Apprentice Healthcare Support Workers

Apprentice Healthcare Support Workers are a vital part of the team that supports the staff and patients in wards and departments throughout the hospital. Working under the direction of qualified nursing/midwifery staff, Apprentice HCSWs carry out a wide range of duties to care for, support, and provide information to patients and their families. They also carry out a range of housekeeping duties, as well as perform basic medical checks, such as taking a patient's temperature, pulse and respiration rate. The role can be very varied depending upon the ward they are employed in. The role is about learning on the job.

The attitude and behaviour of an Apprentice Healthcare Support Worker is of far more importance than any formal qualifications. Suitable candidates for the role are friendly, caring and sensitive individuals, who are able to offer social stimulation as well as care to the patients they tend. They will also demonstrate the Trust values - Kindness, Respect, Safety and Excellence - in all aspects of their role.

• Under direct supervision assist with the delivery of care plan as described by the Registered Nurse/ Midwife.
• Assist patients with their care needs as required reporting any change in the patient’s condition to the registered nurse/ midwife.
• Support the Registered Nurse/ Midwife and other health professionals with the mobilization or transfer of patients.
• Develop awareness of patients in pain and discomfort and report any changes in the patient’s condition to the registered Nurse/ Midwife.
• Have an awareness of patient’s dietary needs, delivering meals, providing patients with drinks where necessary and providing assistance with eating and drinking if required.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the different needs of individual patients and their carers/ families.
• Develop an awareness of vulnerable patients and their safeguarding needs.
• Under supervision, take and record the patients observations (e.g. temperature, blood pressure) as required and inform the registered nurse/ midwife of any changes in the patient’s condition.
• Support the patients with their elimination needs recording quantities and frequency on the relevant documentation charts as prescribed by the Registered Nurse/ Midwife.

Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of England's top-performing and safest trusts. We operate two main acute hospital sites--Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and West Middlesex University Hospital--along with award-winning clinics across North West London. Our nearly 7,500 staff care for a diverse population of 1.5 million, providing full clinical services, including maternity, A&E, and children's services, plus specialist HIV and sexual health clinics. The Care Quality Commission rates us 'Good' in safety, effectiveness, care, and responsiveness, and 'Outstanding' in leadership and resource use.

We continually invest in our facilities, including a £30m expansion of critical care at Chelsea and Westminster and an £80m Ambulatory Diagnostic Centre at West Middlesex. We are committed to equal opportunities and believe that diversity drives innovation and excellence. As part of our dedication to equity, we actively welcome applications from individuals from the global majority, veterans and underrepresented communities. We value the unique perspectives and experiences that diverse teams bring and are committed to creating an environment where all voices are heard, respected, and empowered to succeed.

If you haven’t heard from us within three weeks of the closing date, your application was likely unsuccessful. Employment is subject to a six-month probationary period. Some roles may require weekend shifts at multiple sites.

• Will ensure the environment is clean, comfortable, safe, and welcoming to patients, relatives and all health care workers.
• Will be aware of and understand basic infection control techniques, the disposal of sharps and universal safety techniques with regard to spillages.
• Clean and maintain equipment and make ready for use with the relevant labelling.
• Report any faulty or broken equipment to the Registered Nurse/ Midwife and label appropriately.
• Deliver specimens, test requests, notes or any charts as requested.
• Escort patients to other departments.
• To have an awareness of monitoring and maintaining, where required, stock levels.
• Keep all storage areas clean and tidy and in good order.

• Undertake administrative and clerical duties as required/ in the absence of the ward clerk/ receptionist.
• Deal with all enquiries politely and effectively in any circumstances.
• Ensure patients confidentiality and details are maintained at all times.
• Redirect all patients enquiries to the Registered Nurse/ Midwife.
• Ensure that all information is accurately recorded and files updated and that all documentation is accurately filed as directed.
• Make patient appointments and book patient transport, if required, as directed by the Registered Nurse/ Midwife.

• Ensure all communication, which may be complex, contentious or sensitive, is undertaken in a responsive and inclusive manner, focusing on improvement and ways to move forward.
• Ensure all communication is presented appropriately to the different recipients, according to levels of understanding, type of communication being imparted and possible barriers such as language, culture, understanding or physical or mental health conditions.

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.