Healthcare Assistant, In-patient Unit
Wigan and Leigh Hospice

Hours: 36 hours
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £25,422.81 - £26,733.41 per annum (pro rata of £26,129 - £27,476 (4-point scale), plus an unsocial hours enhancement of £3,855 based on Point 1. Total annual package: £29,277.81

Appointments are normally made at Point 1 of the salary scale, in line with the organisations pay policy. A higher starting salary may be considered where the successful candidate demonstrates relevant experience, skills and competencies for the role.

As a Healthcare Assistant you will deliver a high-quality, compassionate and person-centred care to patients receiving specialist palliative and end of life care within the In-Patient Unit. You will work under the direction and supervision of a Registered Nurse. The post holder will support patients with their physical, emotional and psychological needs, contribute to the delivery of safe, effective and responsive care. The Healthcare Assistant works collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team to ensure patients are treated with dignity, respect and compassion at all times.

RQF Level 2 in Health and Social Care qualification or equivalent to NVQ/QCF/CACHE Level 2 in Health and Social Care is essential. Knowledge of palliative care and nursing patients at end of life is also essential.

Do you have a passion for palliative care? Would you like to be part of an Outstanding-rated hospice team, providing compassionate care that makes a genuine difference to patients and those important to them?

Main duties of the job
Working Pattern: This role is for 36 hours per week, worked across three long shifts. The post forms part of a rotational shift pattern, requiring flexibility to work day shifts (7:30am-8:30pm), night shifts (8:00pm-8:00am), weekends and bank holidays.

At the heart of everything we do is our commitment to our people. We know that when our staff feel valued, supported and empowered, they can provide the highest standard of care to the patients and families who rely on us.

As part of our team, you'll benefit from a rewarding working environment and a comprehensive package designed to support your wellbeing, financial security and professional development, including:

• A warm, welcoming and supportive workplace.
• 35 days' annual leave (including bank holidays), increasing with length of service.
• Contributory pension scheme.
• Free on-site parking.
• Subsidised lunches.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Discounts on shopping, leisure and holidays.
• Access to an on-demand GP service.
• Westfield Health Cash Plan.
• Life Assurance.
• A wide range of health and wellbeing initiatives.

If you are an existing member of the NHS Pension Scheme, your membership may be transferable to this post, provided pension contributions have been made within the previous 12 months.

Every member of our team plays an important role in helping us deliver the highest standards of care across our community.

About us
For more than 40 years, Wigan & Leigh Hospice has supported people living with life-limiting illnesses and those important to them across our local community.

As an independent charity, we provide specialist palliative and end-of-life care tailored to the needs of each individual.

Our services support people physically, emotionally, socially and spiritually, helping them achieve the best possible quality of life while ensuring dignity, comfort and choice remain at the centre of their care.

Closing date: 28 October 2026

Essential Qualifications:

• RQF Level 2 in Health and Social Care or equivalent to NVQ/QCF/CACHE Level 2 in Health and Social Care

Desirable Qualifications:

• RQF Level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent to NVQ/QCF/CACHE Level 3 in Health and Social Care or willingness to increase training (or equivalent)

Essential Attributes:

• Self motivated, enthusiastic and committed
• Innovative and forward thinking
• Flexible and responsive to service needs and able to work unsocial hours

Essential Experience:

• Knowledge of palliative care and nursing patients at end of life.
• Previous clinical experience in a care-setting.
• Ability to work effectively in emotionally demanding situations.
• Relevant experience in assisting patients with practical and emotional support.
• Proven experience of working effectively in a team. The ability to establish and maintain good relationships with the multi-disciplinary team.

Essential Skills / Abilities:

• Good communication skills
• Good decision making skills
• Good organisation and time management skills
• Good IT skills

Desirable Skills / Abilities:

• Self motivated, enthusiastic and committed
• Innovative and forward thinking
• Flexible and responsive to service needs and able to work unsocial hours

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:
Wigan and Leigh Hospice, Wigan & Leigh Hospice, Kildare Street, Hindley, Wigan, Greater Manchester, WN2 3HZ, United Kingdom
Website: https://www.wlh.org.uk/

For questions about the job, contact:
Human Resources, hr@wlh.org.uk, 01942525566

Please note: This role is not eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route of the UKs points-based immigration system. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK and will be required to provide evidence of this before taking up the post. Successful appointments will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) check as part of the pre-employment screening process. If you have not heard from us within two weeks after the closing date, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. We appreciate the time and effort taken to apply and thank you for your interest in joining our team. We are committed to protect the privacy and security of your personal information. To see how we do this please visit our website and read our Role Applicants Data Protection Compliance Statement (Privacy Notice).