Job summary
- Main area
- General Acute
- Grade
- Band 3
- Contract
- Permanent: Covering a 24 hour period Days/Nights/Weekends/Bank Holidays
- Hours
- Part time - 34.5 hours per week (Covering a 24 hour period Days/Nights/Weekends/Bank Holidays)
- Job ref
- 339-MED1224-GW
- Employer
- Bristol NHS Foundation Trust (BFT)
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Southmead Hospital
- Town
- Bristol
- Salary
- £25,760 - £27,476 per annum, pro rata
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 30/09/2026 23:59
Employer heading
Senior Healthcare Support Worker
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 creates 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
Do you have experience working in care and looking for a new opportunity?
Bristol NHS Foundation Trust are looking for a dedicated, enthusiastic Healthcare Support Worker to join our General Medicine Ward 28B.
Working in general medicine is a challenging and rewarding role where the HCSW is an essential part of the multidisciplinary team. You will be working in a state-of-the-art hospital and will participate in providing excellent care. Although you will be working in a technical environment, good patient care is of utmost importance and you will be directly involved in the care of the patient .
We're looking to recruit a HCSW who has a passion for working in the healthcare sector and are able to demonstrate enthusiasm for learning and development and safe patient care. You will be a high performing individual who is flexible and driven by the exciting challenges that lie ahead while demonstrating that you can live the Trusts values.
You will need to be flexible to accommodate the various shift times and patterns within the department including a full range of long days, nights, weekends and bank holidays.
Please note, we are not able to offer sponsorship on this position.
Main duties of the job
Working as a Healthcare Support Worker, 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
Senior Healthcare Support Workers would also be expected to carry out a range of clinical duties with minimal / no supervision, including:
- blood pressure monitoring
- oxygen saturation levels
- body temperature
- pulse rate and respiration rate
- glucose monitoring
- wound swab
- collection and testing of urine, faecal and sputum samples
Whilst completing these tasks, the underlining aim is to deliver high-quality patient care at all times.
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
Nursing Care (under direct supervision)
1. Develop the skills to obtain consent prior to giving care in accordance with Trust policies.
2. Under supervision follow individual patient care plans and report any changes immediately to the Registered
Nurse/Assistant Practitioner.
3. Participate in basic patient assessment whilst providing personal care and feeding back to the registered
nurse to ensure high standards of care, in particular relating to skin integrity and the alertness of the patient
4. Practice safe standards of care to patients following Trust guidelines and policies and be able to concentrate
for periods throughout the day with occasional interruptions.
5. Ensure care is given in accordance with the infection prevention and health and safety policies and
procedures.
6. Ensure that the patients bed space is clean, tidy, and accessible and that the person has what they need
within easy reach.
7. Develop the skills to actively facilitate self-care and independence with patients.
8. Promote health education specific to the clinical area and in line with national and local policies
9. Develop the skills to maintain effective record keeping and communication with patients, relatives, and
members of the Multidisciplinary team regarding all aspects of care demonstrating a range of appropriate
communication skills.
10. Ensuring equipment and stores are well maintained, taking appropriate action if the equipment is faulty
11. Work effectively as part of a team.
Training
1. Undertake the Trust’s corporate and local induction, and maintain your learning and compliance with training
requirements for your role
2. Complete mandatory training. This will vary depending on area of work.
3. Attend In-service training.
4. Successful completion of the 15 Care certificate modules and practical competency assessment, within
required timescales.
5. Complete and return on time; all written work, reflective logs and assignments as required, if undertaking
additional training eg: Maths/English GCSE.
Professional
1. Demonstrate ability to access Trust policies and procedures and comply with those relevant to role.
2. Act, at all times, in a manner which demonstrates respect for privacy, dignity and confidentiality.
3. Embrace the Trust values and work in an inclusive way.
4. Act within limits of competence, ensuring actions support care, protection, and wellbeing.
5. Develop and maintain skills, knowledge, and competence for the role, with support from supervisor.
6. Ensure all mandatory training is undertaken in line with Trust policy.
7. Participate in team discussions / meetings as an integral member of the team.
Administration
1. Develop competent in the use of IT systems within the workplace environment.
2. Participate in the induction and orientation of newly appointed staff, learners, and other visitors to the
department.
3. Comply with Trust policy regarding information governance and the care of patient property.
Working conditions
1. Dependent on work setting you may have frequent exposure to bodily fluids, distressed, or confused patients.
Person specification
Qualifications/Training
Essential criteria
- One of the following: • Level 3 (SCQF – 6): - City and Guilds 3 • NVQ 3 • BTEC National Diploma • T Level in Health and Social care. Experience equivalent to the above qualifications
- Level 2 Functional skills in English and Maths, or equivalent
Desirable criteria
- Already working towards NVQ level 3 in care
Work Experience
Essential criteria
- Be able to work as a member of a team
- Experience of time management and prioritising work
- Experience of working in a health or social care setting
Desirable criteria
- Care certificate
Knowledge/ Skills/ Abilities
Essential criteria
- Effective and appropriate communication skills both written and verbal
- IT skills, basic word, Email, keyboard skills
Employer certification / accreditation badges
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
- Michelle Down
- Job title
- Senior Sister
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 0117 9505050
- Additional information
Aimee Leatham
Alice Cox
Amy Watkins
If you have problems applying, contact
- Address
-
University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust
- Telephone
- 0117 3425000 (option 1 )
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