Bank Palliative Care Support Worker/ HCA (Band 2)
The closing date is 30 July 2025
Job summary
As we move forward with our strategy and develop our services, we arerecruiting for Band 2Palliative Care Support Workers/ Health Care Assistantsto join theInpatient Unit (IPU) bank. If you are a dedicated and proactive PCSW/ HCA with an interest in working in End-of-Life Care we would like to hear from you. Joining the Hospice in this role will involve providing specialist palliative care for our patients and support for their families. You will also work closely with the registered nurses and the wider multi-disciplinary team to ensure a holistic approach to care.
Main duties of the job
The post holder works as part of the Inpatient Unit and St Peters Hospice Team under the supervision of registered nurses and will be expected to work a range of Early, Late and Night shifts, covering a 7-day week.
About us
Weve spent over 40 years helping people die in peace, and with dignity. Combining compassion with clinical expertise, we provide patients with the best possible care at the end of their lives. Were here for the people around our patients too those closest to them. Before, during and after a bereavement, we provide support thats remembered forever. We think its that unforgettable support that inspires people to give back to St Peters. To fundraise for us. Donate. Volunteer. Were not exaggerating when we say that we couldnt do what we do without our wonderful supporters. We really cant thank them enough. We want to help many more people to die well. And were doing this by teaching others. As a centre of educational excellence, we share our skills with other health professionals, helping the NHS and care homes to provide better end-of-life care. Were here for all, for free, forever.
Details
Date posted
16 July 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 2
Salary
£12.37 an hour
Contract
Bank
Working pattern
Flexible working
Reference number
STP1123556
Job locations
St Peter's Hospice
Charlton Road
Bristol
Somerset
BS10 6NL
Job description
Job responsibilities
Participate in the delivery of patient centred care, always maintaining a compassionate and professional attitude. Contributes to the high-quality safe care given on the inpatient unit and St Peters Hospice Contributes to the positive, inclusive, and supportive culture of the inpatient unit. Supports the registered nurse in the provision of a caring and safe environment. Work cooperatively as part of the multi-disciplinary team supporting colleagues in work associated with patient care. Understands own level of responsibility and accountability in relation to registered staff. Communicate clearly effectively and appropriately with the multidisciplinary team, patients and their family, visitors, and carers. Assist and provide personal care to patients. Following appropriate training and supervised practice, undertake identified competency-based practices which are required for the unit after such tasks have been delegated to them by a registered nurse. Complete documentation of care in line with SPH Documentation standards. Assist Registered Professionals in the implementation and evaluation of individualised care plans. The post holder will function at a competency level in line with the requirements of the post and achieve and maintain both mandatory and statutory training requirements associated with the role. Communication Maintain a high standard of personal behaviour and ensure effective communication with all members of the multidisciplinary team, patients, carers, and relatives. Communicate effectively with patients and carers, recognising there may be a need to utilise alternative methods of communication. Use paper and electronic systems to retrieve and record patient information. Band 2 Health Care Assistant Band 5 Registered Nurse Communicate with patients, carers, and families in a sensitive, supportive, and caring manner, considering their individual personal beliefs and preferences. Feedback any information and observations related to patient care. Ensure all documentation is completed accurately and legibly and in accordance with hospice policy and Information Governance requirements. Apply the principles of information governance and patient confidentiality to all aspect of your role. Obtain verbal consent from the patient before any clinical intervention is undertaken. Answer the phone/ greet visitors promptly in a polite and professional manner and deal with enquires as appropriate, pass on written and verbal information as required to colleges and patients. Participate in discussions about patient care and unit issues at handover and unit meetings. In instances when a patient / visitor feels the need to raise concern or complain inform a registered nurse. Accept Constructive feedback Escalate concerns and incidents through the appropriate route. Personal & People Development Actively participate in, and contribute to, the individual performance review and development process. Support and mentor new HCAs as required. Role model best practice. Welcome and support all staff working on a placement in the IPU. Keep up to date with all mandatory and statutory training. Actively engage in education and learning that will benefit patient care. Participate in the IPU teaching programme Maintain clinical competencies relevant to role. Alongside a Registered Nurse take responsibility of an allocated link role. Develop knowledge and share expertise with colleges. Work to maintain your own physical and mental health to enable you to be fit and resilient for the role. Provision of Care to Meet Health and Wellbeing Needs Act first and foremost to care for and safeguard the patients and public, practice in a safe, compassionate, and patient centred manner. Following completion of training, demonstrate an understanding of your role and responsibilities relating to Safeguarding. Respond swiftly to individuals, who require assistance, are in pain or distressed or using their call bell, where required report this to a registered nurse. Recognise where a patient is becoming agitated, confused or is noncompliant with their care or treatment, support colleagues when dealing with such patients, report this to a registered nurse. Obtain specimens ensuring accurate documentation and transportation to appropriate department. Undertake infection control screening as requested. Undertake patient transfer/escort duties between clinical areas, completing all relevant documentation. Following the completion of training undertake a range of physical / clinical observations appropriate to the area of practice. Achieve and maintain competence in using a range of equipment to undertake these, record the outcome and report and escalate exceptions to the registered nurse who delegated the tasks to you. Measuring and recording may include: Blood pressure, Pulse rate and rhythm (manually and using electronic equipment), Temperature, Height and weight, Fluid balance, Stool charts, food diary, Blood glucose monitoring, Urine testing / Urinalysis, Respiratory rate, Oxygen saturations Obtain prompt assistance during an emergency as requested or using the agreed practice i.e.: emergency call bell. As required by the unit and following agreement with the line manager undertake training to achieve and maintain competence in specific areas of clinical practice e.g., bladder scanning, and 12 lead ECG recording and point of care testing as directed by a registered nurse. Assist patients of all genders with all aspects of personal care. Daily assist and support patients of all genders when mobilising, repositioning in bed or chair whilst promoting patient independence using aids as appropriate Recognise and understand the importance of adequate nutrition and hydration of the patients by serving food and drinks and assisting patients with feeding and drinking when necessary. Recognise and maintain any specific dietary instructions associated with individual patients. Recognise where a patient may display problems with swallowing and require further assessment and report this to a registered nurse. Demonstrate awareness of wound / skin changes associated with damage caused by incontinence and pressure / friction. Report any changes to a registered nurse and document accordingly. Following delegation from a registered nurse make appropriate use of prescribed pressure relieving equipment and skin products Health Safety and Security Be aware and Comply with all SPH policies and procedures which govern Health and Safety and clinical practice. Actively promote the prevention of cross infection to and from all patients, visitors staff, and the environment, by encouraging and educating others in the use of standard precautions. Maintain a clean and tidy environment including cleaning of equipment and medical devices. Ensure that prior to using any medical device you are trained and competent. Report any accidents, incidents and near misses to a registered nurse and report via the SPH reporting system. Report and raise concerns in relation to poor practice, attitude, and behaviour of any health care professional through line management structures. Manage own time effectively, ensure good time keeping in relation to shift commencement and breaks. Prepare patient rooms for new patients and orientate patients and their relatives and carers to the department and demonstrate bedroom facilities. Contributes to the high-quality safe care given on the inpatient unit and St Peters Hospice Contributes to the positive, inclusive, and supportive culture of the inpatient unit. Service Improvement Contribute to continually monitor standards of nursing care and contribute to improvement of care through audit and research as required. Be alert to any possible improvement to service and make suggestions as appropriate. Quality Following direction from a registered nurse undertake aspects of care for a patient/ group of patients. Practise in accordance with agreed standards of care within your level of competence. Assists in audits and research as required. Equality and Diversity Interprets equality and diversity and rights in accordance with legislation policies procedures and good practice. Actively promotes equality and diversity in relation to meeting the needs of a diverse patient group Actively fosters a non-discriminatory approach and acts as a role model Promotes equality and diversity within the workforce and ensures policies are adhered to Manages people and applies internal processes in a fair and equal way Actively challenges unacceptable behaviour and discrimination and works in accordance with hospice policy Supports people who need assistance in exercising their rights.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Participate in the delivery of patient centred care, always maintaining a compassionate and professional attitude. Contributes to the high-quality safe care given on the inpatient unit and St Peters Hospice Contributes to the positive, inclusive, and supportive culture of the inpatient unit. Supports the registered nurse in the provision of a caring and safe environment. Work cooperatively as part of the multi-disciplinary team supporting colleagues in work associated with patient care. Understands own level of responsibility and accountability in relation to registered staff. Communicate clearly effectively and appropriately with the multidisciplinary team, patients and their family, visitors, and carers. Assist and provide personal care to patients. Following appropriate training and supervised practice, undertake identified competency-based practices which are required for the unit after such tasks have been delegated to them by a registered nurse. Complete documentation of care in line with SPH Documentation standards. Assist Registered Professionals in the implementation and evaluation of individualised care plans. The post holder will function at a competency level in line with the requirements of the post and achieve and maintain both mandatory and statutory training requirements associated with the role. Communication Maintain a high standard of personal behaviour and ensure effective communication with all members of the multidisciplinary team, patients, carers, and relatives. Communicate effectively with patients and carers, recognising there may be a need to utilise alternative methods of communication. Use paper and electronic systems to retrieve and record patient information. Band 2 Health Care Assistant Band 5 Registered Nurse Communicate with patients, carers, and families in a sensitive, supportive, and caring manner, considering their individual personal beliefs and preferences. Feedback any information and observations related to patient care. Ensure all documentation is completed accurately and legibly and in accordance with hospice policy and Information Governance requirements. Apply the principles of information governance and patient confidentiality to all aspect of your role. Obtain verbal consent from the patient before any clinical intervention is undertaken. Answer the phone/ greet visitors promptly in a polite and professional manner and deal with enquires as appropriate, pass on written and verbal information as required to colleges and patients. Participate in discussions about patient care and unit issues at handover and unit meetings. In instances when a patient / visitor feels the need to raise concern or complain inform a registered nurse. Accept Constructive feedback Escalate concerns and incidents through the appropriate route. Personal & People Development Actively participate in, and contribute to, the individual performance review and development process. Support and mentor new HCAs as required. Role model best practice. Welcome and support all staff working on a placement in the IPU. Keep up to date with all mandatory and statutory training. Actively engage in education and learning that will benefit patient care. Participate in the IPU teaching programme Maintain clinical competencies relevant to role. Alongside a Registered Nurse take responsibility of an allocated link role. Develop knowledge and share expertise with colleges. Work to maintain your own physical and mental health to enable you to be fit and resilient for the role. Provision of Care to Meet Health and Wellbeing Needs Act first and foremost to care for and safeguard the patients and public, practice in a safe, compassionate, and patient centred manner. Following completion of training, demonstrate an understanding of your role and responsibilities relating to Safeguarding. Respond swiftly to individuals, who require assistance, are in pain or distressed or using their call bell, where required report this to a registered nurse. Recognise where a patient is becoming agitated, confused or is noncompliant with their care or treatment, support colleagues when dealing with such patients, report this to a registered nurse. Obtain specimens ensuring accurate documentation and transportation to appropriate department. Undertake infection control screening as requested. Undertake patient transfer/escort duties between clinical areas, completing all relevant documentation. Following the completion of training undertake a range of physical / clinical observations appropriate to the area of practice. Achieve and maintain competence in using a range of equipment to undertake these, record the outcome and report and escalate exceptions to the registered nurse who delegated the tasks to you. Measuring and recording may include: Blood pressure, Pulse rate and rhythm (manually and using electronic equipment), Temperature, Height and weight, Fluid balance, Stool charts, food diary, Blood glucose monitoring, Urine testing / Urinalysis, Respiratory rate, Oxygen saturations Obtain prompt assistance during an emergency as requested or using the agreed practice i.e.: emergency call bell. As required by the unit and following agreement with the line manager undertake training to achieve and maintain competence in specific areas of clinical practice e.g., bladder scanning, and 12 lead ECG recording and point of care testing as directed by a registered nurse. Assist patients of all genders with all aspects of personal care. Daily assist and support patients of all genders when mobilising, repositioning in bed or chair whilst promoting patient independence using aids as appropriate Recognise and understand the importance of adequate nutrition and hydration of the patients by serving food and drinks and assisting patients with feeding and drinking when necessary. Recognise and maintain any specific dietary instructions associated with individual patients. Recognise where a patient may display problems with swallowing and require further assessment and report this to a registered nurse. Demonstrate awareness of wound / skin changes associated with damage caused by incontinence and pressure / friction. Report any changes to a registered nurse and document accordingly. Following delegation from a registered nurse make appropriate use of prescribed pressure relieving equipment and skin products Health Safety and Security Be aware and Comply with all SPH policies and procedures which govern Health and Safety and clinical practice. Actively promote the prevention of cross infection to and from all patients, visitors staff, and the environment, by encouraging and educating others in the use of standard precautions. Maintain a clean and tidy environment including cleaning of equipment and medical devices. Ensure that prior to using any medical device you are trained and competent. Report any accidents, incidents and near misses to a registered nurse and report via the SPH reporting system. Report and raise concerns in relation to poor practice, attitude, and behaviour of any health care professional through line management structures. Manage own time effectively, ensure good time keeping in relation to shift commencement and breaks. Prepare patient rooms for new patients and orientate patients and their relatives and carers to the department and demonstrate bedroom facilities. Contributes to the high-quality safe care given on the inpatient unit and St Peters Hospice Contributes to the positive, inclusive, and supportive culture of the inpatient unit. Service Improvement Contribute to continually monitor standards of nursing care and contribute to improvement of care through audit and research as required. Be alert to any possible improvement to service and make suggestions as appropriate. Quality Following direction from a registered nurse undertake aspects of care for a patient/ group of patients. Practise in accordance with agreed standards of care within your level of competence. Assists in audits and research as required. Equality and Diversity Interprets equality and diversity and rights in accordance with legislation policies procedures and good practice. Actively promotes equality and diversity in relation to meeting the needs of a diverse patient group Actively fosters a non-discriminatory approach and acts as a role model Promotes equality and diversity within the workforce and ensures policies are adhered to Manages people and applies internal processes in a fair and equal way Actively challenges unacceptable behaviour and discrimination and works in accordance with hospice policy Supports people who need assistance in exercising their rights.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- N/A
Desirable
- Functional skills Level 2 English Language and Maths Qualification or
- GCSE Grade C or above in Maths and English Language (D) Level 2/3
- NVQ/ Diploma in Health (D)
- Care Certificate or evidence or Training & Development associated
- with Health Care Support Worker role (D)
- Level 2/3 NVQ/ Diploma in Health
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working / participating as part of a team.
- Evidence of ability to work using own initiative and under minimal
- supervision
Desirable
- Minimum of 6 months experience in a care environment in the last 12
- months
Additional Criteria
Essential
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
- Excellent interpersonal skills able to engage and build effective
- relationships at all levels
- Sound IT skills able to use word processing packages, email and
- spreadsheets confidently
- Excellent time management skills
- Able to manage and deal with conflict
Additional Criteria
Essential
- A skilled facilitator, able to get the best out of people within a
- workshop situation
- An understanding and empathy for the work of the Hospice
- Ability to work under pressure
- Team working
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- N/A
Desirable
- Functional skills Level 2 English Language and Maths Qualification or
- GCSE Grade C or above in Maths and English Language (D) Level 2/3
- NVQ/ Diploma in Health (D)
- Care Certificate or evidence or Training & Development associated
- with Health Care Support Worker role (D)
- Level 2/3 NVQ/ Diploma in Health
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working / participating as part of a team.
- Evidence of ability to work using own initiative and under minimal
- supervision
Desirable
- Minimum of 6 months experience in a care environment in the last 12
- months
Additional Criteria
Essential
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
- Excellent interpersonal skills able to engage and build effective
- relationships at all levels
- Sound IT skills able to use word processing packages, email and
- spreadsheets confidently
- Excellent time management skills
- Able to manage and deal with conflict
Additional Criteria
Essential
- A skilled facilitator, able to get the best out of people within a
- workshop situation
- An understanding and empathy for the work of the Hospice
- Ability to work under pressure
- Team working
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
St Peter’s Hospice
Address
St Peter's Hospice
Charlton Road
Bristol
Somerset
BS10 6NL
Employer's website
Employer details
Employer name
St Peter’s Hospice
Address
St Peter's Hospice
Charlton Road
Bristol
Somerset
BS10 6NL
Employer's website
Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
Details
Date posted
16 July 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 2
Salary
£12.37 an hour
Contract
Bank
Working pattern
Flexible working
Reference number
STP1123556
Job locations
St Peter's Hospice
Charlton Road
Bristol
Somerset
BS10 6NL