At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in delivering life-changing cataract surgery and provide exceptional patient care.
- Company: ACES, a pioneering provider of NHS ophthalmic care with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: 33 days annual leave, free eye surgery, discounts, and ongoing training opportunities.
- Other info: Join a global organisation with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in patients' lives while working in a modern, supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in healthcare or optical settings, strong communication skills, and adaptability.
The predicted salary is between 29970 - 36483 £ per year.
ACES is a pioneering independent provider of NHS ophthalmic care in the community and one of the first centres nationally to take innovative fast track cataract surgery out of a hospital setting. Delivering the highest standard of clinical eye care with expert consultant ophthalmologists putting patient care at the heart of everything we do.
With NHS waiting lists for cataracts surgery growing at an alarming rate, ACES offer patients an alternative option, providing them with life changing cataract surgery in as little as four weeks. We are enormously proud to be able to provide our patients with immediate care and support the NHS.
We’ve been providing NHS eye care in the East of England since 2007 and are expanding this year across the UK. We provide a range of services including: cataract surgery, YAG laser treatment, glaucoma treatment, oculoplastic and general ophthalmology.
With patient care our priority, ACES are committed to providing exceptional and timely community emergency and routine ophthalmology outpatient services. With the latest in ophthalmic technology, we are able to consistently provide excellent clinical outcomes for all of our patients, giving them their best possible quality of life.
The main objectives of our services are to:
- Reduce waiting times for patients with eye conditions.
- Deliver exceptional care without the requirement for a hospital stay.
- Have a positive impact on patients’ lives.
- Provide care closer to home for the patient in line with DoH guidelines.
- Reduce overall waiting times in the health economy.
- Create additional capacity in secondary care.
- Aim to provide a fast and efficient patient focused pathway in collaboration with patient representatives and primary care professionals.
Use new technologies and the latest equipment, maintain the highest levels of care at the cutting edge of ophthalmology.
Currently, tens of thousands of patients across the United Kingdom are on NHS waiting lists for essential eye care procedures, such as cataract surgery. The longer these patients go without surgery, the more likely it is that their eyesight will further deteriorate, or that they will experience an adverse event due to their poor vision.
At ACES, our mission is to ensure all patients are given a choice when it comes to their eye care. Obtaining access to ACES allows patients to have treatment quicker and allows them to live their lives to the fullest immediately.
Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities
- Following appropriate training, supervised practice and competency achievement assessments, you will be able to undertake the role of Healthcare Assistant (HCA) within the surgery team in ophthalmic (IOL) theatres.
- You will also be responsible for the following: Pre-operative testing; conducting tests prior to examination and treatment and assisting during the consent appointment process, including providing information to patients prior to their Cataract procedure.
- Patient discharging; instructing the patient pre and post procedure on the care of the eyes, updating medical records, making follow up appointments.
- Co-ordinating: Controlling patient flow on the day of the consent appointment and surgery appointments to ensure minimum waiting times for patients and managing queries.
- Assisting the surgeon during consent appointments and treatments – acting as scrub assistant, taking notes for the surgeon; instilling eye drops.
- Undertaking the role of HCA in IOL theatre to assist the surgical team and patients during surgery and associated tasks such as decontamination of instruments.
- Actively participating in the end of treatment day activities; updating patient files, filing, compiling ‘end of day’ reports for head office, cleaning the department, stock and lens ordering.
- Reporting untoward incidents – taking an active role in patient safety issues and quality and risk management.
- Previous experience within optical or healthcare environment
- Exceptional communication and presentation skills
- Ability to absorb and convey highly technical information
- Adaptable with a flexible approach to work
- Excellent time management skills and ability to prioritise tasks
- A confident and professional individual who has fantastic organisational skills
- Professional telephone manner
- Demonstrate confidentiality, integrity and discretion
- Flexibility to travel to other ACES clinic's when required.
Benefits
- State of the art, modern working environments
- 33 days annual leave*
- Free Laser Eye Surgery and Intraocular Lens Surgery
- Free eye tests
- Discounted prescription eye wear and sunglasses
- Generous Optical Express friends and family discount scheme
- Ongoing training and development opportunities
- Access to a range of exclusive offers, discounts and rewards
- Employee Assistance Programme and Wellbeing Solutions/Support
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a global organisation where you will have the opportunity to grow and develop within a professional working environment.
ACES is an equal opportunities employer.
Healthcare Assistant in Fakenham employer: ACES
ACES is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and innovative work culture that prioritises patient care and employee development. With a competitive salary, no night shifts, and a modern working environment in Southampton, employees benefit from ongoing training opportunities and unique perks such as free laser eye surgery and generous leave. Join us in making a meaningful impact on patients' lives while advancing your career in the rapidly growing field of ophthalmic care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Healthcare Assistant in Fakenham
✨Tap into Local Healthcare Networks
Getting involved with local healthcare communities is a game-changer for nursing roles. Join nursing associations or attend local events and workshops where you can meet fellow professionals and potential employers. It’s all about building those connections – your next full-time gig could be just a chat away!
✨Showcase Your Skills in Real-Life Settings
Consider volunteering at clinics or hospitals if you can squeeze in some time. Not only does this help you gain practical experience, but it also shows your commitment to patient care. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to network and potentially land a full-time role at a facility you enjoy!
✨Use LinkedIn like a Pro
Make your LinkedIn profile pop by highlighting your nursing skills prominently. Share articles, insights, or case studies that demonstrate your knowledge in patient care. Engaging with content in nursing forums can also put you on the radar of recruiters looking for full-time talent like you!
✨Direct Applications are Key!
When you spot a role that excites you, don't hold back – apply directly through our website! Tailor your application to show off how your specific experiences align with the needs at ACES for the Healthcare Assistant role. Companies appreciate candidates who take initiative and show genuine interest!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Qualifications:When applying for a full-time nursing role with ACES, it's crucial to highlight your nursing qualifications. Make sure to include any relevant certifications, such as your NMC registration and any specialisations. List them front and centre on your CV so we can see your expertise at a glance!
Craft a Compassionate Cover Letter:Your cover letter is the perfect place to express your passion for patient care. Talk about your experiences, how you handle challenging situations, and your approach to teamwork. This gives us insight not just into your skills but also into your caring nature, which is essential in nursing.
Emphasise Soft Skills:In nursing, technical skills are important, but we're also keen on soft skills. Make sure to highlight your communication abilities, empathy, and problem-solving skills. These attributes are often just as critical in delivering exceptional patient care and will help differentiate you from other candidates.
Tailor Your Experience to Patient Care:When detailing your experience, be specific about your direct patient care roles. Focus on the impact you’ve made on your patients’ lives—mention specific tasks, challenges you've overcame, or improvements you’ve contributed to. This helps us visualise you in action at ACES, and how you can make a difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at ACES
✨Brush Up on Clinical Scenarios
In nursing, you might face questions around patient scenarios, so sharpen your clinical judgment skills. Think through common cases—like managing a patient with specific needs or handling emergencies—and be ready to articulate your approach confidently.
✨Showcase Your Soft Skills
Beyond technical skills, nursing is all about communication and empathy. Prepare to share examples from your experiences that highlight your ability to connect with patients and work effectively in a team, as this is crucial for a full-time role at ACES.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Healthcare Regulations
Make sure you're up to speed with the latest healthcare regulations and policies relevant to your role. This knowledge not only shows your commitment to patient safety but also signals that you're proactive and engaged—qualities that full-time employers like ACES appreciate.
✨Ask AboutCareer Development Opportunities
Since this is a full-time position, show your ambition by asking how ACES supports growth and development. Inquire about ongoing training, mentorship programmes, or opportunities to specialise in particular areas, as this illustrates your long-term interest in nursing.
