HCA – Orthopaedics

The Healthcare Assistant (HCA) in Orthopaedics plays a vital supportive role in delivering safe, effective, and compassionate care within the Orthopaedic service at Glasgow. As a key member of the multidisciplinary team, the HCA works under the direction of registered nurses and clinicians to assist in providing high-quality care to patients recovering from trauma, fractures, elective orthopaedic surgery, and musculoskeletal conditions.

Core responsibilities include supporting patients with personal care, assisting with mobility and rehabilitation exercises, taking and recording observations, helping with nutrition and hydration, and providing reassurance and emotional support. HCAs also assist with preparing patients for surgery or procedures, supporting post-operative recovery tasks, maintaining a clean and safe ward environment, and documenting care activities accurately.

The role requires empathy, patience, strong communication skills, and an understanding of how limited mobility, pain, or post-surgical needs impact patients’ daily activities. HCAs must follow instructions carefully, work safely when using mobility aids or equipment, and escalate any concerns promptly to registered staff.

Although the role does not involve independent clinical decision-making, HCAs are expected to prioritise tasks, respond appropriately to changing patient needs, and contribute to the smooth running of the Orthopaedic ward or clinical area. Individuals must uphold all safeguarding, infection-control, and clinical governance standards to ensure patient dignity, privacy, and safety at all times.

Participation in team meetings, mandatory training, and service improvement initiatives is encouraged to support personal development and enhance care delivery. A commitment to teamwork, adaptability, and consistently high-quality patient support underpins this role, contributing positively to the broader healthcare mission at Glasgow.

Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver safe, effective, high‑quality clinical services.
• Conduct assessments and develop patient‑centred treatment plans.
• Maintain accurate documentation and adhere to clinical guidelines.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
• Support service development and quality improvement initiatives.
• Participate in training, teaching, and supervision where appropriate.
• Uphold safeguarding, governance, and regulatory standards.

Key Requirements:

• Relevant professional qualification and registration.
• Experience in the specialty of practice.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to work autonomously and manage workloads.
• Commitment to evidence‑based and patient‑centred care.
• Understanding of clinical governance and risk management.
• Professionalism, reliability, and problem‑solving skills.