Job summary
Are you kind, caring and compassionate?
Could you reassure our patients and keep them comfortable on their journey to or from hospital?
Are you an experienced driver who remains calm, even on London's busy roads that might make you late to collect your next patient?
If the answer is 'Yes' then this could be the job for you.
We are recruiting for Ambulance Care Assistants who will be highly trained to provide safe, caring and secure transport for our patients on their way to and from appointments.
This role will involve driving a range of patient transport vehicle's ranging from cars to long wheel based ambulances and using both manual and automatic transmission.
Due to the operational requirements you will be required to be flexible and work either on your own or as part of a two person crew.
Supporting our vulnerable patients is key to this role and there is frequent lifting and moving using all types of equipment, such as stretchers, carry chairs, wheelchairs etc.
Main duties of the job
The role of the Ambulance Care Assistant involves conveying a wide range of patients to and from outpatient clinics, renal dialysis, admissions, discharges following inpatient treatments or non-urgent inter-hospital transfers, in a safe and timely manner. Where required this involves the use of Trust patient carrying or manual handling aids.
Communicate with patients, relatives, and the public in a calm, and professional caring manner, treating them with dignity and respect at all times, even in difficult or potentially hostile circumstances.
Provide a quality service to our patients, their relatives and carers and ensuring their safety and wellbeing whilst in our care.
To comply with the Trust and Essentia policies and procedures, follow organisational guidelines and other occupational requirements, to ensure safe, effective practice and the maintenance of professional standards.
About us
Essentia has a fundamental role in supporting the activities of the Trust. Essentia's focus is on providing a high quality hospital environment and a high quality hospital experience for our patients: through setting imaginative standards in the physical and built environment, through a programme of improvements to the range of support services, and by fostering a strong overarching patient-focused approach.
The Patient Transport Service (PTS) is part of Essentia. Our patient transport service is available for all patients who cannot travel to or from our hospitals using any other method of transport because of their medical or mobility condition, or because their medical condition would otherwise worsen. All requests for patient transport are assessed on medical need. Patient transport vehicles operate with appropriate staff and equipment. As patients have diverse needs, we provide a range of vehicles such as cars, wheel chair accessible cars, ambulances, high-dependency units and use specialist equipment such as wheelchairs, stretchers, carry chairs and stair climbers.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- Complete all relevant operational documentation, e.g. daily routine vehicle checks, patient listings and other information.
- To undertake driving duties of a range of Ambulance vehicles to the required standard in accordance with Essentia approved training criteria. Driving vehicles carefully with every consideration being given to the passenger, any equipment, the vehicle itself, other road users and comply with the Highway Code and Trust Policy guidelines and current Legislation.
- The Ambulance Care Assistant is required to undertake daily vehicle checks to ensure that the ambulance vehicle is roadworthy these checks shall include for example. Oil, Water, Fuel, Tyre Pressure and Tyre Tread condition, Lights, Warning Devices etc. any defect to be reported in accordance with Policies and Procedures.
- To carry out vehicle equipment checks and restock as required at the start of duty in accordance with Trust Policy and Procedures, ensuring that the ambulance vehicle is properly kitted, cleaned (paying particular attention to infection control) and stocked, faults and omissions reported and all appropriate recording procedures completed.
- To use the Trust supplied Moving Patient equipment: this will include the use of all types of equipment such as chairs, stretchers, stair climbers, lifting aids etc. This will require the post holder to risk assess the best way to undertake the moving of patients taking into consideration their needs, both medical and cultural and to follow Health and Safety and other appropriate protocols and procedures.
- To manoeuvre patients into ambulance vehicles using either the patients wheelchair or ambulance vehicle equipment and safely secure the patient and their equipment within the vehicle for the duration of the journey to and from treatment centres.
- Maintain an appropriate level of care for patients, relevant to their condition and to an appropriate skill level in accordance with training received. This includes recognition of when additional skills or support may be needed.
- To transport patients using such assistance as may be required to and from treatment centres as required/specified according to pre-determined schedules working to such contractual standards that may be in place. This will include End of Life patients.
- To be responsible for the security of patients property and patients valuables during the transportation and hand-over at their destination.
- To report any untoward incident immediately in accordance with Trust Policy.
- Assist patients in their homes, both prior to and after transportation, ensuring they have their basic needs catered for and their homes are safe. This includes measuring, highlighting and reporting areas of risk in line with the Trusts risk assessment procedures.
- To report any incidences of risk, neglect, abuse or endangerment to vulnerable children or adults in accordance with Trust Safeguarding policy/procedure.
- Adhere to Trust policy in respect of the control of confidential information as outlined within the data protection act and the Caldicott principles.
- Ensure that patients are taken to and collected from the agreed treatment area within the hospital or centre in a timely basis.
- To promote and maintain excellent communication links with patients, colleagues and associated services and health service colleagues to provide and support a positive patient experience.
- Maintain the vehicle in a sanitary condition in line with health & safety and clinical waste management.
- Participate in equipment trials, working parties and highlighting areas of potential personal and organisation service development.
- Required to take personal responsibility for continued professional development through the personal development review process, the knowledge and skills framework and Essentia training sessions.
- To maintain competency to operate all equipment and information systems used during the course of duties, ensuring the efficient and effective operation of equipment, and the safe use of equipment at all times, reporting faults in the appropriate manner.
- To wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) both uniform and additional kit supplied by the Trust as required to support Infection Prevention and Control during normal duties in their role. The equipment should be kept clean and tidy and worn to the required standard in accordance with the Trusts Policies and Procedures.
- To operate any communication system supplied/fitted/ operated by the Trust in accordance with its Policies and Procedures.
- To use all Trust equipment, facilities and premises in a careful, proper and mindful manner paying due regard to safety and security at all times.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- Complete all relevant operational documentation, e.g. daily routine vehicle checks, patient listings and other information.
- To undertake driving duties of a range of Ambulance vehicles to the required standard in accordance with Essentia approved training criteria. Driving vehicles carefully with every consideration being given to the passenger, any equipment, the vehicle itself, other road users and comply with the Highway Code and Trust Policy guidelines and current Legislation.
- The Ambulance Care Assistant is required to undertake daily vehicle checks to ensure that the ambulance vehicle is roadworthy these checks shall include for example. Oil, Water, Fuel, Tyre Pressure and Tyre Tread condition, Lights, Warning Devices etc. any defect to be reported in accordance with Policies and Procedures.
- To carry out vehicle equipment checks and restock as required at the start of duty in accordance with Trust Policy and Procedures, ensuring that the ambulance vehicle is properly kitted, cleaned (paying particular attention to infection control) and stocked, faults and omissions reported and all appropriate recording procedures completed.
- To use the Trust supplied Moving Patient equipment: this will include the use of all types of equipment such as chairs, stretchers, stair climbers, lifting aids etc. This will require the post holder to risk assess the best way to undertake the moving of patients taking into consideration their needs, both medical and cultural and to follow Health and Safety and other appropriate protocols and procedures.
- To manoeuvre patients into ambulance vehicles using either the patients wheelchair or ambulance vehicle equipment and safely secure the patient and their equipment within the vehicle for the duration of the journey to and from treatment centres.
- Maintain an appropriate level of care for patients, relevant to their condition and to an appropriate skill level in accordance with training received. This includes recognition of when additional skills or support may be needed.
- To transport patients using such assistance as may be required to and from treatment centres as required/specified according to pre-determined schedules working to such contractual standards that may be in place. This will include End of Life patients.
- To be responsible for the security of patients property and patients valuables during the transportation and hand-over at their destination.
- To report any untoward incident immediately in accordance with Trust Policy.
- Assist patients in their homes, both prior to and after transportation, ensuring they have their basic needs catered for and their homes are safe. This includes measuring, highlighting and reporting areas of risk in line with the Trusts risk assessment procedures.
- To report any incidences of risk, neglect, abuse or endangerment to vulnerable children or adults in accordance with Trust Safeguarding policy/procedure.
- Adhere to Trust policy in respect of the control of confidential information as outlined within the data protection act and the Caldicott principles.
- Ensure that patients are taken to and collected from the agreed treatment area within the hospital or centre in a timely basis.
- To promote and maintain excellent communication links with patients, colleagues and associated services and health service colleagues to provide and support a positive patient experience.
- Maintain the vehicle in a sanitary condition in line with health & safety and clinical waste management.
- Participate in equipment trials, working parties and highlighting areas of potential personal and organisation service development.
- Required to take personal responsibility for continued professional development through the personal development review process, the knowledge and skills framework and Essentia training sessions.
- To maintain competency to operate all equipment and information systems used during the course of duties, ensuring the efficient and effective operation of equipment, and the safe use of equipment at all times, reporting faults in the appropriate manner.
- To wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) both uniform and additional kit supplied by the Trust as required to support Infection Prevention and Control during normal duties in their role. The equipment should be kept clean and tidy and worn to the required standard in accordance with the Trusts Policies and Procedures.
- To operate any communication system supplied/fitted/ operated by the Trust in accordance with its Policies and Procedures.
- To use all Trust equipment, facilities and premises in a careful, proper and mindful manner paying due regard to safety and security at all times.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Level 2 Diploma including Essential/Key/Core Skills at Level 2 in Application of Number and Communication or 5 GCSEs at grade C or above including Mathematics/Numeracy, English and combined Sciences or any single Science.
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working with people
- Experience of working alone as well as in a team
Desirable
- Experience in a patient facing setting paid/unpaid
Skills
Essential
- Ability to prioritise workloads and act under pressure
- Excellent communication skills (written, oral and listening)
- Ability to follow written procedures and guidelines within the scope of practice
- Ability to identify when further assistance is required
Desirable
- First Aid at Work, FREC 3, FREC 4
Physical Requirements
Essential
- Be able to lift a manikin for 75kgs up and down a flight of stairs safety
Additional Information
Essential
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Level 2 Diploma including Essential/Key/Core Skills at Level 2 in Application of Number and Communication or 5 GCSEs at grade C or above including Mathematics/Numeracy, English and combined Sciences or any single Science.
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working with people
- Experience of working alone as well as in a team
Desirable
- Experience in a patient facing setting paid/unpaid
Skills
Essential
- Ability to prioritise workloads and act under pressure
- Excellent communication skills (written, oral and listening)
- Ability to follow written procedures and guidelines within the scope of practice
- Ability to identify when further assistance is required
Desirable
- First Aid at Work, FREC 3, FREC 4
Physical Requirements
Essential
- Be able to lift a manikin for 75kgs up and down a flight of stairs safety
Additional Information
Essential
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
