Senior Healthcare Assistant - Interventional Radiology

King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

This job is now closed

Job summary

Are you looking to join a team who are world leaders in innovative radiological interventions?

If so, whether you are wanting to commence your career in radiology or seeking an opportunity to join this progressive unit to further your radiology experience, then please read on as King's College Hospital wants to invest in you!

The Radiology department at King's College Hospital NHS Trust enjoys the reputation of being a world leader in innovative radiological interventions.

The nursing and the imaging team are looking for an enthusiastic band 3 Senior Health Care Assistant staff to join the department. This role will give you the opportunity to work in various areas within the radiology department; this includes the general and neuro angio suite, CT, Ultrasound. The radiology department runs a day time service from Monday to Friday with varying shift patterns.

The applicant must have some previous experience of working within National Health Service. The ideal candidate must be expected to demonstrated commitment to their own personal development and show keen interest in the future development of the profession and the imaging services.

If you are motivated, enthusiastic to learn new skills, and committed to the delivery of high quality patient care this is an ideal opportunity for you to grow and develop within the radiology setting.

Main duties of the job

In the angio suite, the role of the SHCA with the appropriate training will include scrubbing and circulating during interventional procedures within the angio suite, assisting doctors with ultrasound and CT guided procedures, and assessing and managing the needs of patient in the recovery area.

The post holder is expected to be highly flexible and plays a pro-active role in aiding the department in their specific need. You will either be allocated to work in interventional radiology or neuroradiology.

This successful candidate will, with full training will be expected :

To assist, under supervision, in the delivery of nursing care within Radiology services and associated clinical areas, working in liaison with the multidisciplinary team.
To assist with administrative and clerical duties to ensure the effective running of the department.
To maintain own personal development with support from ward/departmental manager.
After appropriate training, the IR HCA's (Assistant Practitioners) to incorporate patient care pre- and post-procedure as well as assisting during procedures.
After training, to scrub for specified procedures where deemed safe.
To monitor and record patient observations

Particular emphasis is put at King's on the need to ensure all staff recognise their responsibility to deliver services in a high quality, courteous, patient focused manner, maintaining patient confidentiality at all times, in line with King's Values.

About us

King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of the UK's largest and busiest teaching Trusts with a turnover of £1 billion, 1.5 million patient contacts a year and more than 15,000 staff based across South East London. The Trust provides a full range of local and specialist services across its five sites. The trust-wide strategy of Strong Roots, Global Reachis our Vision to be BOLD, Brilliant people, Outstanding care, Leaders in Research, Innovation and Education, Diversity, Equality and Inclusion at the heart of everything we do. By being person-centred, digitally-enabled, and focused on sustainability, we aim to take Team King's to another level.

We are at a pivotal point in our history and we require individuals who are ready to join a highly professional team and make a real, lasting difference to our patients and our people.

King's is committed to delivering Sustainable Healthcare for All via our Green Plan. In line with national Greener NHS ambitions, we have set net zero carbon targets of 2040 for our NHS Carbon Footprint and 2045 for our NHS Carbon Footprint Plus. Everyone's contribution is required in order to meet the goals set out in our Green Plan and we encourage all staff to work responsibly, minimising their contributions to the Trust's carbon emissions, waste and pollution wherever possible.

Date posted

02 February 2024

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£27,948 to £29,468 a year Per annum including high cost area

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

213-DH-7817

Job locations

King's College Hospital

Denmark Hill

London

SE5 9RS

Job description

Job responsibilities

Clinical Practice:

To work under guidance from a registered nurse, following instructions and promptly reporting any problems.

You will be able to perform the following:

To assist with transporting/escorting of patients within and to other departments in the hospital & Trust
To assist patients with activities of daily living whilst encouraging independence, as appropriate
To monitor and record clinical observations for patients including urinalysis and blood glucose monitoring, and as requested by a Registered Nurse using the trust medical recording system (EPIC)
Using the early warning scoring system where relevant to record observations on the trust medical record documentation system (EPIC) and appropriately report and escalate any changes noted in the patients condition
To assist with patient nutritional needs eating, drinking, menu selection, meal delivery and special diets according to the individual patients requirements
To assist in the maintenance of up to date, comprehensive and accurate records in accordance with current Trust & legal requirements
To assist in the admission and discharge of patients, including any necessary risk assessments
After appropriate training, to assist in the collection of specimens (venepuncture & cannulation) including blood samples to the laboratory and collection of blood products
After appropriate training, scrub to set up a sterile field and assist the radiologist with procedures as the scrubbed assistant.
Able to work responsibly in a restricted area, where x-ray radiation is utilised.
To support the team with radiation protection clinical practices
To participate in maintaining standards of hygiene, cleanliness and infection control, reporting problems as appropriate.
To act as a patient chaperone whilst assisting nurses and other healthcare professionals (e.g. radiographer, Dr), to ensure privacy & dignity are maintained at all times.
To ensure equipment is clean at all times, stored safely when not in use and report faults as appropriate
To assist in setting up and preparing patient areas appropriately to the clinical area.
To ensure that ward stock levels of linen, sterile supplies and stationery are maintained at all times in conjunction with the ward manager/receptionist.
To assist in the maintenance and safekeeping of patients property in line with Trust policy
To assist department staff with general collection/delivery of items necessary to ensure effective operational management of department
To assist in performing the last offices as requested
To conduct clinical ward audits according to Trust schedule
To be an active participant and support the department as a whole i.e rotating to IR/Neuro department as requested
To liaise with referring doctors and ward staff, to ensure pre procedural work is completed
Participate in, and ensure the completion, of the World Health Organization (WHO), National Patient Safety Agency(NPSA), and Radiology safety checklist
Coordinate and document planned patient care during the procedural phase
To practice and monitor the correct wearing of gowns, gloves, and masks where necessary

Customer Care/Administration:

To ensure all patients and relatives are welcomed and orientated to the clinical environment
To assist with the care of distressed patients/relatives, or bereaved relatives
To assist with clerical and ward administrative duties, including data management, photocopying, transporting of equipment/data/ paperwork to other departments
To provide clear and effective information and communication, both verbally and in writing. Promptly referring enquiries to the relevant person
To maintain confidentiality at all times, in and out of the hospital environment to Trust & National guidelines
To demonstrate an awareness of the different cultural, ethnic and religious needs of individuals.
Participate in radiology nurse team meetings, helping the nurse manager with the running of these, including preparation of minutes, updates and agendas.
To conduct patient experience feedback audit, to manually enter responses on the system
To support and inform family members and carers who often accompany patients for both elective and emergency procedures
To create a safe and therapeutic environment for both the patient and the staff

Personal and Professional Development:

To adhere to, and work within the code of conduct for healthcare assistants/clinical support workers at Kings College Hospital
To be able to identify with support own development needs, completing the Care Certificate and local competency document within a specified time frame and as agreed by manager
To ensure own attendance at mandatory study days and training (BLS, manual handling etc.) as required by ward/departmental manager
To update skills and knowledge as required by the Trust
To actively participate in annual individual performance review
To ensure you seek from the nurse in charge his/her expectation of your work for each shift.

Management:

To manage an agreed workload with supervision and support from colleagues and senior staff
To work within and support the multidisciplinary team, contributing ideas toward future developments
To maintain effective communication and professional relationships with all areas within the care group and associated clinical areas within the Trust
To participate in reflection and or clinical supervision sessions as provided
To observe personal and collective responsibility for resource management
To observe a general duty of care for the health, safety and well being of self, work colleagues, visitors and patients within the hospital
To be responsible, with others, for any specific risk management associated with the post, reporting and taking appropriate actions as necessary
To liaise with procurement services to request consumables used in a timely fashion
Ability to communicate with the team regarding ordering of radiology non-stock consumables, identifying and reporting and issues which arise.
After appropriate training, to effectively utilise the Omnicell system to ensure stocks are maintained and escalate any issues

General:

The post holder has a general duty of care for their own health, safety and well-being and that of work colleagues, visitors and patients within the hospital, in addition to any specific risk management or clinical governance accountabilities associated with this post.
To observe the rules, policies, procedures and standards of Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust together with all relevant statutory and professional obligations.
To observe and maintain strict confidentiality of personal information relating to patients and staff.
To be responsible, with management support, for their own personal development and to actively contribute to the development of colleagues.
This job description is intended as a guide to the general scope of duties and is not intended to be definitive or restrictive. It is expected that some of the duties will change over time and this description will be subject to review in consultation with the post holder
All employees must hold an nhs.net account which will be the Trusts formal route for email communication. You are therefore required to check this regularly and to deal with such communication properly

Infection Control Statement:

The post holder has an important responsibility for and contribution to make to infection control and must be familiar with the infection control and hygiene requirements of this role.
These requirements are set out in the National Code of Practice on Infection Control and in local policies and procedures which will be made clear during your induction and subsequent refresher training. These standards must be strictly complied with at all times.
Practice the principles of asepsis and act as lead professional in infection control

Job description

Job responsibilities

Clinical Practice:

To work under guidance from a registered nurse, following instructions and promptly reporting any problems.

You will be able to perform the following:

To assist with transporting/escorting of patients within and to other departments in the hospital & Trust
To assist patients with activities of daily living whilst encouraging independence, as appropriate
To monitor and record clinical observations for patients including urinalysis and blood glucose monitoring, and as requested by a Registered Nurse using the trust medical recording system (EPIC)
Using the early warning scoring system where relevant to record observations on the trust medical record documentation system (EPIC) and appropriately report and escalate any changes noted in the patients condition
To assist with patient nutritional needs eating, drinking, menu selection, meal delivery and special diets according to the individual patients requirements
To assist in the maintenance of up to date, comprehensive and accurate records in accordance with current Trust & legal requirements
To assist in the admission and discharge of patients, including any necessary risk assessments
After appropriate training, to assist in the collection of specimens (venepuncture & cannulation) including blood samples to the laboratory and collection of blood products
After appropriate training, scrub to set up a sterile field and assist the radiologist with procedures as the scrubbed assistant.
Able to work responsibly in a restricted area, where x-ray radiation is utilised.
To support the team with radiation protection clinical practices
To participate in maintaining standards of hygiene, cleanliness and infection control, reporting problems as appropriate.
To act as a patient chaperone whilst assisting nurses and other healthcare professionals (e.g. radiographer, Dr), to ensure privacy & dignity are maintained at all times.
To ensure equipment is clean at all times, stored safely when not in use and report faults as appropriate
To assist in setting up and preparing patient areas appropriately to the clinical area.
To ensure that ward stock levels of linen, sterile supplies and stationery are maintained at all times in conjunction with the ward manager/receptionist.
To assist in the maintenance and safekeeping of patients property in line with Trust policy
To assist department staff with general collection/delivery of items necessary to ensure effective operational management of department
To assist in performing the last offices as requested
To conduct clinical ward audits according to Trust schedule
To be an active participant and support the department as a whole i.e rotating to IR/Neuro department as requested
To liaise with referring doctors and ward staff, to ensure pre procedural work is completed
Participate in, and ensure the completion, of the World Health Organization (WHO), National Patient Safety Agency(NPSA), and Radiology safety checklist
Coordinate and document planned patient care during the procedural phase
To practice and monitor the correct wearing of gowns, gloves, and masks where necessary

Customer Care/Administration:

To ensure all patients and relatives are welcomed and orientated to the clinical environment
To assist with the care of distressed patients/relatives, or bereaved relatives
To assist with clerical and ward administrative duties, including data management, photocopying, transporting of equipment/data/ paperwork to other departments
To provide clear and effective information and communication, both verbally and in writing. Promptly referring enquiries to the relevant person
To maintain confidentiality at all times, in and out of the hospital environment to Trust & National guidelines
To demonstrate an awareness of the different cultural, ethnic and religious needs of individuals.
Participate in radiology nurse team meetings, helping the nurse manager with the running of these, including preparation of minutes, updates and agendas.
To conduct patient experience feedback audit, to manually enter responses on the system
To support and inform family members and carers who often accompany patients for both elective and emergency procedures
To create a safe and therapeutic environment for both the patient and the staff

Personal and Professional Development:

To adhere to, and work within the code of conduct for healthcare assistants/clinical support workers at Kings College Hospital
To be able to identify with support own development needs, completing the Care Certificate and local competency document within a specified time frame and as agreed by manager
To ensure own attendance at mandatory study days and training (BLS, manual handling etc.) as required by ward/departmental manager
To update skills and knowledge as required by the Trust
To actively participate in annual individual performance review
To ensure you seek from the nurse in charge his/her expectation of your work for each shift.

Management:

To manage an agreed workload with supervision and support from colleagues and senior staff
To work within and support the multidisciplinary team, contributing ideas toward future developments
To maintain effective communication and professional relationships with all areas within the care group and associated clinical areas within the Trust
To participate in reflection and or clinical supervision sessions as provided
To observe personal and collective responsibility for resource management
To observe a general duty of care for the health, safety and well being of self, work colleagues, visitors and patients within the hospital
To be responsible, with others, for any specific risk management associated with the post, reporting and taking appropriate actions as necessary
To liaise with procurement services to request consumables used in a timely fashion
Ability to communicate with the team regarding ordering of radiology non-stock consumables, identifying and reporting and issues which arise.
After appropriate training, to effectively utilise the Omnicell system to ensure stocks are maintained and escalate any issues

General:

The post holder has a general duty of care for their own health, safety and well-being and that of work colleagues, visitors and patients within the hospital, in addition to any specific risk management or clinical governance accountabilities associated with this post.
To observe the rules, policies, procedures and standards of Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust together with all relevant statutory and professional obligations.
To observe and maintain strict confidentiality of personal information relating to patients and staff.
To be responsible, with management support, for their own personal development and to actively contribute to the development of colleagues.
This job description is intended as a guide to the general scope of duties and is not intended to be definitive or restrictive. It is expected that some of the duties will change over time and this description will be subject to review in consultation with the post holder
All employees must hold an nhs.net account which will be the Trusts formal route for email communication. You are therefore required to check this regularly and to deal with such communication properly

Infection Control Statement:

The post holder has an important responsibility for and contribution to make to infection control and must be familiar with the infection control and hygiene requirements of this role.
These requirements are set out in the National Code of Practice on Infection Control and in local policies and procedures which will be made clear during your induction and subsequent refresher training. These standards must be strictly complied with at all times.
Practice the principles of asepsis and act as lead professional in infection control

Person Specification

Qualifications/ Experience

Essential

Functional Skills Level 2 in Numeracy and Literacy or GCSEs Maths and English Grades A-C
NVQ level 3 or equivalent in Health and social care
Care Certificate
Significant experience within a care setting/environment
Able to demonstrate excellent customer care skills

Person Specification

Qualifications/ Experience

Essential

Functional Skills Level 2 in Numeracy and Literacy or GCSEs Maths and English Grades A-C
NVQ level 3 or equivalent in Health and social care
Care Certificate
Significant experience within a care setting/environment
Able to demonstrate excellent customer care skills

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).

Additional information