Job responsibilities
The HCSW is a member of the team who undertakes clinical activities as directed by a registered nurse. The main roles are to support registered health care staff to deliver high quality, compassionate health care to patients in accordance with assessed needs and care plans, To support the clinical team with day to day supervision of junior staff/students, using your own initiative, independently and as part of a team, in order to accommodate changing demands on the wider clinical team, To support the department staff to provide a high quality service.
Your daily duties will be varied but may include: maintenance of patient hygiene, serving meals/feeding of patients, reporting patients intake and recording on charts as appropriate. Escalating any concerns relating to nutritional intake, Assist with patients elimination needs, including recording outputs where appropriate, collecting and testing urine and stool samples. Supporting staff by undertaking delegated clinical tasks. Moving and repositioning of patients. Dressing/undressing of patients. Tying up of dirty linen bags and despatching to laundry and replenishing of linen and stock cupboards. Cleaning and tidying examination rooms/clinic areas. Assist with patients mobilisation, ensuring safe environment and using appropriate techniques. Assist in the care of relatives and visitors. Chaperone professional staff where appropriate and accompany patients to other departments as necessary. Be involved in patient booking in/admission procedures by introducing patients to department area. Be adaptable and flexible to working in various areas of the department. Assist the multi professional team to prepare and support patients undergoing treatment and/or investigation maintaining privacy and dignity at all times. Assisting in the care of the dying patient, which may include exposure to distressing or emotional situations. Communication and relationships. The HCSW's relationship with both staff and patients should be discreet, keeping patient information confidential. Report to the nurse in charge re; matters of concern relating to patients and the department environment. Answer the telephone, refer to appropriate person. Be aware of the need to greet visitors and ascertain the purpose of their visit. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of health and safety at work in order to maintain a safe environment. Undertake duties outside your working area (e.g. delivery and collection) to assist in maintaining good communication. Follow trust and national policies, participating in discussions on proposed changes to procedures as appropriate. To use a range of verbal and no-verbal communication strategies to support patients, including potential occasional exposure to patients exhibiting challenging or aggressive behaviour. Clinical Support. Assess patient condition through observations, test result, assess comfort of patient and instigate emergency procedures as indicated. Where training has been provided and competence assured, your delegated daily duties will be varied depending on area in which you are working. These may include (but are not restricted to): Taking and recording and monitoring of patient observations to include, blood pressure, pulse, oxygen saturations, temperature and respirations. This includes accurate calculation and recording of NEWS 2 (early warning score) and escalation to registered staff as indicated by score, Blood glucose monitoring. Support registered staff and the ward team in responding to emergency situations Measuring and recording of patient height and weight. Apply a simple range of dressings using both clean and aseptic techniques and taking of wound swabs as indicated. Undertake ECG recordings. Collect blood samples (peripheral or venous) as directed by a registered nurse, ensuring its safe storage, transport or disposal as appropriate. Collection of sputum samples. Removal of sutures and clips. Undertake an associate link/link nurse role where appropriate. Recording actions accurately and contemporaneously in relevant IT system. Cleaning, Maintain tidiness and cleanliness of areas and equipment as instructed. Clerical duties, Undertake a range of clerical duties service, this may involve: Reception/telephone duties, Basic computer skills, Filing, Education. To engage in and complete relevant short courses to support patient care and clinical duties. This should include the completion the National Care Certificate and any other internal development opportunities. To support other health care assistants and junior staff through mentorship and local induction. Our Shared Values and Behaviours. We are committed to delivering outstanding care and creating a culture where everyone feels respected, valued and supported. We seek individuals who share our purpose of helping people live healthier, more fulfilling lives, and who are motivated by our mission to be the best team we can be. You will be expected to uphold our values by communicating openly, acting with kindness, showing respect for others and taking responsibility for your actions. These values guide how we work together and continually improve the care we provide.
Our values are: Being open and honest communicate clearly and honestly, asking for help when we need it, and making it easier for the people around us to share ideas and concerns. Ensuring people feel cared for we all take responsibility for actively supporting and nurturing a kind and compassionate environment for ourselves and others. Showing respect for everyone we all act with consideration and fairness, valuing each other as individuals and appreciating our different perspectives.
Competence; The post holder is responsible for limiting their actions to those which they feel competent to undertake. If the post holder has any doubts as to their competence during the course of their duties, then they should immediately speak to their line manager or supervisor.
Codes of conduct; All employees of the Trust who are required to be registered with a professional body, to enable them to practise within their profession, are required to comply with their code of conduct and requirements of their professional registration. Those staff that are not required to be registered with a professional body are required to comply with the Trusts codes of conduct.
Confidentiality; The post holder must maintain confidentiality, security and integrity of information relating to patients, staff and other Health Service business.
Records Management; All employees of the Trust are legally responsible for all records that they gather, create or use as part of their work within the Trust (including patient, financial, personnel and administrative), whether paper or computer based. All such records are considered public records and all employees have a legal duty of confidence to service users. Employees should consult their manager if they have any doubt as to the correct management of records with which they work.
Health and Safety; Employees must be aware of the responsibilities placed on them under the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) and the Manual Handling Operations Regulations (1992) and all relevant Trust Health and Safety Policies and Guidance. This ensures that the agreed safety procedures are carried out to maintain a safe environment for employees, patients and visitors to the Trust.
Infection Control; Employees must accept personal responsibility and accountability for Infection Prevention and Control practice. Employees should ensure they are familiar with, and comply with, all relevant Infection Control policies for minimising the risk of avoidable Health Care Associated Infection. All Employees must undertake annual mandatory updates in Infection Control.
Commitment to Improvement; Our improvement methodology supports delivery of our strategic objectives by equipping teams with the skills and mindset to drive continuous improvement. It promotes a shared approach to identifying, communicating, and measuring change to enhance care quality and safety. You will be expected to take part in relevant training to support this.
