Medivet Alder has an exciting opportunity to join the practice as a Veterinary Care Assistant - Ambulance Driver on 6 month fixed term contract.

Patient transfer and ambulance service

• Provide a professional, safe and compassionate patient transfer service between Medivet clinics, hospitals and other agreed locations.
• Transport patients with care and understanding, taking account of their clinical condition and welfare throughout the journey.
• Ensure appropriate patient documentation, medication, belongings and other relevant items accompany the patient and are transferred accurately.
• Liaise effectively with the referring and receiving clinical teams to support a smooth handover of care.
• Follow agreed patient-transfer procedures and escalation protocols.
• Maintain appropriate communication regarding journey progress, delays or changes where required.
• Drive responsibly at all times, ensuring that the ambulance represents Medivet in a professional and positive manner.
• Observe all road traffic legislation, parking regulations and Medivet driving requirements.
• Undertake routine vehicle safety checks, including oil, water, tyres, wipers, lights and brakes.
• Ensure the ambulance, cages and associated equipment are kept clean, hygienic, safe and ready for use.
• Report faults or concerns promptly and support the organization of servicing, maintenance and MOT requirements.
• Maintain the vehicle in a state of operational readiness throughout the working day.

Veterinary Care Assistant duties

When not undertaking or preparing for a patient transfer, support the clinical team with appropriate VCA duties, including:

• supporting vets and nurses with patient care and appropriate procedures;
• assisting with the admission, preparation and transfer of patients;
• providing everyday inpatient care including walking, toileting, feeding and general comfort;
• supporting patient monitoring where appropriate and within competence;
• completing appropriate pre- and post-procedure activity;
• preparing clinical areas and theatre for procedures;
• supporting the sending of laboratory samples;
• dispensing medication where appropriate and under veterinary guidance;
• supporting cleaning, laundry and infection-control activity;
• helping maintain clean, organized and appropriately stocked clinical areas;
• undertaking other appropriate duties which support the efficient running of the clinic or hospital.

All patient-care activity will be carried out under the guidance of the Vet/Lead Vet and within the colleague's training and clinical competence.

Balancing ambulance and clinic responsibilities

The ambulance service remains the primary responsibility of the role.

When no transfer is scheduled, the colleague will be expected to contribute actively to the clinical team rather than remaining solely on standby.

Clinical duties should therefore be selected so that the colleague can safely disengage and hand over when the ambulance is required.

The colleague will be expected to:

• remain aware of planned and anticipated transfers;
• maintain communication with the designated ambulance/service coordinator;
• ensure that the vehicle remains ready for deployment;
• hand over any clinical task appropriately before leaving for a transfer;
• work flexibly across the Network according to patient and service requirements.

This flexibility is fundamental to the role.

Client and colleague care

• Deliver exceptional care to clients and patients on every interaction.
• Communicate with clients professionally, compassionately and courteously.
• Recognize that clients may be anxious or distressed when their pet requires onward transfer and respond with empathy.
• Build positive relationships with colleagues across different clinics and hospitals.
• Work collaboratively with veterinary, nursing, reception and operational teams.
• Act as a positive representative of the wider Medivet Network.

Standards and compliance

• Comply with all relevant clinical, operational, driving and health and safety procedures.
• Work within agreed patient-transfer SOPs and Medivet ways of working.
• Maintain appropriate patient confidentiality and information security.
• Follow infection-control and biosecurity procedures relating to both the ambulance and clinical environment.
• Escalate clinical, patient-welfare, vehicle or operational concerns promptly to the appropriate colleague.
• Complete any required documentation accurately and in a timely manner.

Skills, knowledge and experience

Essential

• Full UK driving licence with no convictions.
• At least three years' driving experience.
• Confident and responsible driver.
• Flexible approach to working hours and location.
• Strong time-management and organizational skills.
• Trustworthy, dependable and able to work independently.
• Able to work effectively as part of a small clinical team.
• Calm and professional under pressure.
• Able to prioritise changing demands appropriately.
• Confident communicating with both colleagues and clients.
• Genuine care and compassion for animals.
• Willingness to learn and develop.
• Understanding of the importance of regulation, compliance and agreed ways of working.

Desirable

• Previous experience working with animals or within a veterinary environment.
• Previous Veterinary Care Assistant or Animal Care Assistant experience.
• Relevant animal-care/VCA qualification.
• Previous experience driving a commercial vehicle.

Flexibility of the role

Our clinics and hospitals are run by teams who need to work together effectively to deliver exceptional care to clients, patients and colleagues.

From time to time, the post-holder may therefore be required to undertake other reasonable duties outside their normal responsibilities where they have the appropriate skills, knowledge, training and experience.