Job summary
Healthcare Support Worker (HCSW)
Band 2 to Band 3 Development Role
£25,272 - £27,476 per annum pro rata plus additional for working unsocial hours (Weekends and Nights)
Permanent roles or Join our Temporary Staffing Bank/Zero hours | Full Time and Part Time Opportunities Available
Medicine, Surgery (including inpatient wards and outpatient areas)

Do you have a caring and compassionate nature?
Would you like to make a real difference to patients and their families every day?
Milton Keynes University Hospital is looking for caring, motivated and enthusiastic individuals to join our Healthcare Support Worker (HCSW) workforce across our Medical and Surgical divisions.
Whether you already have experience in care or are looking to begin a rewarding NHS career, we would love to hear from you.
As a Healthcare Support Worker, you will play a vital role in supporting patients, families and the wider nursing team. You will be at the heart of patient care, helping people during some of the most vulnerable times in their lives.
'We care We communicate We collaborate We contribute'

Please note: We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.
Interview date: 19 November 2026

Main duties of the job
About the Role
As an HCSW, your role will be dynamic, diverse and highly rewarding. No two days are the same, while the role can be busy, you will always be part of a supportive team committed to delivering outstanding patient care.
Watch our Healthcare Assistant careers video and hear from current staff about why they chose MKUH and the difference they make every day - https://youtu.be/vkRPNnLF5X4?si=RCHtbjt28SDn1T-I
Working alongside Registered Nurses and other healthcare professionals, your duties may include:

• Assisting patients with daily living activities such as eating, washing, showering and dressing
• Supporting patients with mobility and helping them move safely around the ward
• Preparing patients for tests, procedures and investigations
• Making beds and maintaining a clean, safe and comfortable environment
• Recording and documenting care and tasks accurately
• Undertaking patient observations, including blood pressure, pulse, temperature and oxygen saturation monitoring
• Monitoring blood glucose levels
• Escorting and transferring patients to other departments
• Supporting patient admissions and discharges
• Supporting specialty clinics and procedures
• Providing reassurance, emotional support and practical assistance to patients and their families
• Working closely with nurses and other healthcare professionals to meet patients' individual needs

About us
Milton Keynes University Hospital, in proud partnership with the University of Buckingham, is a University Teaching Hospital committed to advancing patient care through cutting-edge research and education. With a "Good" rating from the CQC and significant investment underway, this is an exciting time to join our team and grow your career.
As a medium sized general hospital, we provide a full range of general medical and surgical services, including a busy Emergency Department, Maternity, and Paediatrics. As the population of our city and surrounding areas continues to grow rapidly, we are expanding and enhancing our facilities to meet rising demand and improve access to care for all our communities.
We are also proud to offer a growing portfolio of specialist services. In January 2025 we opened our state-of-the-art Radiotherapy Centre, bringing advanced cancer treatment closer to home. Our services also include neonatology, specialist surgical care, and a wide range of diagnostics, supported by the new Community Diagnostic Centre at Whitehouse Health Centre. We have just opened the Oak Wards - a new ward block featuring two 24-bed wards.
Further investment is underway, including the recently approved Women and Children's Centre, set to open by 2030.
Visit our website to explore the latest news and opportunities at MKUH - News - Milton Keynes University Hospital.
For further information about Milton Keynes please visit - Visit Milton Keynes

Details
Date posted: 15 October 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 2
Salary: £25,272 to £27,476 a year per annum pro rata
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time, Flexible working
Reference number: 430-MED26-911A HCSY

Job responsibilities
Every interaction you have will help make a difference to a patient's experience, ensuring they receive the care, dignity and support they need when it matters most.
Previous healthcare experience is helpful but not essential. What matters most is that you are kind, caring, compassionate and committed to helping others.
We will provide the training and support you need to succeed.
Once in post you will undertake a comprehensive induction programme, you will receive ongoing support and development, including completion of the NHS Care Certificate and other clinical competencies.
Start your career with us and grow with us.
If you do not already hold the NHS Care Certificate, you will be appointed at Band 2 and will be required to successfully complete the Care Certificate within your first 12 weeks of employment.
Following successful completion of the Care Certificate and your 6-month probationary period, you will progress to Band 3, subject to satisfactory completion of all required competencies and probationary standards.
Would you like to join the team and start a career where you can make a difference?
Apply now!
Please refer to attached Job Descriptions for further information.

Person Specification
Qualifications and Knowledge (Essential)

• GCSE level or Functional Skills in Maths & English or equivalent knowledge
• CARE Certificate

Experience (Essential)

• Experience working in a care setting

Experience (Desirable)

• Previous NHS experience

Skills (Essential)

• Caring in a professional manner

Personal and people development (Essential)

• Self-motivated and enthusiastic
• Commitment to working in a caring environment with people of all ages

Communication (Essential)

• Clear spoken and written English
• Able to show care, empathy and respect to patients and their families

Specific Requirements (Essential)

• Able to perform the duties of the post with reasonable aids and adaptions

Milton Keynes Hospital Standards (Essential)

• Treat everyone with respect, courtesy and kindness

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: Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Inpatient and Outpatients Wards, Milton Keynes, MK6 5LD, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.mkuh.nhs.uk/working-at-mkuh

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact: Safe Staffing Matron, Emma Thorne, emma.thorne@mkuh.nhs.uk

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