Health Care Assistant - Paediatrics

We are looking for a compassionate, motivated Health Care Assistant to join our friendly Paediatric team across Paediatric Outpatients and Ward 10. You will play a key role in supporting babies, children and young people aged 0 - 18 years with a wide range of acute, chronic and complex needs. Working closely with our Registered Nurses and the wider multidisciplinary team, you will help deliver safe, effective, family centred care in both inpatient and outpatient settings. This role offers variety, development and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference to children, young people and their families at every stage of their healthcare journey. Shifts include days, nights and weekends, aligned to the needs of the service.,

• Provide high quality, compassionate care to children and young people in line with individual care plans
• Support and assist Registered Nurses with clinical procedures and treatments
• Take and record patient observations, height, weight and other routine assessments
• Assist with blood taking, ECG recording, stoma care, simple dressings and basic clinical tasks (following appropriate training)
• Provide distraction, comfort and play based support during distressing or unfamiliar procedures
• Act as a chaperone during examinations, always ensuring privacy, dignity and confidentiality
• Assist with feeding, daily living tasks, mobility and personal care
• Supervise CAMHS patients as required, including meal support
• Escort stable patients to Xray or Theatre and observe their condition throughout
• Maintain a safe, clean and welcoming environment for children and families
• Communicate clearly and sensitively with patients, families and colleagues
• Contribute to accurate documentation in patient notes and relevant digital systems
• Uphold child protection, safeguarding and Trust safety procedures at all times, In this role you will be an essential member of the Paediatric team, working collaboratively to deliver holistic, familycentred care. You will:
Communication and Relationships
• Communicate calmly, respectfully and professionally with children, families and colleagues
• Use appropriate verbal and non verbal communication to support distressed or anxious patients
• Pass on relevant clinical information clearly, promptly and in line with confidentiality requirements
• Participate in team meetings and contribute to ongoing service development
Planning and Organisation
• Assist Registered Nurses and medical staff with care planning and review
• Conduct and document daily room checks and safety checks for CAMHS patients
• Ensure all care delivered is accurately recorded and signed in line with Trust policy
Patient Care and Clinical Support
• Provide emotional reassurance, comfort and therapeutic play to minimise stress during procedures
• Support with blood tests and clinical interventions including holding, distraction and caring for the child during the procedure
• Record observations such as BP, temperature, SaO2, urinalysis and blood glucose, reporting concerns promptly
• Assist with basic clinical tasks: simple dressings, catheter and NG bag changes, venflon removal and cannula insertion (after training)
• Support children whose parents are temporarily absent, ensuring safety and emotional wellbeing
Assist with nutritional support including feeding and recording intake
• Perform basic pressure area care and assist with hygiene and mobility needs
• Help with last offices under the direction of trained staff
• Collect and correctly label specimens
• Maintain toy hygiene and ensure safe play environments
Safety, Equipment and Resources
• Ensure equipment is safe, functional and within expiry; report faults promptly
• Use resources responsibly and contribute to costeffective care
• Support infection control practices and maintain a consistently clean environment
Supervision and Development
• Support new staff and students with orientation and skill development
• Engage in your own learning and development, including mandatory training
Safeguarding and Governance
• Maintain awareness of safeguarding processes and act promptly on concerns
• Uphold Trust policies, professional standards, and the Child Protection Policy
• Ensure high quality documentation in line with GDPR and Trust standards
  
  Evidence of secondary education
• Numeracy and literacy level 1 or equivalent, Previous experience of working with children/on a Childrens Unit.
• Basic keyboard skills., Understanding of a health or social care setting.
• Basic knowledge of NHS legislation to include COSHH/Health and Safety/Infection Control/Clinical Waste Management/Manual Handling/Confidentiality and the Data Protection Act.
• Understanding of Safeguarding issues.
  
  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, Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking 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.


• 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.