Healthcare Support Worker Apprenticeship

The Royal Marsden is a centre of excellence with an international reputation for ground‑breaking research, complex major surgery and pioneering the very latest in cancer treatments and technologies. We are offering an exciting opportunity to join the nursing team on Smithers Ward as an Apprentice Healthcare Support Worker (HCSW). This apprenticeship is designed for individuals looking to begin their career in healthcare, gain hands‑on experience, and achieve a Level 2 Healthcare Support Worker Apprenticeship alongside the Care Certificate.

Smithers Ward is a mixed‑sex 19 bed inpatient ward plus a four bedded day‑care surgical/medical unit caring for a diverse range of patients with oncological diagnoses. The successful candidate will be enthusiastic with the vision and passion to help optimise high quality patient care. As a good team player, you will work together with the ward managers and clinical team colleagues to foster good communication and improve processes to enhance the patient pathway.

What we’re looking for:

• Compassionate, reliable, and a good communicator.
• Eager to develop new skills and complete all required training.
• Able to work effectively as part of a team in a busy clinical environment.

Main duties of the job:

The Apprentice Healthcare Support Worker (HCSW) will work under the supervision of registered nurses and the shift co‑ordinator to deliver high‑quality, compassionate care to patients, with a particular focus on those receiving cancer treatment. This role is designed to support learning and development, providing structured training through the Care Certificate and Level 2 Apprenticeship programme, while contributing to the safe and effective running of the clinical area.

What we offer:

• A structured training programme with full support from our experienced staff.
• Completion of the Care Certificate and Level 2 Healthcare Support Worker Apprenticeship.
• Hands‑on experience in a specialist oncology setting.
• Opportunities to build a career within the NHS, with progression into a permanent Band 3 Healthcare Support Worker role on successful completion of the apprenticeship.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities:

All duties will be carried out under the guidance and supervision of the shift coordinator and registered nursing staff.

Clinical Responsibilities – Patient Care:

• Work towards completion of the Care Certificate standards.
• Monitor and record patients’ vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, temperature, oxygen saturation) under direct supervision and report abnormal results and concerns to nursing staff.
• Accurately measure and record height and weight.
• Undertake delegated clinical tasks relevant to the area (e.g., ECGs, urinalysis, MRSA screening, documentation in digital health records) once competency has been achieved and approved.
• Assist patients with nutrition, including menu completion and feeding support, in collaboration with ward hosts/hostesses.
• Apply infection prevention and control practices, attending all mandatory training and be willing to challenge others' poor practice where necessary.
• Escort patients and their belongings between wards/departments.

Additional responsibilities as an Apprentice HCSW:

• Deliver safe, compassionate care to patients, including those receiving cancer treatments.
• Support patients with daily needs such as nutrition, hygiene, and comfort.
• Assist with clinical tasks (e.g., ECGs, vital signs, infection control) once trained and assessed as competent.
• Help maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming ward environment.
• Provide a warm welcome to patients and their families, supporting them throughout their stay.
• On successful completion of the apprenticeship transition into a Band 3 HCSW role; carry out a range of clinical duties with minimal/no supervision.

Person specification:

• Understanding of working with patients who are critically and chronically ill.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development.
• Functional skills to level 2 or equivalent qualifications (GCSE Maths and English above grade C or 4).

Experience:

• Experience of working with computers (keyboard skills, data entry).
• Experience of working with oncology patients.
• Experience of working in a healthcare setting.

EEO and Disability Statement:

The Royal Marsden values diversity and is committed to the recruitment and retention of underrepresented minority groups. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates and candidates with disabilities. As a Disability Confident Employer, we are working to create a workplace that enables all staff to reach their full potential.

Flu Vaccination – What We Expect of our Staff:

At The Royal Marsden we have an immune‑compromised patient population who we must protect as much as we can against the flu virus. Each year, seasonal flu affects thousands of people in the UK. Occurring mainly in winter, it is an infectious respiratory disease capable of producing symptoms ranging from those similar to a common cold, through to very severe or even fatal disease. The wellbeing of our staff and patients is of the utmost importance to us, and it is the expectation of The Royal Marsden that all patient‑facing staff have an annual flu vaccination, provided free of charge by the Trust.