Overview
Job summary for an Overnight Night Sitter to work with Springhill Hospice Specialist Palliative Care Team covering Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale. The Night Sitter will provide an overnight sitting service for patients at the end of life, enabling family members to take a break while ensuring the patient is closely monitored and cared for in their own home. Previous experience with palliative care and/or end-of-life care is essential. The successful candidate will join a multi-disciplinary team providing specialist palliative and end-of-life care to patients and families.
Location: normally based in patients' homes around Rochdale, Middleton and Heywood, with occasional work at Springhill Hospice. Salary: £23,875 to £24,303 per year. Contract: Permanent. Working pattern: Part-time. Date posted: 12 September 2025. This post is subject to a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check. Springhill Hospice is an equal opportunities employer with a No Smoking Policy.
Main duties
* To provide an overnight sitting service for patients at the end of life and, where appropriate, enable family members to take a break from their caring duties in the knowledge that the patient is being closely monitored and cared for in their own home.
About us
Springhill Hospice provides a range of palliative care services to the local adult population suffering from life-limiting and terminal illnesses, including:
* 16-bed Inpatient unit with 24-hour medical and nursing care
* Hospice at Home Service to support patients who wish to end their days at home
* Day Therapies Centre for up to 16 patients, offering complementary therapies, creative and beauty therapies, social activities and clinical support
* Community Service providing specialist palliative care in patients\' homes
* 24-hour Palliative Care Advice Line
* Bereavement Support and Counselling Services
* Education Unit for in-house training and development in palliative care
You will be based around Rochdale, Middleton and Heywood and may be required to work at Springhill Hospice.
Job responsibilities
AIM: To provide an overnight sitting service for patients at the end of life. The Night Sitter will provide care, where appropriate, and enable family members to take a break from their caring duties in the knowledge that the patient is being closely monitored and cared for in their own home.
DUTIES:
1. To deliver care, as appropriate, within the scope of individual competency.
2. To provide emotional and psychological support to patient and family.
3. To respond to any change in the patient\'s condition appropriately, calling on the support of the Hospice Nursing team, District Nurses and/or GP/Bardoc, as required.
4. To maintain appropriate written/electronic documentation in respect of care given and any significant changes/interventions.
5. To provide effective handover following the night sit to Community Care Coordinator/Liaison or SPCN during the weekend.
6. To ensure confidentiality is maintained at all times in accordance with GDPR.
7. To promote privacy and dignity in all aspects of patient care.
8. Occasionally work on the in-patient unit at Springhill Hospice if a Community night sit is not required.
9. Flexible working pattern over 7 days including weekend availability.
EDUCATION:
1. Attend Springhill Hospice Induction Training programme, as required.
2. Attend Mandatory Training programmes and online training as required.
3. New starter induction on the inpatient unit tailored to each individual.
PERSONNEL/COMMUNICATIONS:
1. Report to senior Hospice staff as appropriate.
2. Participate in the appraisal process.
3. Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
4. Ensure confidentiality of patient and family at all times.
5. Ensure excellent timekeeping.
6. Attend staff meetings.
GENERAL:
1. Read, understand and comply with all Hospice policies and procedures, applying the principles appropriate to the role.
2. Be aware of safeguarding responsibilities for Vulnerable Adults.
This Job Description may be reviewed in conjunction with the post-holder as the organisation develops. Springhill Hospice is a registered charity; all staff are expected to contribute to fundraising. Springhill Hospice is an equal opportunities employer and has a No Smoking Policy.
Experience and qualifications
Essential
* Previous experience of caring for patients with palliative care needs and/or patients at the end of life
Desirable
* Experience of working within a Hospice or Community environment
Knowledge and Skills
* Empathetic and compassionate nature; excellent communication skills
* Confidence to care for patients at the end of life; ability to provide emotional and psychological support
Qualifications
* NVQ 2/3 Health & Social Care, Palliative Care Passport
Other
* Good attendance and punctuality; enthusiastic and motivated; self-aware with a mature outlook; flexible availability over 7 days per week
Disclosure and Barring Service: This post is subject to DBS check.
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