Job overview

Apprentice Healthcare Support Workers are a vital part of the team that supports the staff and patients in wards and departments throughout the hospital. Working under the direction of qualified nursing/midwifery staff, Apprentice HCSWs carry out a wide range of duties to care for, support, and provide information to patients and their families. They also carry out a range of housekeeping duties, as well as perform basic medical checks, such as taking a patient’s temperature, pulse and respiration rate. The role can be very varied depending upon the ward is employed. The role is about learning on the job.

The attitude and behaviour of an Apprentice Healthcare Support Worker is of far more importance than any formal qualifications. Suitable candidates for the role are friendly, caring and sensitive individuals, who are able to offer social stimulation as well as care to the patients they tend. They will also demonstrate the Trust values – Kindness, Respect, Safety and Excellence – in all aspects of their role.

They will be aware of the Care Quality Commission standards and support the multi-disciplinary team ensuring that they are maintained. The individual must provide a patient centred approach and will be expected to uphold and maintain the standards of care to support a culture of compassionate care. 

Main duties of the job

Clinical Support Role

·         Under direct supervision assist with the delivery of care plan as described by the Registered  Nurse/ Midwife

·         Assist patients with their care needs as required reporting any change in the patient’s  condition to the registered nurse/ midwife

·         Support the Registered Nurse/ Midwife and other health professionals with the mobilization  or transfer of patients

·         Develop awareness of patients in pain and discomfort and report any changes in the patient’s  condition to the registered Nurse/ Midwife

·         Have an awareness of patient’s dietary needs, delivering meals, providing patients with drinks where necessary and providing assistance with eating and drinking if required.

·         Demonstrate an understanding of the different needs of individual patients and their carers/ families.

·         Develop an awareness of vulnerable patients and their safe guarding needs

·         Under supervision, take and record the patients observations (e.g. temperature, blood pressure) as required and inform the registered nurse/ midwife of any changes in the patient’s  condition

·         Support the patient’s with their elimination needs recording quantities and frequency on the  relevant documentation charts as prescribed by the Registered Nurse/ Midwife 

Working for our organisation

Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of England's top-performing and safest trusts. We operate two main acute hospital sites—Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and West Middlesex University Hospital—along with award-winning clinics across North West London.

Our nearly 7,500 staff care for a diverse population of 1.5 million, providing full clinical services, including maternity, A&E, and children’s services, plus specialist HIV and sexual health clinics. The Care Quality Commission rates us 'Good' in safety, effectiveness, care, and responsiveness, and 'Outstanding' in leadership and resource use.

We continually invest in our facilities, including a £30m expansion of critical care at Chelsea and Westminster and an £80m Ambulatory Diagnostic Centre at West Middlesex.

We are committed to equal opportunities and believe that diversity drives innovation and excellence. As part of our dedication to equity, we actively welcome applications from individuals from the global majority, veterans and underrepresented communities. We value the unique perspectives and experiences that diverse teams bring and are committed to creating an environment where all voices are heard, respected, and empowered to succeed."

If you haven’t heard from us within three weeks of the closing date, your application was likely unsuccessful. Employment is subject to a six-month probationary period.

Some roles may require weekend shifts at multiple sites.