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Bolton NHS Foundation Trust to host a Healthcare Assistant recruitment open day
- Healthcare Assistant recruitment open day offers chance to start exciting career in NHS
- People can meet nursing teams to learn about the role, discuss opportunities and to have an interview
- Open day takes place on Saturday 5 October, 9am – 3pm, at Royal Bolton Hospital
Bolton NHS Foundation Trust is offering a chance for people in and around Bolton to find out about starting an exciting career in the NHS at its Healthcare Assistant recruitment open day.
On Saturday 5 October 2024, people will be able to meet nursing teams to learn about the role, find out about the benefits of working for the trust, discuss what opportunities are available, and to have an interview.
Healthcare Assistants make sure the patient experience is as comfortable and stress-free as possible. It can also be the stepping-stone into many other NHS roles.
They work under the guidance of a healthcare professional, such as a registered nurse, and the day-to-day job may vary depending on where you’re based. For example, you may:
- Support people to wash and dress
- Serve meals and help to feed people
- Be a listening ear and/or a hand-hold
- Help maintain cleanliness and organisation
- Help people to keep moving
- Make beds
- Provide reassurance and support to people
- Assist registered nurses in monitoring patients’ conditions
Sofiya Ibrahim has worked as a Healthcare Assistant at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust for the past six years:
I love being able to work as part of a team to support patients with their daily activities and by promoting their independence.
“Each day I’m able to get directly involved with patient care by providing one-to-one support, maintain cleanliness of the ward, organise stock and ensure tasks are carried out safely and to a high-standard.
“Bolton is a great place to work in order to gain insight into healthcare and to widen your knowledge. It’s a very rewarding career with great opportunities for progression, and I’m about to do my nursing studies.
Deborah Walls was inspired to step into NHS after receiving “amazing” care from staff as a patient in 2013.
I was treated with dignity, respect and compassion, and in 2020, just before COVID hit, my dad received the same amazing treatment. Staff attended to not just my dad’s needs, but the whole family’s needs.
“I always knew that caring for people was something I wanted to do, as I love looking after people and making a difference in their lives.
“We are the eyes and ears for the doctors and nurses, as we spend a lot of time with our patients. We’re here to keep our patients safe and to listen and talk to our patients, as we know this can make a difference to their day.
Deborah’s daily tasks include liaising with doctors and registered nurses with concerns, record keeping and providing assistance at meal times.
It’s such a rewarding job. You go home with a smile knowing that you have helped and cared. We laugh and cry along the way, but it makes you a stronger person. If you want to make a difference and help people every day I would highly recommend coming to Bolton as a Healthcare Assistant.
Gemma Entwistle, Matron at Bolton NHS Foundation and Recruitment Lead for the Acute Adult Care Division, said:
As a Healthcare Assistant, you’ll be at the very heart of looking after our patients, so these roles are perfect for people who are passionate about providing excellent patient care.
“Whether you are interested in joining the NHS or looking for a career change, everyone is welcome and we would love to see you at our open day to talk about what opportunities are right for you.
“There is no need to book a place, you are welcome to turn up and meet with our teams who are more than happy to help.
About the event
When: Saturday 5th October 2024, 9am – 3pm
Where: Education Centre, Royal Bolton Hospital, Carr Drive, Bolton, BL4 0JR
Parking: Parking is available directly outside the Education Centre. A map of the Royal Bolton Hospital site can be found on the Trust’s website.
For any question, or for more information, please contact Gemma Entwistle by email: Gemma.Entwistle@boltonft.nhs.uk.
Hear from more of our Healthcare Assistants
Why do you choose to work at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust?
Royal Bolton Hospital puts patient safety first and supports differences in the hospital, such as different opinions and beliefs.
What do you like best about working at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust?
I enjoy how well people work as a team. The staff are very caring and treat people with dignity and respect.
What brought you into healthcare?
My sister is a nurse, which inspired me to work in healthcare. I enjoy making a difference to people’s day-to-day lives.
What do you enjoy about your role?
I enjoy being around patients, giving the best quality care I can. I find the job very rewarding and it makes me feel like I’m making a difference to patients.
What does your role involve?
I make sure personal care is done, making sure patients are comfortable, assist with meal times and offering reassurance. I work alongside other healthcare professions, such as nurses and doctors, working together as a team.
What would you say to people to anyone considering this role?
The role as a healthcare assistant is rewarding by helping others when in need. The role gives you a sense of satisfaction when caring and communicating with patients. I love my job and I wouldn’t change it – it’s made me the person I am.
Working as a Healthcare Assistant has made me realise how much I wanted to progress in healthcare and be a nurse. I have just completed my three-year course and will soon become a qualified nurse. I am very proud of myself.
Why do you choose to work at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust?
The hospital is in my hometown, close to where I live. It’s a close-knit community where good teams come together.
What do you like best about working at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust?
The on the ward where I work look after and help each other to give patients the best care possible and achieve positive outcomes.
What brought you into healthcare?
I grew up with family who had severe disabilities, which made healthcare second nature to me and gave me the caring values I have.
What does your role involve?
Our responsibilities and duties are all aspects of care, from assisting with nutrition and fluid, personal hygiene, communicating with staff and patients. It’s really important to be able to adapt to changing situations, keeping up to date with training and making sure the ward is clean and tidy.
What would you say to people to anyone considering this role?
We always need hardworking and compassionate Healthcare Assistants to join us. The work can be hard and stressful, but the rewards are all worth it when you see the difference you can make.