Healthcare Support Worker

Senior Healthcare Support Worker – Outpatients Department | Band 3

Employer: Bristol NHS Foundation Trust
Site: Bristol Eye Hospital
Location: Bristol, England, United Kingdom
Job Reference: 387-S4795-GW
Job Title: Senior Healthcare Support Worker – Outpatients Department
Band: Band 3
Contract: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full time or Part time
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Salary: £25,760 – £27,476 per year, pro rata
Closing Date: 10 September 2026 at 23:59
Sector: Nursing and Midwifery / Healthcare Support

Job Overview

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust is recruiting an experienced Senior Healthcare Support Worker (SHCSW) to join the Preoperative Assessment Unit at Bristol Eye Hospital.

This is an opportunity for a qualified and experienced Healthcare Support Worker to develop specialist skills within an ophthalmic healthcare environment.

The role offers Monday to Friday working, 08:00 to 17:00, with no night shifts, weekends or Bank Holiday working.

Key Highlights

• Band 3 Senior Healthcare Support Worker
• £25,760 – £27,476 per year, pro rata
• Permanent position
• Full-time or part-time opportunities
• 37.5 hours per week
• Monday to Friday
• 08:00 – 17:00
• No nights
• No weekends
• No Bank Holiday working
• Bristol Eye Hospital
• Specialist ophthalmic training provided
• Supportive multidisciplinary team
• Staff wellbeing programme
• Career development and training support

About the Role

The successful candidate will support patients attending the Preoperative Assessment Unit before undergoing eye surgery.

Working under the direction of a Registered Nurse and alongside doctors, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Allied Health Professionals and other healthcare professionals, you will undertake a variety of clinical and support duties.

Main Duties

• Carrying out ECGs
• Undertaking phlebotomy
• Calculating BMI
• Recording general observations
• Supporting preoperative patient assessments
• Completing appropriate documentation
• Communicating effectively with patients and colleagues
• Reporting delegated duties to Registered Nurses
• Working safely within the scope of the SHCSW role
• Following Trust policies and procedures
• Liaising with members of the multidisciplinary team
• Using basic IT systems
• Providing compassionate, high-quality patient care

Specialist Ophthalmic Training

Previous Healthcare Support Worker experience is essential. However, full training will be provided in specialist ophthalmic assessment procedures.

Training will include:

• Visual Acuity testing
• Biometry
• Intraocular Pressure (IOP) measurements
• Specialist ophthalmic assessment procedures

What the Trust Is Looking For

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• A calm and caring approach to patients
• Commitment to high-quality patient care
• Ability to work effectively under pressure
• Ability to work with minimum supervision
• Good organisational and time-management skills
• Ability to prioritise workload
• Basic IT skills
• Basic Word, email and keyboard skills
• Accurate documentation skills
• Problem-solving ability
• Enthusiasm for healthcare
• Willingness to undertake relevant training
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team
• Ability to meet the physical and developmental demands of the role

Essential Experience

Applicants must have experience providing care in a healthcare or social care setting.

You should also demonstrate:

• Experience working as part of a team
• Experience managing and prioritising workload
• Understanding of a caring approach towards patients and relatives
• Awareness of healthcare policies and procedures

Previous NHS experience is desirable but not essential.

Essential Qualifications and Training

Applicants should have one of the following:

• City & Guilds Level 3
• NVQ Level 3
• BTEC National Diploma
• Equivalent experience

Applicants should also have:

• Level 2 Functional Skills in English and Maths, or equivalent
• Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support that maps to the Apprenticeship Standard for Senior Healthcare Support Worker, or equivalent experience

Working Environment

Bristol Eye Hospital can be busy, demanding and challenging at times.

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

• Compassion
• Adaptability
• Resilience
• Excellent communication
• Professionalism
• Patient-focused care
• Ability to remain calm under pressure

The successful applicant will join a supportive and friendly team where colleagues work together and celebrate each other’s achievements.

Staff Benefits and Development

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust is committed to investing in its employees.

Staff can benefit from:

• Staff wellbeing support
• Health and wellbeing programmes
• Career development opportunities
• Training and management support
• Supportive team-working environment
• Professional development opportunities
• Work-life balance initiatives

About Bristol NHS Foundation Trust

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust was formed following the merger of North Bristol NHS Trust and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust on 1 July 2026.

The organisation brings together more than 28,000 staff and delivers more than 160 clinical services across thirteen hospital locations.

Its main sites include:

• Southmead
• Bristol city centre
• Weston

The Trust is committed to delivering high-quality patient care while supporting its workforce.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust is an equal opportunities employer committed to developing a diverse workforce that represents the local population.

The Trust particularly welcomes applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, who are currently under-represented within the organisation.

Important Application Information

The Trust is currently receiving a high volume of applications for Healthcare Support Worker positions.

Your supporting information should clearly explain:

• Why you want to work at Bristol Eye Hospital
• Why you are interested in this specialist role
• Your relevant Healthcare Support Worker experience
• What skills and experience you can bring to the team
• How you meet the person specification

Previous applicants need not apply.

Only candidates who clearly demonstrate how they meet the person specification will be shortlisted.

Important: AI and Applications

The Trust states that it does not support the use of generative AI in applications.

Applicants who have used AI are required to declare this. The Trust states that suspected use of AI in applications may result in rejection.

Applicants should ensure that their application accurately reflects their own experience, skills and qualifications.

Visa Sponsorship Information

If you require sponsorship for a visa to work in the UK, the Trust advises applicants to check their eligibility under the UKVI points-based immigration system before applying.

Important: The vacancy information does not state that visa sponsorship is guaranteed for this position.

Applicants requiring sponsorship should independently confirm their eligibility and whether the role can be sponsored before applying.

English Language Requirement

In accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016, applicants must be able to speak fluent English to an appropriate standard.

English language ability will be assessed at interview.

DBS Requirement

This position is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975, as amended.

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will therefore be required.

Application Deadline

Closing date: 10 September 2026 at 23:59

Apply Early

The Trust warns that vacancies may close before the advertised closing date if sufficient applications are received.

If you meet the requirements, apply as soon as possible.

Recruitment Process

Applications will be reviewed through a shortlisting process.

Shortlisted candidates will then be contacted regarding the next stage of recruitment.

Interviews should usually take place within approximately three weeks of the closing date.

Applicants should regularly check their Trac account and email inbox for recruitment communications.

The Trust may also contact applicants by text message if a mobile number has been provided.

Beware of Recruitment Scams

Applicants should be cautious of fraudulent recruitment communications.

The Trust states that, unless otherwise specified, it will communicate through official @recruit.trac.jobs or NHS.net email addresses.

The Trust also states that it will never ask applicants for payment.

Informal Enquiries

Contact: Francisco Jose Fernandez Valdes
Job Title: Ward Manager / Charge Nurse
Email: francisco.valdes@uhbw.nhs.uk
Telephone: 0117 342 7130

Problems Applying?

University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust
Telephone: 0117 342 5000 — Option 1

How to Apply

Interested and suitably qualified candidates should apply through the official NHS recruitment process.

When completing your supporting information, explain why you want to work at Bristol Eye Hospital and demonstrate how you meet the person specification.

Apply early because the vacancy may close before the stated deadline.

Job Summary at a Glance

Final Reminder

This Band 3 Senior Healthcare Support Worker vacancy at Bristol Eye Hospital offers an opportunity to work in a specialist ophthalmic environment with Monday-to-Friday hours and no nights, weekends or Bank Holiday working.

Candidates should carefully review the essential qualifications and experience before applying and ensure their supporting statement directly addresses the person specification.

Apply early — the Trust may close the vacancy once sufficient applications have been received.

Disclaimer

This job information has been arranged from the vacancy details supplied for this post. Applicants should verify the latest vacancy information, eligibility requirements, closing date and application instructions on the official NHS recruitment listing before applying.