Band 3 HCA Radiology Bridgwater

Job description

Job responsibilities

The Radiology Health Care Assistant plays a vital role in supporting the safe and efficient delivery of diagnostic and interventional radiology services. The post holder will provide high quality patient care through safe patient identification, preparation, transport, and observation while supporting radiographers, nurses, and medical staff in delivering diagnostic procedures.

The role requires excellent communication skills, patient centred care, accurate documentation, and the ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team to ensure the highest standards of safety, dignity, and service efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

Patient Identification & Safety

Undertake positive patient identification prior to examinations and procedures in line with departmental policy.

Complete preparatory safety documentation such as MRI safety forms and checklists.

Monitor and record patient observations (temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure) both manually and using monitoring equipment, escalating concerns to clinical staff.

Patient Care & Clinical Support

Assist patients with dressing, undressing, and personal comfort needs, maintaining privacy and dignity at all times.

Prepare, position, and chaperone patients for radiology examinations, ensuring safety and reassurance.

Measure patient height and weight for examinations where required.

After appropriate training and assessment, gain peripheral vascular access (cannulation) for contrast imaging studies.

Assist clinicians during emergency situations, including performing basic life support (BLS) when needed.

Patient Transport & Handover

Safely escort patients within the department, assessing their fitness to travel and selecting the appropriate mode of transport (bed, trolley, stretcher, wheelchair).

Provide accurate verbal and written patient handovers.

Ensure all relevant documentation--clinical notes, imaging referrals, care plans--are transferred with the patient.

Escort patients post procedure, monitoring puncture sites and applying manual compression in the event of rebleeding, once trained and deemed competent.

Moving & Handling

Assist with the movement, transfer, and positioning of patients using safe moving and handling techniques in accordance with Trust guidelines.

Assist ambulant and non ambulant patients onto examination couches and equipment, often over extended distances within the hospital.

Teamworking & Departmental Support

Support radiographers, nurses, and medical staff in delivering patient centred imaging services.

Maintain awareness of patient condition and communicate concerns promptly to clinical staff.

Contribute to maintaining a clean, safe, and organised clinical environment.

Person Specification

Qualifications & Training

Essential

Good general standard of education (e.g., GCSEs or equivalent).

Willingness to undertake inhouse training, including:

Basic Life Support (BLS)

Manual Handling

Cannulation training

Desirable

Care Certificate or equivalent health care qualification.

Previous training or certification in patient care or healthcare support roles.

Experience

Essential

Experience working in a patient facing or care environment (healthcare, social care, or similar).

Experience working as part of a team.

Desirable

Experience in an acute hospital environment.

Experience with patient transport or radiology services.

Knowledge & Skills

Essential

Understanding of patient confidentiality and professional boundaries.

Ability to communicate clearly and sensitively with patients, families, and staff.

Ability to recognise and report changes in patient condition.

Competence in basic IT skills and documentation.

Ability to move and handle patients safely.

Desirable

Awareness of radiology procedures and imaging pathways.

Knowledge of basic infection prevention and control practices.

Personal Qualities

Compassionate, patient focused approach.

Reliable, punctual, and adaptable.

Ability to remain calm under pressure.

Commitment to delivering high quality care.

Willingness to learn and develop new competencies.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Numeracy and literacy qualifications
• Excellent communication and English language skills

Desirable

• Level 2 NVQ in health and social care

Experience

Essential

• Proven recent experience in a health care setting as an HCA

Desirable

• Previous NHS hospital experience
• Basic understanding of a Radiology department

Additional Criteria

Essential

• Ability to work night duties and weekend work as well as shifts during the week

Desirable

• UK driving licence with ability and willingness to travel to trust sites as required

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.

Employer details

Employer name

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Bridgwater Community Hospital

Bower Lane

Bridgwater

Somerset

TA6 4GU

Employer's website

https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)