Job Summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Healthcare Assistant to join us at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust. This role is suited to an enthusiastic, caring and compassionate individual who is keen to be part of a multidisciplinary team providing 24/7 care. Successful candidates will work weekends and nights.
About Us
Based in the North East of England, we provide a range of hospital and community health services from our leading facilities including the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Blaydon urgent care centre and Bensham Hospital. We employ around 4,800 staff and provide 444 hospital beds across the Gateshead region. Our values are encapsulated in the acronym ICORE – Innovation, Care, Openness, Respect, Engagement.
Details
- Band: 3
- Salary: £24,937 to £26,598 a year (pro rata)
- Contract: Permanent
- Working pattern: Full‑time, Part‑time
- Job location: Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Sheriff Hill, Gateshead, NE9 6SX
- Reference number: 297‑7549657
- Date posted: 29 October 2025
Key Responsibilities
- Abide by trust policies and procedures.
- Build and maintain safe and effective therapeutic relationships.
- Support individuals to contribute to collaborative care, support and recovery plans.
- Assist the named nurse with developing and implementing patient‑centred care plans using initiative.
- Communicate effectively with a wide range of people using the appropriate methods.
- Monitor, observe and engage with individuals, reporting outcomes and conclusions to the team.
- Understand a person’s experiences in relation to mental health, learning disability and/or dementia.
- Recognise increasing risk and alert the team to respond as required.
- Undertake practical tasks and duties in support of the team and individuals’ needs.
- Apply principles of diffusion and de‑escalation; where physical interventions are required, use approved techniques with respect for safety and dignity.
- Report untoward incidents and areas of concern promptly.
- Document relevant information in electronic records, following policy and legislation.
- Contribute to individual reviews and team meetings.
Duties
- Use appropriate assessment tools under supervision to support the registered practitioner in patient assessment.
- Initiate emergency action when required (e.g. cardiac arrest, fire).
- Identify and contribute to personal goals to improve quality of life.
- Participate in clinical skills as trained (e.g. recording ECGs).
- Support individuals to express their needs and wishes.
- Promote personal hygiene and physical health.
- Engage in health promotion and meaningful activities.
- Support individuals with external appointments under indirect supervision.
- Handle patient monies/valuables in accordance with GHFT guidelines.
- Assist with activities of daily living.
Qualifications and Experience
- GCSEs (English and Maths) or equivalent.
- Willingness to attend training and development opportunities.
- Vocational qualification in health and social care (e.g. care certificate; level 2/3 diploma).
- Experience working within a healthcare setting.
Desirable
- ECG recording skills.
- Venepuncture skills.
- A minimum of 6 months recent NHS experience.
- Understanding and practical knowledge of working in a healthcare setting.
Other Skills
- Working collaboratively and prioritising own workload.
- Team working.
- Effective communication skills.
- Flexible and adaptable to changing needs and role requirements.
- Genuine passion and interest in working in healthcare.
Knowledge
- Knowledge and understanding of mental health problems, learning disability and/or dementia.
- Practical skills to support activities of daily living.
Additional Information
This post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check (Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, 1975). For applicants requiring skilled worker sponsorship, certificates of sponsorship will be considered in line with UK Visas and Immigration requirements.
Employer Details
- Employer name: Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust
- Address: Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Sheriff Hill, Gateshead, NE9 6SX
- Website: https://www.qegateshead.nhs.uk