Job summary
At West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, we
promise to put Patients First. Our
commitment to every patient, every day, doing our best to ensure they feel
safe, in a clean and comfortable environment with highly professional staff who
work together to achieve this.
We want our
patients to feel cared for, with a courteous and respectful attitude from kind
and helpful staff who have the time to listen and keep them informed at every
step. We want them to feel confident
that their treatment is provided by skilled and compassionate teams who will
involve them in their care and who understand their time is valuable.
West Suffolk
Hospital has an exciting opportunity for a health care Assistant to join our
friendly team in the Acute Assessment unit, if you are passionate, experienced
health Care Assistant committed to developing and delivering high standards of
Emergency care then we look forward to hearing from you.
Our AAU is a innovative, front door service
consistent of 23 assessment trolleys which operates 24 hours a day, it is a
fast-paced unit which cares for patients with varied medical conditions in
their acute phase. The unit is part of the Same Day Emergency Care program
where we deliver rapid assessment of Medical and surgical patients including
diagnostic and treatment without being admitted to a ward. They can then go
home on the same day if it is clinically safe to do so.
Main duties of the job
Under the direction of the Registered Nurse/Assistant Practitioner on duty, the post holder will be expected to:
Support and deliver a range of clinical activities within the work area
To assist the Registered Nurse / Assistant Practitioner in the safe operation of the Acute Assessment Unit by utilising the appropriate skills and knowledge to maintain patient flow, safety and participate in collecting requested samples for investigations under the direct supervision of the clinician in charge of the area.
To assist in the delivery of daily personal care activity with patients e.g. hygiene and nutritional needs, as directed in the individual plan of care needs, observing and reporting specific changes to senior staff and documenting care given
Communicate effectively and professionally with multidisciplinary members of the care team patients and their family/carers, on care related issues
Participate in and support the administration of audit and practice developments/initiatives in support of the service
Provide and support training and development activity with the Nursing Assistant workforce
About us
#BeKnown
at West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust. By us. By our patients. By our community
Were
a busy, friendly, rural NHS Trust providing high-quality care and compassion to
more than a quarter of a million people across west Suffolk. We care for,
treat and support people in hospital, at home and in various community
settings.
The
West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds provides acute and secondary care
services (emergency department, maternity and neonatal services, day surgery
unit, eye treatment centre, Macmillan unit and childrens ward). It has 500+
beds and is a partner teaching hospital of the University of Cambridge.
Adult
and paediatric community services, provided in collaboration with West Suffolk
Alliance partners, include a range of nursing, therapy, specialist, and ongoing
temporary care and rehabilitation, some at our Newmarket Community Hospital.
We
do our utmost to achieve outstanding clinical outcomes for patients and our
values of fairness, inclusivity, respect, safety and team work guide how we
work and behave as a team.
With
nearly 5,000 staff, from all over the world, we strive to make our organisation
a great place to work. Whatever your role or ambition, we want to help you be
the best you can be.
We
promote a diverse and inclusive community where everyones voice counts and you
can #BeKnown for whoever you are.
Join
us. What will you #BeKnown for?
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see job description for full details.
KEY TASKS:
Communication
1. To work as a member of the ward team, establishing effective communication networks across the multidisciplinary team and wards/departments of the Trust and with patients/relatives and carers and offering support to colleagues and requesting assistance as necessary.
- To establish professional relationships with patients/relatives/carers, communicating with them in ways that respect their views, beliefs and culture, and being aware of own response to distressing circumstances.
- To act as advocate for patients individual needs and choices
- To identify ways of overcoming potential barriers to effective communication
5. To demonstrates verbal communication through the ability to provide basic information and support to individuals. To listen effectively and modify communication to individual needs
6. To demonstrates written communication through the ability to record accurate, succinct, clear and legible reports and documentation utilising WSH IT systems
7. To escalate clinical concerns to the relevant Registered Nurse/Assistant Practitioner as per escalation policies in a timely manner
8. Answer the telephone and relay messages accurately, courteously and competently
9. Ensures all emergencies, untoward incidents, complaints and grievances are reported in accordance with Trust Policies
10. Is fully conversant with all policies and procedures, including Major Accident, Resuscitation, Fire, Health and Safety, and acts within them
11. Contributes to the effective and efficient use of resources. Including safe use, checking, maintenance and storage of equipment
12. Manages own time and responds to unexpected demands in a professional manner
Clinical & Delivery of Care
1. Hygiene
Assist patients with the maintenance of their personal and oral hygiene, including:
Washing and bathing
Mouth and dental care
Hair-washing
Nail care
Shaving
Dressing and undressing
Observe and report any changes/damage to patients skin to identify pressure ulcer risk as part of the admission process on the Unit and report them to the Registered Nurse / Assistant Practitioner in charge of the area.
2. Elimination
Assist patients to use toilet facilities
Record and monitor output; identify and report any abnormalities in body waste
Undertake established stoma care and long term catheter care
3. Mobility
Assist patients with mobility using manual handling risk assessment and safe manual handling
Contribute to the movement and positioning of patients (using safe moving and handling techniques), to maximise their physical comfort and prevent the adverse effects of pressure
Be aware of how equipment works and report any faults
4. Nutrition
Assist patients to eat and drink as per identified care needs; identifying, recording and reporting abnormal dietary and fluid intake
Assist patients with the completion of menus
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see job description for full details.
KEY TASKS:
Communication
1. To work as a member of the ward team, establishing effective communication networks across the multidisciplinary team and wards/departments of the Trust and with patients/relatives and carers and offering support to colleagues and requesting assistance as necessary.
- To establish professional relationships with patients/relatives/carers, communicating with them in ways that respect their views, beliefs and culture, and being aware of own response to distressing circumstances.
- To act as advocate for patients individual needs and choices
- To identify ways of overcoming potential barriers to effective communication
5. To demonstrates verbal communication through the ability to provide basic information and support to individuals. To listen effectively and modify communication to individual needs
6. To demonstrates written communication through the ability to record accurate, succinct, clear and legible reports and documentation utilising WSH IT systems
7. To escalate clinical concerns to the relevant Registered Nurse/Assistant Practitioner as per escalation policies in a timely manner
8. Answer the telephone and relay messages accurately, courteously and competently
9. Ensures all emergencies, untoward incidents, complaints and grievances are reported in accordance with Trust Policies
10. Is fully conversant with all policies and procedures, including Major Accident, Resuscitation, Fire, Health and Safety, and acts within them
11. Contributes to the effective and efficient use of resources. Including safe use, checking, maintenance and storage of equipment
12. Manages own time and responds to unexpected demands in a professional manner
Clinical & Delivery of Care
1. Hygiene
Assist patients with the maintenance of their personal and oral hygiene, including:
Washing and bathing
Mouth and dental care
Hair-washing
Nail care
Shaving
Dressing and undressing
Observe and report any changes/damage to patients skin to identify pressure ulcer risk as part of the admission process on the Unit and report them to the Registered Nurse / Assistant Practitioner in charge of the area.
2. Elimination
Assist patients to use toilet facilities
Record and monitor output; identify and report any abnormalities in body waste
Undertake established stoma care and long term catheter care
3. Mobility
Assist patients with mobility using manual handling risk assessment and safe manual handling
Contribute to the movement and positioning of patients (using safe moving and handling techniques), to maximise their physical comfort and prevent the adverse effects of pressure
Be aware of how equipment works and report any faults
4. Nutrition
Assist patients to eat and drink as per identified care needs; identifying, recording and reporting abnormal dietary and fluid intake
Assist patients with the completion of menus
Person Specification
Personal Qualities
Essential
- Team worker, who is able to prioritise effectively
- Able to cope with exposure to unpleasant smells and bodily fluids
- Awareness of own limitations
- Ability to use initiative, referring key decisions as appropriate and understanding aim limitations
- Flexible approach to working hours to meet the needs of the service
- Attention to detail
- Polite, respectful and professional attitude and behaviour towards staff members, patients and relatives
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working / communicating with the general public
- Demonstrates awareness of the 6Cs, Trust values and Patients First Service Standards
- Demonstrates an awareness of the importance of keeping the clinical environment safe and clean
- Knowledge of the Data Protection Act
Desirable
- Knowledge of the Ambulatory Emergency Care and AAU purpose within the organisation
- Recent relevant experience of working in the acute healthcare environment
Qualifications
Essential
- Level 1 qualification or equivalent in both Maths and English*
- Care Certificate or commitment to undertaking and achieving the Care Certificate within initial twelve weeks
Desirable
- Vocational qualification at Level 2 in Health, Health and Social Care or sector related subject area
Skills & Abilities
Essential
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to work under pressure
- Ability to work to clear guidelines and within role boundaries
- Proficient IT skills
- Communicates clearly in writing, verbally and using the telephone
- Accurate with attention to detail
- Proficient in accurate, objective documentation
Desirable
- Venepuncture competent
- Proficient with Cerner / e-Care systems
- Able to recognise and escalate deteriorating patients to Registered Practitioner
Person Specification
Personal Qualities
Essential
- Team worker, who is able to prioritise effectively
- Able to cope with exposure to unpleasant smells and bodily fluids
- Awareness of own limitations
- Ability to use initiative, referring key decisions as appropriate and understanding aim limitations
- Flexible approach to working hours to meet the needs of the service
- Attention to detail
- Polite, respectful and professional attitude and behaviour towards staff members, patients and relatives
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working / communicating with the general public
- Demonstrates awareness of the 6Cs, Trust values and Patients First Service Standards
- Demonstrates an awareness of the importance of keeping the clinical environment safe and clean
- Knowledge of the Data Protection Act
Desirable
- Knowledge of the Ambulatory Emergency Care and AAU purpose within the organisation
- Recent relevant experience of working in the acute healthcare environment
Qualifications
Essential
- Level 1 qualification or equivalent in both Maths and English*
- Care Certificate or commitment to undertaking and achieving the Care Certificate within initial twelve weeks
Desirable
- Vocational qualification at Level 2 in Health, Health and Social Care or sector related subject area
Skills & Abilities
Essential
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to work under pressure
- Ability to work to clear guidelines and within role boundaries
- Proficient IT skills
- Communicates clearly in writing, verbally and using the telephone
- Accurate with attention to detail
- Proficient in accurate, objective documentation
Desirable
- Venepuncture competent
- Proficient with Cerner / e-Care systems
- Able to recognise and escalate deteriorating patients to Registered Practitioner
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
West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust
Address
West Suffolk Hospitals Nhs Trust
Hardwick Lane
Bury St. Edmunds
Suffolk
IP332QZ
Employer's website
https://www.wsh.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)
