Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

Healthcare Assistant- Hestercombe North or South Wards

The closing date is 24 February 2026

Job summary

We are looking to appoint health care support Assistants who are enthusiastic, motivated with a passion for caring to join our dedicated Team on Hestercombe north & Hestercombe South west .

Hestercombe North is a 21 bedded gastroenterology ward based in the Jubilee building . It is a very busy but enjoyable ward to work on . The staff are very friendly and supportive. There are lots of opportunities for training to develop your role further.

Hestercombe south west is a welcoming supportive team with 29 beds all in side rooms. The surgical specialities we look after are Trauma and Orthopaedics, Gynae, Gynae oncology and Bariatrics. The ideal candidate will have some care experience but training will be provided with a four week induction.

As a health care Assistant you will work as part of a large multidisciplinary team and will play a key role in delivering the fundamentals of care for patients under the supervision of a nurse, whilst supporting patients to achieve the shared goals. Individuals should be able to demonstrate excellent communication skills who are willing to learn and take on new challenges as the service develops.

Main duties of the job

Experience of working in a care setting would be advantageous but all necessary skills training, professional updates and mandatory training as appropriate to the post will be provided.Full details of duties can be found in the job description.There will be an expectation of a flexible approach to shifts patterns with a commitment to participate in the on call service after appropriate training.Please be advised - this vacancy may close early if we reach a sufficient amount of applications.

About us

At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:

Flexible working options to help you balance work and life

NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security

Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax

A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential

Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.

We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and lovely coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.

The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.

Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.

Details

Date posted

17 February 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,465 to £24,465 a year shift work including nights and days

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

184-OL-OR-4013

Job locations

Musgrove Park Hospital

Musgrove Road

Taunton

Somerset

TA1 5DA


Job description

Job responsibilities

For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.

Job description

Job responsibilities

For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Evidence of GCSEs or equivalent in Maths and English

Desirable

  • NVQ level 2 / 3 in care
  • Basic life support

Experience

Essential

  • Previous experience in a care environment community or hospital based.

Desirable

  • Prepare to care
  • Venepuncture
  • Cannulation
  • Basic life support

Additional Criteria

Desirable

  • Able to demonstrate a good standard of English language.
  • Able to work under instruction and as part of a team
  • Able to prioritise and organise work
  • Understand the need for strict confidentiality
  • Able to follow IP&C guidelines
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Evidence of GCSEs or equivalent in Maths and English

Desirable

  • NVQ level 2 / 3 in care
  • Basic life support

Experience

Essential

  • Previous experience in a care environment community or hospital based.

Desirable

  • Prepare to care
  • Venepuncture
  • Cannulation
  • Basic life support

Additional Criteria

Desirable

  • Able to demonstrate a good standard of English language.
  • Able to work under instruction and as part of a team
  • Able to prioritise and organise work
  • Understand the need for strict confidentiality
  • Able to follow IP&C guidelines

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

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Musgrove Park Hospital

Musgrove Road

Taunton

Somerset

TA1 5DA


Employer's website

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

Employer details

Employer name

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Musgrove Park Hospital

Musgrove Road

Taunton

Somerset

TA1 5DA


Employer's website

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

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Hiring Manager

moira.conway

moira.conway@somersetft.nhs.uk

01823344347

Details

Date posted

17 February 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£24,465 to £24,465 a year shift work including nights and days

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

184-OL-OR-4013

Job locations

Musgrove Park Hospital

Musgrove Road

Taunton

Somerset

TA1 5DA


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

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