
Job requirements
Essential
13 listedRequirements the employer expects applicants to meet.
- Qualities
Proven ability to work off own initiative and as part of a team.
- Qualities
Flexible to meet needs of service.
- Qualities
Physically able to undertake the job.
- Qualities
Proven coping strategies when under emotional pressure
- Experience
Experience working with people and handling difficult situations.
- Communication
Proven written and verbal communication skills. Clear verbal communication skills demonstrable with a range of people.
- Communication
Ability to accurately record any information required i.e. patient records, telephone messages or information as requested by
- Communication
patients
- Qualifications
GCSE level 4 and above in English and Maths
- Qualifications
Full UK Driving Licence
- Skills and Knowledge
Proven awareness of the possible needs of patients, families under the care of St Helena
- Skills and Knowledge
Knowledge of illness as a carer and the ability to recognise when a person has physical, social, psychological or spiritual care needs.
- Skills and Knowledge
Demonstrated commitment and understanding to the Hospice philosophy and the work of St Helena.
Desirable
5 listedAdditional qualities the employer would prefer.
- Experience
Experience of working in health or social care setting.
- Communication
Communication Skills Training
- Qualifications
NVQ any level in care
- Qualifications
Computer literacy
- Qualifications
St Helena Drugs Competancy Framework
Job summary
St Helena Hospice is seeking Bank Health Care Assistants, to work within the Hospice IPU.
Please note the shifts are on a rota basis and will include weekends.
Main duties of the job
The key priorities of this role are:
To assist registered nurses, OT's and physiotherapists in providing high standards of specialist care to patients and their relatives.
Identify and adapt clinical support given under the varying professions guiding principles of care and be able to switch approach as directed.
About us
St Helena Hospices core values and behaviours will be embedded in our recruitment, our training and development review and our decision making process.
Training and competencies within the specialities, as well as on-going support and professional development, will be tailored to meet your individual needs.
In return we offer;
A competitive and progressive salary.
Enhanced hourly rates for working unsocial hours
NHS Pension (for active members who wish to transfer and continue their membership)
Group Pension Plan for non NHS Pension Staff
Clinical Supervision
Employee Assistance and Wellbeing support
We cover the cost of your DBS Check and the periodic renewal
Uniform provided
Free on site parking
Subsidised dining and complimentary drinks
Details
- Date posted: 16 September 2026
- Pay scheme: Other
- Salary: £12.71 an hour Plus Unsocial hours
- Contract: Bank
- Working pattern: Flexible working
- Reference number: B0423-26-0029
- Job locations: St. Helena Hospice, Barncroft Close, Highwoods, Colchester, CO4 9JU, United Kingdom
Job responsibilities
Please note we are unable to offer sponsorship
Duties & Responsibilities:
In conjunction with other members of the team, and in line with your level of competence, assist in meeting the needs of patients: hygiene, elimination, nutrition, mobilising, maintaining independence, pain.
Be able to recognise and advocate for the promotion of independence and personalised care, based on patients' life histories and expressed preferences about their own care.
Meet the therapy needs of the patient through the delivery of the therapy plan of care devised by the registered therapist.
Identify the psychosocial and spiritual needs of families and friends under his/her care and communicate to the Supervisor.
To implement rehabilitation programmes devised by the OT or physio and when needed, follow up interventions.
To practice daily living activities with patients on the ward under the guidance of the OT/Physio, e.g. functional transfers, personal care, or mobility.
To assess and provide basic mobility and daily living equipment aids to patients, report to the Occupational Therapist (OT) or Physio (PT) as appropriate and arrange for loan or replacement of equipment with statutory services.
To implement therapeutic interventions such as exercise, stretching, energy conservation, pacing and relaxation, reporting to OT/PT as necessary.
Perform Last Offices to deceased patients including safe custody of valuables and belongings.
Maintaining health and safety within the ward area, i.e. ensure fire exits are clear, cupboards safely stocked, and hazards removed and reported.
Check and ensure that equipment is clean and in working order ready for use
Ensure that all information recorded by the individual is in accordance with St Helena policy (i.e patient records, incident/accident reports).
Escort patients to hospital appointments, home visits or recreational trips.
Assist in checking Controlled Drugs with Registered Nurse (on completion of Drugs Competency Framework).
Ensure you follow all policies and procedures in relation to prevention and infection control
Undertake and record clinical observations reporting results to Registered Nurse
Undertake simple dressings independently, within level of competence and assist Registered Nurses with complex dressings.
Shifts are 12 hours
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Bank Health Care Assistant with St Helena Hospice in Colchester, England. It is listed as a Healthcare assistant role. The advertised salary is £12.71. The contract type is Bank. The application deadline is 31 Oct 2026.
Before you apply, compare the job description with the person specification and mirror the employer's essential criteria in your supporting information. Use the vacancy title, employer, location, salary, contract type, closing date and posted date (16 Sep 2026) to decide whether this role fits your current NHSjob search. If the employer can close applications early, prepare the application before the stated deadline rather than waiting for the final day.
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