Job summary
To support the Pre-Operative Assessment Team in ensuring patients are clinically prepared for surgery by undertaking delegated assessments, investigations, and administrative duties. The post holder will provide high-quality patient care and contribute to a safe and efficient pre-operative service.
Main duties of the job
Undertake routine patient observations including blood pressure, pulse, respiration rate, oxygen saturations, weight, height, and BMI.Perform venepuncture and collect specimens following competency assessment.Undertake ECGs and other delegated investigations as required.Assist registered nurses in completing pre-operative assessments.Escalate abnormal findings or concerns to the appropriate clinician.Ensure patients are fit and prepared for their planned procedure.
About us
Our mission, vision and values are at the heart of North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust (NCM). They underpin everything we do and everything we aspire to be as an organisation
Our mission is to be exceptional for our patients, our communities and each other
Our vision is to be a great organisation providing excellent healthcare and opportunities to work and learn
Our approach to healthcare is founded on our four core values:
Kind - we are caring, supporting and respectful to everyone
Open - we are honest, transparent and open to new ways of working
Fair - we listen, value our differences and are inclusive to all
One team - we work well together and with our communities
We employ almost 6,500 people from more than 80 nationalities and are fully committed to being an equal, diverse and inclusive employer. Our culture and values ensure that everyone is treated with dignity and respect, and that no job applicant or employee is disadvantaged at any stage of their journey.
We are also proud to be an Armed Forces Friendly organisation and welcome applications from members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, reservists and families.
Working at NCM means becoming part of a dedicated team of clinical and support staff who are passionate about keeping people well and supporting wellbeing. If you share our values and are motivated by making a difference for our patients, we'd be delighted to receive your application
Job description
Job responsibilities
Undertake routine patient observations including blood pressure, pulse, respiration rate, oxygen saturations, weight, height, and BMI.Perform venepuncture and collect specimens following competency assessment.Undertake ECGs and other delegated investigations as required.Assist registered nurses in completing pre-operative assessments.Escalate abnormal findings or concerns to the appropriate clinician.Ensure patients are fit and prepared for their planned procedure. Clinical Duties
- Undertake routine patient observations including blood pressure, pulse, respiration rate, oxygen saturations, weight, height, and BMI.
- Perform venepuncture and collect specimens following competency assessment.
- Undertake ECGs and other delegated investigations as required.
- Assist registered nurses in completing pre-operative assessments.
- Escalate abnormal findings or concerns to the appropriate clinician.
- Ensure patients are fit and prepared for their planned procedure.
Patient Care
- Welcome and support patients attending the pre-operative assessment clinic.
- Provide clear information regarding the patient's surgical pathway.
- Reinforce guidance on fasting, medication management, infection prevention, and admission arrangements.
- Respond to patient questions and refer complex queries to registered staff.
- Promote dignity, privacy, and patient-centred care at all times.
Administrative Responsibilities
- Maintain accurate patient records on electronic systems.
- Arrange investigations and follow-up appointments as required.
- Ensure documentation is completed accurately and filed appropriately.
- Support clinic scheduling and patient tracking processes.
- Assist with data collection and audit requirements.
Communication and Team Working
- Communicate effectively with patients, relatives, and members of the multidisciplinary team.
- Liaise with surgeons, anaesthetists, wards, theatres, and diagnostic departments.
- Participate in team meetings and service development initiatives.
- Support colleagues in maintaining a positive patient experience.
Person Specification Essential Criteria
- NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent experience.
- Previous experience working in a healthcare setting.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Basic IT skills and experience using electronic patient records.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience within a surgical or outpatient environment.
- Competency in venepuncture and ECG recording.
- Knowledge of pre-operative assessment processes.
- Understanding of infection prevention and control principles.
Skills and Attributes
- Excellent organisational skills.
- Attention to detail.
- Compassionate and caring approach.
- Ability to prioritise workload effectively.
- Professional attitude and commitment to high standards of care.
Typical Duties During a Shift
- Preparing clinic rooms and equipment.
- Assessing and recording patient observations.
- Performing blood tests and ECGs.
- Completing documentation and updating electronic records.
- Delivering patient information and answering queries.
- Supporting registered nurses with complex assessments and patient pathways.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Health & Social Care (or equivalent experience).
- GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths.
Desirable
- Care Certificate
Desirable criteria
Essential
- Experience in a pre-operative assessment environment.
- ECG competency.
Desirable
- Experience using hospital IT systems such as PAS, EPR, or Meditech.
- Awareness of Enhanced Recovery Programmes and elective surgical pathways.
Skills
Essential
- Competent in venepuncture
- Competent in Clinical Observations
- Ability to provide reassurance and support to anxious patients.
- Accurate record keeping and documentation skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Desirable
- Advanced in venepuncture
- Competent in Clinical Observations able to escalate where appropriate
- Ability to recognise and escalate patient concerns appropriately.
- Accurate record keeping and documentation skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Experience
Essential
- Understanding of patient confidentiality and GDPR.
- Knowledge of infection prevention and control procedures.
- Awareness of pre-operative patient pathways and preparation for surgery.
- Previous experience working as a Healthcare Assistant within a hospital, clinic, or healthcare setting.
- Experience of providing direct patient care.
Desirable
- Competent in Clinical Observations able to escalate where appropriate
- Understanding of safeguarding principles.
- Knowledge of basic health and safety requirements.
Personal Attributes
Essential
- Compassionate and caring approach.
- Professional and courteous manner.
Desirable
- Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
- Flexible and adaptable attitude.
Personal attributes
Essential
- Commitment to delivering high standards of patient care.
Desirable
- Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
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.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Employer details
Employer name
North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust (WHH)
Address
Warrington
Lovely Lane
Warrington
WA5 1QG
United Kingdom
Employer's website
