At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Plasma Collections team to ensure donors feel safe and cared for while collecting plasma.
- Company: NHS Blood and Transplant saves lives by collecting blood, organs, and tissues across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 27 days holiday, NHS pension, and extensive training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Customer service experience and a willingness to learn are essential; training provided.
- Other info: In-person interviews and tours required; applications encouraged from all community sectors.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Healthcare Assistant – Plasma
Job Summary
At NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT), our Plasma Collections team do something incredible every single day and we are looking for a Healthcare Assistants to join our Plasma Collections Centres. You will play a vital part in making sure our donors feel safe, special, and well cared for, and to create an experience that they will want to return to time and time again.
Plasma is part of your blood. It’s rich in antibodies, which can be concentrated into immunoglobulin medicines. These medicines save or improve the lives of around 17,000 people in England each year. They’re used to either boost immune system or calm down the immune system when it’s attacking someone’s own body.
Main duties of the job
Our Healthcare Assistants in our Plasma Donor Centres, work as part of a multi-disciplinary team to deliver an exemplary donor experience to each and every donor while collecting their plasma.
After training and assessment, you will carry out pre- donation checks, perform venipuncture (inserting a needle in the donor’s arm) and collect plasma. You will observe the donor’s wellbeing throughout the process and manage any adverse side effects from donation. You will be handling plasma product bags, needles and a range of equipment, daily.
The plasma we collect goes on to be manufactured into live saving medicines so it’s vital that you work in line with regulatory clinical requirements and operational performance standards.
You’ll get to contribute to improving patients’ lives by working under the professional leadership of our Operational Nurse Team Leader. You will have an opportunity to develop yours and your colleague\’s knowledge, skills and capabilities through continued observations and meaningful feedback to deliver the life-saving work.
At NHSBT, we work and operate in a highly diverse environment, you will be expected to demonstrate NHS values and role modelling behaviours that drive inclusivity, safety, integrity, and respect for others always.
About You
Experience and Knowledge
- Experience of dealing with the public and putting the customer first
- Experience of dealing with sensitive or confidential matters and an understanding of how this applies to the role
- Experience of delivering a quality customer service
Qualifications And Training
- Ability to follow written instructions, to develop a good underpinning knowledge relating to practical skills, for which you will receive training and ongoing assessment
- Willing to undertake further skill development for self and for supporting the training and induction of new team members, where required
About Us
It takes all types of people to deliver the kind of service that saves and improves lives. At NHSBT, you’ll join a team of more than 6,000 people who are making a genuine difference to communities, families, friends, relatives and more across the UK. We play a unique and special role in the NHS by helping people do something extraordinary- donate blood, blood products, organs, tissues, or stem cells to save someone in need.
Our three core values are what set us apart. They guide and inspire everything we do. By being caring, expertly meeting the needs of our patients and our people, and accepting nothing less than the best quality, we can do extraordinary work – and help our people to do something extraordinary in their career, too.
Three small words, one big difference – Caring, Expert and Quality. Together we\’ll save and improve more lives than ever.
You will join us on our journey to create an inclusive workplace and aim to reflect the diverse communities we work with, and we positively encourage applications from all sectors of the community.
What We Offer You
- Extensive Induction and Training Programme
- Rotas published 6 weeks ahead of time.
- No night shifts.
- Payments for unsociable hours, overtime and meal allowances where applicable.
- NHSBT promotes flexible working opportunities where the role allows.
- 27 days per year plus 8 bank/public holiday. Pro rata if part-time. Leave increases to 29 days after 5 years’ service and 33 days after 10 years’ service.
- An NHS career pathway- we’ve fostered a culture of continuous learning where colleagues are well-led, engaged, and encouraged to grow. We support you in reaching your full potential, both in your current role and future career. Our Thrive program embodies our commitment to learning and development, offering a wide range of activities to support your personal and professional growth. It’s open to everyone at NHSBT, ensuring you have the resources to succeed and shine in your role.
- NHS pension scheme. The NHS Pension Scheme is a defined benefit scheme (not dependent on investment returns) Further details and outline of benefits can be found at: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/pensions
Please view the attached recruitment profile which is a summary of the detailed Job Description and Person Specification for the full personal attributes we require for the role. You will need to demonstrate these throughout the recruitment process.
If you are shortlisted for this role, you will need to attend in person for a blood collection session tour so we can provide you with more in-depth understanding of this role. This will be followed by a face-to-face interview. We are unable to arrange virtual interviews or tours. Please also note that our travel policy does not allow for the payment of travel expenses.
This vacancy will close at 23:59 on 07th July 2025. Please note that this vacancy may be withdrawn at any time should we receive sufficient applications.
Interviews are anticipated to be held on w/c 21st July 2025 – subject to confirmation #J-18808-Ljbffr
Healthcare Assistant – Plasma employer: NHS Blood and Transplant
Contact Detail:
NHS Blood and Transplant Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Healthcare Assistant – Plasma
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the NHSBT's core values: Caring, Expert, and Quality. During your interactions, whether in person or online, make sure to demonstrate how you embody these values, as they are central to the organisation's mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Gain a solid understanding of the plasma donation process and the role of a Healthcare Assistant. This knowledge will not only help you during the interview but also show your genuine interest in the position and the impact it has on patients' lives.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in customer service and how you've handled sensitive situations. The ability to put donors first and ensure their comfort is crucial, so have specific examples ready to share.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready for the practical aspects of the role. Since you'll need to perform venipuncture and manage donor wellbeing, consider brushing up on your practical skills and any relevant training you may have had in healthcare settings.
We think you need these skills to ace Healthcare Assistant – Plasma
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of a Healthcare Assistant in the Plasma Collections team. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences that align with these duties.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise any previous experience dealing with the public, especially in sensitive or healthcare-related environments. Use specific examples to demonstrate your customer service skills and ability to handle confidential matters.
Showcase Your Skills: Mention your ability to follow written instructions and your willingness to undertake further training. Highlight any practical skills you possess that are relevant to the role, such as experience with venipuncture or working in a clinical setting.
Demonstrate NHS Values: In your application, reflect on how you embody the NHS values of caring, expertise, and quality. Provide examples of how you have demonstrated these values in your previous roles or experiences.
How to prepare for a job interview at NHS Blood and Transplant
✨Show Your Caring Nature
As a Healthcare Assistant, demonstrating your caring attitude is crucial. Be prepared to share examples of how you've made others feel valued and safe in previous roles, especially when dealing with sensitive situations.
✨Highlight Customer Service Experience
Since the role involves interacting with donors, emphasise your experience in delivering quality customer service. Discuss specific instances where you went above and beyond to ensure a positive experience for someone.
✨Understand the Role's Responsibilities
Familiarise yourself with the key duties of a Healthcare Assistant in a Plasma Collection Centre. Be ready to discuss how you would handle pre-donation checks and manage donor wellbeing during the process.
✨Demonstrate Commitment to Continuous Learning
NHSBT values personal and professional growth. Share your willingness to undertake further training and how you’ve previously supported colleagues in their development, showcasing your team spirit and dedication.