HCA – Neurology

The Healthcare Assistant (HCA) in Neurology provides essential support in delivering safe, effective, and compassionate care within the Neurology service at Glasgow. As a valued member of the multidisciplinary team, the HCA works under the direction of registered nurses and clinicians to assist in providing high-quality patient care in a specialist environment that includes both acute and long-term neurological conditions.

Typical responsibilities include supporting patients with personal care needs, assisting with mobility, taking and recording observations, helping patients with nutrition and hydration, and providing reassurance and emotional support. The HCA also assists with preparing patients for neurological tests or procedures, chaperoning when required, maintaining a clean and safe environment, and ensuring accurate documentation of care activities. Depending on service needs, the HCA may support task-based clinical activities under supervision, such as specimen handling or equipment preparation.

The role requires professionalism, empathy, patience, and strong communication skills—especially important when working with individuals who may have cognitive, sensory, or mobility impairments related to neurological conditions. HCAs must be attentive, reliable, able to follow instructions, and confident in escalating concerns promptly to registered staff.

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

Engagement in team meetings, mandatory training, and service improvement activities is encouraged, supporting both personal development and the enhancement of care delivery. A commitment to teamwork, adaptability, and consistently high standards of patient support underpins this role, contributing to the wider 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.