Job description
Learn about the role, responsibilities and what the employer is looking for.
A Vacancy at St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Help patients feel prepared, informed and reassured before surgery
Kindly do not apply if you have applied and been unsuccessful within the last 4 months
As a Healthcare Assistant in our Pre-Operative Assessment team, you'll play an important role in ensuring patients are fully prepared for their procedure while delivering compassionate, person-centred care.
This is a varied role where no two days are the same. You'll work closely with nurses and the wider multidisciplinary team, carrying out clinical observations, supporting assessments, performing diagnostic tests and helping patients feel informed and reassured ahead of surgery.
Please note that this is a fixed-term contract for 12 months.
***Due to the high volume of interest in this role, we may need to close this vacancy before the closing date***
We are currently unable to provide visa sponsorship for this role. Applicants who already hold a visa that allows them to work in the UK are welcome to apply. However, the Trust will not be able to offer sponsorship once that visa expires. For induction, training and operational reasons, applicants must also have at least 12 months remaining on their visa at the start of employment.
***Applicants must either hold a valid Care Certificate or be able to demonstrate equivalent experience. Please make sure you include these details in your application.***
***The application process consists of the following stages:***
1. Shortlisting of applications
2. Basic Maths & English Assessment - Date TBC (Via Ms Teams - please note that the assessment session will be recorded)
3. Interview Date - TBC (Face to Face)
As part of our Pre-Operative Assessment team, you'll:
• Support patients attending pre-operative assessment appointments
• Record and monitor observations including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, height and weight
• Carry out MRSA screening and other routine investigations
• Perform ECGs, blood glucose testing and other clinical procedures following training and competency assessment
• Support patients during examinations and investigations
• Provide health promotion information and practical guidance before surgery
• Assist with admission documentation and patient assessments within agreed parameters
• Escalate concerns promptly and work closely with registered nurses to ensure safe, effective care
• Help maintain a clean, safe and organised clinical environment
We're looking for someone who:
• Holds an NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care (or equivalent) and a Care Certificate
• Has at least six months' experience working as a Healthcare Assistant
• Has experience of phlebotomy, ECG recording, blood glucose monitoring and MRSA screening
• Is confident communicating with patients, relatives and colleagues
• Can work independently while knowing when to seek support
• Has strong organisational skills and can prioritise a busy workload
• Demonstrates kindness, professionalism and a genuine commitment to patient care
You'll be joining a supportive and experienced team dedicated to providing outstanding care and ensuring patients have the best possible experience before surgery.
In return, you'll benefit from:
• Opportunities to develop advanced clinical skills
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Support to achieve your career goals
• A welcoming and inclusive team environment
St George’s, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group cares for a population of four million people in South West London and North East Surrey. Our sites include St George’s Hospital, one of 11 major trauma centres in the UK and the largest healthcare provider and major teaching hospital in the area; St Helier Hospital, home to the South West Thames Renal and Transplantation Unit and Queen Mary's Hospital for Children; and Epsom Hospital, home to the South West London Elective Orthopaedic Centre (SWLEOC).
After years of collaboration, our two Trusts became a hospitals group in 2021. While remaining as two separate Trusts, being a hospitals group will help us to collaborate more closely on research, and the development, education, and training of our 17,000-strong workforce.
At gesh we are committed to supporting flexible working arrangements. Applicants are encouraged to discuss any flexibility they may need during the recruitment process.
To perform accurate patient observations e.g. temperature, pulse, blood pressure, respiration, urine testing, height & weight and to record these correctly in the patient’s records, reporting any abnormality or change in these to a qualified nurse.
To request and undertake MRSA screening for all elective surgical patients.
To check routine investigation results including MRSA and urine MCS.
To transport, as required, clinical specimens, blood and blood-products as per Trust policy.
To support and reassure patients during clinical procedures or treatment.
To escort patients to and from other areas within the Trust e.g. X-Ray dept, transport lounge
Within agreed parameters will identify the need for further clinical investigations including ECGs, spirometry and blood glucose testing.
This advert closes on Friday 23 Oct 2026