Orthopaedic Care Assistant

Job description

Job responsibilities

Job overview

To support the nursing, physiotherapy and occupational therapy team in delivering treatment and rehabilitation by practicing exercise, transfers and mobility. To use a wide variety of manual handling equipment to support treatments and help with post-surgery rehabilitation such as hoist, sliding sheets, rota stand, sliding board, walking frames, crutches and sticks. To be able to work with direct or indirect supervision dependant on complexity of patient/task and recognise limitations of practice, and appropriately feedback to qualified ward therapists. Working in collaboration with patients and their carers and the MDT, to ensure a joined up and integrated approach to patient care Enabling individuals to increase independence Attend annual mandatory training sessions as required by the Trust to ensure own compliance with regard to mandatory training To complete the care certificate and be working towards related competencies for the role

Main duties of the job

Clinical To support the nursing and therapy team in delivering fundamentals of care as per NMC and in their treatment and rehabilitation by practicing exercise, transfer and mobility. To use a wide variety of manual handling equipment to support treatments such as hoist, sliding sheets, rota-stand, sliding board, walking frames, crutches and sticks. Willing and able to work across a variety of settings and clinical areas To support team operational delivery of care though supporting daily planning, working flexibly across different teams due to staffing/operational pressures. To carry out a limited range of clinical duties with minimal / no supervision, including for example; blood pressure monitoring, oxygen saturation levels, body temperature, pulse rate and respiration rate, glucose monitoring, collection and testing of urine samples / faecal samples / sputum samples and wound swabs ensuring delivery of high-quality patient care at all times. NB: this list is not exhaustive and will vary depending on area of work.

To follow instructions from senior staff and managers. As not all duties are routine and you will need to use your knowledge, experience and understanding to take decisions within your area of responsibility. Responsible for transporting patients to radiology and other clinical departments within the Trust for scheduled procedures or consultations including discharge from hospital

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is proud to care for the communities of West Essex, delivering safe, compassionate, and high-quality services. We are part of the Neighbourhood Wave—a national programme that’s changing how care is delivered by focusing on prevention, early support, and more joined-up services across health, social care, and the voluntary sector.

This means we’re working more closely with local partners to bring care closer to home and support people to live healthier, more independent lives.

We’re a supportive and inclusive organisation that values its people. We offer development opportunities, flexible working, and a strong focus on wellbeing. As a Disability Confident and equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.

Join us and help shape the future of care in West Essex.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To recognise a deteriorating patient, or changes in a patient that require escalating to a senior member of staff. To have a good awareness of health and safety regulations, reporting incidents and safeguarding issues where appropriate. To establish working relationships with other members of the multidisciplinary team working within the unit and to contribute to a high standard of patient care At all times, to exhibit and maintain a high standard of competence in the skills taught, and a professional attitude and behaviour, gaining patient consent appropriately, observing the rules of confidentiality and respecting the patient’s rights To record patient activity in the patient’s records in line with the local policy, and demonstrate high standards of documentation Provide comfort, reassurance and support to patients and/or their carers if anxious or distressed Assist with essential patient care, e.g. making beds, sorting clean linen, etc Assist patients to become as independent as possible by giving the appropriate level of support as delegated and under supervision Assist patients to access and use appropriate toilet facilities, ensuring privacy and dignity are maintained Assist with checking pain levels and requesting pain relieving medication on patient’s behalf Undertake a range of duties involving direct patient care, as instructed by experienced practitioners’ and ensure delegated nursing care is completed safely and effectively: e.g. Washing patients’ Shaving patients’ Caring for deceased patients’ Demonstrate throughout all interventions and tasks the Trust values

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Maths and English Level 2
• Evidence of clear concise communication skills in written and spoken English
• Care certificate

Experience

Essential

• Experience as a Health Care assistant or Therapy assistant
• Awareness of needs of older people/vulnerable patients

Desirable

• Previous rehabilitation experience
• Experience of delivering reablement care
• Experience of working in an acute hospital setting

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

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust

Address

The Princess Alexandra Hospital

Harlow

Essex

CM20 1QX

Employer's website

https://www.pah.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)