Healthcare Assistant

Job description

Job responsibilities

Personal Care Duties Welcome and orientate patients, carers, relatives, and other visitors to Critical Care always demonstrating care and compassion. Report any observed changes in the patients physical or psychological needs to the registered practitioner. Provide support/assistance to the registered practitioner whilst the registered practitioner performs clinical procedures (e.g. chest drain removal), and where appropriate, other members of the clinical team as required. Participate with emergencies i.e. cardiac arrest, patient falls and patients with a rapidly deteriorating condition. Assist with the transfer/escort of patients from one area to another within scope of practice alongside the registered practitioner. Assist in Care after Death for deceased patients ensuring that all religious and cultural wishes are adhered with. Assist in the maintenance of the patients individual hygiene requirements, including supporting/ undertaking fundamental patient care, such as washing, dressing, skin care, oral care, hair care, nail care etc. Ensure any concerns or changes in the patients' condition arereported to the registered practitioner. Assist in the prevention of pressure ulcers, complete required documentation and report any concerns or changes in skin integrity to the registered practitioner. Ensure safe and effective use of equipment and other aids deployed to assist patient movement and mobility e.g. walking aids, hoists etc.

Nutrition and Hydration Assist in the preparation of patients prior to them receiving meals and beverages, providing assistance with feeding / drinking where appropriate. Correctly record and monitor dietary and fluid intake of patients, informing registered practitioners of progress and / or any difficulties relating to dietary / fluid intake experiencedby the patient.Communication Communicate effectively and maintain good relationships with patients, relatives, and other healthcare practitioners. Ensure that consent is obtained prior to delivering all aspects of patient care.

Undertake duties as directed by the registered practitioner in relation to all verbal and writtencommunications, ensuring messages and communications relayed to other team members, as required. Listen to and value the views of patients and their relatives and / or on their experience and discuss this with registered practitioners to improve care and patient experience. Actively support and assist in alleviating distress and anxiety for patients and carers in line with their personal beliefs and preferences whilst in hospital, seeking support from a registered practitioner when required.Infection Prevention and Control In accordance with training, ensure safe and effective infection prevention and control (including waste management), handwashing and wearing of Personal Protective Equipment are always adhered to. Maintain cleanliness in the work environment in line with Health and Safety and InfectionPrevention policies and guidelines. Prepare and maintain environments for clinical procedures under the direction of a registered practitioner. Safely transport samples to the laboratory in a timely and professional manner. Collection of blood products from blood bank in accordance with Trust policy. Ensure specialist equipment is cleaned and prepared prior to and after use.General Ward/Department Duties Under the direction of a registered practitioner, organise the supply and maintenance of materials and ward or department equipment, ensuring they are placed in the correct area and present no hazards to staff, patients, or visitors. Assist in the transfer of materials and equipment as requested. Act as designated runner for isolated areas Manage patient property in accordance with Trust policy Clean and return equipment used in procedures and treatments or dispose of as appropriate. Assist with the checking and recording of deliveries to the clinical areas against original orders,including putting away stock medication. Assist with stock rotation, minimising the risk of equipment being out of date. To report any accidents or potential hazards involving self/patients/otherstaff/visitors/equipment to the registered practitioner in charge Perform fire warden and fridge temperature checks Chaperoning the patient in accordance with policy ensuring support to the patient inaccordance with Trust policies and procedures Use IT systems where appropriate and trained to do so, to record patient information e.g fluidbalance, nutrition, height and weight. Occasionally participate in audits, surveys, research and development activities. Answer the telephone in a courteous and professional manner, accurately taking messages and informing the relevant person(s).

Person Specification

QUALIFICATIONS / TRAINING

Essential

• English and Math GCSE grade 9-2 (A*-E) or equivalent or high level of literacy and numeracy skills demonstrated within application
• Competence based level 2 Qualification e.g. NVQ or Diploma in Care or The Care Certificate issued by an employer
• Willingness to undertake any training or development relevant to the role

Desirable

• Moving and Handling
• Infection Control
• Customer Care
• Competent / able to evidence the completion of Health Care Assistant core competencies
• Competence based level 3 Qualification e.g. NVQ or Diploma in Healthcare Support

KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE & EXPERTISE

Essential

• Previous employment with a healthcare setting (18 months)
• Insight into the roles of responsibilities of the post
• Demonstrate a commitment to a caring profession
• Understand the importance of record keeping
• Literacy Skills
• skills

Desirable

• Experience of record keeping

COMMUNICATION AND RELATIONSHIPS (INCLUDING MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES)

Essential

• Ability to work as a team member
• Ability to work in a busy environment
• Able to use own initiative
• Aware of own limitations/ level of competence
• Good communication Skills

Desirable

• Plan delegated workload

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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).

Employer details

Employer name

Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Calderdale Royal Hospital

Salterhebble

Halifax

HX3 0PW

Employer's website

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