NHS Borders is recruiting healthcare support workers for its acute wards this winter, offering four-month fixed-term posts at Borders General Hospital in Melrose. The Band 2 roles are advertised on the official NHS Scotland Jobs portal, where the board says successful applicants will join ward teams caring for patients during the busiest months of the year.

The posts will support the hospital’s acute wards and additional bed capacity during increased winter demand. Working under the direction of registered nurses, healthcare support workers help patients with everyday care needs, promoting comfort, dignity and independence. The board is looking for caring, reliable people with good communication skills, a flexible approach and a commitment to teamwork and compassionate care.

Who can apply

The advert does not ask for a specific qualification, instead stressing attitude, communication and teamwork. A range of contracted hours is available, with individual hours and working arrangements discussed during recruitment. Adult and child PVG clearance is required, and applicants must be able to show they have the right to work in the UK. The board says it cannot accept late applications and urges candidates to submit their forms early.

Healthcare support workers are among the most visible staff on a hospital ward, helping patients wash, dress, eat and move around, and supporting nurses with day-to-day care. The winter posts offer a way into NHS work for people early in their career, as well as for those looking to move into a more senior role later. NHS Borders says it offers a supportive environment where staff can grow, influence change and make a real impact.

Why winter posts matter

Winter is the hardest season for hospitals across the UK, when flu, cold weather and other seasonal pressures push up admissions and fill beds. Extra support staff on acute wards help registered nurses focus on clinical care while patients still get the everyday help they need. Borders General Hospital is the main hospital for the Scottish Borders, serving a population of more than 115,000 people across the region, with around 284 beds and about 1,700 staff.

The hospital, on the outskirts of Melrose, provides the full range of district general hospital services, including accident and emergency care. It is a short walk from Tweedbank station, with direct trains to Edinburgh, and bus links to Galashiels, Jedburgh, Kelso and Edinburgh.

How to apply

Applications must be made through the official NHS Scotland Jobs website, where the full job description and person specification are published. Applicants should not pay anyone to apply: NHS Scotland recruitment is free, and the board warns that applications relying on AI-generated content may be withdrawn, with candidates expected to write their own answers. Anyone interested is advised to apply early, as the board says it cannot accept late applications and may close the advert once enough applications have been received.