Job summary
We are looking for a Band 3 Clinical Health Care Assistant to join the Experimental Cancer Medicine Team (ECMT) covering a portfolio of early phase oncology clinical trials in all solid tumour types. ECMT works to deliver the next generation of cancer treatments including, Chemotherapy, Immunotherapy, targeted therapies and other novel agents.
Research at the Christie is supported through the R&I division and provides opportunities to develop research skills and knowledge with educational packages and support.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will work alongside a team of Consultants, Senior Clinical Research Nurses, Clinical Research Nurses and clinical trial administrators to deliver a range of complex treatments to a high standard of care. Although desirable, research experience is not essential for this role however the post holder should have a minimum of twelve months relevant healthcare experience. This is a clinical role and so experience in clinical skills such as venepuncture, cannulation and ECG's would be desirable however training can be provided.
The post holder will assist the research nursing team in supporting patients participating in clinical trials, completing trial related assessments following protocols including observations, bloods including trial specific bloods and completing ECGs. You will play an important role in supporting and coordinating our outpatient clinics as well as helping with some administrative tasks. You will need to be caring and compassionate. Flexibility in working is essential.
About us
The Christie is one of Europe's leading cancer centres, treating over 60,000 patients a year. We are based in Manchester and serve a population of 3.2 million across Greater Manchester & Cheshire, but as a national specialist around 15% patients are referred to us from other parts of the country.
We provide radiotherapy through one of the largest radiotherapy departments in the world; chemotherapy on site and through 14 other hospitals; highly specialist surgery for complex and rare cancer; and a wide range of support and diagnostic services. We are also an international leader in research, with world first breakthroughs for over 100 years.
We run one of the largest early clinical trial units in Europe with over 300 trials every year. Cancer research in Manchester, most of which is undertaken on the Christie site, has been officially ranked the best in the UK.
Job description
Job responsibilities
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide a supportive role within ECMT for nursing, medical and clerical Staff.
- Undertake the nursing care needs of patients, ensuring privacy & dignity is maintained.
- Write reports of care given under the covering signature of a qualified nurse.
- Participate in procedures appropriate to the department.
- Support and assist in the induction and training of other Health Care Assistants.
- Covering ECMT outpatient clinics which involves taking requested blood from a Central Venous Catheter (CVC), a portacath or peripherally, rooming patients, height and weight recording, patient observations, Echocardiograms (ECGS) and liaising with medical staff.
- Be able to act independently as clinic co-ordinator and ensure the safe and timely through put of patients.
- Rotate to work on the treatment floor, assisting nursing staff during treatments and discharging patients.
- Safely escort patients to other areas and deliver blood samples to key departments.
- Assist in the provision of meals and refreshments for patients whilst attending outpatient clinics or treatment on the CRF.
- Help to maintain a safe environment and report faults and risks to the nurse in charge.
- Liaise with the Estates department for repairs and maintain maintenance records.
- Liaise with Housekeeper who is responsible for stores, stationery and ordering. Assist in the maintenance of stock levels.
- Handle patients personal possessions, ensuring cash and valuables kept securely.
- Aid the safe storage of medicines and the return of any unused medication to pharmacy.
- Assist staff with procedures.
EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- The Health Care Assistant is responsible for their own personal development and maintaining a personal development plan.
- To complete competency modules relevant for ECMT services, in line with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and Trust policies.
- Annually attend all mandatory study days including Principles and Practice of Intravenous Skills, Infection prevention and control, Cardio- pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), moving and handling, fire safety, and patient observations.
- Annually update Intravenous (IV) skills including phlebotomy, Central Venous Catheter (CVC), Peripheral Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) and cannula management.
- To work towards and complete the Christie Care Certificate qualification in an allotted time frame if not already completed.
PERSONAL
- Demonstrate a pleasant and approachable manner and help create and promote good working relationships.
- Communicate effectively and appropriately in the giving and receiving of verbal and written communications.
- Show a professional and courteous manner when answering the telephone and other enquires.
- Maintain confidentiality with regard to patient information both at work and outside of working hours.
- To be aware of and adhere to all policies including; sickness and absence, confidentiality, uniform and responsibilities under the Health and Safety at work act.
- Report and record all accidents and complaints according to the agreed policy.
- To show respect for members of the team and endorse the ECMT and Christie philosophy of giving mutual support.
- To be aware of limitations and utilise the preceptor system for any issues that arise.
Job description
Job responsibilities
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide a supportive role within ECMT for nursing, medical and clerical Staff.
- Undertake the nursing care needs of patients, ensuring privacy & dignity is maintained.
- Write reports of care given under the covering signature of a qualified nurse.
- Participate in procedures appropriate to the department.
- Support and assist in the induction and training of other Health Care Assistants.
- Covering ECMT outpatient clinics which involves taking requested blood from a Central Venous Catheter (CVC), a portacath or peripherally, rooming patients, height and weight recording, patient observations, Echocardiograms (ECGS) and liaising with medical staff.
- Be able to act independently as clinic co-ordinator and ensure the safe and timely through put of patients.
- Rotate to work on the treatment floor, assisting nursing staff during treatments and discharging patients.
- Safely escort patients to other areas and deliver blood samples to key departments.
- Assist in the provision of meals and refreshments for patients whilst attending outpatient clinics or treatment on the CRF.
- Help to maintain a safe environment and report faults and risks to the nurse in charge.
- Liaise with the Estates department for repairs and maintain maintenance records.
- Liaise with Housekeeper who is responsible for stores, stationery and ordering. Assist in the maintenance of stock levels.
- Handle patients personal possessions, ensuring cash and valuables kept securely.
- Aid the safe storage of medicines and the return of any unused medication to pharmacy.
- Assist staff with procedures.
EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- The Health Care Assistant is responsible for their own personal development and maintaining a personal development plan.
- To complete competency modules relevant for ECMT services, in line with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and Trust policies.
- Annually attend all mandatory study days including Principles and Practice of Intravenous Skills, Infection prevention and control, Cardio- pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), moving and handling, fire safety, and patient observations.
- Annually update Intravenous (IV) skills including phlebotomy, Central Venous Catheter (CVC), Peripheral Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) and cannula management.
- To work towards and complete the Christie Care Certificate qualification in an allotted time frame if not already completed.
PERSONAL
- Demonstrate a pleasant and approachable manner and help create and promote good working relationships.
- Communicate effectively and appropriately in the giving and receiving of verbal and written communications.
- Show a professional and courteous manner when answering the telephone and other enquires.
- Maintain confidentiality with regard to patient information both at work and outside of working hours.
- To be aware of and adhere to all policies including; sickness and absence, confidentiality, uniform and responsibilities under the Health and Safety at work act.
- Report and record all accidents and complaints according to the agreed policy.
- To show respect for members of the team and endorse the ECMT and Christie philosophy of giving mutual support.
- To be aware of limitations and utilise the preceptor system for any issues that arise.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- NVQ Level II in care or equivalent experience
Desirable
Experience
Essential
- Previous working in a healthcare environment
Skills
Essential
- Good communication skills
Knowledge
Essential
- Knowledge and understanding of patient observations
- Participate in personal development
Desirable
- Competent in routine observations and tests
Value
Essential
- Ability to demonstrate the organisational values and behaviours
Other
Essential
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- NVQ Level II in care or equivalent experience
Desirable
Experience
Essential
- Previous working in a healthcare environment
Skills
Essential
- Good communication skills
Knowledge
Essential
- Knowledge and understanding of patient observations
- Participate in personal development
Desirable
- Competent in routine observations and tests
Value
Essential
- Ability to demonstrate the organisational values and behaviours
Other
Essential
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).
