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Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust

Healthcare Support Worker

The closing date is 19 February 2026

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Job summary

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of cancer patients ?

As a Healthcare Support Worker, you will play a crucial role in delivering compassionate, patient-centred care. Based on the Ricky Grant Day Unit and Turner Ward, you'll be at the heart of providing essential nursing support, clinical interventions, and emotional care to patients undergoing cancer treatment. Whether assisting with personal care, performing vital clinical tasks like venepuncture and ECGs, or advocating for patient safety and wellbeing, you'll contribute meaningfully to the patient journey.

We're looking for individuals with a caring nature, strong communication skills, and a commitment to excellence. If you're flexible, eager to learn new skills, and thrive in a fast-paced yet supportive environment, this role is for you. In return, you'll join a team that's as passionate about your growth as they are about patient care, with access to robust training, career development opportunities, and the chance to make a real impact in a rewarding specialty. Take the next step in your healthcare career with us--where your dedication truly changes lives

Main duties of the job

  • Provide patient-centered care in line with Trust policies, including personal care (e.g., washing, dressing, toileting) while promoting independence. Use effective communication skills to overcome barriers, offering reassurance, empathy, and persuasion.
  • Undertake training to perform clinical interventions (e.g., observations, venepuncture, ECGs, cannula insertion/removal, urinalysis) and remain competent in these skills. Assess patients' conditions using tools like NEWS2, pain assessments, and escalate concerns appropriately.
  • Work independently or within a team, prioritizing patient needs, and demonstrate accurate use of equipment for interventions. Support patients at risk (e.g., falls, pressure damage) by following care plans and escalating changes in condition. Promote mobility, independence, and mental stimulation through appropriate activities.
  • Ensure adherence to Trust policies and maintain accurate documentation (e.g., care plans, observations, fluid/food charts). Assist with nutrition by supporting mealtimes and recording intake. Act as an advocate for patient safety, safeguarding from harm, and reporting concerns or incidents through the Trust's system.
  • Provide guidance to less experienced staff, ensuring safe practices, maintaining clinical environments, and performing quality control checks to uphold standards. Demonstrate Trust values and a professional approach in all aspects of care.

About us

You will be working with a friendly and dynamic team in a fast-paced environment supporting patients on the Ricky Grant Day Unit and Turner Ward.

Turner Ward

Turner ward provides the in-patient base for cancer medicine. It is an 18-bedded ward, shared with our Haematology colleagues and has one three bedded bay, three two bedded bays and nine side rooms. The ward is staffed by highly skilled specialist staff including dedicated dieticians, occupational therapists and palliative care. The junior medical team on Turner Ward consists of 1 Core Medical Trainee, 1 GPST, 1 F2, 1 F1. The junior medical team also assist in covering the oncology day unit alongside the SpRs and oncology speciality doctors (SAS).

Ricky Grant Day Unit

Ricky Grant Day Unit (RGDU) is located next to Turner Ward and provides out-patient systemic anti-cancer treatment (SACT) alongside a dedicated PICC line service and paracentesis clinic. It also hosts the 24-hour telephone triage support line for patients on SACT, and a dedicated chemotherapy CNS team provide oral SACT clinics with home delivery. The trust uses the electronic SACT prescribing system ChemoCARE and the department is supported by a dedicated oncology pharmacist team with its own aseptic suite for the preparation of cytotoxics.

Details

Date posted

05 February 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,937 to £26,598 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time

Reference number

388-7660236-PC&S

Job locations

Torbay Hospital

Lowes Bridge

Torquay

TQ2 7AA


Job description

Job responsibilities

Provide direct patient centred care in accordance with patient needs and in line with Trust policies, this may include providing personal care, such as washing and dressing patients, as needed, whilst promoting independence; oral care and supporting with toileting and continence needs Establish and maintain good interpersonal skills, providing and receiving factual and accurate information and to overcome communication barriers using other methods, such as visual prompts, reassurance, empathy, persuasion Undertake training in order to perform high quality clinical interventions effectively and remain competent to practice these interventions, such as clinical observations, blood glucose monitoring, urinalysis, venepuncture, removal or urinary catheter, insertion and removal of peripheral cannulas, perform ECG, calculation of BMI, all following assessment and completion of clinical competency. This is not an exhaustive list, and other clinical interventions may be required dependant on the area of practice Assess a persons clinical condition, within the individuals scope ofcompetence using tools such as, NEWS2 parameters, pain assessment tool, non-verbal signs of deterioration and know how to urgently escalate concerns appropriately Work independently or as part of a team to plan your own workload, prioritising the clinical needs of the patients in your care

Undertake a range of clinical interventions and todemonstrate accurate physical skills, with the use of relevant equipment,obtained through training and practice, physiological observation monitoring,venepuncture, removal of urethral catheters, peripheral cannulation insertion and removal, urinalysis, blood glucose monitoring, swab taking inclusive of MRSA, Covid, wound swabbing, simple wound dressings, ECG, placing cardiac monitoring, spirometry, bladder scanning Assist a patient at risk of harm, such as pressure damage, and risk of falls by following the risk assessment and individualised care plan, they will also be expected to report any changes in condition that may impact the patient, via our Trust incident reporting system Adhere to trust policies and standard operating procedures in relation to all aspects of practice. To know how to access the most up to date policies and adhere to them in line with Trust requirements Promote independence with mobility and to maintain current function and support individuals to return to baseline function when there has been a change Act on own initiative delivering patient care and demonstrate Trust values in all areas of work and to conduct yourself in a professional and appropriate manner Prevention of adverse effects on health and wellbeing. Support patients with activities to keep them active and mentally engaged and stimulated, such as the role of an activities co-ordinator Work within your own capabilities and demonstrate a personal duty of care, using any resources, valuables, ordering clinical supplies, when using any equipment such as hoists, examination trollies and wheelchairs Provide support and supervision to new or less experienced staff bydemonstrating and teaching safe practice and explaining supplementary tasks which need completing in the clinical areas, such as daily cleaning ofenvironment and equipment, quality control checks on equipment, audits or other works to maintain standards, stocking of equipment, organising the clinical environment Accurately record information, such as physiological observations andunderstand the importance of accurate and complete documentation, recording clearly and accurately all aspects of care given to the individual in relevant documents, such as risk assessments, care plans, comfort rounds, fluid and food charts, blood glucose monitoring Promote nutritional intake of food and fluids, this may require assisting with feeding or completion of menus, preparing for mealtimes, such as positioning and hand washing and maintaining clear and accurate records of intake, such as Food and Fluid charts Act as the patients advocate in safeguarding patients from harm using the patients information, such as falls prevention and pressure damage prevention Act accordingly if concerned or made aware of any incidents/concerns or harm such as safeguarding concerns, reporting incidents using the incident reporting system

Job description

Job responsibilities

Provide direct patient centred care in accordance with patient needs and in line with Trust policies, this may include providing personal care, such as washing and dressing patients, as needed, whilst promoting independence; oral care and supporting with toileting and continence needs Establish and maintain good interpersonal skills, providing and receiving factual and accurate information and to overcome communication barriers using other methods, such as visual prompts, reassurance, empathy, persuasion Undertake training in order to perform high quality clinical interventions effectively and remain competent to practice these interventions, such as clinical observations, blood glucose monitoring, urinalysis, venepuncture, removal or urinary catheter, insertion and removal of peripheral cannulas, perform ECG, calculation of BMI, all following assessment and completion of clinical competency. This is not an exhaustive list, and other clinical interventions may be required dependant on the area of practice Assess a persons clinical condition, within the individuals scope ofcompetence using tools such as, NEWS2 parameters, pain assessment tool, non-verbal signs of deterioration and know how to urgently escalate concerns appropriately Work independently or as part of a team to plan your own workload, prioritising the clinical needs of the patients in your care

Undertake a range of clinical interventions and todemonstrate accurate physical skills, with the use of relevant equipment,obtained through training and practice, physiological observation monitoring,venepuncture, removal of urethral catheters, peripheral cannulation insertion and removal, urinalysis, blood glucose monitoring, swab taking inclusive of MRSA, Covid, wound swabbing, simple wound dressings, ECG, placing cardiac monitoring, spirometry, bladder scanning Assist a patient at risk of harm, such as pressure damage, and risk of falls by following the risk assessment and individualised care plan, they will also be expected to report any changes in condition that may impact the patient, via our Trust incident reporting system Adhere to trust policies and standard operating procedures in relation to all aspects of practice. To know how to access the most up to date policies and adhere to them in line with Trust requirements Promote independence with mobility and to maintain current function and support individuals to return to baseline function when there has been a change Act on own initiative delivering patient care and demonstrate Trust values in all areas of work and to conduct yourself in a professional and appropriate manner Prevention of adverse effects on health and wellbeing. Support patients with activities to keep them active and mentally engaged and stimulated, such as the role of an activities co-ordinator Work within your own capabilities and demonstrate a personal duty of care, using any resources, valuables, ordering clinical supplies, when using any equipment such as hoists, examination trollies and wheelchairs Provide support and supervision to new or less experienced staff bydemonstrating and teaching safe practice and explaining supplementary tasks which need completing in the clinical areas, such as daily cleaning ofenvironment and equipment, quality control checks on equipment, audits or other works to maintain standards, stocking of equipment, organising the clinical environment Accurately record information, such as physiological observations andunderstand the importance of accurate and complete documentation, recording clearly and accurately all aspects of care given to the individual in relevant documents, such as risk assessments, care plans, comfort rounds, fluid and food charts, blood glucose monitoring Promote nutritional intake of food and fluids, this may require assisting with feeding or completion of menus, preparing for mealtimes, such as positioning and hand washing and maintaining clear and accurate records of intake, such as Food and Fluid charts Act as the patients advocate in safeguarding patients from harm using the patients information, such as falls prevention and pressure damage prevention Act accordingly if concerned or made aware of any incidents/concerns or harm such as safeguarding concerns, reporting incidents using the incident reporting system

Person Specification

Qualifications and training

Essential

  • NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care or equivalent qualification/experience

Desirable

  • Care certificate English & Mathematics at GSCE grade A-C (9-4) or level 2 functional skills

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

  • Previous experience in a care environment or able to demonstrate a caring nature/ life experience Understands the need for strict confidentiality

Desirable

  • Working knowledge of complex care needs of some individuals/families including Safeguarding Children & Adults, Domestic Abuse and Mental Health

Specific skills

Essential

  • Basic computer/keyboard skills Good interpersonal and communication skills, ability to adapt communication style Record keeping competency in handwritten and electronic records To be flexible, adaptable, reliable and punctual Fine motor skills - for venepuncture, phlebotomy and other clinical tasks

Desirable

  • Healthcare competencies appropriate to area of work
Person Specification

Qualifications and training

Essential

  • NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care or equivalent qualification/experience

Desirable

  • Care certificate English & Mathematics at GSCE grade A-C (9-4) or level 2 functional skills

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

  • Previous experience in a care environment or able to demonstrate a caring nature/ life experience Understands the need for strict confidentiality

Desirable

  • Working knowledge of complex care needs of some individuals/families including Safeguarding Children & Adults, Domestic Abuse and Mental Health

Specific skills

Essential

  • Basic computer/keyboard skills Good interpersonal and communication skills, ability to adapt communication style Record keeping competency in handwritten and electronic records To be flexible, adaptable, reliable and punctual Fine motor skills - for venepuncture, phlebotomy and other clinical tasks

Desirable

  • Healthcare competencies appropriate to area of work

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Additional information

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Employer details

Employer name

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Torbay Hospital

Lowes Bridge

Torquay

TQ2 7AA


Employer's website

https://www.torbayandsouthdevon.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Torbay Hospital

Lowes Bridge

Torquay

TQ2 7AA


Employer's website

https://www.torbayandsouthdevon.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Ward Manager

Sara Mcmurray

sara.mcmurray@nhs.net

01803655423

Details

Date posted

05 February 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,937 to £26,598 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time

Reference number

388-7660236-PC&S

Job locations

Torbay Hospital

Lowes Bridge

Torquay

TQ2 7AA


Supporting documents

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