HCA Sickle Cell and Haemaglobinopathies | Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust
| Posting date: | 09 February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | Not specified |
| Additional salary information: | £24,937 Per Annum (Pro Rata for Part Time) |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 11 March 2026 |
| Location: | basildon, SS16 5NL |
| Company: | Southend University Hospital NHS Trust |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 7667582/390-CSS-BA-0026 |
Summary
We are seeking a compassionate, motivated Healthcare Assistant to join our specialist Sickle Cell and Haemoglobinopathies team. This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about delivering high‑quality, culturally sensitive care to patients living with complex long‑term conditions. You will work closely with clinical nurse specialists, medical staff, and multidisciplinary teams to support the holistic needs of individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease and related haemoglobin disorders.
In this role, you will assist with day‑to‑day clinical tasks including monitoring vital signs, supporting venesection and transfusion clinics, preparing patients for procedures, and recognising early signs of sickle cell crisis or deterioration. You will help maintain accurate patient records, ensure safe infection‑control practices, and contribute to smooth clinic flow and patient experience. A key part of the role involves offering reassurance, education, and practical support to patients who may be experiencing pain, fatigue, or anxiety related to their condition.
You will support clinical activity by monitoring and recording vital signs, undertaking urinalysis, performing basic observations during transfusions, and promptly escalating any concerns regarding patient wellbeing. The role involves collecting, checking, and transporting blood products in line with local transfusion policies, ensuring safe handling, accurate labelling, and timely delivery to clinical areas. You will also assist with venesection sessions, patient positioning, and comfort measures during procedures.
Working closely with the MDT, you will contribute to holistic patient support by offering reassurance, assisting with pain‑management strategies, promoting hydration, and reinforcing education provided by the nursing team. You may also help facilitate patient group sessions, health‑promotion activities, and community outreach events.
The postholder is expected to demonstrate excellent communication skills, cultural sensitivity, and a proactive approach to patient care. You will be encouraged to develop specialist knowledge in sickle cell disease and haemoglobinopathies, participate in training, and contribute to service improvement initiatives that enhance patient experience and clinical outcomes.
Full details in Job Description
Our ambition is to deliver excellent local and specialist services, to improve the health and well being of our patients, and provide a vibrant place for staff to develop, innovate and build careers.
We aim to make the most of our skills and experiences so we can become the best we can be. As one organisation we will recruit the finest and retain more specialist staff due to more employment opportunities across our Trust.
A key aspect of the role involves assisting with day‑unit and outpatient activities, including preparing clinical areas, welcoming patients, and ensuring equipment, documentation, and supplies are available and fit for purpose. The postholder will undertake routine clinical tasks such as monitoring and recording vital signs, urinalysis, pain scoring, and supporting patients during transfusion and venesection procedures. You will be responsible for collecting, checking, and transporting blood products in accordance with local transfusion policies, ensuring safe handling, accurate identification, and timely delivery to clinical areas. The role also includes assisting with cannulation preparation, patient positioning, and providing comfort measures throughout procedures.
The Healthcare Assistant will work closely with the CNS team to support the coordination of care, including preparing patient information packs, assisting with health‑promotion activities, and reinforcing key messages around hydration, pain‑management strategies, medication adherence, and lifestyle considerations. You will help identify early signs of deterioration or sickle cell crisis and escalate concerns promptly to senior staff.
Administrative responsibilities form a significant part of the role. These include maintaining accurate electronic patient records, updating clinic lists, supporting appointment scheduling, and ensuring results, care plans, and correspondence are filed appropriately. You will help manage stock levels, order clinical supplies, and maintain a clean, safe environment in line with infection‑prevention and control standards. The postholder may also assist with data collection for audits, service improvement projects, and patient‑experience initiatives.
Working within a specialist haemoglobinopathy service requires sensitivity to the cultural, psychological, and social factors that influence the lives of individuals and families affected by these conditions. The postholder will be expected to build trusting relationships, provide reassurance, and communicate clearly and respectfully with patients who may be experiencing pain, fatigue, anxiety, or distress. You will also support group education sessions, community outreach events, and MDT meetings where appropriate.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate excellent communication skills, empathy, and a proactive approach to patient care. You should be able to work effectively within a fast‑paced clinical environment, prioritise tasks, and respond calmly to changing situations. Previous experience in haematology, long‑term conditions, or acute care is desirable but not essential, as full training will be provided. A commitment to ongoing learning and professional development is essential, and the postholder will be encouraged to develop specialist knowledge in sickle cell disease and haemoglobinopathies.
This advert closes on Sunday 15 Feb 2026