About this role
Job summary
We are looking for a caring, compassionate and motivated Health Care Assistant to join our Children's Unit team at Musgrove Park Hospital. Working within the Children, Young People & Families Service Group, you will play a vital role in supporting registered nurses and the wider multidisciplinary team to deliver high-quality care to babies, children and young people aged 0-19 years.
As a Health Care Assistant, you will provide direct patient care, support children and families during their hospital journey, undertake a range of clinical observations and procedures, and help ensure a safe, welcoming and child-centred environment.
This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of children and young people with acute, chronic and complex healthcare needs while developing your skills within a supportive NHS team. The service operates 24 hours a day, therefore successful candidates will be expected to work a flexible shift pattern including days, nights, weekends and bank holidays.
Main duties of the job
- Support registered nurses and other healthcare professionals in delivering high-quality patient care.
- Assist children and young people with daily living activities while maintaining dignity, privacy and independence.
- Undertake and accurately record clinical observations including temperature, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, ECGs, blood glucose monitoring and urinalysis following training and competency assessment.
- Assist with clinical procedures and investigations, including supporting children through potentially distressing procedures.
- Support children, young people and families through compassionate communication and emotional support.
- Assist with specimen collection, nutritional support, fluid balance monitoring and maintaining patient records.
- Help maintain a safe and secure environment for patients, families, visitors and staff.
- Contribute to safeguarding children by recognising and reporting concerns appropriately.
- Work collaboratively with members of the multidisciplinary team and contribute to patient care planning and reviews.
- Support the induction and development of new staff and students where appropriate.
About us
At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:
- Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
- NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
- Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
- A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential
Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.
We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.
Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.
The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.
Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The successful candidate will support registered nurses in delivering high-quality care to children and young people within the Children's Unit. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, you will provide compassionate, family-centred care while helping to maintain a safe and supportive environment.
Key responsibilities include
- Assisting with personal care, nutrition, hydration and patient comfort.
- Undertaking and recording clinical observations following appropriate training and competency assessment.
- Supporting children and families during investigations, treatments and procedures.
- Maintaining accurate patient records and reporting concerns to registered staff.
- Assisting with infection prevention, health and safety, and safeguarding responsibilities.
- Communicating effectively with patients, families and colleagues.
- Supporting the smooth day-to-day running of the ward and contributing to excellent patient experience.
We are looking for a caring and reliable individual with excellent communication skills, a positive attitude and a commitment to delivering outstanding care. Previous healthcare experience is desirable, but not essential, as full training and support will be provided.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Evidence of secondary education
- Numeracy and literacy level 1 or equivalent
Desirable
- Basic life support
- Care certificate or working towards
Experience
Desirable
- Previous experience of working with children or on a Children's Unit.
- Basic keyboard skills.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details
Employer name
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Musgrove Park Hospital
Musgrove Road
Taunton
Somerset
TA1 5DA
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)