Healthcare Assistant - Emergency Department

NHS; Taunton; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare organization in Taunton is seeking enthusiastic and motivated Healthcare Assistants to join their Emergency Department team. The role offers full or part-time hours with various shift patterns. Candidates will support nurses in providing fundamental patient care and can be considered for Band 3 positions upon completion of competencies. Benefits include flexible working options, NHS pension, career development support, and competitive salary ranging from £24,937 to £26,598 annually.

Benefits

Flexible working options

NHS pension scheme

Generous annual leave allowance

Career development opportunities

Blue Light Card discounts

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a healthcare environment is essential.
• Basic keyboard skills and understanding of digital systems.
• In-house training may be offered.

Responsibilities

• Work as part of a multidisciplinary team to provide patient care.
• Support patients in achieving shared goals under nurse supervision.
• Perform clinical skills such as ECGs and venepuncture after training.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Ability to work in a busy environment

Adaptability and flexibility

Teamwork

Education

Evidence of secondary education (A-Levels or Level 3 Equivalent)

Care Certificate (desirable)

Vocational Level 2 Healthcare qualification (or willingness to undertake)

Job description

Job summary

We are looking to appoint Healthcare Assistants who are enthusiastic, motivated with a passion for caring to join our dedicated Team in the Emergency Department.

Full/Part-time hours are available with a variety of shift patterns.

As a Healthcare Assistant you will work as part of a large multidisciplinary team and will play a key role in delivering the fundamentals of care for patients under the supervision of a nurse, whilst supporting patients to achieve the shared goals. Individuals should be able to demonstrate excellent communication skills who are willing to learn and take on new challenges as the service develops.

As well as this, if you are successful in this Band 2 role, you will be supported to complete your Band 3 competencies within the year (12 months), which would then enable you to move into a Band 3 position.

You may be considered for a Band 3 role if you meet the minimum criteria. Please enquire at interview if you feel that you do.

Main duties of the job

Experience of working in a care setting would be advantageous but all necessary skills training, professional updates and mandatory training as appropriate to the post will be provided. Full details of duties can be found in the job description.

In the Emergency Department, we also provide supplementary training to enable you to perform a variety of clinical skills which exceed the duties of the Trust HCA role.

Such skills include performing ECGs, venepuncture (blood sampling), cannulation (getting IV access) and other specialist equipment such as bladder scanning and point‑of‑care testing. There will be an expectation of a flexible approach to shift patterns with a commitment to participate in the on‑call service after appropriate training.

Please be advised - this vacancy may close early if we reach a sufficient amount of applications.

About us

At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we’re committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:

• Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
• NHS pension scheme for long‑term financial security
• Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
• A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential

Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining and leisure activities, as well as NHS‑specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.

We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath and Exeter just a short drive away – and only two hours to London.

The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it’s a great place to build both your career and your future.

Somerset truly has it all – the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.

Details

Date posted: 19 December 2025

Pay scheme: Agenda for change

Band: Band 2

Salary: £24,937 to £26,598 a year

Progression to Band 3 when all competencies completed

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full‑time, Part‑time

Reference number: 184-OL-OR-3658

Job location: Musgrove Park Hospital, Musgrove Road, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 5DA

Job description and responsibilities

For the main duties and responsibilities for this role, please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.

Please ensure that you read all sections of this advert as within our ED, we expect our HCAs to be trained and able to perform additional skills and duties beyond those outlined in the Job Description. Please ensure that your supporting statement mentions any of these skills if you have been qualified to perform them by an NHS Trust hospital.

Please note, the Job Description attached to this advert also contains the Person Specification.

Person specification – qualifications

• Essential – evidence of a secondary education (A‑Levels or Level 3 Equivalent).
• Desirable – Care Certificate (Skills for Care).
• In‑house training may be offered to be undertaken within an agreed timescale.
• Vocational Level 2 Healthcare qualification or willingness to undertake within an agreed timescale.

Experience

• Essential – previous experience in a healthcare environment.
• Basic keyboard skills and a basic understanding of how to access emails and use digital systems effectively.

Additional criteria

• Essay: work well in a busy environment.
• Be adaptable/flexible.
• Good time‑keeping.
• Willingness to use technology to improve standards of care and support to our patients.
• Flexible approach to work pattern.
• Demonstrate respect for confidentiality at all times.
• Proven experience of successfully working in a team environment.
• Show initiative but also be able to follow instruction as required.

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.

Employer details

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

Musgrove Park Hospital, Musgrove Road, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 5DA

Website: https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/