About this role
Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a caring, enthusiastic, and motivated Healthcare Assistant to join our friendly Eye Ward and Eye Day Case Unit team.
As a Healthcare Assistant, you will play a vital role in supporting the delivery of high-quality ophthalmic care to patients undergoing a wide range of eye treatments and surgical procedures. Working alongside registered nurses, ophthalmologists, and the wider multidisciplinary team, you will contribute to providing a safe, welcoming, and efficient patient experience.
Whether you have previous healthcare experience or are looking to develop your career within a specialist clinical area, this role offers excellent opportunities for learning and professional development.
Interview date: 30th October 2026
Main duties of the job Main Duties and Responsibilities
Assist in delivering high standards of patient-centred care. Support patients with their personal care needs while promoting dignity and independence. Record and monitor routine observations, escalating concerns appropriately. Assist with patient admissions, discharges, and transfers. Prepare patients for ophthalmic procedures and surgery. Support the nursing team in maintaining a safe and clean clinical environment. Ensure equipment and consumables are stocked and readily available. Provide reassurance and support to patients and relatives throughout their hospital journey. Maintain accurate patient documentation in line with Trust policies.
About us
UHD are investing, developing and transforming Trust services in line with the New Hospital Programme. As part of this, some services may move site this year or next, either temporarily or permanently. Recruiting Managers will be happy to answer any service-specific questions at interview.
If a role or service relocates as part of a planned move, excess mileage will not be reimbursed. Travel from home to the new work base will be classed as a normal commute. Any other changes will be managed under Trust or national terms and conditions.
UHD has active networks including Women's, DEN, Pride, EU, Pro Ability, and Armed Forces. We support Disability Confident and Armed Forces Covenant interview schemes.
AI tools may be used, but applications must honestly reflect your own skills and experience. Integrity is key to our recruitment process
Job description Job responsibilities
To understand the role in more detail please read the full job description and person specification documents which are attached to this advert.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Good standard of general education including numeracy and literacy
Desirable
NVQ Level 2 in care or customer serives
Experience Essential
Experience of working in a team under appropriate supervision. Able to demonstrate an understanding of principles of effective customer care. Good basic hygiene skills
Desirable
Previous experience of working within a care environment/NHS Experience of working as part of a multidisciplinary team Experience of working with the public
Knowledge Essential
Knowledge of when to seek advice and refer to a registered care professional. Able to listen to advice from colleagues and understanding the importance of promoting health and well-being
Technical skills and competencies Essential
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively (to understand and be understood) Ability to follow clear instruction and feed back to senior staff. Ability to work as part of a team, as well as on own initiative. IT literate
Desirable
Understanding of basic physiology e.g. normal vital signs, fluid balance, nutritional requirements etc. Manual handling of patients using lifting aids
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.
Employer details Employer name University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust
Address Royal Bournemouth Hospital
Castle Lane East
Bournemouth
BH7 7DW
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.uhd.nhs.uk/careers (Opens in a new tab)