Job summary
PLEASE NOTE THAT APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED THROUGH THIS PLATFORM WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. TO APPLY PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR CV AND COVERING LETTER TO PEOPLEANDCULTURE@CORNWALLHOSPICE.ORG. FOR AN INFORMAL DISCUSSION PLEASE CONTACT CLAIRE CLARK CCLARK@cornwallhospice.org PLEASE NOTE THAT CV'S WITHOUT A COVERING LETTER WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

We are currently recruiting for Healthcare Assistants to join our multi-disciplinary team at Mount Edgcumbe Hospice. The post holders will be involved in the daily activities of patient care and assist in providing a high standard of specialist palliative care to patients and their families. The post holder will possess a minimum qualification of NVQ Level 3 in Healthcare, or equivalent.

Working as a Bank member of staff, you will need to remain flexible to work hours as and when needed, cover staff holidays and sickness and work additional hours as required.

Palliative care experience would be an advantage.

Closing Date: Sunday 18th October 2026
Interviews: TBC

Main duties of the job
To work as part of the multi-disciplinary team in providing a high standard of specialist palliative care to patients and their families.

Under the supervision of the Ward Sister/nurse in charge on the shift, the Post Holder is involved with the daily activities of patient care.

About us
We are looking for people who are passionate about providing the best possible standard of palliative care to patients and their families.

Cornwall Hospice Care is a 24/7 charity helping those coping with a terminal illness.

We operate Cornwalls two adult hospices - Mount Edgcumbe Hospice in St Austell and St Julias Hospice in Hayle.

We provide our care free of charge to terminally ill adults in Cornwall thanks to the support of our generous communities.

We are looking for individuals who are passionate about providing the best standard of specialist palliative care to patients and their families.

Job responsibilities
Cornwall Hospice Care
JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB DETAILS: Health Care Assistant (NVQ level 3 or equivalent)
REPORTS TO: Ward Sister/Manager
RESPONSIBLE TO: Director of Clinical Services
JOB PURPOSE: To work as part of the multi-disciplinary team in providing a high standard of specialist palliative care to patients and their families.

Under the supervision of the Ward Sister/nurse in charge on the shift, the Post Holder is involved with the daily activities of patient care.

To maintain agreed standards of care and to take an active part in clinical audits in order to improve nursing practice.

DIMENSIONS: To work primarily within the in-patient unit.

ORGANISATIONAL CHART
CHIEF EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR OF CLINICAL SERVICES
WARD SISTER/MANAGER
STAFF NURSE
POST HOLDER

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
ESSENTIAL: Must have appropriate NVQ level 3 qualifications

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• To be aware of the palliative care approach and its significance in informing an appropriate communication process.
• Contribute to multi-professional working. To adhere to the guidelines and protocols.
• To work with the team to meet agreed standards and objectives in order to deliver physical, emotional, social and spiritual support to the patients and carers.
• To ensure care is delivered in a style appropriate to the patients individual needs.
• Reports the condition of patients to the registered nurse, and any accidents or incidents on the unit.
• Understands the importance of confidentiality and when to disclose information.
• Understands the principles underpinning the risk assessment process. Contributes to maintaining the health and safety requirements of the unit. Understands the patient call system and all statutory training requirements.
• Awareness of the importance of accurate record keeping.
• Understands and only undertakes activities that you are trained and competent to perform.
• Awareness of symptoms and conditions affecting the patients well-being.
• Understands the requirements for reporting on care.
• Knows how to access journal and library resources and can provide general information to patients, carers and other professionals.
• Knows when to refer to another member of the team.
• Able to answer telephone and taking and giving telephone messages as required.
• To support volunteers working within the Hospice.
• To participate in further training and to maintain a commitment to professional development.
• To contribute to the team development.
• To support volunteers working within the Hospice.
• To actively participate in ward meetings and ensure that accurate information is fed back to the appropriate members of the multi-disciplinary team.
• To participate in an annual staff appraisal or as appropriate. To recognize specific needs and areas of personal development.
• To be aware of Fire Regulations, Health and Safety at work Act, 1974, and any subsequent relevant legislation.

COMMUNICATION AND WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:
The Post Holder will have the most frequent contact with:

• Patients, their relatives/carers.
• All staff and volunteers.
• The Community Team, other professionals and external agencies.
• Students on Clinical Placements.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
This job description is not exhaustive and may be amended. You also may be asked to undertake other duties within the general level and scope of the post.

All information regarding colleagues, customers, volunteers, patients and their relatives is confidential and must not be divulged.

Compliance with CHC policies and procedures is essential and as detailed in the Staff Handbook and the CHC Health and Safety Policy. Any maintenance and safety issues must be reported immediately to the appropriate manager.

Staff are expected to promote a harmonious and welcoming atmosphere for customers, patients, relatives, volunteers and others and to maintain and enhance the reputation of Cornwall Hospice Care at all times.

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Qualified to NVQ3 level or equivalent in Care
• Previous care work experience
• Good communication skills
• Good team working skills
• Ability to prioritise workload
• Ability to work flexibly
• Calm under pressure

Desirable

• Some recent care work experience
• End of life care experience

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: Cornwall Hospice Care
Address: Mount Edgcumbe Hospice, Porthpean Road, St. Austell, Cornwall, PL26 6AB, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.cornwallhospicecare.co.uk/

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact: HR Team, peopleandculture@cornwallhospice.org, 0172666868

Details
Date posted: 29 September 2026
Pay scheme: Other
Salary: £13.46 an hour
Contract: Bank
Working pattern: Flexible working
Reference number: B0266-26-0023
Job locations: Mount Edgcumbe Hospice, Porthpean Road, St. Austell, Cornwall, PL26 6AB, United Kingdom

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