What is a Healthcare Assistant?

Healthcare Assistants (HCAs) provide essential care and unwavering support to patients in hospitals and GP surgeries. From assisting with daily activities to offering medical aid, they ensure patient well-being and comfort.

The role of Healthcare Assistants in patient care  

Healthcare Assistants perform a wide range of duties for their patients, such as:

• Helping patients with tasks they may struggle to do independently, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and feeding
• Measuring and recording patients' vital signs, such as blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature
• Helping patients to move around, transferring them from beds to chairs, and assisting with walking when possible
• Assisting with basic medical procedures under the supervision of qualified healthcare professionals, such as collecting specimens for laboratory tests, applying dressings, and performing simple wound care
• Observing patients' conditions and reporting any changes to the nursing or wider healthcare team
• Helping patients with meal preparation, feeding, and ensuring they are receiving proper nutrition and hydration
• Keeping patients comfortable by ensuring they have clean and well-maintained bedding, adjusting the room temperature, and providing emotional support
• Maintaining accurate records of patient care activities, observations, and any changes in patient condition
• Working closely with nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals to provide high-quality care for patients

Diverse Healthcare Assistant jobs are available, catering to different specialties and patient needs.

•  Hospital Healthcare Assistants: Collaborating with medical teams for quality patient care in hospital settings.
•  Community Healthcare Assistants: Offering personalised care in homes or local clinics, providing continuous patient support.
•  Specialist Healthcare Assistants: Experts in areas like elderly care, mental health, and specialised treatments, providing tailored care to meet specific patient requirements.

What salary does a Healthcare Assistant earn?

HCAs working for the NHS are paid according to their 'band' on the Agenda for Change (AfC) banding scale. A Healthcare Assistant will typically be placed at Band 2, which pays between £20,270 and £21,318 per year. However, HCAs working for private sector employers may earn a more competitive salary. 

Qualifications for Healthcare Assistants

Candidates hoping to become HCAs in the UK aren't expected to meet any specific entry requirements. However, they will need to have good literacy and numeracy skills (GCSEs or equivalent in English and Maths may be requested). They will also need some experience in a healthcare setting, either through paid or voluntary work. Some healthcare apprenticeships may also be accepted by HCA employers. 

Discover the freedom of locum Healthcare Assistant jobs 

 For a more flexible working life, locum Healthcare Assistant jobs are a great option. As a locum Healthcare Assistant, you can take on ad-hoc shifts in various healthcare settings throughout the UK, with the freedom to choose the days/hours you work and earn higher rates.

Your World - finding Healthcare Assistants their perfect roles

Here at Your World, we take pride in giving the very best support to Healthcare Assistants looking for their ideal roles. Our friendly team of expert recruiters will work closely with you to find out where you'd like to take your career and how it can be achieved. Take the first step towards a rewarding journey as a Healthcare Assistant with Your World today!