Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for enthusiastic, motivated and caring individuals to join our busy Operating Theatre Departments as a Healthcare Assistant.

As part of our multidisciplinary team, you will play an important role in supporting patients throughout their perioperative journey, ensuring that high standards of care, dignity and compassion are maintained at all times.

This is a rewarding role within a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same. You will work alongside registered practitioners, surgeons, anaesthetists and theatre support staff across a range of surgical specialities.

We are looking for individuals who:

• Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Are caring, compassionate and patient-focused.
• Can work effectively as part of a team.
• Are organised, reliable and able to prioritise workload.
• Remain calm and professional in a busy environment.
• Have a willingness to learn and develop within perioperative services.

Previous healthcare experience is desirable but not essential as full training and support will be provided.

What We Offer

• Comprehensive induction programme.
• Opportunities for development and career progression.
• A supportive and inclusive team environment.
• Access to a wide range of staff benefits and wellbeing services.
• Flexible working opportunities where service needs allow.

*Please note this post is currently advertised as a Band 2 posistion. A Band 3 role may be offered dependant on your previous experience*

Main duties of the job
The successful candidate will:

• Support patients before and after their surgical procedures.
• Assist with patient transfers and positioning whilst maintaining patient safety and dignity.
• Prepare theatre and clinical areas, ensuring they are clean, stocked and ready for use.
• Assist in maintaining equipment and reporting any faults.
• Undertake routine clinical observations and escalate concerns appropriately.
• Support infection prevention and control standards within the theatre environment.
• Assist the wider theatre team to ensure efficient patient flow and theatre utilisation.
• Provide reassurance and support to patients and relatives where appropriate.

Experience of working in the theatre setting would be advantageous but all necessary skills training and mandatory training as appropriate to the post will be provided.Full details of duties can be found in the job description.There will be an expectation of a flexible approach to shifts patterns with a commitment in some departments to participate in the on call service after appropriate training.Please be advised - this vacancy may close early if we reach a sufficient amount of applications.

About us
At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:

• Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
• NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
• Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
• A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential

Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.

We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.

The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.

Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.

Job responsibilities
For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Evidence of secondary education
• Vocational level 2 Healthcare or prepared to undertake within agree time scale

Desirable

• Care Certificate (Skills for Care) inhouse training

Experience
Essential

• Able to demonstrate a caring nature/ life experience.
• Able to demonstrate empathy, sensitivity, and to adapt communication style to circumstances.
• Good standards of written communication skills, with the ability to use email and internet.
• Good verbal communication skills with an ability to provide and receive routine information.

Desirable

• Previous experience in a care environment.

Additional Criteria
Essential

• Able to prioritise and organise workload
• Able to work under instruction and as part of a team
• Able to work under pressure
• Works well in a busy environment
• Willingness to work flexibly to cover a variety of shift patterns.
• Adaptable/ flexible
• Good time keeping

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.