Job responsibilities
JOB
DESCRIPTION
TITLE:
Healthcare
Assistant (HCA)
ACCOUNTABLE TO: Director
of Clinical Services
RESPONSIBLE TO: Director
of Clinical Services
HOURS: Full / Part time
LOCATION: Dr Kershaws Hospice
ROLE SUMMARY: To work as
a member of the Hospices
team to provide a consistently high
standard
of direct nursing care to the patient
and their significant others both in the Hospice and across community services
____________________________________________________________________
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Sound
basic education in English and Mathematics.
NVQ level 2 in Health Care/ Care Certificate or equivalent desirable
Previous
experience in palliative care setting desirable.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1.
To
work with the multidisciplinary team assisting to achieve a consistently high
standard of care for patients and their significant others both in the Hospice
and community services.
2.
To
apply the Hospice values and principles of behavior to uphold the good
reputation of the Hospice
3.
To
develop good communications with the patient and the family passing on all
relevant information to the Nurse in Charge/Care Coordinator
4.
To
inform Nurse in Charge/Care Coordinator of any change in the patients
condition.
5.
To
liaise with the Hospice staff as necessary to maintain the comfort and well-being
of the client.
6.
To
respect the privacy and dignity of the patient and their significant others at
all times.
7.
Support
patients to take their prescribed medication, and complete MAR Chart (Caring
Hands).
8.
Be
a counter signatory on the receipt, administration and stock balance checks of
Controlled Drugs, following the completion of Medicines Management training.
9.
Giving
and receiving telephone messages, following liaison with Nurse in Charge.
10.
To
carry out nursing practices for the patient in accordance with Hospice policy.
11.
To
know and carry out agreed procedures for the care and custody of patients
valuables and property.
12.
To
escort patients as requested by Nurse in Charge.
13.
To
observe and adhere to Hospice fire precautions.
14.
To
report all accidents, incidents, hazards or complaints to the Nurse in Charge/Care
Coordinator
15.
To
exercise care and economy in the use of property and equipment.
16.
Maintenance
of general tidiness throughout the Hospice including patient equipment.
17.
To
respect the particular needs of patients.
18.
To
be involved in verbal and written reports with supervision as needed. Ensuring all communication is of a high
standard.
19.
Co-operation
with the investigation of accidents and untoward occurrences. Ensuring that Hospice policy is adhered to.
20.
Attending
staff meetings and discussion groups as required.
21.
Participating
in in-service training programme.
22.
In
accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act, taking all precautions to
provide a safe environment for patients and colleagues.
23.
Accepting
opportunities to attend study days or educational visits. Completion of
Mandatory Training.
24.
Reporting
any defective equipment to the person in charge.
25.
Relaying
any queries or concerns from the client or their families to the Nurse in
Charge/Care Coordinator.
26.
Respecting
at all times the need to maintain confidentiality regarding all patient information.
27.
Assist
with the promotion of good staff morale.
Give support and help to others as appropriate.
28.
Adhere
to the Hospice a No Smoking policy
Volunteers
Dr
Kershaws Hospice is generously supported through its active volunteers who
work alongside employees of the Hospice, across all departments, helping to
fulfil the needs of the services.
As
part of all roles at the Hospice, it is expected that all post holders commit
to assisting and supporting volunteers to perform their roles to the best of
their ability. In addition, it may be required of the post holder to act
as a volunteer lead if identified with the Volunteer Co-coordinator, as
appropriate.
Health and Safety/Security
1.
To
be familiar with all requirements of the Health and Safety at Works Acts and
the Hospice Health & Safety policies and regulations applicable to the
post.
2.
To
co-operate actively with the nominated Health & Safety person in achieving
the aims of the Hospice Health & Safety Policy, Fire Regulations, related
issues and various procedures and ensure the legal requirements are met.
3.
To
take responsible care for the health and safety of themselves and of others who
may be affected by their acts or omission, and comply with the Health and
Safety legislation.
4.
To
wear appropriate safety clothing and use appropriate safety devices as
requires, and not to interfere with or misuse anything which is provided in the
interests of health and safety.
5.
To
report and co-operate with the investigation of all incidents and accidents
that have led to or may lead to injury and to report all hazards or shortcoming
in the protection arrangements.
6.
To
ensure as far as predictable that all materials used within the Hospice and its
subsidiaries for fundraising activities are properly stored, used and disposed
of and that any items of equipment are properly tested, used, maintained and
repaired as necessary.
7.
To
oversee Risk Management Assessments and ensure outcomes are acted upon.
Education & Training
The
post holder will:
1.
Participate
in the hospice appraisal system.
2.
To
maintain high professional standards and to continue own personal and
professional development.
3.
Assist
in teaching and supervision of other members of staff and volunteers.
4.
Participate
in the orientation of new staff.
5.
Attend
all mandatory training/update sessions.
General
1.
Confidentiality
- It is a condition of employment that staff will not disclose any information
obtained in the course of their duties other than to those entitled to receive
it. The post holder must ensure that the
confidentiality of personal data remains secure and the terms of the Data
Protection Act and relevant Hospice policies are met in respect of information
held on the Hospice computer system.
2.
Equal
Opportunities The Hospice is committed to equality of opportunity. All staff are required to comply with current
legislation and Hospice policies.
3.
Health
and Safety Staff must ensure they are familiar with the requirements of the
Health and Safety Work Act (1974) and the Hospice Health and Safety policies
and regulations applicable to their post.
4.
Safeguarding
Dr Kershaws Hospice is committed to safeguarding adults and children and
expects all staff to share in this commitment.
Staff have a responsibility to ensure that they are aware of specific
duties relating to their role and should familiarise themselves with the
Hospice safeguarding policy. Regular
safeguarding training updates will be held and are mandatory for all staff.
The
above indicates the main duties that may be reviewed in the light of experience
and developments within the service. Any
review will be undertaken in conjunction with the post holder.
The job description for this post
is not exhaustive and will be subject to review from time to time in accordance
with development and changes, if any, by the Hospice Senior Management Team in
consultation with the post holder.
This document is a guideline to the
general scope of duties involved and it is not intended as a rigid inflexible
specification.
Due to the nature of the organisation you will undertake any other
reasonable tasks or duties that are deemed to be within your capability, to
meet the needs of the organisations services and/or directed by a senior
manager to whom you have a reporting relationship.
