Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust

Health Care Assistant

The closing date is 16 May 2025

Job summary

To provide high-quality care and support to patients under the supervision of registered nurses and other healthcare professionals. The role involves attending to the physical, emotional, and social needs of patients while contributing to the smooth operation of the healthcare environment.

This contract is offered on a fixed-term basis for 12 months at Band 2 as a Healthcare Support Worker. During this period, the postholder is required to complete and receive sign-off for all core competencies and successfully achieve the Care Certificate programme in line with Trust standards. Subject to successful completion, and no later than 12 months from the date of appointment to the Band 2 role, the postholder will be eligible for progression into a Band 3 Healthcare Support Worker position. Early completion of the Care Certificate and core competencies may allow earlier transition to Band 3, subject to availability of roles and successful review.

Failure to meet the required competencies or complete the Care Certificate within the 12-month period will result in the contract ending at the original expiry date in accordance with the provisions above.

Main duties of the job

Main duties of the job

Personal Care Assistance:
- Helping patients with washing, dressing, grooming, and toileting.
- Assisting with mobility, including moving, turning, and transferring patients.
Feeding and Nutrition:
- Assisting patients during mealtimes.
- Monitoring and recording food and fluid intake.
Monitoring Patient Health:
- Taking and recording vital signs (temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure).
- Weighing patients and measuring fluid input/output.
- Observing and reporting changes in patient condition.
- Emotional Support:
  - Providing comfort and reassurance to patients.
  - Listening to patients' concerns and reporting them when necessary.
Administrative Support:
- Updating patient records and documentation.

About us

Our people are our greatest asset. When we feel supported and happy at work, this positivity reaches those very people we are here for, the patients. Engaged employees perform at their best and our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) initiatives contribute to cultivate a culture of engagement. We have four staff networks, a corporate EDI Team and a suite of programmes and events which aim to insert the 5 aspirations:

Improving representation at senior levels of staff with disabilities, from black, Asian, and ethnic minorities background, identify as LGBTQ+ and women, through improved recruitment and leadership development
Widening access (anchor institution) and employability
Improving the experience of staff with disability
Improving the EDI literacy and confidence of trust staff through training and development
Making equalities mainstream

Date posted

09 May 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 2

Salary

£24,169 a year per annum plus HCA

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

197-AJ6761

Job locations

University Hospital Lewisham. Chestnut Ward

Lewisham High Street SE13 6LH

London

SE13 6LH

Job description

Job responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

Patient Personal Care:Assist patients with activities of daily living, such as washing, bathing, oral hygiene, dressing, grooming, and toileting.

Help patients move safely around the ward (e.g., transferring from bed to chair or assisting with walking).

Support patients with continence care and use of mobility aids.

Feeding and Hydration:Serve meals and assist patients with eating and drinking as required.

Monitor and record food and fluid intake accurately.

Follow dietary requirements and restrictions as outlined in the patient care plan.

Monitoring and Observations:Take and record vital signs (temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation).

Measure and record height, weight, and fluid balance (input/output).

Observe and report any changes in patients' physical or mental condition to the nursing staff.

Environmental Maintenance and Infection Control:Ensure patient rooms and equipment are clean, safe, and organised.

Change bed linens and dispose of clinical waste following infection control guidelines.

Support in maintaining a hygienic and safe environment in accordance with hospital policies.

Emotional and Social Support:Provide companionship, reassurance, and empathy to patients, particularly those who are distressed or vulnerable.

Support patients in maintaining their dignity, privacy, and independence wherever possible.

Communicate with patients and families sensitively and effectively.

Administrative and Record-Keeping Duties:Accurately document observations and care provided in patient records.

Report incidents, concerns, or abnormalities promptly to the appropriate staff.

Maintain confidentiality and follow data protection procedures.

Skills and Qualities Required:Compassionate, patient, and respectful attitude.

Good communication and interpersonal skills.

Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Attention to detail and commitment to following procedures.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience:Completion of the Care Certificate or NVQ Level 2/3 in Health and Social Care.

Previous experience in a healthcare or care setting.

Basic knowledge of infection control and health and safety regulations.