Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust

Healthcare Assistant (King Edward Ward - Chemotherapy OPD)

The closing date is 26 October 2025

Job summary

Band 3 Healthcare Assistant (King Edward Ward - Chemotherapy OPD)

We are seeking a compassionate and motivated Healthcare Assistant to join our dynamic Chemotherapy Outpatients team.

You should be passionate about delivering high standards of care to cancer patients in an outpatient setting.

This is a patient-facing role where you will play a vital part in supporting individuals undergoing cancer treatment in a calm, professional, and compassionate environment.

This role is predominantly based in Royal Berkshire Hospital, but the service does also cover units atBracknell Healthspace and West Berkshire Community Hospital, Thatcham.

This role is Monday-Friday; 08:30-16:30 - hours can, however, be negotiated where necessary.

Informal visits/chats are highly encouraged - for further information please contact Ward Sisters:

Taylor Carlisle - taylor.carlisle@royalberkshire.nhs.uk

Kirti Pun - kirti.pun@royalberkshire.nhs.uk

Main duties of the job

To provide high-quality, compassionate care and practical support to patients attending the Chemotherapy Outpatients Unit.

The Healthcare Assistant works under the supervision of registered nurses and contributes to the safe, efficient delivery of cancer treatment services, supporting patients physically and emotionally throughout their visit.

The post holder will provide high quality essential care to patients under the supervision of a Registered Practitioner in a caring, compassionate and sensitive manner:

Acting always in the patient's best interests.

Protecting and maintaining the patient's privacy and dignity at all times.

Providing individualised care for a diverse group of patients respecting personal beliefs and preferences.

Alert the Registered Practitioner and/or Ward/ Department Manager to any change or concern relating to the welfare of the patient in a timely manner.

Undertake specific clinical skills relevant to clinical area following training and assessment of competence, e.g. performing vital signs, venepuncture.

Provides enhanced levels of care to patients requiring additional supervision and support to ensure their personal safety and wellbeing needs are met.

About us

We are one of the largest hospital foundation trusts in the country, and currently touch the lives of half a million patients in the west of Berkshire every year by providing high quality acute medical and surgical services for our local communities. The Trust strives to provide high quality, compassionate care for our patients and their families.

Our values:

  • Compassionate
  • Aspirational
  • Resourceful
  • Excellent

The town of Reading sits on the River Thames and is served by great road and rail links to London, Oxford, and Southampton. With excellent leisure and shopping facilities, and a thriving cultural scene, Reading is a wonderful place to live, work, and play and provides excellent facilities for families, including some of the best state and private schools in the UK.

The CQC rated the care provided by the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust as Good.

As part of the induction process, all new Healthcare Assistants will be supported to complete the nationally recognised Care Certificate (attached document refers) developed by Health Education England, Skills for Health and Skills for Care (2015).

This fantastic opportunity will allow you to gain formal recognition for the skills and knowledge you develop within the first 12 weeks of employment within the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust.

Details

Date posted

09 October 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,937 to £26,598 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

193-7386161PCG

Job locations

Royal Berkshire Hospital

Craven Road

Reading

RG1 5AN


Job description

Job responsibilities

1/ Provide safe, compassionate, and patient-focused care under the supervision of registered nurses.

2/ Support the clinical team in delivering effective cancer treatment in an outpatient environment.

3/ Maintain high standards of infection control, cleanliness, and health & safety at all times. Assist with stock management, demonstrating resourcefulness and avoiding disruptions to patient care.

4/ Recognise and escalate concerns related to patient wellbeing or treatment reactions.

5/ Protect patient dignity and confidentiality, always acting with professionalism and discretion.

6/ Contribute to a positive team environment, demonstrating flexibility, cooperation, and respect.

7/ Participate in ongoing training and development, maintaining up-to-date knowledge relevant to cancer care and chemotherapy support.

Job description

Job responsibilities

1/ Provide safe, compassionate, and patient-focused care under the supervision of registered nurses.

2/ Support the clinical team in delivering effective cancer treatment in an outpatient environment.

3/ Maintain high standards of infection control, cleanliness, and health & safety at all times. Assist with stock management, demonstrating resourcefulness and avoiding disruptions to patient care.

4/ Recognise and escalate concerns related to patient wellbeing or treatment reactions.

5/ Protect patient dignity and confidentiality, always acting with professionalism and discretion.

6/ Contribute to a positive team environment, demonstrating flexibility, cooperation, and respect.

7/ Participate in ongoing training and development, maintaining up-to-date knowledge relevant to cancer care and chemotherapy support.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Care Certificate

Desirable

  • QCF level 2 or Level 3 in Health or Health and Social Care
  • T Level in Health
  • GSCE or equivalent - Maths and English

Experience

Essential

  • Experience as Healthcare Assistant within an acute hospital environment or equivalent setting

Desirable

  • Previous experience of working within relevant specialty
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Care Certificate

Desirable

  • QCF level 2 or Level 3 in Health or Health and Social Care
  • T Level in Health
  • GSCE or equivalent - Maths and English

Experience

Essential

  • Experience as Healthcare Assistant within an acute hospital environment or equivalent setting

Desirable

  • Previous experience of working within relevant specialty

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

Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Royal Berkshire Hospital

Craven Road

Reading

RG1 5AN


Employer's website

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


Employer details

Employer name

Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Royal Berkshire Hospital

Craven Road

Reading

RG1 5AN


Employer's website

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


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

SACT Ward Manager

Taylor Carlisle

taylor.carlisle@royalberkshire.nhs.uk

01183227464

Details

Date posted

09 October 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,937 to £26,598 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

193-7386161PCG

Job locations

Royal Berkshire Hospital

Craven Road

Reading

RG1 5AN


Supporting documents

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