Healthcare Assistant Ophthalmology OPD

Healthcare Assistant Ophthalmology OPD

The closing date is 12 April 2026.

To work as part of the Ophthalmology Outpatient team in providing compassionate care to patients, service users, carers and families. This is a pivotal role that is essential in providing care and support to patients and service users through direct and indirect care, working within clearly defined limits and attainment of agreed competence.

Be able to work without constant direct supervision using initiative within the level of competence for the post.

Act as a role model at all times, reflecting the Trust values and behaviours and delivering high standards of care. Be self aware and open to receive and learn from feedback.

Act as an advocate on behalf of patients and service users, recognising, respecting and responding to the diverse needs of our population.

This role is being offered as a developmental position. Once all required competencies have been achieved and signed off, the post holder will progress to a Band 3.

Main duties of the job

We are looking for an enthusiastic, dynamic and committed Healthcare Assistant and will welcome any forward thinking, caring individual who is committed to providing a high standard of patient care to our patients.

You must display excellent communication skills and be confident to deal with patients, families, carers and members of the multidisciplinary team.

You will be given the appropriate training to undertake specific Ophthalmology investigations under the instruction and supervision of clinicians and nurse in charge.

Job responsibilities

Patient Care Duties

• Under the direction of the Registered Healthcare Professional, provide high quality personalised care in accordance with agreed local and national standards using a wide range of skills.
• Achieve and maintain core and specific competencies as per HCSW Development pathway and agreed by manager.
• Assist in all aspects of personal hygiene and toileting needs of patients.
• Assist with the safe moving, handling and mobilisation of patients ensuring that care plans are followed to minimise risk.
• Communicate effectively with kindness, warmth and compassion recognising when there are barriers to communication where support may be required.
• Act as a patient and staff advocate, escalating concerns and challenging poor behaviour or practice appropriately.
• Maintain accurate records of care within area of responsibility.
• Observe and report any changes in a patient's condition to the Nurse in Charge identifying and reporting patient needs not included in the care plan.
• Involve patients and carers/relatives in delivery of care.
• Provide reassurance and support to patients, carers/family.
• Support the maintenance and cleanliness of the clinical environment by attending to general tidiness of the area including unpacking and storage of stock deliveries. Report any estates issues appropriately.
• Support clinical teams to fulfil cleaning responsibilities as identified in the National Cleaning Standards framework.
• Assist and contribute to the movement and treatment of patients to achieve physical comfort and minimise the adverse effects of pressure according to the plan of care.
• Contribute to minimising the effects of disruptive abusive behaviour and the protection of individuals from abuse.
• Develop own skills and knowledge and contribute to the development of others.
• Assist with the induction of new Health Care Support Workers.
• Recognise and respond appropriately to urgent and emergency situations.
• Ensure the effective and efficient use of resources and contribute ideas to cost improvement programmes.
• Report any incidents, concerns, complaints or accidents to the Nurse in Charge completing adverse incident forms as required.
• Attend and participate in team/ward/department meetings.
• Support the psychological and emotional wellbeing of patients, carers and families.
• Ensure that no action or omission on your part is detrimental to the condition, safety, well being and interest of the patients.

Clinical Duties

• Must be able to undertake other tasks appropriate to the clinical environment with necessary training and as directed by the Ward Manager or Department Lead.
• Recording of patient information e.g., completion of fluid balance and food diaries, intentional rounding.
• Undertake physiological observations: blood pressure, pulse, temperature, respirations and oxygen saturations as directed by the nurse in charge and record on the nerve centre device.
• Attend training in the use of equipment and devices appropriate to role and report faulty equipment promptly.
• Record all care provided in the Trust standard format.
• Ophthalmology equipment cleaned and labelled.
• Order equipment as directed by the registered nurse using appropriate system.
• Completion of property checklists and DISCLAIMERS.
• Remove cannulas and apply dressings as directed by the nurse in charge.
• Provide patients with appropriate activities and stimulation to promote well being and recovery in particular when providing enhanced care.
• Participate in audit activities at the request of the Ward manager / Department lead.

Patient Safety and Experience

• Understand importance of individual role and contribution in ensuring patients, service users and carers have a positive experience of care.
• Ensure appropriate escalation of concerns and use of incident reporting system.
• Take responsibility for adapting communication style to meet the needs of patients, service users and carers adopting basic de escalation techniques when needed.
• Ensure up to date knowledge of risks in the area and any key safety messages as communicated by the Ward Manager/ Department Lead.
• Ensure active participation in safety initiatives in the ward or department such as safety briefs.
• Ensure compliance with infection prevention and control practices reporting any concerns to the nurse in charge.
• Understand own contribution in creating a psychologically safe environment by displaying appropriate behaviours and treating colleagues and service users with respect and civility.

Communication

• Establish and maintain good working relationships with members of the multi disciplinary team.
• Ensure effective communication using professional language and ensuring that conversations take place in an appropriate setting.
• Communicate with patients, service users and carers at a pace and tone that is understood, using communication aids as required.
• Ensure high standard of written communication in areas of responsibility.
• Give clear and concise advice to people on the procedures in place e.g. PALS, complaints.
• Introduce self to patients at the start of each shift.
• Visitors are welcomed in a manner which promotes a positive image of self, the ward/department and the team.

Person Specification

• English and Maths GCSE grade 9-2 (A -E) or equivalent, or high level of literacy and numeracy skills demonstrated within application.
• Competence based level 2 Qualification e.g. NVQ or Diploma in Care or The Care Certificate issued by an employer.
• Competence based level 3 Qualification e.g. NVQ or Diploma in Healthcare Support.
• Willingness to undertake any training or development relevant to the role.
• Recognise and respond appropriately to urgent and emergency situations.
• Competent and able to evidence the completion of Health Care Assistant core competencies.
• Experience of record keeping and understanding the importance of record keeping.
• Moving and Handling competency.
• Infection Control competency.
• Customer Care competency.
• Knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of the post.
• Previous employment with a healthcare setting (minimum 18 months).
• High level literacy, numeracy and IT skills.
• Ability to work as a team member, in a busy environment, using own initiative and being aware of own limitations/ level of competence.

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.