Job summary
- Main area
- NMSK
- Grade
- NHS AfC: Band 2 and Band 3
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full time
- Part time
- Employer
- Bristol NHS Foundation Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- NMSK Division
- Town
- Bristol
- Salary
- pro rata per annum
- Closing
- 20/11/2026 09:00
Employer heading
Healthcare Support Worker - (NMSK Division)
NHS AfC: Band 2 and Band 3
North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) have merged as of 1st July 2026 to become Bristol NHS Foundation Trust. This will create an exciting future that brings together the best of both organisations. As a single, strong and sustainable organisation, we will not only be able to deliver better outcomes for our patients and fairer care for our population, but it will also provide greater opportunities for our people.
Bristol NHS Foundation Trust recognise the value of a healthy work-life balance. When applying, speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate flexible working, so your work life fits around your home life.
We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates as they are under-represented within the Trust.
Our job adverts may close as soon as sufficient applications have been received. Considering this, if you are interested in this role, please do apply as soon as you can.
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) describes algorithms that can be used to produce new content, including audio, code, images, text, simulations, and videos. It is developing all the time and is now being used as a support mechanism for all kinds of content-based creations. Please note the use of AI is monitored and if applicants have used it then they are required to declare this.
Job overview
We are looking for caring, motivated and proactive Healthcare Support Workers to join the Neurological and MusculoSkeletal (NMSK) Division at Bristol NHS Foundation Trust based at Southmead Hospital.
These opportunities are based across a variety of busy and rewarding inpatient surgical and specialist wards, including Neurosurgery, Stroke, Major Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery.
Working alongside registered nurses and the multidisciplinary team, you will play a vital role in delivering compassionate, high-quality care, helping patients achieve the best possible outcomes during their hospital stay.
We are recruiting Healthcare Support Workers at a Band 3 level. Applicants must meet all the essential criteria outlined in the Job Description to be appointed at Band 3. Candidates who demonstrate the values, aptitude and potential to succeed may be considered for a Band 2 HCSW.
We welcome applications from:
· Experienced Healthcare Support Workers looking for a new challenge
· Individuals with previous care experience in health or social care settings
· Above all, we are looking for people who are enthusiastic, caring, respectful, reliable and committed to providing outstanding care.
As this is a patient facing role, interviews will be conducted face to face. If you are unable to attend the interview day we will attempt to rearrange to another day but online interviews will not be offered.
Main duties of the job
Working as a Healthcare Support Worker on an NMSK Ward, you will be involved with direct patient care whilst maintaining the privacy and dignity of patients. You will be working alongside a Registered Nurse to provide essential nursing care and helping your patients with daily living tasks such as:
- helping patients feel comfortable and move around
- monitoring patients and performing basic health checks
- washing, dressing patients and helping them go to the toilet
- serving meals and helping to feed patients
Every aspect of the role contributes to helping patients feel safe, supported and cared for during their time in hospital.
Working for our organisation
Bristol NHS Foundation Trust brings together more than 28,000 staff to deliver over 160 clinical services across thirteen hospital locations, operating from three main sites at Southmead, Bristol city centre and Weston.
With an annual turnover of £2.3 billion, we are now one of the largest NHS trusts in the United Kingdom. Our hospitals are spread across Bristol and Weston, join us and you can enjoy the very best of both worlds; city living within a stone’s throw of the countryside or beside the seaside, both with easy access to all that the South West has to offer.
Bristol NHS Foundation Trust values all people as individuals. As an equal opportunities employer actively working towards a diverse workforce we aim to recruit and retain a workforce which represents the rich diversity of the local population at all levels and are committed to designing our services around the needs of individual patients and those around them. Anonymous information will be used from your application in order to ensure we’re meeting our pledge.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see the job description attached for a full list of role responsibilities.
Nursing Care (under indirect supervision, once deemed competent)
- Obtain consent prior to giving care in accordance with Trust policies.
- Duties are delegated to you in line with care plans
- Not all duties are routine, and you will need to use your knowledge, experience and understanding to take decisions within your area of responsibility
- To carry out a range of clinical duties with minimal / no supervision, including for example, blood pressure monitoring, oxygen saturation levels, body temperature, pulse rate and respiration rate, glucose monitoring, collection and testing of urine samples / faecal samples / sputum samples and wound swabs ensuring delivery of high-quality patient care at all times. NB: this list is not exhaustive and will vary depending on area of work.
- Participate in patient assessment providing high quality holistic patient care and escalating concerns about patients to other clinical staff
- Practice safe standards of care to patients following Trust guidelines and policies and policies and be able to concentrate for periods throughout the day with occasional interruptions.
- Provide clinical care in accordance with the infection prevention and health and safety policies and procedures.
- Maintain the work environment in line with Trust infection control and patient safety policies
- Develop the skills to actively facilitate self-care and independence with patients.
- Promote health education specific to the clinical area and in line with national and local policies.
- Maintain accurate records relating to communication with patients, relatives, and members of the Multidisciplinary team regarding all aspects of care demonstrating a range of appropriate communication skills.
- Ensuring equipment and stores are well maintained, taking appropriate action if the equipment is faulty
- Work effectively as part of a team.
Person specification
Qualifications and Training
Essential criteria
- Completion of Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support (or equivalent Level 3 qualification/experience)
- Level 2 Functional Skills in English and Maths, or equivalent
Desirable criteria
- Demonstrates the ability to work with minimal supervision and act as a role model to others
- Evidence of strong communication skills, both written and verbal
Work Experience
Essential criteria
- Be able to work as a member of a team
- Experience of time management and prioritising work
Desirable criteria
- Experience of working in a health or social care setting
Skills and Abilities
Essential criteria
- Effective and appropriate communication skills both written and verbal
- IT skills, basic word, Email, keyboard skills
- Ability to work with minimum supervision to a high standard
Applicant requirements
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Application numbers
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- [email protected]
- Job title
- Senior Sister
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Additional information
Neurosurgery (7A) - [email protected]
Neurosurgery (6B) - [email protected] and [email protected]
Major Trauma (25A) - [email protected]
Orthopaedic Surgery (25B) - [email protected]
Elective Orthopaedic Surgery (Rowan Ward)- [email protected]
Stroke (34A and 34B) - [email protected] and [email protected]
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