Job summary
Provide a brief summary of the role, its purpose within the team or department, and how it contributes to the wider organisation. This should be a high-level overview that gives candidates a clear idea of what the job is about.
Main duties of the job
The Health Care Support Worker (Enhanced Care Team) will provide a full range of observation, interaction and support to patients requiring enhanced care whilst maintaining respect for the individuality, confidentiality and dignity of the patient. This will include patients with mental health conditions and who maybe detained under the mental health act.
Enhanced Care team members will regularly rotate (every 3 hours) to provide either enhanced care to another patient who is at high risk on the same ward or to provide generic care to other patients on the ward who do not require enhanced care
Enhanced Care team members are expected to undertake all Healthcare Support Worker duties as required
About us
The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is proud to care for the communities of West Essex, delivering safe, compassionate, and high-quality services. We are part of the Neighbourhood Wave; a national programme thats changing how care is delivered by focusing on prevention, early support, and more joined-up services across health, social care, and the voluntary sector.
This means were working more closely with local partners to bring care closer to home and support people to live healthier, more independent lives.
Were a supportive and inclusive organisation that values its people. We offer development opportunities, flexible working, and a strong focus on wellbeing. As a Disability Confident and equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.
Join us and help shape the future of care in West Essex.
Job description
Job responsibilities
To provide a high standard of care within their scope of practice as delegated by the registered practitioner you will:
- work autonomously and with the team to ensure patient safety and quality of care
- Attend annual mandatory training sessions as required by the Trust to ensure own compliance with regard to mandatory training.
- Participate in annual appraisal with your matron, ward manager, charge nurse or registered nurse
- Carry out other delegated duties within your role and competency; adhering to Trusts policies and procedures
- Although based predominantly in one area, rotation to other areas will be required to accommodate service needs, as required.
- Act in a professional manner and adhere to the Corporate Dress Policy at all times.
- The post holder is expected to comply with the NHS Code of Conduct for Healthcare Assistants
- Talk and listen to patients whilst engaging in close observation
- Use distraction techniques – including reminiscence therapy and reminiscence technology (RITA)
- Accompany patients who may want to walk around (as appropriate and in agreement with the Registered nurse)
- Assist with patient’s personal care
- Assist with patient’s hydration and nutrition needs
- Accurately record clinical and behavioural observations
- When not undertaking enhanced care duties – assist with the care of ward patients
Duties and responsibilities
Clinical Duties
- Work co-operatively as part of the multi-disciplinary team, helping nursing, midwifery and other clinical staff in routine work associated with patient care
- Support registered nurses in the implementation of programmes of care within the limits of the HCSW’s knowledge and competence
- Assist with the management of challenging behaviour (verbal and physical aggression) under supervision from trained members of staff. This may require restraint of patients (when the post holder is suitably trained on undertaking this)
- Provide comfort, reassurance and support to patients and/or their carers if anxious or distressed
- Assist with essential patient care, e.g. making beds, sorting clean linen, etc
- Assist patients to become as independent as possible by giving the appropriate level of support as delegated and under supervision
- Maintain patients’ personal and oral hygiene, e.g. help with dressing/ undressing, giving bed baths, mouth and skin care, assisting with pressure area care
- Escort patients to other departments
- Have a basic understanding of special dietary needs and implications for the patient’s condition
- Ensure adequate hydration and nutritional intake – including feeding patients
- Record intake and output and understand the need for accuracy
- Assist patients to access and use appropriate toilet facilities, ensuring privacy and dignity are maintained
- Record routine observations as designated by the nurse in charge (following training and having been assessed as competent, e.g. TPR & BP, urine tests, ECG)
- Alert trained staff promptly of changes in the patient’s condition or any possible risks
- Maintain and improve the patient’s mobility using appropriate equipment and handling techniques
- Assist the patient to be as comfortable as possible, i.e. help with moving and positioning the patient using appropriate equipment
- Assist with checking pain levels and requesting pain relieving medication on patient’s behalf
- Involve the patient in shared decision-making and obtain their consent before undertaking nursing procedures
- Prepare appropriately for the activity to be undertaken
- Support and encourage the patient to meet their own health and wellbeing needs
- Ensure a welcoming, caring and safe environment is provided for the patient and their family/visitors/carers
- Aware of and maintains required standard of care
- Ensure that patient areas are kept clean and tidy
- Comply with Trust/local policies and procedures
- Acts as a professional to all staff, patients, carers and the public at all times.
- Ensure a safe and tidy working environment at all times e.g. patient areas – clean and tidy bed tables, clinical areas, corridors – uncluttered etc.
- Undertake a range of duties involving direct patient care, as instructed by experienced practitioners’ and ensure delegated nursing care is completed safely and effectively: e.g. Washing patients’ Shaving patients’ Caring for deceased patients’
- Assist in monitoring patients’ condition, record observations as instructed, and report to nursing staff.
- Assist patients to access and use toilet facilities, and dispose of body waste.
- Assist in the collection of pathological specimens e.g. Urine, faeces, sputum
- Assist with moving patients and equipment within the unit and between wards and departments, in accordance with safe moving and handling techniques.
- Assist staff with therapeutic and diagnostic procedures by preparing, cleaning and handling equipment when necessary
- Help maintain materials, equipment and stock, reporting problems and defects in a timely and appropriate manner
- Respond and provide assistance, as directed by registered staff, in the event of health emergency.
- Help patients’ in maintaining emotional wellbeing, personal hygiene, appearance and dignity, observing and reporting any changes to registered staff.
- Undertake duties appropriate to the role and patient care needs as follows:
- Escorting patients for investigations
- Assist with feeding of patients’ that are unable
- Complete administrative duties as required
Communication
- Demonstrate throughout all interventions and tasks the Trust values
- Communicate clearly, effectively and appropriately with the multidisciplinary team, patients and their family/visitors/carers
- Respond appropriately to queries, take phone messages and pass on written and verbal information to patients
- Provide basic information to patients, family/visitors/carers and colleagues
- Aware of the importance of accurate documentation and contribute to reports of patients’ activity and progress
- Accept constructive feedback.
- Give constructive feedback to colleagues.
- Participate in discussions about patient care and ward/departmental development, including handover and team meetings
- Maintain patient confidentiality
- Maintain professional boundaries and working relationships with patients and colleagues
- Establish and maintain relationships with patients/clients, relatives, friends and staff, and participate in supporting patients.
- Attend ward/department meetings as required, to ensure an awareness of developments within the work area.
- Assist in maintaining, recording and storing information, including patient records, in line with Trust policy.
- Meet and welcome patients/ relatives and other visitors and familiarise them with the environment.
- Maintain good relationships with team members, and visitors to the ward/department. Provide assistance when necessary.
- Operate and input to computerised systems within the ward/department.
- Undertake administrative and clerical tasks associated with patient care to facilitate the smooth running of the ward/department
- Maintain adequate levels of stock, equipment and materials and facilitate the efficient, effective use of resources; report when availability falls below an acceptable standard or level
- Pass on constructive views and ideas for improving services to ward sister/charge nurse
Maintaining a Safe Environment
- Assist in maintaining a clean environment that is conducive to safe practice
- Report any issues at work that may put health, safety and security at risk
- Summon immediate help for any emergency and take appropriate action to contain it
- Understand the principles and practice of Infection Control
- Work within own personal/professional limitations and seek help of others to maintain safe practice.
- Identify potential risks for all staff, patients and visitors and assist with relevant incident reporting procedures
- Clean patient equipment as required
- Handle and dispose of all body fluids in accordance with universal precautions Personal Development
- Understand own level of responsibility and accountability in relation to trained staff
- Identify own learning needs and produce a personal development plan in conjunction with the ward sister/charge nurse
- Participate in annual staff appraisal, staff development and in-service training activities in line with the requirements of the role
- Attend Trust/local orientation programmes, mandatory training sessions and annual updates
- Take part in reflection and appropriate learning from practice, in order to maintain and develop competence and performance
- Be prepared to undertake a vocational programme
Job description
Job responsibilities
To provide a high standard of care within their scope of practice as delegated by the registered practitioner you will:
- work autonomously and with the team to ensure patient safety and quality of care
- Attend annual mandatory training sessions as required by the Trust to ensure own compliance with regard to mandatory training.
- Participate in annual appraisal with your matron, ward manager, charge nurse or registered nurse
- Carry out other delegated duties within your role and competency; adhering to Trusts policies and procedures
- Although based predominantly in one area, rotation to other areas will be required to accommodate service needs, as required.
- Act in a professional manner and adhere to the Corporate Dress Policy at all times.
- The post holder is expected to comply with the NHS Code of Conduct for Healthcare Assistants
- Talk and listen to patients whilst engaging in close observation
- Use distraction techniques – including reminiscence therapy and reminiscence technology (RITA)
- Accompany patients who may want to walk around (as appropriate and in agreement with the Registered nurse)
- Assist with patient’s personal care
- Assist with patient’s hydration and nutrition needs
- Accurately record clinical and behavioural observations
- When not undertaking enhanced care duties – assist with the care of ward patients
Duties and responsibilities
Clinical Duties
- Work co-operatively as part of the multi-disciplinary team, helping nursing, midwifery and other clinical staff in routine work associated with patient care
- Support registered nurses in the implementation of programmes of care within the limits of the HCSW’s knowledge and competence
- Assist with the management of challenging behaviour (verbal and physical aggression) under supervision from trained members of staff. This may require restraint of patients (when the post holder is suitably trained on undertaking this)
- Provide comfort, reassurance and support to patients and/or their carers if anxious or distressed
- Assist with essential patient care, e.g. making beds, sorting clean linen, etc
- Assist patients to become as independent as possible by giving the appropriate level of support as delegated and under supervision
- Maintain patients’ personal and oral hygiene, e.g. help with dressing/ undressing, giving bed baths, mouth and skin care, assisting with pressure area care
- Escort patients to other departments
- Have a basic understanding of special dietary needs and implications for the patient’s condition
- Ensure adequate hydration and nutritional intake – including feeding patients
- Record intake and output and understand the need for accuracy
- Assist patients to access and use appropriate toilet facilities, ensuring privacy and dignity are maintained
- Record routine observations as designated by the nurse in charge (following training and having been assessed as competent, e.g. TPR & BP, urine tests, ECG)
- Alert trained staff promptly of changes in the patient’s condition or any possible risks
- Maintain and improve the patient’s mobility using appropriate equipment and handling techniques
- Assist the patient to be as comfortable as possible, i.e. help with moving and positioning the patient using appropriate equipment
- Assist with checking pain levels and requesting pain relieving medication on patient’s behalf
- Involve the patient in shared decision-making and obtain their consent before undertaking nursing procedures
- Prepare appropriately for the activity to be undertaken
- Support and encourage the patient to meet their own health and wellbeing needs
- Ensure a welcoming, caring and safe environment is provided for the patient and their family/visitors/carers
- Aware of and maintains required standard of care
- Ensure that patient areas are kept clean and tidy
- Comply with Trust/local policies and procedures
- Acts as a professional to all staff, patients, carers and the public at all times.
- Ensure a safe and tidy working environment at all times e.g. patient areas – clean and tidy bed tables, clinical areas, corridors – uncluttered etc.
- Undertake a range of duties involving direct patient care, as instructed by experienced practitioners’ and ensure delegated nursing care is completed safely and effectively: e.g. Washing patients’ Shaving patients’ Caring for deceased patients’
- Assist in monitoring patients’ condition, record observations as instructed, and report to nursing staff.
- Assist patients to access and use toilet facilities, and dispose of body waste.
- Assist in the collection of pathological specimens e.g. Urine, faeces, sputum
- Assist with moving patients and equipment within the unit and between wards and departments, in accordance with safe moving and handling techniques.
- Assist staff with therapeutic and diagnostic procedures by preparing, cleaning and handling equipment when necessary
- Help maintain materials, equipment and stock, reporting problems and defects in a timely and appropriate manner
- Respond and provide assistance, as directed by registered staff, in the event of health emergency.
- Help patients’ in maintaining emotional wellbeing, personal hygiene, appearance and dignity, observing and reporting any changes to registered staff.
- Undertake duties appropriate to the role and patient care needs as follows:
- Escorting patients for investigations
- Assist with feeding of patients’ that are unable
- Complete administrative duties as required
Communication
- Demonstrate throughout all interventions and tasks the Trust values
- Communicate clearly, effectively and appropriately with the multidisciplinary team, patients and their family/visitors/carers
- Respond appropriately to queries, take phone messages and pass on written and verbal information to patients
- Provide basic information to patients, family/visitors/carers and colleagues
- Aware of the importance of accurate documentation and contribute to reports of patients’ activity and progress
- Accept constructive feedback.
- Give constructive feedback to colleagues.
- Participate in discussions about patient care and ward/departmental development, including handover and team meetings
- Maintain patient confidentiality
- Maintain professional boundaries and working relationships with patients and colleagues
- Establish and maintain relationships with patients/clients, relatives, friends and staff, and participate in supporting patients.
- Attend ward/department meetings as required, to ensure an awareness of developments within the work area.
- Assist in maintaining, recording and storing information, including patient records, in line with Trust policy.
- Meet and welcome patients/ relatives and other visitors and familiarise them with the environment.
- Maintain good relationships with team members, and visitors to the ward/department. Provide assistance when necessary.
- Operate and input to computerised systems within the ward/department.
- Undertake administrative and clerical tasks associated with patient care to facilitate the smooth running of the ward/department
- Maintain adequate levels of stock, equipment and materials and facilitate the efficient, effective use of resources; report when availability falls below an acceptable standard or level
- Pass on constructive views and ideas for improving services to ward sister/charge nurse
Maintaining a Safe Environment
- Assist in maintaining a clean environment that is conducive to safe practice
- Report any issues at work that may put health, safety and security at risk
- Summon immediate help for any emergency and take appropriate action to contain it
- Understand the principles and practice of Infection Control
- Work within own personal/professional limitations and seek help of others to maintain safe practice.
- Identify potential risks for all staff, patients and visitors and assist with relevant incident reporting procedures
- Clean patient equipment as required
- Handle and dispose of all body fluids in accordance with universal precautions Personal Development
- Understand own level of responsibility and accountability in relation to trained staff
- Identify own learning needs and produce a personal development plan in conjunction with the ward sister/charge nurse
- Participate in annual staff appraisal, staff development and in-service training activities in line with the requirements of the role
- Attend Trust/local orientation programmes, mandatory training sessions and annual updates
- Take part in reflection and appropriate learning from practice, in order to maintain and develop competence and performance
- Be prepared to undertake a vocational programme
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Level One Functional Skills in maths and English (or equivalent)
- Care Certificate
Desirable
- NVQ Level 2/3 in healthcare
Experience
Essential
- Understands the importance of maintaining confidentiality.
- Demonstrates an understanding of the importance of quality of care
- Demonstrates an understanding of the role of a healthcare support worker
Desirable
- Ability to effectively use electronic information and computer technology
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Level One Functional Skills in maths and English (or equivalent)
- Care Certificate
Desirable
- NVQ Level 2/3 in healthcare
Experience
Essential
- Understands the importance of maintaining confidentiality.
- Demonstrates an understanding of the importance of quality of care
- Demonstrates an understanding of the role of a healthcare support worker
Desirable
- Ability to effectively use electronic information and computer technology
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.
