HCA Band 3

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Milnthorpe, Cumbria

£12 - £16 per hour

Full-time

Job reference

MP Band 3 HCA_1784034765

ob Title: Healthcare Assistant (HCA) / Clinical Support Worker

Band: Band 3

Location: Westmorland General Hospital, Burton Rd, Kendal, LA9 7RG

Hours: Full-time or Part-time options available (working on a shift pattern/internal rotation including days, lates, weekends, and nights)

Responsible to: Ward Manager / Sister / Nurse in Charge

Role Summary

As a Band 3 Healthcare Assistant at Westmorland General Hospital, you will play a crucial role in delivering outstanding, patient-centred care. Working under the guidance and direction of registered nurses and other healthcare professionals, you will carry out a range of clinical and non-clinical tasks.

This role is ideal for an experienced care provider who is ready to take on more advanced clinical duties (such as venepuncture, recording clinical observations, and supporting specialized care plans) and act as a positive role model within the team.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

1. Clinical & Patient Care

Direct Patient Support: Deliver a high standard of personal care, assisting patients with activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, nutritional intake, and mobility) while maintaining their dignity and privacy.
Clinical Observations: Accurately measure and record clinical observations, including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, oxygen saturations, and respiration rates. Recognise and promptly escalate any signs of patient deterioration to the registered nurse.
Advanced Clinical Skills: Perform clinical tasks as required by the department (and following appropriate training), such as venepuncture (blood sampling), basic wound dressings, and blood glucose monitoring.
Mobility & Positioning: Assist in safely moving and handling patients using appropriate, approved equipment and techniques.
Communication: Actively listen to and communicate effectively with patients, their relatives, and the wider multidisciplinary team (MDT) to ensure a compassionate and seamless care experience.

2. Department & Ward Administration

Documentation: Maintain accurate, legible, and timely records of patient care on the Trust's electronic systems and paper charts.
Cleanliness & Safety: Help maintain a clean, safe, and clutter-free clinical environment in line with infection prevention and control guidelines.
Stock & Equipment: Monitor, stock up, and report any faulty ward equipment, ensuring essential clinical supplies are always available.

3. Professional Development

Quality & Standards: Work in accordance with the Care Certificate standards and Trust policies.
Training: Participate in mandatory training and seek out opportunities to develop new clinical skills relevant to the ward or unit.

Person Specification

Category	Essential Criteria	Desirable Criteria
Qualifications	* Care Certificate (or equivalent experience with a willingness to complete it within 3 months of starting). * NVQ/QCF Level 3 in Health and Social Care (or equivalent experience).	* Phlebotomy/Venepuncture certificate. * Basic Life Support (BLS) training.
Experience	* Minimum of 1-2 years of experience working in a healthcare or formal care setting (e.g., NHS hospital, nursing home, or community care). * Proven experience supporting patients with activities of daily living.	* Experience working within an acute hospital environment or urgent care setting. * Experience supporting patients with complex needs, dementia, or end-of-life care.
Skills & Knowledge	* Strong verbal and written communication skills. * Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team. * Solid understanding of patient confidentiality, dignity, and safeguarding principles. * Basic IT literacy for accessing electronic patient records.	* Understanding of the clinical auditing process. * Knowledge of Westmorland General Hospital's services.
Personal Attributes	* Compassionate, empathetic, and patient-focused approach. * Highly reliable, punctual, and adaptable to changing ward demands. * Resilient with a calm demeanor under pressure.	* Active interest in pursuing further nursing or allied health professional training.