About this role
Job summary
Healthcare Assistant
Department: Minors, Emergency Department
Band: 3 pro rata if part-time
Hours: 37.5 per week, part time will be considered, all MKUH roles will be considered for flexible working
We are seeking a compassionate, experienced, and highly motivated Healthcare Assistant to join our dynamic Minor Injury Unit within the Emergency Department at Milton Keynes University Hospital. This role offers the opportunity to work within the Minors area while also supporting the wider Emergency Department as required.
This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a fast-paced and evolving environment, where you will play a vital role in delivering high-quality patient care. You will support our Emergency Nurse Practitioners (ENPs) and Emergency Department doctors in managing patients presenting with minor injuries, including assisting with wound care, plastering, and other clinical interventions, alongside core Healthcare Assistant duties.
This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a busy clinical setting, has a passion for emergency medicine, and is committed to making a meaningful difference to patient outcomes.
Join us and become part of a forward-thinking service that is committed to delivering the right care, in the right place, at the right time.
Interview date: 30/06/2026
We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role
We reserve the right to expire vacancies prior to the advertised closing date once a sufficient number of applications have been received.
Main duties of the job
We care We communicate We collaborate We contribute
"- NHS Survey, 2024'' 94% feel that their role makes a difference to patience and service users.
The Band 3 Healthcare Assistant (HCA) is a vital part of the multi-disciplinary team within the Minor Injuries Unit and Emergency Department, providing high quality, compassionate and efficient care to patients presenting with a wide range of acute and emergency conditions.
Working under the supervision of registered nurses, the post holder will be expected to assist in the delivery of patient care, support with the monitoring of observations, support clinical procedures and maintain a safe and clean environment. The role requires excellent communication skills and the ability to manage workload and work under pressure, with a commitment to upholding the Trusts values and standards of care.
The HCA will be responsible for undertaking enhanced clinical skills appropriate to a Band 3 level such as performing ECG's, cannulation, venepuncture, wound care, patient observations, plastering, BMs and bladder scans. The post holder will also provide support to other HCAs on duty and provide reassurance to patients and relatives during what can often be a distressing time.
The post holder will be expected to work flexibly across the Emergency Medicine footprint (ED and MIU) as required to maintain patient safety.
About us
Milton Keynes University Hospital, in proud partnership with the University of Buckingham, is a University Teaching Hospital committed to advancing patient care through cutting-edge research and education. With a "Good" rating from the CQC and significant investment underway, this is an exciting time to join our team and grow your career.
As a medium sized general hospital, we provide a full range of general medical and surgical services, including a busy Emergency Department, Maternity, and Paediatrics. As the population of our city and surrounding areas continues to grow rapidly, we are expanding and enhancing our facilities to meet rising demand and improve access to care for all our communities.
We are also proud to offer a growing portfolio of specialist services. In January 2025 we opened our state-of-the-art Radiotherapy Centre, bringing advanced cancer treatment closer to home. Our services also include neonatology, specialist surgical care, and a wide range of diagnostics, supported by the new Community Diagnostic Centre at Whitehouse Health Centre.
Further investment is underway, including the construction of Oak Wards - a new ward block featuring two 24-bed wards - and the recently approved Women and Children's Centre, set to open by 2030.
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For further information about Milton Keynes please visit - Visit Milton Keynes
Job description Job responsibilities
Undertake/assist patients with personal care duties as needed including, toileting, emptying catheter bags Ensure privacy and dignity is maintained. Assess patient condition and wellbeing through clinical observations and test results, looking for signs of agitation or distress, reporting any concerns with patient condition to a senior member of staff, in accordance with the departments escalation process. Undertake clinical duties and record patient observations as requested by a registered professional, this could include taking blood pressure, blood glucose monitoring, venepuncture.
Professional
To act at all times in a professional and courteous manner. To ensure compliance with mandatory training. To participate in the Trusts appraisal system be involved in continuous development, keeping up to date knowledge on the Healthcare Assistants role. To participate in department meetings as appropriate. To uphold the Trust Values.
Please refer to the job description for further details.
Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge Essential
GCSE level or Functional Skills in Maths & English or equivalent knowledge NVQ Level 3 or equivalent experience NHS CARE Certificate Knowledge of personal care and activities of daily living Awareness of importance of infection prevention & control Understanding of the importance of safe working practices Understanding of the role of a Healthcare Assistant
Desirable
Awareness of NHS policies
Experience Essential
Experience working in a care setting Experience of working in a team
Desirable
Previous NHS experience Experience in supporting junior staff Experience in supporting education/leadership in a team Experience in an acute setting/ED environment
Skills Essential
Ability to demonstrate commitment to high standards of care Accurate record keeping Ability to work under pressure Ability to prioritise tasks effectively at short notice Caring in a professional manner towards patients and their relatives Good time management Ability to induct, support, assess and develop junior members of staff Ability to undertake clinical observations and tasks including electrocardiogram, phlebotomy, cannulation, plastering, venous blood gas sampling, minor injuries skills including wound care and dressings. Ensure equipment is well maintained and clean, taking appropriate action if the equipment is at fault Undertake safe transfer/escort of patients between settings
Desirable
IT Skills Restocking and ordering of supplies and equipment
Personal and people development Essential
Commitment to Safeguarding Presents a professional appearance Ability to work within a team Self-motivated and enthusiastic Commitment to working in a caring environment with people of all ages
Communication Essential
Clear spoken and written English Able to show care, empathy and respect to patients and their families Able to communicate with team members, carrying out instructions and feeding back information. Able to record care provided using MKUH documentation and complying with MKUH policies and guidelines. Able to feedback to staff on safe and effective practice.
Desirable
Able to feedback on assessments undertaken.
Specific requirements Essential
Able to perform the duties of the post with reasonable aids and adaptations.
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 Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Address A&E Emergency Nurse Practitioners (Dept)
Milton Keynes
MK6 5LD
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.mkuh.nhs.uk/working-at-mkuh (Opens in a new tab)
