Job summary
We are seeking a compassionate and highly organised Support Worker to join our Early Pregnancy Assessment Clinic at Musgrove Park Hospital. This vital role supports the smooth running of the early pregnancy service, providing both clinical and administrative support to women experiencing complications in early pregnancy.
As a key member of the EPAC team, you will manage the telephone referral service, liaise with internal and external healthcare professionals, and assist in the planning and delivery of care. You will be proficient in phlebotomy and capable of responding calmly and effectively in distressing or emergency situations. The role requires excellent communication skills, emotional resilience, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
If you are passionate about women's health, thrive in emotionally sensitive environments, and have the skills to support both clinical and administrative functions, we would love to hear from you.
Main duties of the job
- Operate and manage the EPAC telephone referral line, triaging calls and gathering sensitive information.
- Provide clinical support including phlebotomy, vital signs monitoring, and NEWS scoring.
- Assist with patient care during investigations and procedures, including chaperoning and escorting.
- Maintain accurate and confidential patient records using hospital IT systems.
- Support women with complex clinical and social needs, offering reassurance and guidance.
- Perform clerical duties including data entry, stock management, and statistical reporting.
- Communicate effectively with patients, families, and a wide range of healthcare professionals.
- Respond appropriately to emergency situations and emotionally challenging scenarios.
About us
At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:
- Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
- NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
- Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
- A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential
Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.
We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.
Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.
The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.
Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The EPAC Support Worker will:
Clinical Responsibilities:
- Perform venepuncture and collect specimens for diagnostic analysis.
- Monitor patients' vital signs and escalate concerns as needed.
- Support patients undergoing treatment or investigation and assist with transfers.
- Provide health promotion advice on topics such as smoking cessation and nutrition.
Administrative Duties:
- Maintain the EPAC referral line and manage telephone enquiries with empathy and professionalism.
- Use hospital systems (e.g. Viewpoint, Ordercomms, Maxims, EPRO) to book and monitor patient care.
- Ensure accurate record keeping and contribute to the collection of clinic statistics.
- Manage stock levels and oversee ordering through the Integra system.
Communication & Teamwork:
- Build effective relationships with patients, families, and colleagues across departments.
- Communicate sensitive information with compassion and clarity.
- Act as an advocate for patients and support safeguarding processes.
- Participate in training, supervision, and mentorship of junior staff.
Professional Standards:
- Adhere to Trust policies including infection control, confidentiality, and uniform standards.
- Maintain high standards of hygiene and safety in all clinical areas.
- Engage in personal development and attend mandatory training sessions.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The EPAC Support Worker will:
Clinical Responsibilities:
- Perform venepuncture and collect specimens for diagnostic analysis.
- Monitor patients' vital signs and escalate concerns as needed.
- Support patients undergoing treatment or investigation and assist with transfers.
- Provide health promotion advice on topics such as smoking cessation and nutrition.
Administrative Duties:
- Maintain the EPAC referral line and manage telephone enquiries with empathy and professionalism.
- Use hospital systems (e.g. Viewpoint, Ordercomms, Maxims, EPRO) to book and monitor patient care.
- Ensure accurate record keeping and contribute to the collection of clinic statistics.
- Manage stock levels and oversee ordering through the Integra system.
Communication & Teamwork:
- Build effective relationships with patients, families, and colleagues across departments.
- Communicate sensitive information with compassion and clarity.
- Act as an advocate for patients and support safeguarding processes.
- Participate in training, supervision, and mentorship of junior staff.
Professional Standards:
- Adhere to Trust policies including infection control, confidentiality, and uniform standards.
- Maintain high standards of hygiene and safety in all clinical areas.
- Engage in personal development and attend mandatory training sessions.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- GCSE Maths and English or Functional Skills Maths and English, level 1 or equivalentMinimum of NVQ3 in Healthcare (or equivalent)
Desirable
- Communication skills training
Experience
Essential
- Previous experience in acute care environment with emphasis on Women's Health
- Previous experience of working within Gynaecology / Women's Health with evidence of awareness of early pregnancy complications.
- Previous experience of hospital systems to include MAXIMs and Ordercomms
- Experience of working in a role with both Clinical and Clerical aspects.
Additional Criteria
Essential
- Ability to hold emotional discussions with patients over a prolonged period of timeAble to demonstrate a caring nature/ life experience.Understands the need for strict confidentiality
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- GCSE Maths and English or Functional Skills Maths and English, level 1 or equivalentMinimum of NVQ3 in Healthcare (or equivalent)
Desirable
- Communication skills training
Experience
Essential
- Previous experience in acute care environment with emphasis on Women's Health
- Previous experience of working within Gynaecology / Women's Health with evidence of awareness of early pregnancy complications.
- Previous experience of hospital systems to include MAXIMs and Ordercomms
- Experience of working in a role with both Clinical and Clerical aspects.
Additional Criteria
Essential
- Ability to hold emotional discussions with patients over a prolonged period of timeAble to demonstrate a caring nature/ life experience.Understands the need for strict confidentiality
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
