Job summary
Healthcare Assistant (Band 3) - Day Surgery Unit (12-Month Maternity Cover)

Are you a caring, motivated Healthcare Assistant looking for an exciting opportunity in a fast-paced surgical environment? We have a fantastic 12-month maternity cover position within our Day Surgery Unit at Basildon Hospital.

As a Band 3 Healthcare Assistant, you will play a vital role in delivering high-quality, compassionate care to patients undergoing planned day-case and inpatient procedures. Working alongside our experienced nursing team, you will support patients throughout their journey--from admission and preparation for surgery through to recovery and discharge--ensuring every patient receives safe, dignified and person-centred care.

This rewarding role requires excellent communication skills, strong clinical competencies, and the ability to work confidently within established protocols while contributing to a positive patient experience.

Our busy service cares for both adult and paediatric surgical patients. The Day Stay Unit operates Monday to Friday, 7:00am-10:00pm, while the Elective Admission Lounge runs from 7:00am-3:30pm, supporting an average of 35 patients each day.

Join our friendly and dedicated team and help deliver outstanding care to patients across Mid and South Essex. We look forward to hearing from you.

Main duties of the job

• Provide high-quality, compassionate care to patients attending day case procedures and the Elective Admissions Lounge, ensuring a positive patient experience throughout their pathway.
• Support patient admissions, preparation and discharge under the direction and supervision of a Registered Nurse.
• Undertake, record and promptly report clinical observations, escalating any concerns in line with Trust policies and procedures.
• Assist patients with personal care needs, mobility and comfort, maintaining dignity, privacy and respect at all times.
• Prepare patients for procedures, including assisting with gown changes, completing pre-procedure checks and ensuring readiness for treatment.
• Accompany and transport patients safely to and from theatre and other clinical areas as required.
• Assist with stock control, equipment checks and maintaining adequate levels of supplies to support the smooth running of the service.
• Collect and transport specimens to pathology when required and undertake housekeeper duties in their absence to maintain a safe, clean and organised environment.

About us
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.

Details
Date posted: 19 October 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 2
Salary: £25,272 a year Per Annum (Pro Rata for Part Time)
Contract: Fixed term
Duration: 12 months
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 390-TAC-BAS-7990-A
Job locations: Basildon, Nethermayne, Basildon, SS16 5NL, United Kingdom

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Care Certificate
• NVQ Level 3 or equivalent
• Literacy & Numeracy skills appropriate to the role

Desirable

• Committed to on going learning and development

Knowledge & Experience
Essential

• Effective oral / written communication and interpersonal skills
• Computer Literate
• Experience of providing direct patient care
• Experience working as part of a healthcare team

Desirable

• Experience in an acute hospital or day surgery setting
• Experience of post-operative patient care

Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details
Employer name: Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust
Employer's website: https://www.mse.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)

For questions about the job, contact:
Manager Sindhya Ravindren, Sindhya.Ravindren@nhs.net, 03004436043

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