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Job summary

Main area
Stroke
Grade
NHS AfC: Band 3
Contract
Permanent: Will involve day and night rotation
Hours
  • Full time
  • Part time
37.5 hours per week
Job ref
388-8248585-MUEC
Employer
Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
Torbay Hospital
Town
Torquay
Salary
£25,760 - £27,476 per annum pro rata
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
04/10/2026 23:59

Employer heading

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust logo

Healthcare Support Worker - George Earle

NHS AfC: Band 3

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the team on George Earle Ward, a 28-bed acute ward specialising in the care of patients who have experienced a stroke, as well as those with neurological and acute medical conditions.

The ward includes three Hyper Acute Stroke beds, supporting the rapid assessment and delivery of specialist stroke treatments and blood pressure management, ensuring patients receive timely and effective care at a critical stage of their recovery.

As a valued member of our multidisciplinary team, you will play a vital role in delivering high-quality, person-centred care. Working closely with nurses, therapists, speech and language therapists, discharge coordinators, ward clerks, catering teams and hotel services staff, you will contribute to ensuring the best possible outcomes and experience for our patients and their families.

We are committed to supporting your development and success. You will receive a comprehensive Trust induction, alongside specialist ward-based training, helping you build the knowledge and skills required to thrive in the role. Your contribution will be recognised and valued, with opportunities to actively participate in service improvement and the ongoing delivery of excellent patient care.

Main duties of the job

  • Undertake direct patient care, in support of, and under the delegation of the Registered Nurse, and document care given as required.
  • Following training you will undertake various clinical tasks including cannulation and venepuncture, wound care, ECG recording, blood sugar checks and vital signs. You will be aware of when these need escalating to your nurse. 
  • You will support patients to maintain hygiene including mouth care, change positions to prevent skin damage, and with mobility.  
  • Checking of controlled drugs with Registered Nurse as required.
  • Complete nutritional assessment records and weigh patients as required both on admission to complete MUST scores and weekly to ensure  monitoring of body mass.
  • Use equipment competently and follow Trust policy with equipment following training.
  • Escort patients to other departments/hospitals for investigation

We are looking for someone who is:

  • Compassionate, caring and patient-focused.
  • Enthusiastic and motivated to provide excellent care.
  • A strong team player with good communication skills.
  • Committed to maintaining high standards of care and patient experience.
  • Able to work effectively in a busy and rewarding acute ward environment.

Working for our organisation

Torbay Hospital provides acute care for the local community and has several community hospitals, and is a hot-spot for those who are considering living by the sea or within half an hour of Dartmoor National Park and an hour to Exmoor National Park. Meanwhile, Plymouth and Exeter are also both within a short drive to enjoy the culture, maritime history and shopping experiences.

Why work with us - the team is flexible and promotes a healthy work/home life balance therefore, your package with us includes a lot more than just your pay.

Are you a caring, compassionate and motivated Healthcare Assistant looking to make a real difference to patients' lives? Our people are caring, committed, inclusive and focussed on quality. We focus on solutions and people’s strengths. We encourage outside the box thinking and embrace innovation and change wherever it can drive improvement. If you share our values and vision and are passionate about working with people on what matters to them, you could be a real asset to Team Torbay and South Devon. 

Important: Unfortunately, our department are unable to support sponsorship for this role. Therefore, applicants who require sponsorship now or in the near future will not be considered for this position. 

 

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please see attached job description for full details which include :- 

  • Interview patients or carers as part of the assessment process
  • Manual handling of patients and use of mechanical aids
  • Undertake and accurately record and interpret clinical observations, routine tests and outcome measures
  • Multitask, prioritise and adapt to the needs pf the patients and ward as a whole during each shift. 
  • Assist patients with continence and  elimination requirements, including catheter and bowel care, recording as needed
  • Assist patients to rehabilitate, working with physiotherapy and occupational therapists.
  • Assist patients with food and drink following speech and language recommendations, maintaining food and fluid charts

Person specification

Qualifications and training

Essential criteria
  • NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care or equivalent qualification/experience
Desirable criteria
  • Care certificate
  • English & Mathematics at GSCE grade A-C (9-4) or level 2 functional skills

Knowledge and experience

Essential criteria
  • Previous experience in a care environment or able to demonstrate a caring nature/ life experience
  • Understands the need for strict confidentiality
Desirable criteria
  • Working knowledge of complex care needs of some individuals/families including Safeguarding Children & Adults, Domestic Abuse and Mental Health

Specific skills

Essential criteria
  • Basic computer/keyboard skills
  • Fine motor skills – for venepuncture, phlebotomy and other clinical tasks
  • Good interpersonal and communication skills
  • Able to prioritise and organise work
  • Record keeping competency in handwritten and electronic records
  • Able to manage stress in themselves and others
  • Willingness to undertake new skills and training
  • To be flexible, adaptable, reliable and punctual
Desirable criteria
  • Healthcare competencies appropriate to area of work

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Apprenticeships logoNo smoking policyPositive about disabled peopleAge positiveImproving working livesMindful employer.  Being positive about mental health.The Employers Network for Equality & Inclusion (enei) is the UK's leading employer network covering all aspects of equality and inclusion issues in the workplace.Disability confident committedArmed Forces Covenant - Silver 2025

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.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Jenny Chalk
Job title
Ward Manager
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
01803 654345
Additional information

Neo Edoc

Bincy Thomas

Hayley Bennett

Fritzie Beazley 

All on 01803 655569

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