Patient Care Assistant

Job Title: Patient Care Assistant
Location: Forest Veterinary Centre, Hemnall Street, Epping, Essex, CM16 4LQ
Contract: Permanent, Full Time (40 hours per week)
Reporting to: Lead Nurse

About Forest Veterinary Centre – Epping Hospital

Forest Veterinary Centre in Epping is part of the Linnaeus group, serving the Essex area from its main hospital located on Hemnall Street. The hospital provides first-opinion and referral services, with advanced diagnostic capability, inpatient and outpatient care, and 24-hour nursing. The facilities include imaging (CT, MRI, ultrasound, x-ray), large kennel wards, isolation units, and complex surgical suites.

Role Purpose

To support the veterinary surgeons, registered veterinary nurses, and wider clinical team in delivering excellent standards of patient care at Epping Hospital. The Patient Care Assistant will work flexibly across shifts that include evenings, weekends, and may be asked to assist across branches when required.

Hours & Flexibility

• Full time, 40 hours per week.
• Evenings and weekends required.
• Flexible working across branches if needed.

Key Roles & Responsibilities

• Assist with safe handling and restraint of patients, aiming to minimise stress.
• Maintain patient accommodation: wards, isolation units; including cleaning, disinfection, enrichment.
• In-patient care: feeding, exercising, grooming, monitoring of hospitalized animals.
• Assist with laboratory diagnostic work: sample prep, processing, dispatch.
• Assist with diagnostic imaging: preparation, positioning of patients.
• Sterilisation, cleaning and maintenance of surgical and treatment equipment.
• Support in theatre: preparation, surgical assistance under direction, recovery care.
• Assist with pharmacy tasks: stock management, unpacking, temperature monitoring.
• Assist with reception/client care when needed: telephone calls, appointment booking, client enquiries.
• Adhere to standard operating protocols: PPE, waste disposal, hygiene and safety.
• Participation in training, team meetings, continuous improvement of practice.

Person Specification / Experience Required

• Prior experience in a veterinary or animal care setting (e.g. kennel work, PCA, etc.) preferred.
• Comfortable handling animals safely; calm and empathetic manner.
• Reliable, adaptable, strong team player.
• Good communication skills with both clients and colleagues.
• Willingness to work under supervision and accept direction.
• Flexibility in hours (including evenings, weekends).
• Driving licence preferred but not essential.

Benefits

· 5 weeks holiday + bank holidays + Birthday Leave

· RCVS, BVNA & VDS fees paid

· External CPD funded

· Extensive free online Linnaeus CPD program

· Career progression opportunities

· Staff discount schemes

· Life Assurance

· Enhanced sickness pay

· Enhanced equal family leave

· E-car salary sacrifice scheme

· Employer contribution pension scheme

· Wellness program including:

o Employee assistance program

o Eyecare voucher scheme

o Free annual Flu jab

o Cycle to work scheme

· Recruitment referral reward scheme

Forest Veterinary Centre is part of Linnaeus and Mars Veterinary Health, the largest family-owned veterinary company in the world. Being privately owned, we can truly be driven by our purpose, to create a better world, and think long-term as opposed to being focused solely on short-term profits.   

At Linnaeus, A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS starts with a better world for our people. Our Associates are over 6000 strong and empowered to speak up, step up and deliver quality services. You’ll have access to a huge network of specialists, worldwide development opportunities and an easily accessible, comprehensive wellbeing package that prioritises your physical and mental health, allowing you to focus on what you do best – care for pets.   

We are committed to fostering a culture that is inclusive and diverse, we care about you and want you to be authentic, with everything you need to perform at your best. We are all individual but two important things bring us together: a commitment to excellence and our passion to achieve our purpose.  

All applications with the relevant skills and qualifications will be carefully considered. If you need any support in completing your application or simply want to find out more about Forest Veterinary Centre, Linnaeus or the role, please contact our Talent Acquisition team at careers@linnaeusgroup.co.uk. 

#LI-OH1 #LI-Onsite  

Salary Value: £27,851.20 per annum;