Healthcare Assistant - Blood Donation inBasildon inBasildon PUBLISHED MON 4 NOV 2024

Band 3: £24,071 to £25,674 a year PERMANENT
MULTI-DISCIPLINARY NHS PENSION TRANSPLANT WEEKEND

NHS Blood and Transplant r0JKgkCw

The Healthcare Assistant - Blood Donation role at NHS Blood and Transplant in Basildon involves providing essential support in collecting blood donations, ensuring a welcoming environment for volunteer donors, and delivering exceptional care. As a key member of the team, you will receive comprehensive training in healthcare skills, playing a vital role in donor sessions, managing medical equipment, and maintaining accurate donor records. This position offers a unique opportunity to work alongside medical professionals, enjoying flexible scheduling without night shifts, and leading to potential career advancement within the NHS.

Alongside significant responsibility and autonomy, NHSBT offers a supportive work environment with a structured training program, a generous leave policy, and a commitment to continuous personal and professional development. Employees benefit from a defined contribution NHS pension scheme, additional payments for unsociable hours, and resources aimed at enabling career growth. Interested candidates must participate in an in-person session tour and interview as part of the recruitment process.

NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) collects over 7,000 blood donations every day, providing vital blood and blood products that help to save and improve the lives of thousands of people every year. Our team provides a welcoming and special environment for our volunteer donors, ensuring they receive exceptional, first-class care. As a Healthcare Assistant Blood Donation, you will have the opportunity to learn valuable skills and be an essential member of our team. Youll play a vital role in saving and improving lives daily in an environment where every day is different, we dont collect blood in hospitals, we work within our Donor Centres and out in the community.

You will learn hands-on skills in healthcare and take your first steps into a professional career within the NHS. Youll be fully trained in how to set up for a session, how to take blood from our donors, and youll be their first point of care during their time with us.

Youll also make sure we keep accurate records of donor sessions, while managing the safe handling of blood and blood products, needles and other medical equipment. You will also ensure we offer a great service to our donors, so they want to come back time and time again!

As part of a true multi-disciplinary team, youll work variable hours and days including evenings, weekends and bank holidays all without the night shifts. Youll also be working alongside medical professionals, which means youll discover more autonomy and responsibility than equivalent roles elsewhere in the NHS.

About us
What we offer you:

6-week training period to fully prepare you for your career with us

Rotas published 6 weeks ahead of time.

No night shifts

Payments for unsociable hours, overtime, meal and driving allowances where applicable

NHSBT promotes flexible working opportunities where the role allows

27 days per year plus 8 bank/public holiday. Pro rata if part-time. Leave increases to 29 days after 5 years’ service and 33 days after 10 years’ service

An NHS career pathway- we’ve fostered a culture of continuous learning where colleagues are well-led, engaged, and encouraged to grow. We support you in reaching your full potential, both in your current role and future career. Our Thrive program embodies our commitment to learning and development, offering a wide range of activities to support your personal and professional growth. It’s open to everyone at NHSBT, ensuring you have the resources to succeed and shine in your role.

NHS pension scheme. The NHS Pension Scheme is a defined benefit scheme (not dependent on investment returns) Further details and outline of benefits can be found at: www.jobsincare.com/job/jbns32m5 ‎

Please view the attached recruitment profile which is a summary of the detailed Job Description and Person Specification for the full personal attributes we require for the role. You will need to demonstrate these throughout the recruitment process.

If you are shortlisted for this role, you will need to attend in person for a blood collection session tour so we can provide you with more in-depth understanding of this role. This will be followed by a face-to-face interview. We are unable to arrange virtual interviews or tours. Please also note that our travel policy does not allow for the payment of travel expenses.

More information related to this job opportunity, from jobsincare:

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More about the NHS

The National Health Service (NHS) is a cornerstone of healthcare in the United Kingdom, established in 1948 with the simple yet profound principle of providing healthcare to all citizens, free at the point of use. This revolutionary system aimed to ensure that access to medical services would not depend on an individual’s financial situation, a concept that has since become fundamental to British societal values. Learn more...

Useful skills for a Healthcare Assistant - Blood Donation: Click to view

To work as a Healthcare Assistant (HCA) in the UK, you need a combination of practical skills, personal qualities, and a basic understanding of healthcare principles. While specific requirements might vary depending on the employer or the care setting, here are the key skills and attributes typically required:

Essential Skills:

1. Communication Skills:

- Ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare professionals.

- Good listening skills to understand patients' needs and concerns.

2. Empathy and Compassion:

- Understanding and sensitivity to the feelings of patients.

- Ability to provide emotional support and reassurance.

3. Basic Clinical Skills:

- Understanding of basic health and hygiene standards.

- Ability to assist with daily living activities (bathing, dressing, feeding, etc.).

- Monitoring vital signs (blood pressure, temperature, pulse) can also be necessary.

4. Teamwork:

- Ability to work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals.

- Being a supportive team player.

5. Time Management:

- Ability to prioritize tasks efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

- Managing time effectively to ensure all patients receive appropriate care.

6. Attention to Detail:

- Being meticulous in following care plans and documenting changes in patients’ conditions.

- Paying close attention to patient safety.

7. Problem Solving Skills:

- Ability to respond to a variety of situations and challenges quickly and effectively.

- Competence in recognizing changes in a patient's condition and taking appropriate action.

8. Physical Stamina:

- Capability to perform physically demanding tasks, such as lifting and moving patients.

- Maintaining energy and stamina for long shifts.

Personal Qualities:

- Patience: Working in healthcare can be challenging; patience is crucial when dealing with patients who may be distressed or unwell.

- Reliability: Being dependable and trustworthy is essential for providing good patient care.

- Adaptability: Flexibility to handle varying work environments and situations.

- Respectfulness: Maintaining dignity for patients and treating them respectfully.

Training and Qualifications:

While formal qualifications may not always be required, having a relevant qualification, such as a Level 2 or Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care, can be beneficial. Some employers provide on-the-job training, and courses in first aid, safeguarding, or infection control may also be useful.

Experience:

Any previous experience in healthcare, customer service, or caring environments can greatly enhance your application. Volunteering in hospitals, care homes, or community services can provide valuable experience and skills.