Detailed job description and main responsibilities

A key aspect of the role involves assisting with day‑unit and outpatient activities, including preparing clinical areas, welcoming patients, and ensuring equipment, documentation, and supplies are available and fit for purpose. The postholder will undertake routine clinical tasks such as monitoring and recording vital signs, urinalysis, pain scoring, and supporting patients during transfusion and venesection procedures. You will be responsible for collecting, checking, and transporting blood products in accordance with local transfusion policies, ensuring safe handling, accurate identification, and timely delivery to clinical areas. The role also includes assisting with cannulation preparation, patient positioning, and providing comfort measures throughout procedures.

The Healthcare Assistant will work closely with the CNS team to support the coordination of care, including preparing patient information packs, assisting with health‑promotion activities, and reinforcing key messages around hydration, pain‑management strategies, medication adherence, and lifestyle considerations. You will help identify early signs of deterioration or sickle cell crisis and escalate concerns promptly to senior staff.

Administrative responsibilities form a significant part of the role. These include maintaining accurate electronic patient records, updating clinic lists, supporting appointment scheduling, and ensuring results, care plans, and correspondence are filed appropriately. You will help manage stock levels, order clinical supplies, and maintain a clean, safe environment in line with infection‑prevention and control standards. The postholder may also assist with data collection for audits, service improvement projects, and patient‑experience initiatives.

Working within a specialist haemoglobinopathy service requires sensitivity to the cultural, psychological, and social factors that influence the lives of individuals and families affected by these conditions. The postholder will be expected to build trusting relationships, provide reassurance, and communicate clearly and respectfully with patients who may be experiencing pain, fatigue, anxiety, or distress. You will also support group education sessions, community outreach events, and MDT meetings where appropriate.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate excellent communication skills, empathy, and a proactive approach to patient care. You should be able to work effectively within a fast‑paced clinical environment, prioritise tasks, and respond calmly to changing situations. Previous experience in haematology, long‑term conditions, or acute care is desirable but not essential, as full training will be provided. A commitment to ongoing learning and professional development is essential, and the postholder will be encouraged to develop specialist knowledge in sickle cell disease and haemoglobinopathies.