Join Our Team as a Health Care Assistant (HCA) at East Cheshire NHS Trust
Are you a compassionate and motivated individual looking to make a difference in patient care? East Cheshire NHS Trust is hiring Health Care Assistants (HCAs) to join our dedicated team at Macclesfield District General Hospital.
Current Vacancies:
Emergency Department (Full-time roles available)
Also Check : Live-in Care Assistant Jobs in Bishops Stortford
Job Details:
- Location: Macclesfield District General Hospital, Victoria Road, Macclesfield, SK10
- Salary: £22,383 per year (NHS Band 2 pay scale)
- Job Type: Full-time (Various shifts available)
Why Join NHS as a Health Care Assistant?
1. Job Security & Career Progression
- The NHS is one of the most stable employers in the UK. HCAs have opportunities to progress into senior roles or pursue nursing qualifications.
- Career pathways include progressing to Senior Healthcare Support Worker (Band 3) or training as an Assistant Practitioner (Band 4).
2. Comprehensive Training & Development
- New recruits receive clinical training and obtain the Care Certificate within the first three months.
- Continuous Professional Development (CPD) opportunities, including apprenticeships and further education support.
3. Competitive Salary & NHS Benefits
- Pension: NHS employees benefit from one of the UK’s most generous pension schemes.
- Work-Life Balance: Flexible shifts are available, including 07:30-20:30, 10:00-18:00, 18:00-02:00, and 20:00-08:00.
- Salary Sacrifice Schemes: Includes cycle-to-work and car leasing options.
- NHS Discounts: Employees get access to thousands of exclusive discounts.
4. Support for Health & Wellbeing
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Program with mental health support and counseling services.
- Workplace Wellbeing Initiatives to support staff resilience and self-care.
Key Responsibilities of an NHS Health Care Assistant
As an HCA, you will play a vital role in patient care by assisting with daily activities and supporting nursing staff. Responsibilities include:
- Patient Care: Assisting with bathing, dressing, feeding, and mobility support.
- Clinical Duties: Recording vital signs, including body temperature, pulse, and blood pressure.
- Skin & Wound Care: Providing pressure area care to prevent bedsores and assisting in wound dressing.
- Emotional Support: Engaging with patients and families to provide comfort and reassurance.
- Team Collaboration: Working closely with nurses, doctors, social workers, and physiotherapists.
- Ensuring Patient Safety: Observing for any signs of deterioration and reporting promptly.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Essential:
- Good literacy and numeracy skills (GCSE English & Maths preferred).
- Experience in healthcare or caregiving (paid or voluntary).
- A caring and empathetic nature with strong communication skills.
- Desirable:
- BTEC/NVQ in Health & Social Care or an equivalent qualification.
- Knowledge of infection control and basic medical procedures.
How to Apply
To apply for this role, please visit the official NHS Jobs website:
🔗 www.jobs.nhs.uk and search for East Cheshire NHS Trust – Health Care Assistant.
Alternatively, explore more career opportunities at www.careersateastcheshire.nhs.uk.
📌 Important: We strongly advise applicants to apply via official NHS recruitment channels to ensure transparency and authenticity.
Equal Opportunities & Additional Information
East Cheshire NHS Trust is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, under the Disability Confident Leader Scheme. Candidates who meet the minimum requirements will be guaranteed an interview.
📌 Note: If a high volume of applications is received, the advertisement may close before the stated deadline. Apply early to avoid disappointment.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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How do I join the NHS as a healthcare assistant?
Employers expect candidates to have basic literacy and numeracy skills and some experience in care work. Qualifications such as BTEC/NVQ in Health & Social Care may be beneficial. Applications must be submitted via NHS Jobs or official NHS Trust websites.
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Do I need IELTS to work as an HCA in the UK?
If you require a UK Health and Care Worker visa, you may need to prove English proficiency. The IELTS test (minimum score: 4.0) is a common requirement. Check the latest UK government visa rules for updates.
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What does an HCA do in the NHS?
HCAs provide essential support in patient care, personal hygiene, recording observations, and assisting clinical teams. The role varies depending on the department but is a crucial part of healthcare delivery.
