Digital Health Care Assistant Job Summary
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.
Digital Health Care Assistant Main Duties
An exciting health care assistant opportunity to join our IBD team at UHS. The service provides complex, long-term care to patients with chronic conditions requiring ongoing management, coordination and multidisciplinary input.
This post is integral to ensuring that this care is delivered safely, efficiently and compassionately.
Person Specification
Qualifications / training required
Essential
- NVQ or apprenticeship Level 3 in Health or equivalent experience
- Numeracy skills and Literacy skills at level 2 (or equivalent).
Desirable
- Keyboard skills
- IT literate
- Proficient in use of Hospital systems
- Experienced and competent in additional clinical skills, as per job description.
Previous or relevant experience necessary
Essential
- Proven experience in a caring role
- Understanding of acute hospital environment and the role of Senior Health Care Assistant
- Previous experience of working with the general public
- Experience of using a computer
Desirable
- Previous Health Care Assistant experience
- Experience working with diverse audiences (eg. volunteers, patients and/or community groups).
Aptitudes and skills required
Essential
- Ability to communicate with wide range of people
- Ability to work as a team member
- Ability to work under own initiative and prioritise workload
- Ability to adjust to pressures of job
- Good interpersonal skills
- Willingness to undertake further training
- Strong interest in digital/IT
- Experience of dealing with non-routine and complex problems, able to progress chase
- Interest in new ways of working and supporting clinical teams during periods of change
- Patience, dependability and motivation shown
- Be able to take instruction / directions
- Aware of personal limitations
- Able to question appropriately
Values and behaviours
Essential
- Patients First
- Always Improving
- Working Together
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
FAQS On Digital Health Care Assistant
1. What is a digital healthcare assistant?
A digital healthcare assistant is an AI-powered tool (usually a chatbot, app, or voice assistant) that helps users manage their health. It uses natural language processing to understand questions, assess symptoms, provide personalized insights, answer common queries, send reminders, and guide users toward appropriate care (e.g., self-care, GP visit, or emergency). It’s not a replacement for doctors but supports them by handling routine tasks.
2. How does it work?
Users interact via text, voice, or app — describing symptoms, medical history, or asking questions. The AI asks follow-up questions, analyzes data against medical knowledge bases, and gives triage advice (e.g., “See a doctor urgently” or “Try home remedies”). Advanced versions integrate with wearables, lab results, or electronic health records for more tailored responses.
3. Is it safe and accurate?
These tools are generally safe for initial guidance when built on evidence-based data (e.g., Ada Health has strong clinical validation). They emphasize they’re not for diagnosis — always consult a professional for serious issues. Accuracy varies; top ones match real diagnoses in high percentages for common conditions, but errors can occur (e.g., “hallucinations” in early generative AI). Regulatory bodies like the FDA monitor AI-enabled devices.
4. Can it diagnose illnesses or replace my doctor?
No — it’s for informational support and triage only. It suggests possible causes and next steps but cannot provide official diagnoses or prescriptions. It’s designed to reduce unnecessary visits and help when access to care is limited.
5. What are the main benefits?
- 24/7 availability — Instant answers without waiting.
- Reduces admin burden — Handles FAQs, scheduling, reminders.
- Improves access — Especially in underserved areas or for non-urgent queries.
- Personalized support — Tracks history, offers reminders (e.g., meds), and supports preventive care.
- Efficiency — Frees staff for complex cases; studies show high user satisfaction.
6. What are common use cases in 2026?
- Symptom checking and triage (e.g., Ada or Buoy).
- Answering FAQs (office hours, insurance, meds).
- Appointment booking/cancellations.
- Medication reminders and follow-up.
- Mental health support (e.g., mood check-ins).
- Post-pandemic info dissemination (e.g., CDC’s Clara).
- Integration in hospitals for patient portals.
7. Are my data and privacy protected?Reputable tools comply with regulations like HIPAA (US), GDPR (EU/UK), or SOC 2. Data is encrypted, anonymized where possible, and not used for training without consent. Always check privacy policies — avoid sharing sensitive info if unsure.8. What are the limitations or risks?
- Potential for errors/misadvice if symptoms are described vaguely.
- Ethical concerns (e.g., over-reliance reducing human interaction).
- Not suitable for emergencies — call 999/111 (UK) or 911/equivalent.
- Digital exclusion (e.g., not everyone has smartphones).
- Bias in AI if training data lacks diversity.
9. Are they free or paid?Many basic versions (e.g., symptom checkers) are free. Full features, virtual consultations, or premium insights often require payment/subscription. NHS-related tools may be free via apps or portals.10. What’s the future in 2026 and beyond?Expect more “agentic” AI (autonomous multi-step tasks), better integration with EHRs, generative AI for natural conversations, and focus on governance/safety. Tools will evolve from chatbots to proactive “copilots” for patients and clinicians, emphasizing trust, explainability, and reducing costs.
Closing Date: 23 January 2026
