Healthcare Assistant

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust; Bishop Auckland; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Bishop Auckland is seeking a motivated Healthcare Assistant to support the Nursing team in delivering high-quality patient care. The ideal candidate will have effective communication skills and a passion for caring. Responsibilities include admitting patients, providing care as per care plans, and maintaining accurate documentation. This role is essential in ensuring high standards of care and safety for patients.

Qualifications

• Applicants should display effective communication skills.
• Previous experience in caring for others is preferred.
• Understanding of the role of HCSW is essential.

Responsibilities

• Assist in admitting patients and recording observations.
• Provide care to patients following instructions.
• Recognise and report changes in a patient's condition.
• Accurately record patient information and assist the team.

Skills

Effective communication skills

Ability to work under pressure

Good command of English

Ability to learn new skills

Self-motivated

Good interpersonal skills

Education

Care Certificate or willingness to complete

GCSE equivalent in English and Mathematics

Job description

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

Healthcare Assistant

Closing date: 20 November 2025

Ward 4 is a 30 bedded unit recruiting a HealthCare Assistant who is highly motivated and enthusiastic, with a keen interest in caring for patients with stroke. Applicants should display effective communication skills and deliver high quality, patient‑focused care. The unit is friendly and supportive, committed to providing high quality nursing care. The post holder will support the Nursing team in providing care to patients under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse. The post holder should work effectively within a team environment, have good communication skills, initiative, demonstrate enthusiasm about the role and share our passion and vision for providing high quality patient care.

Main duties

• Assist in admitting patients to the ward, completing demographic details and recording baseline observations.
• Provide care to patients following instructions in the care plan, programme or pathway.
• Demonstrate competence in the accurate recording of routine clinical observations.
• Recognise abnormal recordings or signs of change in a patient's condition and report changes to a registered nurse.
• Assess patients' level of dependence in meeting personal care needs and give appropriate assistance (includes hygiene, mobility, nutrition, elimination and comfort).
• Assist patients to eat and drink in a sensitive and supportive manner.
• Accurately record information on patient food charts and fluid balance charts, reporting concerns to a registered nurse.
• Carry out clinical skills relevant to the ward/department and patient group (e.g. phlebotomy, ECG recording, simple dressings).
• Assist the clinical team with data entry, filing and maintaining accurate documentation of care.
• Assist in escorting, transferring and discharging patients, ensuring all property is packed and the bed area is prepared for the next patient.
• Ensure treatment rooms and ward areas are adequately stocked and tidy.
• Participate in clinical supervision.
• Assist in resolving conflict by responding to concerns and complaints in a positive manner.

About us

We provide hospital services from two acute sites – Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We also have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester‑le‑Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale, as well as over 80 other community‑based settings and in patients' homes.

We particularly welcome applications from disabled and BAME candidates as they are under‑represented.

Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents.

Special Requirements

• Self‑motivated and able to motivate others.
• Ability to work in a busy and varied work environment and respond to change.
• Be able to offer pastoral care to mentors and students when providing feedback on performance.

Experience

• Ability to learn new skills.
• Previous experience in caring for others.

Special Skills & Knowledge

• Good verbal and written command of English.
• Ability to act on own initiative.
• Able to work under pressure.
• Ability to show leadership.
• Ability to plan own work.
• Willing to take and record patient observations.
• Knowledge of care, related procedures, clinical observations and relevant legislation.

Qualifications

• Care Certificate or willingness to complete within first 6 months of commencement.
• GCSE equivalent in English and Mathematics.
• Short courses relevant to undertake patient and clinical care duties.

Personal Attributes

• Good interpersonal skills.
• Able to engage and build effective relationships at all levels.
• Understanding of the role of HCSW.
• Able to work as part of a team.
• Knowledge and understanding of the need for confidentiality.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer name

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust