QR Code Healthcare Assistant - Blood Donation inLondon inLondon PUBLISHED SUN 22 SEP 2024

Healthcare Assistant - Blood Donation Mobile Team

Job Summary

NHS Blood and Transplant 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 donors, ensuring they receive exceptional, first-class care. We save lives but we don’t work in hospitals. We collect blood from donors in Donor Centres and in our community.

As a Healthcare Assistant Blood Donation, you will have the opportunity to learn valuable skills and be an essential member of our team. You’ll play a vital role in saving and improving lives daily in an environment where every day is different.

We’ll provide an extensive induction and training programme, including the Skills for Health Care Certificate which is recognised as a foundation to healthcare support throughout the NHS. Please note this position is for London Middlesex Mobile Collection team, operating out of Colindale.

Main duties of the job

Your responsibilities will include:-

  • Taking part in training to learn how to insert a needle into a donors arm to achieve a blood donation unit.
  • Looking after our donors throughout their donation journey to ensure they have a positive experience and care.
  • Ensuring all documentation from donors is recorded, keeping accurate records throughout the session.
  • Encouraging donors to return by building relationships and delivering an exceptional customer experience.
  • Ensuring the safe handling and management of blood products, needles and a range of equipment.

You will be required to work variable hours and days, including evenings, weekends and bank holidays with appropriate notice of the rota.

About You

Experience and Knowledge

  • Have experience of dealing with the public.
  • Have experience of delivering a quality customer service.
  • Be willing to learn new technology skills and undergo digital training.

Qualifications And Training

  • Have a good standard of numeracy and literacy.
  • Be willing to undertake development and training to upskill yourself including completion of the Skills for Health Care Certificate.
  • Hold a valid full UK Driving Licence with no more than 6 penalty points.

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.

About Us

At NHS Blood and Transplant, we’re incredibly proud of the many talented people who come together every day to make our organisation the very best it can be. We have clearly defined values that are centred around offering exceptional care to our donors and their families. We take care of each other too and we focus on building our expertise so we can change lives, provide quality support and offer fulfilling careers.

It’s an opportunity to contribute to a unique team as part of a service that saves lives 365 days a year. We offer brilliant benefits including 27 days of holiday (plus bank holidays), a comprehensive induction and training programme, and competitive pension scheme.

We are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace and aim to reflect the diverse communities we work with and positively encourage applications from all sectors of the community.

Three small words, one big difference - Caring, Expert and Quality.

Together we'll save and improve more lives than ever

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. I regret that 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.

This vacancy will close at 23:59 on 29September 2024

Interviews are anticipated to be held on 18 October 2024 subject to confirmation

For informal enquiries please contact Name: Sharon Clifford Creagh, Job Title: Senior Sister, Contact Details:
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:
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.
 


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