Job summary
Health Care Assistant
Department: Haemoglobinopathy/Haematology
Band 3, £25,760 - £27,476 Per annum, pro rata
Hours: Part time, 22.5 per week, all MKUH roles will be considered for flexible working
The position is for three 7.5-hour days, though we're happy to discuss spreading the hours over more days if that suits the right candidate.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a committed and enthusiastic Band 3 Support Worker to join the Haemoglobinopathy/Haematology Specialist Nursing Service at Milton Keynes University Hospital. This role is an integral part of our specialist team, providing care and support to patients living with haemoglobin disorders such as sickle cell disease and bone marrow disorders such as blood cancer.
This is a varied role with a strong administrative focus (approximately 70% administrative and 30% clinical duties). You will work closely with the Nurse Specialists to support the smooth running of the service, contributing to both patient care and essential administrative processes.
'We care We communicate We collaborate We contribute'
Please note: We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.
Interview date: 18 MAY 2026
Please apply early as the job is likely to close very quickly once the maximum number of applicants is reached.
Please note: applications made using AI will not be accepted
Main duties of the job
A key aspect of this role is the ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with patients and families, including supporting individuals living with chronic and, at times, life-limiting conditions. You will need to feel confident engaging in sensitive conversations, offering reassurance, and responding appropriately to patient needs while escalating concerns when required.
Your administrative responsibilities will include coordinating appointments, maintaining accurate patient records, tracking care pathways, supporting audits, and assisting with data collection to improve service delivery. You will need to have a good basic foundation of IT skills.
On the clinical side, you will support patients attending Red Cell Exchange clinics, assist with preparing clinical areas, and help facilitate care before, during and after procedures and treatment under the guidance of the specialist nursing team.
You will act as a key point of contact for patients and their families, helping to answer queries, signpost to relevant services, and ensure a positive and supportive patient experience.
This is a rewarding opportunity to join a growing and supportive multidisciplinary team delivering high-quality, patient-centred care across both inpatient and outpatient settings.
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
NHS Staff Survey: With high scores in Team Working and Line Management, our teams collaborate, communicate, and care for one anotherbecause we know were stronger together.
If you are a motivated and compassionate individual, with a keen interest in haematology and long-term conditions, we would love to hear from you. Youll be part of a supportive and multidisciplinary team working to deliver high-quality, patient-centred care across both inpatient and outpatient settings.
Please refer to attached Job description for further information.
We believe success lies in the diversity of our employees and are committed to promoting equality, encouragingdiversity,and embracing inclusion. We welcome applications from everyone interested in working for us.
MKUH is committed to equal opportunities and improving the working lives of our staff and as such we offer a range of flexible working practices.
We reserve the right to expire vacancies prior to the advertised closing date onceenoughapplications have been received.
MKUH uses identification scanning technology to confirm the authenticity of documents; all prospective employees of MKUH will have their original documents verified using this technology.
By applying for this role, you accept if successful, that information from your application will be transferred into the national NHS Electronic Staff Record (ESR) system. Your personal data may be transferred from the Trust to another NHS organisation where your employment transfers within the NHS. This isin accordance withthe streamlining programme which aims at saving you time and improving efficiencies within the NHS when your employment transfers.
Uponcommencingemploymentwith theTrust,allemployees (except Medical & Dental Staff on national terms and conditions)aresubjectto aprobationary periodlastingaperiod of sixmonthswithanoptiontoextendfor afurther sixmonths toatotalof 12months.
Job description
Job responsibilities
NHS Staff Survey: With high scores in Team Working and Line Management, our teams collaborate, communicate, and care for one anotherbecause we know were stronger together.
If you are a motivated and compassionate individual, with a keen interest in haematology and long-term conditions, we would love to hear from you. Youll be part of a supportive and multidisciplinary team working to deliver high-quality, patient-centred care across both inpatient and outpatient settings.
Please refer to attached Job description for further information.
We believe success lies in the diversity of our employees and are committed to promoting equality, encouragingdiversity,and embracing inclusion. We welcome applications from everyone interested in working for us.
MKUH is committed to equal opportunities and improving the working lives of our staff and as such we offer a range of flexible working practices.
We reserve the right to expire vacancies prior to the advertised closing date onceenoughapplications have been received.
MKUH uses identification scanning technology to confirm the authenticity of documents; all prospective employees of MKUH will have their original documents verified using this technology.
By applying for this role, you accept if successful, that information from your application will be transferred into the national NHS Electronic Staff Record (ESR) system. Your personal data may be transferred from the Trust to another NHS organisation where your employment transfers within the NHS. This isin accordance withthe streamlining programme which aims at saving you time and improving efficiencies within the NHS when your employment transfers.
Uponcommencingemploymentwith theTrust,allemployees (except Medical & Dental Staff on national terms and conditions)aresubjectto aprobationary periodlastingaperiod of sixmonthswithanoptiontoextendfor afurther sixmonths toatotalof 12months.
Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge
Essential
- GCSE level or Functional Skills in Maths & English or equivalent knowledge
- Knowledge of personal care and activities of daily living
- Understanding of the importance of safe working practices
- Understanding of the role of a Healthcare Assistant
- Awareness of NHS policies
Desirable
- NVQ Level 3 or equivalent experience
- CARE Certificate
- Awareness of importance of infection prevention & control
- Knowledge of haemoglobinopathy patient pathway
Skills
Essential
- Ability to demonstrate commitment to high standards of care
- Accurate record keeping
- Ability to work under pressure
- Ability to prioritise tasks effectively at short notice
- Caring in a professional manner towards patients and their relatives
- Good time management
- Ability to induct, support, assess and develop junior members of staff.
- Ability to undertake clinical observations and tasks including phlebotomy or willingness to train
- IT Skills
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.
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working in a team
Desirable
- Experience working in a care setting
- Previous NHS experience
- Experience in haematology
Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge
Essential
- GCSE level or Functional Skills in Maths & English or equivalent knowledge
- Knowledge of personal care and activities of daily living
- Understanding of the importance of safe working practices
- Understanding of the role of a Healthcare Assistant
- Awareness of NHS policies
Desirable
- NVQ Level 3 or equivalent experience
- CARE Certificate
- Awareness of importance of infection prevention & control
- Knowledge of haemoglobinopathy patient pathway
Skills
Essential
- Ability to demonstrate commitment to high standards of care
- Accurate record keeping
- Ability to work under pressure
- Ability to prioritise tasks effectively at short notice
- Caring in a professional manner towards patients and their relatives
- Good time management
- Ability to induct, support, assess and develop junior members of staff.
- Ability to undertake clinical observations and tasks including phlebotomy or willingness to train
- IT Skills
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.
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working in a team
Desirable
- Experience working in a care setting
- Previous NHS experience
- Experience in haematology
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.
