Healthcare Assistant, In-patient Unit

WIGAN AND LEIGH HOSPICE; Wigan; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

35 days annual leave

Contributory pension

Free on-site parking

Subsidised lunches

Cycle to Work Scheme

Discounts on shopping, leisure andhols

Access to an on-demand GP service

Westfield Health Cash Plan

Life Assurance

Health and wellbeing initiatives

Enhanced sick pay from first year

Job summary

Wigan & Leigh Hospice is seeking a Healthcare Assistant to deliver high quality, compassionate, person-centred care within the In-Patient Unit. You will work under the supervision of a Registered Nurse, supporting patients with physical, emotional and psychological needs and contributing to safe, responsive end-of-life care.

RQF Level 2 in Health and Social Care (or NVQ/QCF/CACHE Level 2) is essential, as is knowledge of palliative care.

Qualifications

• RQF Level 2 in Health and Social Care qualification or equivalent to NVQ/QCF/CACHE Level 2 in Health and Social Care is essential.
• Knowledge of palliative care and nursing patients at end of life is essential.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality, compassionate, person-centred care to patients in the In-Patient Unit under a Registered Nurse.
• Support patients' physical, emotional and psychological needs and contribute to safe, effective, responsive care.

Education

RQF Level 2 in Health and Social Care or NVQ/QCF/CACHE Level 2 in Health and Social Care

Job description

Hours: 36 hours
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £25,422.81 – £26,733.41 per annum (pro rata of £26,129 – £27,476 (4-point scale), plus an unsocial hour’s enhancement of £3,855 based on Point 1. Total annual package: £29,277.81

***Appointments are normally made at Point 1 of the salary scale, in line with the organisation’s pay policy. A higher starting salary may be considered where the successful candidate demonstrates relevant experience, skills and competencies for the role.**

Closing date: 28 October 2026
Interview date: 11 November 2026

Do you have a passion for palliative care? Would you like to be part of an Outstanding-rated hospice team, providing compassionate care that makes a genuine difference to patients and those important to them?

At Wigan & Leigh Hospice, our people are at the heart of everything we do. Together, we deliver outstanding specialist care and support to people living with life-limiting illnesses and those important to them. Every member of our team plays an important role in helping us deliver the highest standards of care across our community.

We are proud to be rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), reflecting the dedication, expertise and compassion of our colleagues and volunteers.

Our values: Compassion, Accessibility, Respect and Excellence – are at the heart of everything we do.

Why join us?

At the heart of everything we do is our commitment to our people. We know that when our staff feel valued, supported and empowered, they can provide the highest standard of care to the patients and families who rely on us.

As part of our team, you’ll benefit from a rewarding working environment and a comprehensive package designed to support your wellbeing, financial security and professional development, including:

• A warm, welcoming and supportive workplace.
• 35 days’ annual leave (including bank holidays), increasing with length of service.
• Contributory pension scheme.
• Free on-site parking.
• Subsidised lunches.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Discounts on shopping, leisure and holidays.
• Access to an on-demand GP service.
• Westfield Health Cash Plan.
• Life Assurance.
• A wide range of health and wellbeing initiatives.

If you are an existing member of the NHS Pension Scheme, your membership may be transferable to this post, provided pension contributions have been made within the previous 12 months.

About the Role

As a Healthcare Assistant you will deliver a high-quality, compassionate and person-centred care to patients receiving specialist palliative and end of life care within the In-Patient Unit. You will work under the direction and supervision of a Registered Nurse. The post holder will support patients with their physical, emotional and psychological needs, contribute to the delivery of safe, effective and responsive care. The Healthcare Assistant works collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team to ensure patients are treated with dignity, respect and compassion at all times.

RQF Level 2 in Health and Social Care qualification or equivalent to NVQ/QCF/CACHE Level 2 in Health and Social Care is essential. Knowledge of palliative care and nursing patients at end of life is also essential.

Working Pattern

This role is for 36 hours per week, worked across three long shifts. The post forms part of a rotational shift pattern, requiring flexibility to work day shifts (7:30am–8:30pm), night shifts (8:00pm–8:00am), weekends and bank holidays.

Please note:

This role is not eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route of the UK’s points-based immigration system. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK and will be required to provide evidence of this before taking up the post.

Successful appointments will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) check as part of the pre-employment screening process.

If you have not heard from us within two weeks after the closing date, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. We appreciate the time and effort taken to apply and thank you for your interest in joining our team.

About us

For more than 40 years, Wigan & Leigh Hospice has supported people living with life-limiting illnesses and those important to them across our local community.

As an independent charity, we provide specialist palliative and end-of-life care tailored to the needs of each individual.

Our services support people physically, emotionally, socially and spiritually, helping them achieve the best possible quality of life while ensuring dignity, comfort and choice remain at the centre of their care.

We are committed to protect the privacy and security of your personal information. To see how we do this please visit our website and read our “Role Applicants Data Protection Compliance Statement (Privacy Notice)”.

If you’d like to know more about this role before applying, please get in touch with our team.

We provides specialist care and support to people across the Wigan borough who are living with a life-limiting illness.

The care we provide is only possible because of our people. At Wigan & Leigh Hospice, we’re proud to offer meaningful employee benefits that reflect our commitment to making this a great place to work – and a place where everyone feels valued.

We offer enhanced sick pay from the first year of service.

We offer free parking at the hospice in a well-lit, easily accessible car park.

Our catering team serves fresh, home-cooked meals daily at a subsidised rate - from three-course options to lighter bites.