Job summary
A further opportunity has arisen for a dynamic, skilled individual to join our friendly, caring team at the North West Regional Spinal Injuries Centre at Southport District General Hospital.
We are looking for a caring and committed individual who would like to expand their knowledge and skills within this challenging and rewarding environment. The ability to deal supportively with people of all ages and backgrounds, along with their families, in a period of unprecedented change is essential.
Communication skills and the ability to work as part of a multi-professional team are critical to the success of the role.
Previous experience of working within an acute hospital setting would be advantageous as this role involves expanded skills in caring for patients with spinal cord injury. You should have completed NVQ Level 3 in Healthcare / Care Certificate or equivalent or be undertaking the course with completion expected within 6 months of taking up post.
Main duties of the job
There is currently a 12hour rotational shift pattern with the opportunity for shorter shifts to ensure availability of staff throughout the 24hour period. Staff are expected to be flexible as internal rotation between day and night duty is in operation and weekend working is to be expected.
The Health Care Assistant role at the North West Regional Spinal Injuries Centre is a key part of the multi-professional team & vital in supporting the rehabilitation process for patients with spinal cord injury.
The role involves providing direct care on a daily basis to ensure patients are able to achieve their goals for personal hygiene, eating & drinking, skin care & mobilising in a wheelchair, with expanded skills undertaken by the Band 3 Health Care Assistant.
The Centre comprises of 43 Inpatient beds, including up to 9 Acute & Respiratory Care beds. In addition we have developed an Outreach Service that currently offers 8 beds in a community setting.
We provide acute care and rehabilitation services for individuals who have experienced a spinal cord lesion due to trauma or other mechanism.
There is an extensive rehabilitation service provided by a comprehensive Multi-Professional team with dedicated rehabilitation & therapy facilities within the department, including a fully equipped Gym, Hydrotherapy pool, Gait Orthosis equipment and Occupational Therapy assessment / treatment area.
About us
The Secretary of State has approved the partnership between St Helens & Knowsley Teaching Hospitals and Southport & Ormskirk Hospitals.
From 1st July we have come together as a single organisation under the name Mersey & West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.
The Trust delivers acute hospital care, intermediate care, community, and primary care services to a population of over 600,000 people with a combined workforce of around 9000 dedicated and skilled staff from 17 locations including Whiston, Southport & Formby, St Helens, Ormskirk and Newton hospitals.
The Trust provides regional services for burns, plastic surgery and spinal injuries to more than 4 million people across Mersey and West Lancashire, Cheshire, the Isle of Man and North Wales.
Our Vision is to deliver 5 Star Patient Care:
- CAREthat is evidence based, high quality and compassionate
- SAFETY that is of the highest standards
- COMMUNICATION that is open, inclusive and respectful
- SYSTEMS that are efficient, patient centred and reliable
- PATHWAYS that are best practice and embedded, but also respect the individual needs of patients
Our achievements include:
- Trust rated Outstanding by CQC Inspection August 2018
- Top 100 places to work in the NHS (NHS Employers & Health Service Journal)
- Awarded National Preceptorship Accreditation (2023) for our Nursing & AHP Preceptorship Programme
Please see our Wellbeing & Benefits booklet for more information on our staff benefits. Accessible version available.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Bed bathing / showering patients & assisting with transfer to & from shower chairs.
Assisting with elimination needs including insertion of suppositories / other bowel prep, DRF, urethral catheter management.
Assisting patients to dress & undress.
Frequent manual handling procedures such as repositioning in bed, hoisting from bed to chair & back, use of slide boards to transfer from bed to chair & back.
Assisting with meal provision & nutritional / hydration needs.
Working alongside Band 2 Health Care Assistants to direct patient care.
Reporting any changes to the Registered Nurse & ensuring appropriate documentation is completed in a timely manner i.e. repositioning schedules, food charts, intentional rounding charts.
Advertising Date - 1st September 2023
Closing Date - 10th September 2023
Shortlisting Date - 11th September 2023
Proposed Interview Date - w/c 18th September 2023
Please note this vacancy may close early upon receipt of sufficient applications
Job description
Job responsibilities
Bed bathing / showering patients & assisting with transfer to & from shower chairs.
Assisting with elimination needs including insertion of suppositories / other bowel prep, DRF, urethral catheter management.
Assisting patients to dress & undress.
Frequent manual handling procedures such as repositioning in bed, hoisting from bed to chair & back, use of slide boards to transfer from bed to chair & back.
Assisting with meal provision & nutritional / hydration needs.
Working alongside Band 2 Health Care Assistants to direct patient care.
Reporting any changes to the Registered Nurse & ensuring appropriate documentation is completed in a timely manner i.e. repositioning schedules, food charts, intentional rounding charts.
Advertising Date - 1st September 2023
Closing Date - 10th September 2023
Shortlisting Date - 11th September 2023
Proposed Interview Date - w/c 18th September 2023
Please note this vacancy may close early upon receipt of sufficient applications
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- NVQ level 3 Health & Social Care or equivalent
- Care Certificate (equivalent to Level 1)
- Literacy & numeracy functional skills level 2 or equivalent
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Knowledge of personal care & related procedures
- Demonstrable experience of working in a patient care / health related role
- Experience of working in a team
Skills & abilities
Essential
- Ability to communicate effectively in both verbal & written formats
- Experience of supporting junior staff & learners
- Flexible in working hours
- Ability to cope in stressful & challenging situations
Working Conditions
Essential
- Able to carry out direct clinical care as required on ward or department
- Potential blood or body fluid exposure
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- NVQ level 3 Health & Social Care or equivalent
- Care Certificate (equivalent to Level 1)
- Literacy & numeracy functional skills level 2 or equivalent
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Knowledge of personal care & related procedures
- Demonstrable experience of working in a patient care / health related role
- Experience of working in a team
Skills & abilities
Essential
- Ability to communicate effectively in both verbal & written formats
- Experience of supporting junior staff & learners
- Flexible in working hours
- Ability to cope in stressful & challenging situations
Working Conditions
Essential
- Able to carry out direct clinical care as required on ward or department
- Potential blood or body fluid exposure
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).
