Job Description

Job Title

Bank Health Care Assistant – Inpatient Unit

Responsible to Clinical Head of Inpatient Unit

Bank Rate £13.45 (basic rate) + £1.62 (12.07%A/L)

Location Blackburn

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

Under the direction of the clinical team/shift coordinator support patients and those that matter to them through the provision of personal care, clinical interventions and wellbeing and enabling support

Deliver high standards of essential nursing care to patients and their families in keeping with care plans developed by registered practitioners

• Participate in the observation of patients and report changes in the patient’s condition to the registered nurse

Support patients with therapeutic and diversional activity while promoting independence within patient limitations

Work at all times to reduce risk, maximise quality of life and promote patients dignity and independence

Provide support to families and those that matter to the patient as directed by the clinical team

Communicate effectively with patients and relatives; be empathic and courteous, treating people with care and consideration at all times and relaying relevant information in a timely manner

Ensure own entries in patient records are accurate and factual and maintained in line with hospice guidelines and standards of practice

Recognise and respond to urgent situations, seeking assistance as necessary and relaying any relevant information on the condition of patients, their care or treatment in a timely manner

Positively engage with opportunities for direct support and supervision, the development and maintenance of skills and knowledge

Work across clinical areas during the span of duty where this is necessary to meet patient need or for own development needs including for example Supportive Care (Hospice At Home) and Support and Wellbeing services

GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Maintain appropriate and respectful professional relationships with colleagues and other staff

Exercise good personal time management, punctuality, appearance and consistent reliable attendance

Contribute to clinical reports and data collection as required by the Departmental Lead

• Accurately take and communicate messages/information using a range of media including telephone

Act as an ambassador for the East Lancashire Hospice promoting at all times our vision which is to help everyone who comes into contact with the hospice to make the most of life. We do this by committing to our values : to care, listen, respect and work together to support people to live well until they die and support those affected by death.

Ensure that personal actions and conduct apply with hospice policies and procedures

• Ensure effective use of hospice resources

• Be responsible for the correct use of nursing equipment and reporting of concerns / faults that may occur

• Participate in general and clerical duties to maintain a clean, tidy and effective working environment

Be aware of developments and quality initiatives within East Lancashire Hospice using established communication methods

Work at all times to safeguard the rights of individuals promoting their wellbeing and protecting those at risk from harm, acting on any concerns related to safeguarding children and adults at risk in line with policy and local guidance

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Access mandatory training appropriate to the role

Actively seek to develop own knowledge, skills and understanding of palliative care using available resources and development opportunities relevant to the role.

Participate in the hospice appraisal system, performance reviews, support and supervision activities to enhance own practice and provision of care to patients

• Participate in the education and training of others where appropriate

STATUTORY DUTIES

Ensure the security of information accessed in the course of your duties ensuring compliance with the Data Protection Act, Caldicott principles and information governance best practice guidance

• Report any hazards or incidents in accordance with the Health Safety and Risk Management Policy and procedures

• Comply with the East Lancashire Hospice ‘no smoking’ policy in all hospice premises and grounds

• Be responsible for maintaining own vaccinations including Hepatitis B immunity (as applicable)

• Ensure that infection control measures are followed in relation to your role

Work at all times to safeguard the rights of individuals promoting their wellbeing and protecting those at risk from harm, acting on any concerns related to safeguarding children and adults at risk in line with policy and local guidance

• Work at all times to respect people’s individuality, rights and diversity to ensure equality

WORKING HOURS

The post-holder will work their hours flexibly to meet service need s according to a rota of up to any five days of a 7- day working week.

NOTES

This job description reflects how the post currently meets the needs of the service. Since the hospice is constantly developing and changing its services to ensure it meets the needs of the community it serves, the role and responsibilities of the post holder may change accordingly.

Equality and Diversity

We support an inclusive and holistic working environment and aim to empower our people to bring their authentic self to work. We are committed to this and so encourage applications from all individuals with the required skills for the role inclusive of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, colour, caste, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, socio-economic background, trade union membership status, marriage, and civil partnerships. ELH is committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and volunteers.

This job description will be reviewed at intervals and may change as is deemed necessary.

ACCEPTANCE OF JOB DESCRIPTION

I confirm I accept the duties contained in the above job description.

NAME: .

(PRINT)

SIGNED: … DATE:

EAST LANCASHIRE HOSPICE Person Specification – Health Care Assistant

Date: 05/2026	Post: IPU Health Care Assistant	Recruiting manager: SH (CHolPU)
	Criteria	Essential	Desirable	Tested By
Experience	E1 Practical experience of caring for patients or family withlife-limiting illnessE2 Experience in a caring roleE3Experience in a care setting/community or hospitalE4Experience in a healthcare environment	E1E2	E3E4	Application
Qualifications	Q1 Good standard of English and Math GCSE/equivalentQ2 NVQ Level 2 in care/equivalentQ3 NVQ Level 3 in care/equivalentQ4 Care Certificate or wiling to undertakeQ5 Communication skills course	Q1Q2Q4	Q3Q5	Application
Knowledge	K1 Understanding/sensitive to the needs of people needingpalliative/end of life careK2 Advance care planningK3 Understanding of confidentiality in the healthcareenvironmentK4 Safeguarding adults/vulnerable peopleK5 Maintaining patient records	K1K3K4K5	K2	Interview
Skills	S1 An enabling approach and ability to empower andpromote independenceS2 Clinical skills eg baseline observationsS3 Basic IT and keyboard skil/confidenceS4 Ability to utilise the electronic clinical records systemS5 Creative/Diversional skillsinterestsS6 Able to relay messages accuratelyS7 Ability to problem solveS8 Able to provide and receive constructive feedback as ameans of individual and service improvementS9 Basic housekeeping skills	S1S3S4S6S7S8S9	S2S5	Interview
PersonalAttributes	PA1 Flexible, able to work a range of shift patterns including days, weekends, nights and Bank HolidaysPA2 Team player, able to work without direct supervisionPA3 Effective communicator, able to listen and engage withindividuals with a range of health and care needsPA4 Enthusiastic and motivated about hospice carePA5 Positive attitude to changing situations andflexible to meet patient needPA6 Car owner/driver with access to a vehicle for workPA7Excellent attendance/health/time keeping recordPA8 Professional appearance and behaviour	PA1PA2PA3PA4PA5PA6PA7PA8		Interview