Healthcare Assistant | The Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in Northwood

Support the multidisciplinary team in delivering safe, high-quality, patient-centred care within the Ophthalmology Outpatient Department. Working under the supervision of registered nurses, ophthalmologists, and other healthcare professionals, the post holder contributes to all stages of the patient pathway and promotes a positive patient experience.

Assist with the preparation, assessment, and care of patients undergoing ophthalmic investigations, treatments, and procedures. Undertake delegated clinical tasks within their competence, including visual acuity testing, autorefraction, visual field assessments, intraocular pressure measurements, eye drop instillation, venepuncture, and cannulation following appropriate training. They will also support clinicians during intravitreal injection clinics, minor operations, and other procedures.

Maintain a safe, clean, and organised clinical environment, ensuring equipment is cleaned and stocked in line with Trust policies. Administrative responsibilities include reception duties, patient registration, appointment coordination, and supporting efficient patient flow.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential when supporting patients, carers, and colleagues. Uphold the Trust's CARES values, contribute to service improvement and quality initiatives, and maintain their professional development and competencies.

The post holder will support registered nurses and healthcare professionals in delivering high-quality patient care before, during, and after ophthalmic investigations and procedures. Duties include undertaking routine clinical observations such as blood pressure, pulse, temperature, respiratory rate, height, and weight, and reporting any concerns appropriately.

Working within agreed competencies, the post holder will perform ophthalmic diagnostic tests and procedures, including visual acuity assessments, autorefraction, visual field testing, intraocular pressure measurements, and instillation of prescribed eye drops. They will assist clinicians during intravitreal injection clinics, minor operations, and other procedures, providing reassurance and acting as a chaperone when required.

The role includes maintaining a safe, clean, and organised clinical environment by following infection prevention and control procedures, preparing and cleaning equipment, and monitoring stock levels. The post holder will support patients with mobility, comfort, and personal care needs while promoting dignity, privacy, and independence.

Administrative responsibilities include patient reception, appointment management, responding to enquiries, accurate documentation, and maintaining confidentiality in line with Trust policies and legislation.

The safety and well-being of our patients and of our staff is paramount and we are making urgent improvements to address this – particularly in infection prevention and control. We are making progress and going forward by working in partnership with local GPs, charities, community services, academic partners, our local authority, neighbouring hospitals and the wider North West London Integrated care system, and ensuring that we listen and work in partnership with our local population.

We have over 3,500 members of staff that are proud to care for nearly half a million people, with a vision to be an outstanding provider of healthcare through leading health and academic partnerships, transforming services, to provide the best care where needed.

Please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification for a full list of role requirements and main responsibilities.