Healthcare Assistant - Inpatient units - Bank Role in Basildon

Overview

We are recruiting for compassionate Healthcare Assistants (HCA) to join St Luke's Hospice clinical teams supporting inpatient services. This is a Bank based position (as and when needed hours).

Role Summary

The role of the Bank HCA is to provide high quality, person-centred care to patients with life-limiting illnesses, working under the direction of registered nurses and senior clinical staff. Bank staff will support clinical teams across Hospice wards on an ad-hoc, flexible basis, covering shifts to maintain continuity of care. The post holder will demonstrate respectful, dignified care, excellent communication skills and the ability to work both as part of a team and independently when required. The role involves personal care, assistance with activities of daily living, emotional support for patients and families, basic clinical observations, and maintaining accurate records in line with organisational policies.

Salary: Hourly Bank rate in line with experience and organisational policy

Contract: Bank (zero hours)

Hours: Variable, on-call for shifts across days, evenings, nights and weekends as required

Location: Basildon Hospice or Thurrock Hospice

Main responsibilities

• Deliver compassionate, person-centred care to patients, supporting dignity, comfort and independence.

• Assist with personal care tasks including washing, toileting, mobility support and nutritional needs.

• Undertake basic clinical observations (temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure) and report changes promptly to registered nursing staff.

• Support symptom relief measures under the supervision of registered nurses and follow care plans accurately.

• Provide emotional support to patients and their families, recognising and responding to individual needs and preferences.

• Maintain accurate, confidential records of care, incidents and observations in accordance with GDPR and Hospice policy.

• Contribute to a safe environment by participating in infection control, health and safety and safeguarding procedures.

• Work flexibly across clinical areas and shifts to maintain safe staffing levels and continuity of care.

• Support volunteers and junior colleagues, escalating concerns and seeking guidance as required.

Key skills and experience

• Previous experience in a healthcare, social care or hospice setting desirable but not essential; training will be provided for the right candidates.

• Compassionate approach to care with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

• Ability to work under direction and use initiative when required, maintaining professional boundaries.

• Basic numeracy and literacy skills for record keeping and observation documentation.

• Awareness of confidentiality, safeguarding and the importance of dignity in end of life care.

• Willingness to undertake mandatory training and development relevant to the role.

• Ability to travel between sites where required; a driving licence and business insurance may be required for community shifts.

Desirable attributes

• Relevant qualifications such as NVQ/QCF in Health and Social Care or equivalent.

• Experience supporting people with palliative or end of life care needs.

• Previous exposure to clinical observation procedures and record systems.

• Commitment to reflective practice and ongoing professional development.

Professional development

Bank staff are supported with induction, mandatory training and access to learning opportunities. We encourage continuous development and provide supervision and mentoring to help you grow in your role.

Belonging, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

At St Luke's Hospice we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that values diversity. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and particularly encourage applications from disabled, LGBTQ+ and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates. Reasonable adjustments will be considered for applicants who require them during the recruitment process.

Right to Work

Please note that St Luke's Hospice is unable to sponsor work permits or visas. All applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

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