organisation and a show of our commitment to provide better healthcare and create more jobs and so much more. We at the Trust actively encourage Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) and disabled applicants, as well as members of the armed forces community and value the positive impact that difference has on our teams. We are committed to equality and diversity within our workforce.
Job overview
The Dermatology Patch Test Technician plays a key role in supporting dermatologists and specialist nurses in the delivery of the cutaneous allergy patch testing services. This role involves preparing, applying, and removing standardized allergen patch tests, monitoring patients during the testing process, and recording accurate clinical data. The technician ensures that patients are supported throughout their care pathway, contributing to the safe, effective, and high-quality management of suspected contact dermatitis and related skin conditions.
Main duties of the job
Prepare, apply, and remove dermatology patch test chambers in line with clinical protocols.
Provide clear instructions and support to patients before, during, and after testing.
Monitor patients for any adverse reactions and promptly report concerns to the clinical team.
Accurately document test details and outcomes in patient records.
Ensure patch testing equipment and materials are prepared, maintained, and stored safely.
Work collaboratively with dermatologists, nurses, and administrative staff to deliver an efficient and high-quality service.
Uphold infection prevention, confidentiality, and patient safety standards at all times.
Working for our organisation
Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust (SWB) serves Birmingham and the Black Country – one of the country’s most culturally diverse areas. It’s a friendly and welcoming place – a place where you can belong, and a place where you can grow.
We care for our patients, we care about our population, and we care about our people.
Our values – Ambition, Respect and Compassion – are at the heart of who we are. They guide us every step of the way; how we work with each other, and how we look after our patients and their families; how we respect and value the rich diversity of our team and our community.
Our Trust has always aspired to be more than a hospital, more than a healthcare provider. Our purpose is to “Improve the Life Chances and Health Outcomes of our Population.” It is what inspires, drives, and unites us every day. It’s what makes us unique.
We want working at SWB to feel like more than just a job. We want our Trust to be a place where you can feel you belong. A place where you feel happy, safe, and rewarded. A place where you can develop your career in whatever way you choose. When we say we’re ‘with you all the way’ we want you to know that we mean it. Visit the SWB website to find out more about our ambitions and people plans.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The Healthcare Assistant (HCA) will support the dermatology team in the safe and effective delivery of the cutaneous allergys/patch testing service, a specialist diagnostic pathway used to identify allergic contact dermatitis. The post‑holder will assist with all stages of patch testing, including preparation, application, reading support, documentation and patient education. All work must be carried out in line with British Dermatological Nursing Group (BDNG) Best Practice Guidelines and the BAD/BSCA Cutaneous Allergy Service Standards.
The role requires excellent attention to detail, strong communication skills, and the ability to work within clear clinical boundaries while recognising when to escalate concerns to registered professionals.
Prepare patch test materials, allergens, chambers and equipment according to BDNG best‑practice procedures. Review patient information, confirm appointment schedule (Day 0, Day 2, Day 4 and Day 7 if appropriate), and ensure patients meet safety criteria for testing (e.g. no recent sun exposure leading to sun tan). Ensure the patch testing clinical area is organised, clean and compliant with infection‑prevention standards.
Person specification
Knowledge and understanding
Essential criteria
- Basic understanding of contact dermatitis, allergens, and the purpose of patch testing (including common allergens such as metals, preservatives, perfumes, and rubber).
- Awareness of indications and contraindications for patch testing, including conditions where testing must not proceed (e.g. extensive eczema on the back, recent sun exposure and systemic steroids >10 mg prednisolone/day).
- Ability to prepare, apply and secure patch test chambers accurately using hypoallergenic tape and correctly mark test sites.
- Ability to observe, recognise and accurately record positive, negative, irritant and doubtful reactions during readings.
- Ability to provide clear, consistent patient advice before, during and after patch testing (e.g., avoiding moisturisers, keeping the back dry, avoiding heavy activity or sun exposure).
- Ability to assess and document patient‑reported concerns, late reactions and product‑related issues.
- Commitment to safe practice, accurate documentation, and adherence to infection‑prevention and data‑handling standards.
Desirable criteria
- Previous experience working in a dermatology clinic or allergy‑related service.
- Experience supporting patients with chronic skin conditions.
- Knowledge of dermatology‑related products, workplace chemicals, or COSHH information.
qualifications,
Essential criteria
- Evidence of completion or willingness to undertake formal training in patch testing, delivered under supervision from an experienced practitioner (e.g., Consultant Dermatologist or Dermatology CNS).
- Willingness to work within local and national dermatology quality standards, including completion of competency tools (e.g., DOPS, mini‑CEX) as outlined by BDNG.
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
- Marisa Thomas
- Job title
- Dermatology Nurse Manager
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 01215076890
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