Healthcare Assistant - Outpatient Team

Job description

Job responsibilities

Department Objectives

The purpose of the Therapy and Wellbeing Centre (TWC) within Katharine House Hospice (KHH) is to provide specialist palliative care provision to adult patients, their carers and friends within the palliative care philosophy framework identified by the World Health Organisation.

Role Objectives

The post holder will work as a member of the multi-disciplinary team assisting with patient care activities under the supervision of a registered nurse. They will support the delivery of direct patient care by providing clerical, catering and housekeeping assistance as required, without the direct supervision of a registered nurse.

Summary

To support all patients and carers attending the TWC.

Specific Objectives

1. To participate fully in the delivery of care to patients as delegated by a registered nurse or allied health professional

2. To support patient/carers via telephone support calls.

3. Support staff to deliver care sessions within the TWC.

4. To undertake housekeeping duties as required

5. To provide clerical assistance as required

To meet the above broad objectives, the post holder will have responsibilities in four main areas of work as follows:

Clinical

Educational

Clerical

Personnel

Clinical

1) To participate fully in the delivery of care to patients as delegated by registered nurses and allied health professionals e.g. physiotherapist, occupational therapist, ensuring that patients are helped to maintain their dignity, privacy and individuality.

2) Identify changes in patient conditions and, within their capabilities, recognise where significant changes in the plan of care are required and report these back to the nurse on duty in a prompt and timely manner.

3) Liaise effectively with other nursing and multi professional team members within the scope of their role.

4) To communicate relevant information regarding patients and carers to registered nurses, verbally and in written form.

5) Completing clinical observations as requested

6) Ensure the correct usage and maintenance of all equipment

7) Maintain patient written records in accordance with the wishes of registered nurses

8) To provide a welcome for patients and visitors to the centre, providing assistance, support and information as required

9) Demonstrate initiative in planning daily and weekly routines

10) Maintains up-to-date knowledge of changes in policies and procedures relevant to the post.

11) To ensure all clinical areas are clean and tidy and in line with current Infection Control Guidance.

Educational

1) To ensure all staff complete Mandatory training as set by KHH.

2) Encourage Staff in their own professional development.

3) Supporting staff in the delivery of awareness and condition education sessions to patients and carers

Clerical

1) Answer the telephone and take messages in accordance with hospice policy

2) Maintain stock levels of clinical forms and patients record forms as needed

3) Participate in filing patient information as directed by registered nurses

Personnel

1) Take all measures to ensure the safety and welfare of all patients and staff, having due regard to the Health and Safety at Work Act

2) Attend statutory updates as required by the Care Quality Commission

3) Actively seek support when needed and contribute to providing support for others when needed

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

• 1 year's experience in a healthcare setting

Desirable

• Specialist palliative care experience

Qualifications

Essential

• NVQ Level 3 in Care

Skills and Attributes

Essential

• Team Player
• Good communication skills both written and verbal
• Flexible attitude
• Calm under pressure
• Motivated to maintain the delivery of high quality care
• Able to work on their own or as part of a team
• Flexible in their approach to meet service needs
• Supportive to the patient, their family/informal carers & colleagues

Desirable

• IT skills
• Proven organisational skills

Knowledge

Essential

• Confident in Infection Control
• Awareness of Safeguarding processes

Desirable

• Can identify changes in patient conditions

Other

Essential

• Demonstrates initiative
• Resilience
• Flexibility
• Self-motivated
• Able to work all shifts across 7 days
• Can use resources effectively and efficiently
• Maintains a safe environment for staff and patients
• Ensures infection prevention measures are maintained

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.

Employer details

Employer name

Katharine House Hospice

Address

Weston Road

Stafford

ST16 3SB

Employer's website

https://www.khhospice.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)