Job summary
Acute Oncology Health Care Assistant
Band 3 (full time ) Hours: 37.5 per week
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a dedicated and enthusiastic Band 3 Support Worker to join the Acute Oncology team. The role involves supporting the smooth operation of the Acute Oncology Service and PICC line service.
You will assist and support the nursing team with both nursing and non-nursing tasks, enabling the care of haematology and oncology day cases and outpatient attendances, as well as supporting the administration of relevant documentation.
The Healthcare Assistant (HCA) will provide high-quality, safe, and compassionate care in support of the Acute Oncology Service, ensuring prompt assistance for patients experiencing cancer-related emergencies and ongoing treatment requirements. The role primarily involves delivering holistic care under the supervision of registered healthcare professionals, supporting patients undergoing treatment, assisting with monitoring and escalation of acute symptoms, and supporting the implementation of the new Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) line service.
The HCA will work closely within the multidisciplinary team to enhance the patient experience, promoting dignity and respect in all interactions.
We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Interview date: Week commencing 08/12/25
Main duties of the job
" A strong 76.6% of this staff group express genuine enthusiasm for their work''.NHS Survey, 2024
We care We communicate We collaborate We contribute
The role also encompasses performing venipuncture and collecting blood samples, with full training and support provided where required.
You will act as a key point of contact for patients and their families, addressing routine queries, signposting to appropriate services, and escalating any concerns as necessary. Furthermore, you will contribute to maintaining accurate patient records, coordinating appointments, overseeing care pathways, and supporting audit and data collection activities to facilitate service improvement.
This is a diverse and fulfilling role within cancer services.
If you are a motivated and compassionate healthcare support worker with a keen interest in oncology, we would be pleased to hear from you. You will become part of a supportive, multidisciplinary team committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centred care across both inpatient and outpatient settings.
We reserve the right to close posts early if we receive a sufficient volume of applications. Unfortunately only short listed applicants will be contacted. Candidates with a disability that meet the minimum criteria will be guaranteed an interview. Disclosure and Baring Service Checks may be required for new employees.
About us
Milton Keynes University Hospital, in proud partnership with the University of Buckingham, is a University Teaching Hospital committed to advancing patient care through cutting-edge research and education. With a "Good" rating from the CQC and significant investment underway, this is an exciting time to join our team and grow your career.
As a medium sized general hospital, we provide a full range of general medical and surgical services, including a busy Emergency Department, Maternity, and Paediatrics. As the population of our city and surrounding areas continues to grow rapidly, we are expanding and enhancing our facilities to meet rising demand and improve access to care for all our communities.
We are also proud to offer a growing portfolio of specialist services. In January 2025 we opened our state-of-the-art Radiotherapy Centre, bringing advanced cancer treatment closer to home. Our services also include neonatology, specialist surgical care, and a wide range of diagnostics, supported by the new Community Diagnostic Centre at Whitehouse Health Centre.
Further investment is underway, including the construction of Oak Wards - a new ward block featuring two 24-bed wards - and the recently approved Women and Children's Centre, set to open by 2030.
Visit our website to explore the latest news and opportunities at MKUH - News - Milton Keynes University Hospital -
For further information about Milton Keynes please visit - Visit Milton Keynes
Job description
Job responsibilities
Participating in the set up and organisation of the PICC line service under guidance.
Understand and assist in the scheduling and ringing of patients to confirm appointment times providing additional administration support to AOS service and cancer centre reception as required
Covering outpatient reception as required, taking all reception administration tasks, checking in and out of patient appointments, scheduling and taking calls, liaising with outpatient and day case area on patient appointments
Welcoming patients and relatives to the clinic/unit and facilitate their progress through the system.
Performing phlebotomy, blood pressures, pulse, temperature, respirations and Oxygen saturations escalating concerns appropriately.
Act as a chaperone when requested
To maintain the safety of patients and visitors while in the department.
To help provide and promote a professional and caring environment for patients and visitors attending the department.
To maintain a thorough knowledge of the setting up and the preparation required to maintain and run a clinical session.
To assist the senior nursing staff in ensuring that all clinical equipment is kept in good working order and ready to use.
General hotel service duties such as tidying the department and maintain set stock levels.
To undertake supervised training to gain appropriate skills within the department.
Attend in service and other training sessions as required. To include Health and Safety or the moving and handling of patients or loads.
Carry out some basic nursing tasks.
Please refer to the job description for further details.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Participating in the set up and organisation of the PICC line service under guidance.
Understand and assist in the scheduling and ringing of patients to confirm appointment times providing additional administration support to AOS service and cancer centre reception as required
Covering outpatient reception as required, taking all reception administration tasks, checking in and out of patient appointments, scheduling and taking calls, liaising with outpatient and day case area on patient appointments
Welcoming patients and relatives to the clinic/unit and facilitate their progress through the system.
Performing phlebotomy, blood pressures, pulse, temperature, respirations and Oxygen saturations escalating concerns appropriately.
Act as a chaperone when requested
To maintain the safety of patients and visitors while in the department.
To help provide and promote a professional and caring environment for patients and visitors attending the department.
To maintain a thorough knowledge of the setting up and the preparation required to maintain and run a clinical session.
To assist the senior nursing staff in ensuring that all clinical equipment is kept in good working order and ready to use.
General hotel service duties such as tidying the department and maintain set stock levels.
To undertake supervised training to gain appropriate skills within the department.
Attend in service and other training sessions as required. To include Health and Safety or the moving and handling of patients or loads.
Carry out some basic nursing tasks.
Please refer to the job description for further details.
Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge
Essential
- GCSE level or Functional Skills in Maths & English or equivalent knowledge
- NVQ Level 3 or equivalent experience
- NHS CARE Certificate
- Knowledge of personal care and activities of daily living
- Awareness of importance of infection prevention & control
- Understanding of the importance of safe working practices
- Understanding of the role of a Healthcare Assistant
Desirable
- Studying Nursing or Midwifery or similar at university
- Awareness of NHS policies
- Assessors training/certificate
Experience
Essential
- Experience working in a care setting
- Experience of working in a team
Desirable
- Previous NHS experience
- Experience in supporting junior staff
- Previous experience working with patients with cancer or complex needs
Skills
Essential
- Accurate record keeping
- Ability to demonstrate commitment to high standards of care
- Ability to work under pressure
- Ability to prioritise tasks effectively at short notice
- Caring in a professional manner towards patients and their relatives.
- Confident in recognising the need for escalation
- Good time management
- Ability to induct, support, assess and develop junior members of staff.
- Ability to undertake clinical observations and tasks including phlebotomy
Desirable
Personal and people development
Essential
- Commitment to Safeguarding
- Presents a professional appearance
- Ability to work within a team
- Self-motivated and enthusiastic
- Commitment to working in a caring environment with people of all ages
Communication
Essential
- Clear spoken and written English
- Able to show care, empathy and respect to patients and their families
- Able to communicate with team members, carrying out instructions and feeding back information.
- Able to record care provided using MKUH documentation and complying with MKUH policies and guidelines.
- Able to feedback to staff on safe and effective practice.
Desirable
- Able to feedback on assessments undertaken.
Specific requirements
Essential
- Able to perform the duties of the post with reasonable aids and adaptations.
Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge
Essential
- GCSE level or Functional Skills in Maths & English or equivalent knowledge
- NVQ Level 3 or equivalent experience
- NHS CARE Certificate
- Knowledge of personal care and activities of daily living
- Awareness of importance of infection prevention & control
- Understanding of the importance of safe working practices
- Understanding of the role of a Healthcare Assistant
Desirable
- Studying Nursing or Midwifery or similar at university
- Awareness of NHS policies
- Assessors training/certificate
Experience
Essential
- Experience working in a care setting
- Experience of working in a team
Desirable
- Previous NHS experience
- Experience in supporting junior staff
- Previous experience working with patients with cancer or complex needs
Skills
Essential
- Accurate record keeping
- Ability to demonstrate commitment to high standards of care
- Ability to work under pressure
- Ability to prioritise tasks effectively at short notice
- Caring in a professional manner towards patients and their relatives.
- Confident in recognising the need for escalation
- Good time management
- Ability to induct, support, assess and develop junior members of staff.
- Ability to undertake clinical observations and tasks including phlebotomy
Desirable
Personal and people development
Essential
- Commitment to Safeguarding
- Presents a professional appearance
- Ability to work within a team
- Self-motivated and enthusiastic
- Commitment to working in a caring environment with people of all ages
Communication
Essential
- Clear spoken and written English
- Able to show care, empathy and respect to patients and their families
- Able to communicate with team members, carrying out instructions and feeding back information.
- Able to record care provided using MKUH documentation and complying with MKUH policies and guidelines.
- Able to feedback to staff on safe and effective practice.
Desirable
- Able to feedback on assessments undertaken.
Specific requirements
Essential
- Able to perform the duties of the post with reasonable aids and adaptations.
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.
