Nursing Assistant in Runcorn

This exciting Band 2 Nursing Assistant opportunity will be primarily based on Ward B3 at Halton Hospital, supporting the Community Winter Stepdown Ward from 1 December 2026 to 31 March 2027. The Community Winter Stepdown Ward has been established to support system winter pressures by providing care for medically optimised patients who no longer require acute hospital intervention but require ongoing assessment, rehabilitation, discharge planning, and support to progress through their discharge pathway. The ward plays a key role in reducing hospital length of stay, improving patient flow, and supporting timely discharge back to patients' usual place of residence or onward care settings.

Working under the direction of registered nurses and the wider multidisciplinary team, the Nursing Assistant will provide high-quality, compassionate care to patients while supporting rehabilitation, maintaining independence, and facilitating safe discharge outcomes. The post holder will work closely with nurses, therapists, discharge coordinators, social workers and community services to support patients as they progress through their discharge pathway. This post offers an excellent opportunity for individuals who are passionate about delivering person-centred care and supporting patients to achieve their discharge goals in a rehabilitation and recovery-focused environment.

Main duties of the job:

• Deliver high-quality care and support to medically optimised patients requiring rehabilitation and discharge pathway support.
• Assist patients with personal care activities, including washing, dressing, toileting, nutrition and hydration, whilst promoting dignity and independence.
• Encourage and support patients to maximise their functional abilities and maintain mobility in line with rehabilitation goals.
• Support patients to engage in activities that promote recovery and prepare them for discharge to their usual place of residence or onward care setting.
• Work collaboratively with nursing, therapy and discharge planning teams to support timely discharge and patient flow through the ward.
• Monitor and report changes in patient condition, mobility, cognition or wellbeing to registered staff promptly.
• Undertake and record delegated clinical observations and patient monitoring activities.
• Assist patients with mobility, transfers and safe use of equipment in accordance with moving and handling guidance.
• Support patients during mealtimes and ensure nutritional and hydration needs are met and documented appropriately.
• Maintain accurate and timely patient records in line with Trust policies and procedures.
• Assist with patient admissions, transfers and discharges.

About us:

Flexible working will be considered for all roles. North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust (NCM) serves more than one million residents across the Halton and Warrington boroughs and the wider North West region. Bringing together community and out-of-hospital services with inpatient and elective care, we provide services at two hospital sites and more than 70 community hubs and facilities.

Person Specification:

Knowledge and Understanding:

• Excellent communication skills verbal and written.
• Demonstrate a wide range of clinical skills such as venepuncture, wound care, catheter care, blood glucose monitoring.
• Able to accurately take and record a patient's observations using the NEWS2 and have an understanding of the readings so abnormal readings can be escalated appropriately.
• Monitoring of skin integrity of patients, particularly for patients at risk of pressure ulcer formation.
• Provision of full personal care to patients in the terminal phase of life.
• Provision of clinical intervention for care of patients as directed by Registered Nurses following training and assessment of competencies to NVQ level 3/ Apprenticeship training.
• Ability to demonstrate the compassionate values and behaviours needed for dignified care.
• Ability to carry out routine elements of assessment to enhance the patient journey, following an initial assessment by a registered practitioner.
• Ability to maintain and improve knowledge, skills and competence to ensure high standards of patient care.

Qualifications:

• GCSE in English and Maths or equivalent.
• National Care Certificate or commitment to complete as part of induction.
• NVQ 3 in care (willingness to compete within one year of start date) or equivalent experience.

Practical Skills:

• The ability to travel independently across the Trust.
• The ability to work flexibly in accordance with service needs.
• Ability to demonstrate the compassionate values and behaviours needed for dignified care and in interactions with patients, general public and colleagues.
• Alignment to Trust Values and Core Behaviours.
• Ability to work effectively under direct supervision, as part of a team.
• Flexibility.

Experience:

• Experience of working with people.
• Experience of working in a healthcare setting.
• Ability to work as a member of a team.
• Ability to use initiative appropriately.

Relationships:

• If you are related to a director or have a relationship with a director or employee of an appointing organisation, please state the relationship.

Right to Work:

• Do you currently have the unrestricted right to work in the UK?
• If appointed, will you require sponsorship under a UK work visa route (now or in the future)? Please note that sponsorship is not available for all roles.

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 to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details:

Employer name: North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust (BCH)
Address: Halton Hospital, Hospital Way, Runcorn, Cheshire, WA7 2DA, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://northcheshireandmersey.nhs.uk/