Healthcare Assistant, UIC, Alex

Job description

Job responsibilities

Key Working Relationships

Internal:

Ward / department staff

Patient / relatives / carers / significant others

Urological medical staff

Staff in other departments

External:

Other Hospitals and providers

Patients and their relatives

Risk Asessment

Staff will be provided with the necessary education, training and support to enable them to meet responsibilities. Due to the nature of the work undertaken on the unit, daily exposure to blood and other bodily is expected. COSHH regulations applies and movement of patients and equipment on a daily basis is also expected. The use of VDU equipment and handling sensitive documentation.

JOB SUMMARY

Assist in the preparation of environments ready for clinical procedures and take part / participate in the department forward looking huddles.

Contributing to the safe efficient and smooth running of unit lists.

Act as chaperone to patients ensuring that their privacy and dignity is maintained at all times.

Communicate information effectively to co-workers, patients and relatives/carers and members of the multidisciplinary (MDT) team using sensitivity and empathy under the guidance of senior team members.

In conjunction with the unit manager/registered nurses, support and guide other health care assistants where appropriate.

Demonstrate competence in performing and recording clinical observations of patients, and an awareness of their relevance. Alert senior members of staff to any abnormal clinical observations in a quick and timely manner ensuring patient safety.

Demonstrate awareness of the barriers to communication and understanding.

Monitor patients recovering from a variety of diagnostic procedures carried out on the unit.

Adhere to moving and handling policies and guidance related to patients and equipment.

Demonstrate knowledge of emergency procedures.

Demonstrate the ability and competence to clean and maintain all equipment used during procedures. Be aware of infection control risks, COSHH, and Health and Safety policies and guidance at all times.

Maintain and develop clinical competence through Continual Professional Development and take part in regular Professional development reviews, mandatory training, peer supervision, reflective practice and clinical supervision.

Clerical Duties

• Reception / Telephone duties
• Basic computer skills
• Assist in the preparation of notes for procedures
• Stock control

Job Purpose

• Clean, decontaminate and maintain equipment on the unit, ensuring that protocols and standards are maintained. Ensure that the environment is safe for both patients, staff and carers.
• Assist in the preparation of environments in preparation for diagnostic tests undertaken on the unit
• Assist in diagnostic activities on the unit where appropriate and following all necessary training.
• Communicate effectively to the whole MDT, patient and carers.

The post holder is responsible for limiting his / her actions to those which s/he feels competent to undertake. If the post holder has any doubt as to his or her competence during the course of his/ her duties then s/he should immediately speak to their manger / supervisor.

• To comply with all Trust Policies and procedures to maintain a safe working environment for patients and staff.
• To report any untoward incident and complaints
• Work as a member of the team, demonstrate the ability to liaise effectively and sensitively with all users of the department
• To act in a manner which promotes positive working relationships and maintains the professional image of the Trust.
• Actively participate in team meetings, team development and service improvement as required.
• Supervise, assess and mentor Healthcare Support Workers, and other unqualified staff and assist in the supervision and learning of other students with the exception of their assessment.
• To attend to the activities of Daly living supporting the registered nurse, to ensure that patients receive care appropriate to their needs. All care given must be documented in the patient record.
• Organise and prioritise own workload to meet the demands of the service.
• Assess work proprieties and related problems by taking actions to resolve them.
• Have a flexible and adaptive approach to working hours and shifts.
• Promote an efficient and cost effective use of resources, be involved in trialling new accessories that are cost effective and be responsible for ordering such items.

The post holder is responsible for limiting his / her actions to those which s/he feels competent to undertake. If the post holder has any doubt as to his or her competence during the course of his/ her duties, then s/he should immediately speak to their manger / supervisor.

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties but to give a guide to the objectives and responsibilities of the post. It will be reviewed with the postholder on an annual basis. It is essential that the postholder recognises the level of confidentiality required for this post and maintains that confidentiality at all times.

NO SMOKING POLICY

Please note that this Trust operates a no smoking policy.

Criminal Records Bureau - Disclosure

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust aims to promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills and potential. Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust welcomes applications from diverse candidates. Criminal records will be taken into account for recruitment purposes only when the conviction is relevant. As Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust meets the requirements in respect of exempted questions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, all applicants who

are offered employment will be subject to a criminal record check from the Criminal Records Bureau before the appointment is confirmed. This will include details of cautions, reprimands or final warnings, as well as convictions. The post you are applying for will require such a check.

The postholder must maintain confidentiality, security and integrity of information relating to patients, staff and other Health Service business.

Health and Safety

Employees must be aware of the responsibilities placed on them under the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) and the Manual Handling Operations Regulations (1992). This ensures that the agreed safety procedures are carried out to maintain a safe environment for employees, patients and visitors to the Trust.

Risk Management

All staff have a responsibility to report all clinical and non-clinical accidents or incidents promptly and when requested to co-operate with any investigation undertaken.

Equal Opportunities

The Trust has a clear commitment to equal opportunities and it is the duty of every employee to comply with the detail and spirit.

Conflict of Interest

The Trust is responsible for ensuring that the service provided for patients in its care meet the highest standard. Equally, it is responsible for ensuring that

staff do not abuse their official position for personal gain or to benefit their family or friends. The Trust's Standing Orders require any officer to declare any interest, direct or indirect with contracts involving the Trust. Staff are not allowed to further their private interests in the course of their NHS duties.

The above duties and responsibilities are intended to represent current priorities and are not meant to be a conclusive list as the role will inevitably vary and develop over time. The postholder may from time to

time be asked to undertake other reasonable duties. Any changes will be made in discussion with the postholder in the light of service needs.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Basic standard of education including Maths and English

Desirable

• NVQ 2 in Care

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working in a patient care setting or customer facing environment

Desirable

• Experience of working within a healthcare setting/Nursing Home
• Previous experience as a Health Care Assistant

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.

Employer details

Employer name

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

Address

The Alexandra Hospital

Woodrow Drive

Redditch

Worcestershire

B98 7UB

Employer's website

https://www.worcsacute.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)