At Blackpool Teaching Hospitals, becoming an HCA is not just a job; it's the beginning of a pathway filled with possibilities. Welcome to a world where your passion for care can shape a future of endless opportunities.

What is a Healthcare Assistant (HCA) and what do they do?

HCA's touch the lives of thousands, providing expertise, care, and compassion when it matters most, and become part of each patient’s journey whether these moments are big, small, joyful, or sad, seeing life from all angles. 

  • Gain an understanding of the significance and role of [Department/Area] within our Trust.
  • Main duties and activities in the HCA role:
  • Providing hands on personal care using infection prevention principles
  • Attending to comfort and safety of patients
  • Helping patients move safely
  • Assisting patients to eat and drink
  • Listening and talking to patients and relatives
  • Taking and recording clinical observations such as temperature, blood pressure and pulse
  • Checking and monitoring skin integrity
  • Maintaining privacy and dignity for patients with their personal hygiene/toileting needs
  • Working in a team to meet the care needs of patients
  • Explore the diverse range of positions and responsibilities within [Department/Area].

  • Whatever your age, experience or background, the Trust welcomes people from all different walks of life to begin their career as a healthcare assistants. Recruitment is based around ensuring new recruits have the right values to align with the Trust values of safe, caring and respectful.
  • In addition, HCAs must be positive, motivated, enthusiastic and willing to learn new skills with the support of our experienced and caring teams.
  • Blackpool Teaching Hospitals provide a dedicated HCA induction and training package, where all new HCA starters begin working towards achieving a Care Certificate which is then taken onto the ward/department to complete the competencies and skills needed for the role. 
  • Click on this link for more information about the care certificate: https://www.skillsforhealth.org.uk/info-hub/category/the-care-certificate

  • The Trust is committed to supporting the ongoing development and career progression of all our staff.  Once you have completed the induction, and care certificate you will be supported to undergo other training relevant to your job role and will be able to access supervision and support from your line manager and address your personal development goals through an annual appraisal. 
  • If you need to complete Maths and English GSCE you can be supported to access a Level 2 Maths and English Functional skills qualification and paid to complete this training. Click on the link for more information: https://www.blackpool.ac.uk/course/gb00002
  • Opportunities to complete the Level 3 healthcare apprenticeship qualification are available to you once in a permanent post, and this can lead to other apprenticeships - also funded by the Trust.  Assistant Practitioner, Nursing Associate, Operating Department Practitioner and Theatre Support Worker are just some of the apprentice opportunities we offer which all lead to our degree-level apprenticeships.

Videos & Testimonials

Donna's Journey