Healthcare Assistant in Canterbury

Overview

As a Healthcare Assistant at Pilgrims Hospices, you will play a key part in delivering compassionate, holistic care to patients with life‑limiting illnesses.

You will support their comfort, dignity and wellbeing in a warm, collaborative environment and work as part of a large multidisciplinary team.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist patients with personal care while maintaining their privacy and dignity.
• Support patients to eat and drink, providing assistance as independently as possible.
• Carry out basic nursing tasks such as toilet assistance, washing and bathing, following the approved care plan and written nursing directives.
• Perform routine tasks independently, including making beds and cleaning equipment.
• Maintain accurate records at the point of care using the hospice’s electronic system and report relevant information directly to the registered nurse.
• Use, store and maintain all equipment safely and correctly in accordance with hospice and manufacturer instructions.
• Attend mandatory training and stay updated on infection control and health and safety guidelines.
• Ensure patient safety at all times, following verbal or written instructions from a registered nurse.
• Assist in the care of deceased patients, including transferring them to the relevant area, giving them final offices and respecting their spiritual, cultural and religious needs.
• Release deceased patients into the care of the relevant undertakers and secure patients’ personal property.
• Participate actively in the prevention of cross‑infection and in the safe disposal of sharps and soiled linen.
• Report any incidents or near misses immediately to the nurse in charge of the ward.
• Communicate appropriately with all members of the multidisciplinary team, patients, relatives and visitors.
• Act in a non‑judgemental manner, treating each patient as an individual and respecting their choices, wishes and beliefs.
• Maintain a flexible approach to working hours, including the ability to work nights and weekends.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level II Care Certificate or equivalent.
• Good communication and organisational skills.
• Working on own initiative with a common sense approach.
• Willingness to work unsocial hours, including nights, on a permanent basis.
• Car owner or access to suitable transport arrangements.
• Confidence to work alone and as part of a team.
• Excellent documentation skills.
• Right to work in the UK (documentary evidence required).

Experience

• Experience providing personal care to patients.
• Experience in palliative or hospice care.
• Experience in community care.

Benefits

• Modern, friendly and highly professional working environments.
• Opportunities for professional development through a range of extensive learning.
• Alignment with NHS pay rates and continuity in membership of the NHS pension scheme.
• Work‑life balance and a sense of achievement in supporting a worthwhile cause.
• Well‑connected locations across East Kent with good road and rail links.
• Access to NHS and financial discounts, e. g. Blue Light Card.
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