The closing date is 13th Aug 2026
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Job summary
We are looking for caring, motivated and enthusiastic Health Care Assistants to join our Children's Unit at Musgrove Park Hospital. This is a fantastic opportunity to work within a dynamic paediatric environment, caring for children aged 0-18 years with a wide range of medical and surgical needs.
You will be part of a multidisciplinary team delivering high-quality, compassionate care across the Acorn Ward, Oak Ward and Paediatric Assessment Unit (PAU). The role offers a unique opportunity to gain experience in both inpatient and assessment settings, supporting children and their families during their hospital journey.
This is a hands-on role with up to full-time hours available, working a 7-day rota that includes long days and night shifts.
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Main duties, tasks & skills required
As a Band 3 HCA, you will:
Support registered nurses and the wider multidisciplinary team in delivering safe and effective care.
Assist children and young people with daily living activities, ensuring dignity and compassion.
Carry out clinical tasks such as observations, ECGs, NG feeds, venepuncture, cannulation, and bladder scans (training provided).
Work within the Paediatric Assessment Unit (PAU), gaining experience in acute care settings.
Maintain accurate documentation and contribute to care planning.
Escort patients to other departments and support during procedures.
Participate in child protection protocols and maintain a safe environment for patients and families.
Please be advised - this vacancy may close early if we reach a sufficient amount of applications.
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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 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.
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Job description
You will be responsible for:
Providing emotional and physical support to children and their families during procedures and hospital stays.
Performing clinical tasks under supervision, including blood glucose monitoring, urinalysis, stoma care, and catheter management.
Acting as a chaperone during intimate procedures and maintaining confidentiality at all times.
Supporting patients with mental health needs, including CAMHS patients, through supervision and safety checks.
Assisting with last offices and supporting families during end-of-life care.
Maintaining equipment, toys, and clinical areas in line with infection control policies.
Contributing to team meetings, training new staff, and supporting students during induction.
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Person specification
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Qualifications
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Essential
Evidence of secondary education
Numeracy and literacy level 1 or equivalent
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Desirable
Basic life support
Care certificate or working towards
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Experience
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Desirable
Previous experience of working with children/on a Children's Unit.
Basic keyboard skills.
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Additional Criteria
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Essential
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.
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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.
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For help with your application, contact:
Stuart Adams
[email protected]
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Pay scheme
Agenda for Change
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Band
Band 3
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Salary
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£25760.00 to £27476.00 Yearly
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Contract
Permanent
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Working pattern
Part-Time
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Reference number
184-OL-GR-4513
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Job locations
Musgrove Park Hospital
Musgrove Road
Taunton
Somerset
TA1 5DA
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