The closing date is 4th Aug 2026
/*generated inline style */
Job summary
We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and motivated Healthcare Assistant with a passion for delivering high-quality care to join our dedicated Children's Outpatients team.
This is a part-time position working 25 hours per week. The successful applicant will be expected to work flexibly across the working week (Monday to Friday), with shifts consisting of mornings, afternoons or full days to support the needs of the department and service.
Children's Outpatients provides a wide range of specialist and general paediatric clinics. Our medical teams cover numerous specialties, including respiratory, cardiology, diabetes, epilepsy, allergy, and general medical and surgical services. In addition, many specialist nurses run their own clinics alongside consultant-led services.
As a Healthcare Assistant, you will work as part of a multidisciplinary team comprising doctors, registered nurses, healthcare assistants and administrative staff. You will play a vital role in supporting the smooth and efficient running of the department, assisting with patient care and contributing to a positive experience for children, young people and their families.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a friendly and supportive team that is committed to delivering family-centred care and achieving the highest standards for children and their families accessing our services.
/*generated inline style */
Main duties, tasks & skills required
Support registered nurses and the wider multidisciplinary team in delivering safe, effective and compassionate care to children and young people attending outpatient appointments.
Assist with a range of clinical duties including recording observations, height and weight measurements, urinalysis, ECGs, blood glucose monitoring, venepuncture and cannulation following appropriate training and competency assessment.
Provide comfort, reassurance and support to children and families attending clinics and undergoing investigations or procedures.
Use age-appropriate communication and distraction techniques to help reduce anxiety and promote a positive patient experience.
Prepare clinic rooms and equipment, ensuring the department is organised and ready to deliver safe and efficient care.
Act as a chaperone when required, maintaining patient dignity, privacy and confidentiality at all times.
Maintain accurate patient records and support the effective running of clinics.
Work collaboratively with colleagues across all specialties to ensure excellent standards of care and service delivery.
Support safeguarding responsibilities and contribute to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.
Participate in departmental meetings, mandatory training and ongoing professional development.
Please be advised - this vacancy may close early if we reach a sufficient amount of applications.
/*generated inline style */
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.
/*generated inline style */
Job description
As a Healthcare Assistant within Children's Outpatients, you will be an integral member of the team, supporting registered nurses and other healthcare professionals in the delivery of high-quality, child-centred care. You will work closely with children, young people and their families attending a variety of specialist and general paediatric clinics, ensuring they receive a welcoming, supportive and positive experience throughout their visit.
The role involves assisting with the day-to-day operation of busy outpatient clinics, including preparing clinical areas, setting up equipment, supporting clinic flow and undertaking delegated clinical duties. Following training and competency assessment, you will be responsible for carrying out a range of clinical tasks including observations, blood glucose monitoring, urinalysis, ECG recording, venepuncture, cannulation and supporting specialist tests and treatments.
A key aspect of the role is supporting children through potentially distressing procedures. You will provide reassurance, explain procedures in an age-appropriate manner and use play and distraction techniques to help children feel comfortable and safe. You will work sensitively with families and carers, ensuring they are kept informed and supported throughout their outpatient journey.
The successful candidate will demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills, the ability to work flexibly within a busy multidisciplinary environment and a commitment to delivering compassionate, family-centred care. You will maintain accurate documentation, adhere to Trust policies and procedures, contribute to safeguarding practices and support the team in delivering high standards of clinical care.
We are looking for someone who is kind, respectful, motivated and enjoys working with children and families. Whether you already have healthcare experience or are looking to further develop your skills within a specialist paediatric setting, this role offers an excellent opportunity to be part of a dedicated team making a real difference to the lives of children and young people.
/*generated inline style */
Person specification
/*generated inline style */
Qualifications
/*generated inline style */
Essential
Numeracy and literacy level 1 or equivalent
Evidence of secondary education/NVQ
/*generated inline style */
Desirable
Basic life support training for Children/Adults
/*generated inline style */
Experience
/*generated inline style */
Essential
Experience of working with the general public in retail or public services.
/*generated inline style */
Desirable
Previous experience of working with children
Understanding of safeguarding issues
/*generated inline style */
Additional Criteria
/*generated inline style */
Essential
Understanding of SafeGuarding issues.
/*generated inline style */
Desirable
Basic knowledge of NHS legislation to include COSHH/Health and Safety/Infection Control/Clinical Waste Management/Manual Handling/Confidentiality and the Data Protection Act.
Basic Life Support Skills for Children and Adults.
/*generated inline style */
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.
/*generated inline style */
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.
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.
/*generated inline style */
For help with your application, contact:
Dawn Dale
[email protected]
01823344331
/*generated inline style */
Pay scheme
Agenda for Change
/*generated inline style */
Band
Band 3
/*generated inline style */
Salary
/*generated inline style */
£25760.00 to £27476.00 Yearly
/*generated inline style */
Contract
Permanent
/*generated inline style */
Working pattern
Part-Time
/*generated inline style */
Reference number
184-OL-GR-5492
/*generated inline style */
Job locations
Musgrove Park Hospital
Musgrove Road
Taunton
Somerset
TA1 5DA
/*generated inline style */
