Healthcare Assistant

Job Summary County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest integrated care providers in England, serving a population of around 600,000 people. We are a high performing organisation with a track record of success. We are seeking to appoint Health Care Assistants to join our team on this busy Acute Medical Unit. Use of AI to complete an application is discouraged. This posting will close when we receive the maximum number of applications. We provide hospital services from two acute sites – Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We also have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community‑based settings and providing care in patients' homes. Main Duties of the Job Provide care to patients following instructions in the care plan, programme or pathway. Demonstrate competence in the accurate recording of routine clinical observations. Recognise abnormal recording or signs of change in a patient's condition and report changes to a registered nurse. Assess patient level of dependence in meeting personal care needs and give appropriate assistance (includes hygiene, mobility, nutrition, elimination and comfort). Assist patients to eat and drink in a sensitive and supportive manner. Accurately record information on patient food charts and fluid balance charts, reporting concerns to a registered nurse. Carry out clinical skills relevant to the ward/department and patient group (eg phlebotomy, ECG recording, simple dressings). Assist clinical team with data entry, filing and maintaining accurate documentation of care. Assist in escorting, transferring and discharging patients, ensuring all property is packed and the bed area is prepared for the next patient. Ensure treatment rooms and ward areas are adequately stocked and tidy. Participate in clinical supervision. Employment Details Pay scheme: Agenda for change Band: Band 3 Salary: £24,465 to £26,598 a year pro rata Contract: Permanent Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time Reference number: C9439-2425-1340-2 Job locations: University Hospital Of North Durham, North Road, Durham, DH1 5TW Posted 21 November 2025 Person Specification Qualifications (Essential) Relevant NVQ level 3 or equivalent experience Care Certificate or willingness to complete within the first 6 months of commencement in post GCSE equivalent in English and mathematics Qualifications (Desirable) Short courses relevant to undertake patient and clinical care duties Experience (Essential) Computer skills Ability to learn new skills Experience (Desirable) Previous experience in caring for others Special Skills & Knowledge (Essential) Good verbal and written command of English Ability to act upon own initiative Good communication skills Ability to work under some pressure Ability to show leadership Ability to plan own work Ability to work calmly under pressure Willing to take and record patient observations Special Skills & Knowledge (Desirable) Knowledge of care and related procedures, clinical observations, relevant legislation Special Requirements (Essential) Self motivated and able to motivate others Excellent communication & interpersonal skills Reflective practitioner Ability to work in a busy and varied work environment and respond to change Additional required qualification From 9 April 2025, Healthcare assistants must have a minimum of two years of experience working within the NHS as a HCA for the Trust to be considered for sponsorship. Sponsorship will be considered only if the applicant has a current visa expiring within 3 months. 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: County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust Address: University Hospital Of North Durham, North Road, Durham, DH1 5TW Employer's website: https://www.cddft.nhs.uk/ Equal Opportunities We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented. Additional Information Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents. Over reliance on AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish the applicant's chances of success. #J-18808-Ljbffr