For over 25 years, I’ve supported thousands of professionals with interview training, job interview preparation, and building confident communication skills. When preparing for roles within Barking, Havering & Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust (BHRUT), it’s essential to understand the values, expectations, and real-life scenarios you may face. This Trust, one of the largest in London, runs Queen’s Hospital and King George Hospital and serves a diverse local population.
In this article, I will guide you through a brief history of the Trust, the importance of key NHS roles, and 30 fully explained interview questions and answers—including opening questions, competency-based questions, STAR model examples, closing questions, and essential tips. Throughout, you’ll find opportunities to build confidence using interview coaching, interview coaching online, and personalised guidance from an expert interview coach should you wish to book a session.
A Brief History of Barking, Havering & Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust
Barking, Havering & Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust was established in 2000 following a merger of Barking, Havering and Brentwood Community Healthcare NHS Trust with Oldchurch Hospital NHS Trust. Over the years, it has undergone a range of organisational transformations, major improvements, and extensive investment to enhance patient experience and clinical outcomes.
Queen’s Hospital opened in 2006, becoming the Trust’s flagship site, featuring a renowned stroke unit, hyper-acute stroke service, and specialist neuro-rehabilitation teams. King George Hospital in Goodmayes continues to offer vital services including A&E, surgery, diagnostics, and maternity care.
Today, BHRUT serves a population of over 750,000 residents, making it one of the busiest acute NHS Trusts in the UK. Despite challenges including high demand, workforce pressures and operational strain, the Trust is committed to improvement, community engagement, innovation, and delivering safe, compassionate care. Anyone interviewing here should demonstrate alignment with NHS values—Respect, Compassion, Teamwork, and Commitment to Quality.
Role 1: Staff Nurse (Band 5)
Salary: £28,407 – £34,581
Staff Nurses at BHRUT deliver direct patient care, maintain clinical standards, administer medication, support multi-disciplinary teams, and engage with families. The role requires resilience, compassion, problem-solving, and excellent communication. With the right interview training and preparation, candidates can confidently demonstrate these qualities.
Role 2: Healthcare Assistant (Band 2/3)
Salary: £22,383 – £24,336
Healthcare Assistants support nurses, provide patient care, maintain dignity, assist with mobility, and ensure a safe environment. They are essential to patient experience and must show empathy, teamwork, and reliability. Strong job interview preparation can help candidates shine in this highly people-focused role.
Role 3: Administrative Officer / Medical Secretary (Band 3/4)
Salary: £22,816 – £26,528
Admin teams ensure appointments run smoothly, letters are processed, clinicians receive accurate information, and patients receive timely communication. The role demands organisation, attention to detail, confidentiality, and the ability to multitask effectively—skills you can highlight with proper interview coaching.
Now let’s explore 30 interview questions and answers, covering basic introductions, competency-based examples, STAR responses, and closing questions.
Opening / Warm-Up Interview Questions and Answers
Tell us about yourself.
This is your moment to confidently articulate your background.
Answer:
I’m an enthusiastic and dedicated healthcare professional with experience working in fast-paced environments. I’m passionate about providing high-quality patient care and supporting colleagues to maintain a safe, respectful atmosphere. My strengths include communication, problem-solving and adaptability, and I’m committed to delivering excellent standards in line with NHS values.
Why do you want to work for Barking, Havering & Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust?
Answer:
I’m inspired by the Trust’s commitment to improving patient outcomes, investing in staff development, and serving a diverse community. I value the focus on quality, compassion and teamwork, and I’d be proud to contribute to an organisation with such a strong dedication to its local population.
What do you know about our Trust?
Answer:
The Trust operates Queen’s Hospital and King George Hospital and serves one of the largest populations in London. It’s known for its stroke services, maternity care and ongoing quality improvement programmes. I appreciate the Trust’s ambition to deliver safe, compassionate care and its emphasis on staff wellbeing and development.
Competency-Based Questions Using STAR Technique
Describe a time you demonstrated excellent teamwork.
Answer (STAR):
Situation: While working on a busy ward shift…
Task: We needed to safely discharge several patients before new admissions.
Action: I communicated clearly with the nurse in charge, liaised with physios, updated families, and ensured paperwork was completed.
Result: We successfully completed all discharges on time, reduced patient wait times, and maintained safe staffing levels.
Give an example of when you dealt with a challenging patient or family member.
Answer (STAR):
Situation: A patient’s family was anxious about delays.
Task: To de-escalate concerns and offer clear information.
Action: I remained calm, listened empathetically, explained the clinical process, and provided regular updates.
Result: The family felt reassured, thanked me for my patience, and the situation remained under control.
Tell us about a time you worked under pressure.
Answer (STAR):
Situation: During a particularly busy shift…
Task: Manage increased patient demand.
Action: I prioritised using clinical judgement, delegated effectively and communicated with the multi-disciplinary team.
Result: All patients received appropriate care on time.
Describe a situation where you showed leadership.
Answer:
I volunteered to coordinate a shift when the senior nurse was delayed. I organised tasks, supported junior staff, and ensured patients remained safe. The shift ran smoothly and I gained positive feedback.
Tell us about a time you improved a process or made a suggestion.
Answer:
I noticed delays in patient observations due to paper charts being misplaced. I proposed a centralised chart station. The team adopted the idea, and observation completion times improved.
Give an example of when you maintained confidentiality.
Answer:
A patient asked for information about another patient on the ward. I politely explained confidentiality rules and reassured them that their own information was also kept strictly protected.
Tell us about a time you adapted to change.
Answer:
When our department introduced new digital systems, I quickly completed training, supported colleagues, and helped improve efficiency.
Role-Specific Questions: Staff Nurse
How do you ensure patient safety?
Answer:
By following clinical guidelines, accurately documenting care, completing observations on time, communicating risks, and escalating concerns promptly.
How do you manage medication administration safely?
Answer:
I follow the 5 rights, double-check doses, ensure correct documentation, and clarify any discrepancies with seniors.
What would you do if you made an error?
Answer:
I would immediately report it, take appropriate action to minimise risk, and reflect on the incident to prevent future issues.
How do you support relatives during difficult conversations?
Answer:
With empathy, clear communication, honesty, and ensuring they feel heard and supported.
How do you handle conflict with colleagues?
Answer:
By addressing concerns calmly, focusing on solutions, and maintaining professionalism.
Role-Specific Questions: Healthcare Assistant
How do you maintain patient dignity?
Answer:
By ensuring privacy, gaining consent, explaining each step, and always treating patients with respect.
How do you manage challenging behaviours?
Answer:
I stay calm, use de-escalation techniques, understand triggers, and seek support when needed.
What does good communication look like on a ward?
Answer:
Clear, timely, respectful communication with patients and colleagues.
How do you prioritise tasks?
Answer:
I assess urgency, patient safety, and team instructions.
How would you support a patient who is upset or afraid?
Answer:
By listening, offering reassurance, and escalating concerns if appropriate.
Role-Specific Questions: Admin / Medical Secretary
How do you manage your workload during busy periods?
Answer:
Through careful planning, prioritisation and maintaining accuracy.
What does confidentiality mean in an admin role?
Answer:
Protecting all patient information, following GDPR, and ensuring data is never shared inappropriately.
Explain a time you helped improve office efficiency.
Answer:
I created a template that reduced repetitive tasks and improved turnaround times.
How do you handle difficult phone calls?
Answer:
With patience, professionalism, and empathy.
How do you ensure accuracy in clinical letters?
Answer:
By double-checking details and clarifying unclear dictations with clinicians.
General NHS Values-Based Questions
How do you uphold compassion in your role?
Answer:
By showing patience, empathy, and taking time to understand patient needs.
Describe how you ensure equality and diversity.
Answer:
By treating everyone fairly, challenging discrimination, and being culturally aware.
How do you demonstrate continuous learning?
Answer:
Attending training, reflecting on practice, and seeking feedback.
What motivates you to work in healthcare?
Answer:
A genuine passion for helping others and making a positive difference.
Where do you see yourself in 3 years?
Answer:
Building my skills, taking on greater responsibilities, and contributing to quality improvement projects within the Trust.
Ending Questions to Ask the Interviewer
Candidates often forget that ending questions matter. Here are strong examples:
• How does the Trust support staff development and training?
• What are the biggest priorities for this department in the next 12 months?
• How will success be measured in this role?
• What opportunities exist for progression?
Do’s and Don’ts for BHRUT Interviews
Do:
• Show alignment with NHS values
• Use clear STAR examples
• Demonstrate compassion
• Research the Trust thoroughly
• Practice answers with an interview coach
• Arrange interview coaching online if needed
• Speak confidently about your strengths
Don’t:
• Speak negatively about past employers
• Waffle or over-explain
• Ignore safeguarding or confidentiality principles
• Arrive unprepared
• Forget to ask your own questions
Final Encouragement
Preparing for a role at Barking, Havering & Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust is an exciting opportunity to join a team that truly makes a difference every day. With the right interview coaching, structured practice, and confidence-building techniques, you can walk into your interview ready to showcase your strengths and personality.
If you’d like tailored support, personalised strategy, or mock interview practice, I invite you to book a one-to-one session with me. With over 25 years of professional experience helping candidates succeed, I’d be delighted to support your journey.
Book your interview coaching appointment here:
https://www.interview-training.co.uk/
