Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen on the Acute Medical Unit for a qualified Assistant Practitioner to join our team.
The Qualified Assistant Practitioner (AP) plays a key role in delivering high-quality, patient-centred care within the Acute Medical Unit. Working as part of the multidisciplinary team, the AP supports the assessment, treatment, and ongoing care of acutely unwell patients, ensuring safe, effective, and compassionate care in a fast-paced environment. The AP practices with a high level of autonomy within their defined scope of practice, following local policies, protocols, and under the direction of registered nurses and medical staff. They contribute to the smooth running of the unit by supporting clinical decision-making, monitoring patient condition, and escalating concerns appropriately.
Main duties of the job
* Deliver high-quality, patient-centred clinical care to acutely unwell patients under the direction of registered practitioners
* Undertake clinical observations, including NEWS2, and recognise, respond to, and escalate patient deterioration appropriately
* Perform delegated clinical procedures in line with competence and training, such as venepuncture, cannulation, ECGs, catheterisation, and blood glucose monitoring
* Support the admission, assessment, transfer, and discharge of patients within the Acute Medical Unit
* Accurately document all care, assessments, and interventions in patient records in accordance with Trust policy
* Communicate effectively with patients, relatives, and members of the multidisciplinary team
* Assist in the coordination of care to support patient flow and timely treatment
* Maintain a safe, clean, and well-organised clinical environment, adhering to infection prevention and control policies
* Identify and escalate safeguarding concerns in line with local and national guidance
* Support and supervise healthcare support workers and students as appropriate
* Contribute to audit, service improvement, and quality initiatives within the unit
* Maintain professional competence, adhere to scope of practice, and engage in ongoing training and development
About us
Our Acute Medical Unit at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust provides fast-paced, high-quality care for patients requiring urgent assessment and treatment. Working on the AMU offers a unique opportunity to develop advanced clinical skills while caring for a diverse range of patients with complex and acute medical conditions.
As part of the AMU team, you will work within a supportive, multidisciplinary environment alongside experienced nurses, doctors, therapists, and support staff who are committed to delivering safe, compassionate, and efficient care. The role offers excellent exposure to acute medicine, supporting early diagnosis, rapid intervention, and effective patient flow.
We are committed to developing our staff and recognise the important contribution Assistant Practitioners make to the success of the unit. You will be supported to work to the top of your scope of practice, with access to ongoing training, competency development, and opportunities to progress your career within acute and urgent care services.
Our integrated care model enables close collaboration across hospital and community services, helping to ensure safe and timely discharge planning and continuity of care. We actively promote staff wellbeing, teamwork, and a positive working culture in an environment where learning is encouraged and achievements are recognised.
Details
Date posted
20 February 2026
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 4
Salary
£27,485 to £30,162 a year PRO RATA
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
MUEC-A
Job locations
Acute Medical Unit
Torbay Hospital Lawes Bridge
Torquay
TQ2 7AA
Job description
Job responsibilities
The Assistant Practitioner (AP) works as a skilled support professional within the multidisciplinary healthcare team, delivering high-quality patient care in line with Trust policies, clinical protocols, and relevant professional frameworks. The role supports registered nurses, medical staff, and allied health professionals in providing safe, effective, patient-centred acute care.
Main Responsibilities Patient Assessment & Clinical Care
* Undertake routine clinical observations and assessments (e.g., vital signs, NEWS2), acting promptly on abnormal findings and escalating appropriately.
* Perform delegated clinical procedures within competence and Trust protocols (e.g., venepuncture/blood sampling, ECG recording, urinary catheterisation).
* Support patient admissions, ongoing assessment, care planning, and safe discharge or transfer within the AMU.
* Contribute to patient history taking and record findings as required by the supervising clinician. (Adapted from Trust AP practice.)
Treatment & Interventions
* Deliver patient care under the direction of registered practitioners, including monitoring treatment effects and reporting changes.
* Support basic wound care and dressing changes in line with local guidelines. (Common AP/OHE competencies at the Trust.)
* Assist in mobility support and safe patient handling to aid recovery and prevent complications.
Communication & Teamwork
* Communicate clearly and professionally with patients, families, carers, and staff.
* Work collaboratively with nurses, doctors, allied health professionals, and other members of the multidisciplinary team.
* Participate in handovers, multidisciplinary meetings, and contribute to safe continuity of care.
Documentation & Information Management
* Maintain accurate, complete, and contemporaneous patient records in accordance with Trust policy and legal requirements.
* Use electronic record systems effectively for care documentation and communication.
Safety, Quality & Governance
* Comply with infection prevention and control, health and safety, and safeguarding policies.
* Report incidents, near misses, risks, and safety concerns through Trust reporting systems.
* Promote and maintain a safe clinical environment for patients, visitors, and staff.
Education, Supervision & Service Improvement
* Support, mentor, and supervise junior staff (e.g., HCAs, Band 2/3) and students where appropriate.
* Participate in training, professional development, and performance appraisal.
* Contribute to audit, quality improvement, and service development activities.
Professional Practice
* Practice within the Assistant Practitioner scope of practice, adhering to relevant clinical governance frameworks and Trust standards.
* Maintain professional competence through regular review and continuing professional development.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The Assistant Practitioner (AP) works as a skilled support professional within the multidisciplinary healthcare team, delivering high-quality patient care in line with Trust policies, clinical protocols, and relevant professional frameworks. The role supports registered nurses, medical staff, and allied health professionals in providing safe, effective, patient-centred acute care.
Main Responsibilities Patient Assessment & Clinical Care
* Undertake routine clinical observations and assessments (e.g., vital signs, NEWS2), acting promptly on abnormal findings and escalating appropriately.
* Perform delegated clinical procedures within competence and Trust protocols (e.g., venepuncture/blood sampling, ECG recording, urinary catheterisation).
* Support patient admissions, ongoing assessment, care planning, and safe discharge or transfer within the AMU.
* Contribute to patient history taking and record findings as required by the supervising clinician. (Adapted from Trust AP practice.)
Treatment & Interventions
* Deliver patient care under the direction of registered practitioners, including monitoring treatment effects and reporting changes.
* Support basic wound care and dressing changes in line with local guidelines. (Common AP/OHE competencies at the Trust.)
* Assist in mobility support and safe patient handling to aid recovery and prevent complications.
Communication & Teamwork
* Communicate clearly and professionally with patients, families, carers, and staff.
* Work collaboratively with nurses, doctors, allied health professionals, and other members of the multidisciplinary team.
* Participate in handovers, multidisciplinary meetings, and contribute to safe continuity of care.
Documentation & Information Management
* Maintain accurate, complete, and contemporaneous patient records in accordance with Trust policy and legal requirements.
* Use electronic record systems effectively for care documentation and communication.
Safety, Quality & Governance
* Comply with infection prevention and control, health and safety, and safeguarding policies.
* Report incidents, near misses, risks, and safety concerns through Trust reporting systems.
* Promote and maintain a safe clinical environment for patients, visitors, and staff.
Education, Supervision & Service Improvement
* Support, mentor, and supervise junior staff (e.g., HCAs, Band 2/3) and students where appropriate.
* Participate in training, professional development, and performance appraisal.
* Contribute to audit, quality improvement, and service development activities.
Professional Practice
* Practice within the Assistant Practitioner scope of practice, adhering to relevant clinical governance frameworks and Trust standards.
* Maintain professional competence through regular review and continuing professional development.
Person Specification
Qualified AP
Essential
* AP qualification/ 6 months experience
Desirable
* Acute Medical experience
Person Specification
Qualified AP
Essential
* AP qualification/ 6 months experience
Desirable
* Acute Medical 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.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
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.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details
Employer name
Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Acute Medical Unit
Torbay Hospital Lawes Bridge
Torquay
TQ2 7AA
Employer's website
(Opens in a new tab)
Employer details
Employer name
Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Acute Medical Unit
Torbay Hospital Lawes Bridge
Torquay
TQ2 7AA
Employer's website
(Opens in a new tab)