Job summary
Are you an experienced HCA who enjoys working in a fast-paced, patient-focused environment? We are looking for a motivated Band 3 Health Care Assistant to join our busy Outpatients Departments.
Working under the supervision of registered staff and alongside consultants and the multidisciplinary team, you will support patients attending outpatient clinics for neurological assessment, treatment, follow-up and specialist procedures. You will play a key role in ensuring clinics run efficiently while delivering a high-quality, compassionate patient experience.
Key responsibilities include preparing patients for consultations and procedures; performing and recording clinical observations including blood pressure, pulse and ECGs; supporting pre-operative investigations; carrying out visual field and visual acuity testing in line with training and competency; assisting with specialist clinics and minor procedures; acting as a chaperone; reassuring patients; maintaining safe, well-stocked clinical environments; and supporting smooth patient flow across clinics.
We are looking for an experienced HCA with demonstrable hospital experience, confidence in undertaking clinical observations and supporting pre-operative assessments, strong communication and organisational skills, and the ability to work effectively in a time-sensitive outpatient setting. A compassionate, professional approach and commitment to excellent patient care are essential.
Main duties of the job
We are looking for a motivated and compassionate Band 3 Health Care Assistant to support the delivery of high-quality care within our busy Outpatients Departments.
Working under the supervision of a Registered Nurse, the post holder will undertake a range of delegated clinical and non-clinical duties, including completing pre-operative and outpatient investigations such as recording vital signs, height and weight, performing ECGs and bladder scans, and accurately documenting results. The role also includes carrying out visual acuity and visual field assessments in line with training and competency.
The post holder will support the preparation of patients for clinics and procedures, assist with patient flow, act as a chaperone when required, and help maintain a clean, safe and well-organised clinical environment. A strong focus on patient dignity, confidentiality and positive patient experience is essential.
You will be expected to communicate effectively with patients, carers and the multidisciplinary team, work within the limits of your competence, and seek support when required. The role requires reliability, good interpersonal skills, basic IT skills and a commitment to ongoing learning.
About us
The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust is the only NHS trust to hold dual accreditation for the Investors in People. We invest in people and we invest in wellbeing standards and have been awarded Gold status for both. The Walton Centre is a leader in the treatment and care of neurology and neurosurgery, placing the patient and their family at the heart of everything we do. As the only specialist hospital trust in the UK dedicated to providing comprehensive neurology, neurosurgery, spinal and pain management services we are proud to be rated as an Outstanding Trust by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), and champion change throughout the field of neuroscience. Originally formed in 1992, the Trust received Foundation Trust status in 2009.
With around 1,450 staff, The Walton Centre treats more than 127,000 outpatients and 18,000 inpatients each year. We have leading specialists and incredibly dedicated staff delivering excellent clinical outcomes for brain, spinal and neurological care nationally and internationally. Teams across our site in Fazakerley, Liverpool, offer a world-class service in diagnosing and treating injuries and illnesses affecting the brain, spine and peripheral nerves and muscles, and in supporting people suffering from a wide range of long-term neurological conditions.
Job description
Job responsibilities
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a motivated and compassionate Band 3 Health Care Assistant to join our busy Outpatients Department within a specialist neurosciences Trust.
Working under the supervision and direction of a Registered Nurse or other registered practitioner, the post holder will support the delivery of high-quality, patient-centred care to patients attending outpatient clinics for neurological assessment, treatment, follow-up and specialist procedures. The role is key to supporting efficient clinic flow while ensuring a positive and dignified patient experience.
Clinical Responsibilities
-
Undertake a range of delegated clinical duties in line with training, competency and Trust policy to support outpatient and pre-operative services.
-
Perform and accurately record clinical observations, including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, respiratory rate, oxygen saturations and peak flow, escalating concerns appropriately.
-
Measure and record height and weight and support pre-operative assessments and investigations.
-
Perform 12-lead ECGs, bladder scans, blood glucose monitoring and venepuncture in line with competency and direction from registered staff.
-
Carry out visual acuity and visual field assessments in accordance with local protocols.
-
Prepare patients for consultations, investigations and procedures, offering reassurance and explanations within own scope of practice and maintaining dignity and privacy.
-
Assist with specialist outpatient clinics and minor procedures.
-
Support patients with personal care needs as required, including toileting, continence support, mobility assistance and pressure area care.
-
Obtain and handle specimens for laboratory testing and ensure safe and timely transport.
-
Act as a chaperone and escort patients within the hospital or to other departments as required.
-
Initiate Basic Life Support when appropriate and assist registered staff in emergency situations.
Patient Care and Experience
-
Provide a welcoming, compassionate and professional service to patients, relatives and carers.
-
Support patients who may be anxious, distressed or have additional needs, escalating concerns appropriately.
-
Ensure respect for patients dignity, privacy, customs, values, spiritual beliefs and individual preferences at all times.
Departmental, General and Administrative Duties
-
Support the smooth running of outpatient clinics by assisting with patient flow, clinic organisation and room preparation.
-
Prepare and maintain clean, safe and well-equipped clinical and non-clinical environments in line with infection prevention and control policies.
-
Monitor and maintain adequate stock levels of clinical supplies, equipment, linen and stationery, reporting faults or shortages promptly.
-
Safely dispose of clinical waste and sharps in accordance with Trust policy.
-
Undertake basic administrative and reception duties as required, including use of electronic systems and telephone communication.
-
Provide cover for colleagues as required to ensure continuity of service.
Professional Responsibilities
-
Work within the limits of own competence, recognising when to seek advice or support from registered staff.
-
Communicate effectively with patients, carers and members of the multidisciplinary team.
-
Maintain accurate and timely documentation in line with information governance requirements.
-
Participate in mandatory training, competency development, induction and the Personal Development Review process.
-
Adhere to all Trust policies and procedures, including those relating to health and safety, safeguarding, confidentiality, equality and diversity, and infection prevention and control.
Job description
Job responsibilities
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a motivated and compassionate Band 3 Health Care Assistant to join our busy Outpatients Department within a specialist neurosciences Trust.
Working under the supervision and direction of a Registered Nurse or other registered practitioner, the post holder will support the delivery of high-quality, patient-centred care to patients attending outpatient clinics for neurological assessment, treatment, follow-up and specialist procedures. The role is key to supporting efficient clinic flow while ensuring a positive and dignified patient experience.
Clinical Responsibilities
-
Undertake a range of delegated clinical duties in line with training, competency and Trust policy to support outpatient and pre-operative services.
-
Perform and accurately record clinical observations, including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, respiratory rate, oxygen saturations and peak flow, escalating concerns appropriately.
-
Measure and record height and weight and support pre-operative assessments and investigations.
-
Perform 12-lead ECGs, bladder scans, blood glucose monitoring and venepuncture in line with competency and direction from registered staff.
-
Carry out visual acuity and visual field assessments in accordance with local protocols.
-
Prepare patients for consultations, investigations and procedures, offering reassurance and explanations within own scope of practice and maintaining dignity and privacy.
-
Assist with specialist outpatient clinics and minor procedures.
-
Support patients with personal care needs as required, including toileting, continence support, mobility assistance and pressure area care.
-
Obtain and handle specimens for laboratory testing and ensure safe and timely transport.
-
Act as a chaperone and escort patients within the hospital or to other departments as required.
-
Initiate Basic Life Support when appropriate and assist registered staff in emergency situations.
Patient Care and Experience
-
Provide a welcoming, compassionate and professional service to patients, relatives and carers.
-
Support patients who may be anxious, distressed or have additional needs, escalating concerns appropriately.
-
Ensure respect for patients dignity, privacy, customs, values, spiritual beliefs and individual preferences at all times.
Departmental, General and Administrative Duties
-
Support the smooth running of outpatient clinics by assisting with patient flow, clinic organisation and room preparation.
-
Prepare and maintain clean, safe and well-equipped clinical and non-clinical environments in line with infection prevention and control policies.
-
Monitor and maintain adequate stock levels of clinical supplies, equipment, linen and stationery, reporting faults or shortages promptly.
-
Safely dispose of clinical waste and sharps in accordance with Trust policy.
-
Undertake basic administrative and reception duties as required, including use of electronic systems and telephone communication.
-
Provide cover for colleagues as required to ensure continuity of service.
Professional Responsibilities
-
Work within the limits of own competence, recognising when to seek advice or support from registered staff.
-
Communicate effectively with patients, carers and members of the multidisciplinary team.
-
Maintain accurate and timely documentation in line with information governance requirements.
-
Participate in mandatory training, competency development, induction and the Personal Development Review process.
-
Adhere to all Trust policies and procedures, including those relating to health and safety, safeguarding, confidentiality, equality and diversity, and infection prevention and control.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Demonstrates a willingness & capability to undertake a level 3 Care apprenticeship.
Knowledge
Essential
- Demonstrable experience in hospital setting working at NVQ level 2
- Reputation for high standard of patient care
Skills
Essential
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to develop effective interpersonal relationships with colleagues in the Healthcare setting
- Basic Computer Skills
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Demonstrates a willingness & capability to undertake a level 3 Care apprenticeship.
Knowledge
Essential
- Demonstrable experience in hospital setting working at NVQ level 2
- Reputation for high standard of patient care
Skills
Essential
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to develop effective interpersonal relationships with colleagues in the Healthcare setting
- Basic Computer Skills
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.
