University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

Lead Healthcare Assistant Vascular Access

The closing date is 31 March 2026

Job summary

Assist in the delivery of vascular access procedures for all patients.

Undertake specific practical clinical skills e.g. venepuncture, cannulation, CVAD dressings, troubleshooting, non-ultrasound based vascular access procedures.

Maintain adequate stock to ensure smooth and consistent delivery of services.

Undertake audit data collection and interpretation alongside team colleagues.

***Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.***

Main duties of the job

To plan, organise, prioritise and adjust the vascular access caseload in relation to patient requirements.

To be responsible for accurately generating information resources (including audit) and ensuring this information is communicated with the appropriate MDT members.

Support the other members of the vascular access service in the delivery of services - to include procedural assistance, clinic co-ordination, triage/prioritisation of referrals, liaison with MDT.

Undertake specific clinical skills following demonstration of competence and appropriate sign-off - this includes (but not limited to) venepuncture, cannulation, recording of clinical observations, non-ultrasound based vascular access procedures and vascular access care and maintenance.

About us

We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment manager for this post who will put you in touch with the recruitment team. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.

Details

Date posted

17 March 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,937 to £26,598 a year £24,937 - £26,598 Per Annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

216-AM-DD7799825

Job locations

Derriford Hospital

Plymouth

PL6 8DH


Job description

Job responsibilities

To manage, under indirect supervision, own workload within the competencies of the post.

Following assessment, advice and recommendation of a registered member of the team/MDT, undertake extended skills specific to individual competence under indirect supervision.

Undertake a range of agreed competency-based skills such as venepuncture, cannulation, non-ultrasound based vascular access procedures, device care and maintenance, clinical observation.

Ensure all documentation is contemporaneous, clear and located appropriately.

To adhere to infection control policies and guidance.

Ensure all equipment is in good working order and escalated appropriately if defects found.

To obtain results via IT platforms and escalate findings.

Maintain a safe environment for patients in accordance with hospital policies and procedures and report any perceived risks.

To recognise the importance of health education and teaching of patients and carers and be able to advise and refer patients on where to access information.

Following appropriate training, can assess competence of clinical skill delivery across the trust.

To respect the confidential information, in line with Trust Policy Data Protection Act, obtained in the course of work.

Report untoward incidents, complaints and clinical emergencies to senior staff via appropriate channels.

Be personal responsible in maintaining competence in using clinical equipment required for the role and identifying requirements for additional educational support.

Contribute to the learning environment of the team supporting junior colleagues and colleagues new to the team.

Assist as required with data collection for audit work.

Undertake the portering and escorting of patients to and from the vascular access department.

For further details please see attached JD&PS

Job description

Job responsibilities

To manage, under indirect supervision, own workload within the competencies of the post.

Following assessment, advice and recommendation of a registered member of the team/MDT, undertake extended skills specific to individual competence under indirect supervision.

Undertake a range of agreed competency-based skills such as venepuncture, cannulation, non-ultrasound based vascular access procedures, device care and maintenance, clinical observation.

Ensure all documentation is contemporaneous, clear and located appropriately.

To adhere to infection control policies and guidance.

Ensure all equipment is in good working order and escalated appropriately if defects found.

To obtain results via IT platforms and escalate findings.

Maintain a safe environment for patients in accordance with hospital policies and procedures and report any perceived risks.

To recognise the importance of health education and teaching of patients and carers and be able to advise and refer patients on where to access information.

Following appropriate training, can assess competence of clinical skill delivery across the trust.

To respect the confidential information, in line with Trust Policy Data Protection Act, obtained in the course of work.

Report untoward incidents, complaints and clinical emergencies to senior staff via appropriate channels.

Be personal responsible in maintaining competence in using clinical equipment required for the role and identifying requirements for additional educational support.

Contribute to the learning environment of the team supporting junior colleagues and colleagues new to the team.

Assist as required with data collection for audit work.

Undertake the portering and escorting of patients to and from the vascular access department.

For further details please see attached JD&PS

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • GCSE's Grade A-C/4-9 in Maths and English or Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths and English.
  • Plus, either: oNVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care or HCA UHP Level 3 or definitive proven evidence of working towards - 75% completed (or equivalent transferrable qualification) OR oDemonstrable equivalent experience (NVQ Level 3 equivalent) as a Healthcare Assistant in a Band 2 clinical role and agree to undertake the HCA UHP Level 3 course (upon completion - moving to Band 3)

Desirable

  • Level 3 Core Modules
  • Compulsory modules to include Venepuncture, Cannulation, ECG, ANTT

Knowledge & Experience

Essential

  • Demonstrable experience in working to Band 2 KSF framework within a relevant clinical area.

Desirable

  • Demonstrable experience in a similar role.
  • Demonstrable experience working with vascular access devices and procedures.

Aptitude and Abilities

Essential

  • Demonstrate competence in literacy
  • Proven communication skills, both written and verbal
  • Computer literate
  • Proven time management skills
  • Able to competently organise and carry out designated workload
  • Able to work within a team and report information to appropriate MDT members
  • Proven good general health, smart in appearance in line with trust uniform policy
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • GCSE's Grade A-C/4-9 in Maths and English or Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths and English.
  • Plus, either: oNVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care or HCA UHP Level 3 or definitive proven evidence of working towards - 75% completed (or equivalent transferrable qualification) OR oDemonstrable equivalent experience (NVQ Level 3 equivalent) as a Healthcare Assistant in a Band 2 clinical role and agree to undertake the HCA UHP Level 3 course (upon completion - moving to Band 3)

Desirable

  • Level 3 Core Modules
  • Compulsory modules to include Venepuncture, Cannulation, ECG, ANTT

Knowledge & Experience

Essential

  • Demonstrable experience in working to Band 2 KSF framework within a relevant clinical area.

Desirable

  • Demonstrable experience in a similar role.
  • Demonstrable experience working with vascular access devices and procedures.

Aptitude and Abilities

Essential

  • Demonstrate competence in literacy
  • Proven communication skills, both written and verbal
  • Computer literate
  • Proven time management skills
  • Able to competently organise and carry out designated workload
  • Able to work within a team and report information to appropriate MDT members
  • Proven good general health, smart in appearance in line with trust uniform policy

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Additional information

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Employer details

Employer name

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

Address

Derriford Hospital

Plymouth

PL6 8DH


Employer's website

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


Employer details

Employer name

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

Address

Derriford Hospital

Plymouth

PL6 8DH


Employer's website

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


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Consultant Practitioner

Colin Fairhurst

c.fairhurst1@nhs.net

01752432095

Details

Date posted

17 March 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,937 to £26,598 a year £24,937 - £26,598 Per Annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

216-AM-DD7799825

Job locations

Derriford Hospital

Plymouth

PL6 8DH


Supporting documents

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