Job summary
Are you passionate about delivering compassionate, high-quality care to patients with continence needs? Do you have experience or a strong interest in continence care and want to make a meaningful difference in people's lives?
We are looking for a motivated and dedicated Healthcare Assistant (HCA) to join our dynamic Continence Advisory Service team, supporting patients across the borough of Greenwich. This is an excellent opportunity to develop your skills within a challenging, creative, and fast-paced healthcare environment.
As part of our diverse and talented multidisciplinary team, you will provide patient-centred care that not only meets clinical needs but also enhances the overall well-being and quality of life of those living with incontinence. Your role will be vital in supporting patients and helping them regain confidence and independence.
What We Offer:
A supportive and collaborative team environment
Opportunities for professional growth and development
The chance to make a real impact on patient outcomes within the community
A role where your skills and dedication instil hope and promote health and well-being
Main duties of the job
Key Responsibilities:
Deliver compassionate, patient-focused continence care in line with best practices
Assist with assessments and support the implementation of care plans
Collaborate effectively with healthcare professionals across disciplines
Educate and support patients and their families to manage continence issues confidently
Maintain accurate records and uphold confidentiality at all times
About us
Oxleas offers a wide range of NHS healthcare services to people in community and secure environment settings. Our services include community health care such as district nursing and speech and language therapy, care for people with learning disabilities and mental health care such as psychiatry, nursing and therapies. Our multidisciplinary teams look after people of all ages and we work in close partnership with other parts of the NHS, local councils and the voluntary sector and through our new provider collaboratives. Our 4,300 members of staff work in many different settings including hospitals, clinics, prisons, secure hospitals, children's centres, schools and people's homes.We have over 125 sites in a variety of locations in the South of England. In London we operate within the Boroughs of Bexley, Bromley Greenwich and into Kent. We manage hospital sites including Queen Mary's Hospital, Sidcup and Memorial Hospital, Woolwich, as well as the Bracton Centre, our medium secure unit for people with mental health needs. We are the largest NHS provider of prison health services providing healthcare to prisons within Devon, Dorset, Bristol, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire, Kent and South London. We are proud of the care we provide and our people.
Our purpose is to improve lives by providing the best possible care to our patients and their families. This is strengthened by our new values:
- We're Kind
- We're Fair
- We Listen
- We Care
Job description
Job responsibilities
The Health Care Assistant will support the Continence Service in delivering high-quality care to patients experiencing bladder and bowel issues. This includes undertaking assessments and reviews, promoting continence health, monitoring skin integrity, and supporting the provision and reassessment of continence products. The role will involve working closely with specialist nurses, acting as a chaperone, and visiting patients in various settings, including their own homes.
The post holder will contribute to improving patient outcomes by providing compassionate, safe, and person-centred care while always maintaining patient dignity and confidentiality
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Patient Assessment and Review
- Undertake routine reviews of patients with bladder and bowel conditions under the guidance of the Continence Nurse.
- Assess and monitor skin condition, particularly in patients at risk of incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) or pressure damage.
- Gather relevant patient history and document changes in symptoms, skin integrity, and continence needs.
- Identify any concerns or deterioration in a patients condition and escalate appropriately to a registered nurse.
2. Continence Care and Product Management
- Support the reassessment of continence product requirements, ensuring correct product type, size, and usage.
- Provide patients and carers with guidance on correct use, fitting, and disposal of continence products.
- Monitor product usage and report any supply or suitability issues to the nursing team.
- Liaise with suppliers where required to ensure smooth provision of products.
3. Health Promotion and Education
- Provide education and advice on bladder and bowel health, hydration, nutrition, and toileting strategies.
- Promote skin care best practices to prevent breakdown and maintain integrity.
- Encourage and support lifestyle modifications where appropriate to improve continence outcomes.
4. Collaborative Working
- Work alongside Specialist Continence Nurses and other healthcare professionals to deliver coordinated care.
- Act as a chaperone for patients during intimate assessments or procedures.
- Contribute to team discussions and multidisciplinary meetings when required.
- Administrative duties in the absence of administration staff.
5. Home Visits and Community Care
- Visit patients in their homes, residential care settings, or clinics to conduct assessments and reviews.
- Ensure safe lone working practices and adhere to organisational safety protocols during community visits.
- Adapt care approaches to suit the patients environment, respecting privacy and dignity.
6. Record Keeping and Documentation
- Maintain accurate, timely, and legible patient records in line with service policies and data protection regulations.
- Complete required documentation following home visits, reviews, and assessments.
7. Professional Development
- Undertake mandatory and role-specific training, including continence care, skin integrity, and safeguarding.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of best practice in bladder and bowel care.
- Reflect on own practice and engage in supervision and appraisal processes.
8.Essential Skills and Attributes
- Compassionate and empathetic approach to patient care.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Organised with good attention to detail.
- Willingness to undertake intimate care tasks sensitively and professionally.
9.Working Conditions
- May require manual handling of patients and equipment.
- Exposure to bodily fluids during care activities.
- Must adhere to infection prevention and control measures.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The Health Care Assistant will support the Continence Service in delivering high-quality care to patients experiencing bladder and bowel issues. This includes undertaking assessments and reviews, promoting continence health, monitoring skin integrity, and supporting the provision and reassessment of continence products. The role will involve working closely with specialist nurses, acting as a chaperone, and visiting patients in various settings, including their own homes.
The post holder will contribute to improving patient outcomes by providing compassionate, safe, and person-centred care while always maintaining patient dignity and confidentiality
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Patient Assessment and Review
- Undertake routine reviews of patients with bladder and bowel conditions under the guidance of the Continence Nurse.
- Assess and monitor skin condition, particularly in patients at risk of incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) or pressure damage.
- Gather relevant patient history and document changes in symptoms, skin integrity, and continence needs.
- Identify any concerns or deterioration in a patients condition and escalate appropriately to a registered nurse.
2. Continence Care and Product Management
- Support the reassessment of continence product requirements, ensuring correct product type, size, and usage.
- Provide patients and carers with guidance on correct use, fitting, and disposal of continence products.
- Monitor product usage and report any supply or suitability issues to the nursing team.
- Liaise with suppliers where required to ensure smooth provision of products.
3. Health Promotion and Education
- Provide education and advice on bladder and bowel health, hydration, nutrition, and toileting strategies.
- Promote skin care best practices to prevent breakdown and maintain integrity.
- Encourage and support lifestyle modifications where appropriate to improve continence outcomes.
4. Collaborative Working
- Work alongside Specialist Continence Nurses and other healthcare professionals to deliver coordinated care.
- Act as a chaperone for patients during intimate assessments or procedures.
- Contribute to team discussions and multidisciplinary meetings when required.
- Administrative duties in the absence of administration staff.
5. Home Visits and Community Care
- Visit patients in their homes, residential care settings, or clinics to conduct assessments and reviews.
- Ensure safe lone working practices and adhere to organisational safety protocols during community visits.
- Adapt care approaches to suit the patients environment, respecting privacy and dignity.
6. Record Keeping and Documentation
- Maintain accurate, timely, and legible patient records in line with service policies and data protection regulations.
- Complete required documentation following home visits, reviews, and assessments.
7. Professional Development
- Undertake mandatory and role-specific training, including continence care, skin integrity, and safeguarding.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of best practice in bladder and bowel care.
- Reflect on own practice and engage in supervision and appraisal processes.
8.Essential Skills and Attributes
- Compassionate and empathetic approach to patient care.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Organised with good attention to detail.
- Willingness to undertake intimate care tasks sensitively and professionally.
9.Working Conditions
- May require manual handling of patients and equipment.
- Exposure to bodily fluids during care activities.
- Must adhere to infection prevention and control measures.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- NVQ Level 3 or equivalent experience
Experience
Essential
- Previous care/HCA experience
- Experience of working in a primary care setting - hospital, secure units/prisons, etc
- Competent assessing bowel , bladder and continence care
Desirable
- Continence/ bladder and bowel experience/knowledge
Skills
Essential
- Ability to assess risk and care plans effectively
- Good communication skills (written & verbal)
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- NVQ Level 3 or equivalent experience
Experience
Essential
- Previous care/HCA experience
- Experience of working in a primary care setting - hospital, secure units/prisons, etc
- Competent assessing bowel , bladder and continence care
Desirable
- Continence/ bladder and bowel experience/knowledge
Skills
Essential
- Ability to assess risk and care plans effectively
- Good communication skills (written & verbal)
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).
