Health Care Assistant

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent NHS Trust in Plymouth is seeking a dedicated Band 2 Health Care Assistant for Bickleigh Ward. The successful candidate will be responsible for providing personal care and support to patients, adhering to health and safety policies. Applicants should possess effective communication skills and relevant training, with opportunities for further development in a supportive team environment. This role offers flexibility with full and part-time options.

Benefits

Opportunities for career development

Supportive team environment

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience of providing care in a healthcare setting.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills required.
• Ability to complete appropriate documentation accurately.

Responsibilities

• Undertake personal care duties for patients.
• Adhere to infection prevention and control policies.
• Contribute to maintaining a safe environment for patients.

Skills

Teamwork

Time management

Effective communication

Education

Vocational Qualification at Level 2 or equivalent

Level 2 QCF Diploma in Clinical Healthcare Support

GCSE A*-D in English and Mathematics or equivalent

Job description

Overview

Team Bickleigh are looking for a full or part time, Band 2 Health Care Assistant to join our friendly and supportive team. Bickleigh Ward is a 26 bed Cardiology ward that specialises in Interventional Cardiology. You will have opportunities to access local cardiology training and competencies as well as Trust wide development opportunities. We are looking for a hard working, driven and compassionate individual to help care for our patients and to help us meet all their needs via a holistic approach. The individual must have a passion for caring for others and work well within a team.

Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as 'Priority' and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.

Responsibilities

• Undertake Personal care
• Basic patient assessments
• Adhering to infection prevention and control policies
• Promote health education
• Demonstrate care and compassion to patients, carers and relatives
• Contribute to maintaining a safe environment for patients
• Develop the skills to obtain consent prior to giving care in accordance with Trust policies
• Under supervision follow individual patient care plans and report any changes immediately to the Registered Practitioner
• Demonstrate care and compassion to patients, carers, and relatives to help ensure high-quality person-centred patient care is delivered at all times
• Undertake basic patient assessment whilst providing personal care and feeding back to the Registered Practitioner to ensure high standards of care, in particular relating to skin integrity and the alertness of the patient
• Practice safe standards of care to patients following Trust guidelines and policies and be able to concentrate for periods throughout the day with occasional interruptions
• Ensure care is given in accordance with the infection prevention and health and safety policies and procedures
• Ensure that the patient's bed space is clean, tidy, and accessible and that the person has what they need within easy reach
• Develop the skills to actively facilitate self-care and independence with patients
• Undertake personal care duties, including toileting, bathing, dressing, and feeding. Recording oral fluid balance and nutrition

Person Specification

Knowledge and Experience

• Essential – Be able to work well within a team
• Essential – Demonstrable experience of time management and prioritising work

Desirable

• Demonstrable experience of providing care in a healthcare or social setting
• Cardiology experience

Qualifications

Essential

• Training and qualifications are provided to enable the HCSW to comply with mandatory HCSW standards where you will obtain either: Vocational Qualification at Level 2 or equivalent relevant demonstrable experience. Note that if you are new to care, training will be provided to NVQ Level 2 or equivalent.

Desirable

• Level 2 QCF Diploma in Clinical Healthcare Support or Level 2 NVQ in Healthcare Health & Social Care, or Level 2 in Health & Social Care (NVQ, QCF, RQF)
• GCSE A*-D in English Language, or equivalent; and GCSE A*-D in Mathematics, or equivalent

Aptitude and Abilities

• Effective and appropriate communication skills both written and verbal
• Able to complete appropriate documentation accurately
• Demonstrate an awareness of healthcare work and policies and procedures (Desirable)

Details

Date posted: 25 September 2025

Pay scheme: Agenda for Change

Band: Band 2

Salary: £24,465 a year Pro Rata

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time

Reference number: 216-LD-M7291921

Job locations: Bickleigh Ward, Derriford Hospital, Terrence Lewis Building Level 8, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, PL6 8DH

About Us

We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure.

Please note: All communication will be electronic. If you have any issues with applying online or need reasonable adjustments with the application process, please contact the recruitment team on 01752 432100.

We recognise that work life balance is important. Applicants may request less than full-time or flexible working for advertised roles; please contact the recruiting manager to discuss prior to application submission. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply. Vacancies may close early. If you have not heard within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume you have not been shortlisted.

Additional information

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Checks may be required. This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and will require a DBS check.

Certificate of Sponsorship: Applications from job seekers requiring skilled worker sponsorship will be considered. For details visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants for entry clearance must present a criminal record certificate from each country resided in for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.

Employer details: University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, Bickleigh Ward, Derriford Hospital, Terrence Lewis Building Level 8, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, PL6 8DH. Website: https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/