Job overview

A Healthcare Assistant on a paediatric ward supports nurses in delivering safe, high-quality care to children and infants. The role includes assisting with daily care such as hygiene, feeding, toileting, mobility, and observations, while closely monitoring children’s wellbeing and reporting any changes to registered staff.

HCAs help maintain a safe, clean, and well-organised environment by following infection control procedures, managing waste, cleaning equipment, and ensuring stock and materials are properly maintained. They also support safe transfers and procedures, assist during emergencies under direction, and help with specimen collection and documentation.

A key part of the role is supporting children and families emotionally, maintaining dignity and comfort, and helping to create a positive hospital experience. HCAs also communicate effectively with staff and families, contribute to ward organisation, and use computer systems to support record keeping.

Overall, the role is essential in ensuring efficient ward functioning, improving patient experience, and supporting nurses in delivering consistent, safe, and compassionate care.

Main duties of the job

A Healthcare Assistant on a paediatric ward supports nurses by carrying out basic patient care such as helping with hygiene, feeding, toileting, mobility, and observations, while reporting any changes in a child’s condition. They help maintain a clean, safe environment through infection control, equipment care, and safe handling procedures. They also support children and families emotionally, assist with communication and documentation, and help ensure the ward runs smoothly and safely under the direction of registered staff.

Please note: This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK at the time of application, as we are unable to support visa applications for this position.

Working for our organisation

We have a long and proud history of caring for generations of local people and can trace our roots all the way back to 1814 with the first hospital in Bolton – the Bolton Dispensary in the town centre.

Bolton NHS Foundation Trust was formed in 2008 and, in 2011, we became an integrated provider with community health services joining the trust. Covering a catchment area that also incorporates parts of Bury, Wigan and Salford, we deliver hospital and community based services from the Royal Bolton Hospital in Farnworth and from 20 health centres across Bolton, to a catchment population of 310,000+ people. 

The Royal Bolton Hospital is a major hub within Greater Manchester for women’s and children’s services and is the busiest single ambulance-receiving site in Greater Manchester.  We’re structured in four clinical divisions – Community Services, Families and Diagnostics, Medicine, and Surgery and are led by a Board of Directors. As an NHS Foundation Trust we’re accountable to our members and have a Council of Governors to represent the views of patients, public, staff and partners.   

Buildings, names and models of care have changed over the centuries, but one thing has remained constant and is prevalent among our 6,718 staff members: the enduring commitment to providing the best health and care for the people of Bolton.