Job responsibilities
1. CLINICAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Maintain a professional behaviour at all times and promote a positive image of Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust at all times, in line with World Class Care values
To demonstrate good communication skills when dealing with patients, relatives and members of the multidisciplinary team utilising sensitivity, empathy and ability to manage conflict.
To perform, accurately record and interpret patient observations -temperature, pulse, blood pressure
To support patients through the sleep pathways as directed by the team.
To support the team in performing diagnostic tests (e.g. set up sleep studies, perform spirometry, perform SNIP/MIP/MEP, take capillary blood gases)
To check equipment and liaise with EME or supplier for returns or faults
Supply replacement equipment/parts to patients via post/courier
To provide education to patients, relatives and carers
To understand the principles of the Friends and Family Test/Expedia patient feedback and how it is used to improve and maintain an excellent patient experience.
2. RESPONSIBILITY FOR PATIENTS
Contribute to the provision of a safe and therapeutic environment for all patients, relatives, friends and hospital visitors.
To ensure high standards of care are given to all patients, monitoring this through spot checks and clinical quality indicators outcome measures.
To be responsible for the maintenance of accurate written patient records as required.
Ensure patient confidentiality and dignity at all times, providing an appropriate environment to perform investigations and treatment.
Help patients seeking support and medical assistance when needed.
Effectively communicates information to patients, carers and other staff.
Able to diffuse potentially hostile and antagonistic situations with staff, patients and relatives. Knows when to seek support and who to escalate to.
To use prioritising and time management skills to meet the unpredictable and conflicting needs of the service.
To participate in the staff appraisal scheme and Personal Development Plan (PDP).
To maintain a CPD portfolio reflecting personal professional development.
- RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL AND PHYSICAL RESOURCES
To assist in managing stock control for relevant area and under supervision order equipment
Ensure the safe cleaning and longevity of departmental equipment
Unpack and check all deliveries against orders
Liaise with EME department to ensure all equipment is appropriately checked and recorded according to hospital policy
Report to team members any problems with equipment/stock
Log faulty equipment and liaise with EME or supplier to repair
Facilitate the organisation and maintenance of computing and clinical equipment for the Department
To ensure consultations are recorded appropriately and correspondence sent when necessary.
To assist in the maintenance of a database of patients
To ensure that trust protocols are followed
To contribute to the care, calibration, maintenance and security of the department premises and equipment.
Provide support to the team in an administrative capacity and be completing tasks fully and in a timely manner
Make effective use of resources available to support and enhance patient care.
Ensure, maintain and update the supply and availability of patient information; in line with trust policies (e.g. photocopying of patient information leaflets and supply maintained)
4. RESPONSIBILITY FOR RESEARCH, EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT To educate patients and their carers in the use of sleep and ventilation equipment To assist the sleep and ventilation team in research e.g. data collection
To maintain a CPD portfolio reflecting personal professional development
the work to the competencies/objectives expected of an assistant technical officer within the sleep ventilation team
To develop an understanding of clinical governance.
To participate in departmental meetings and communicate minutes with the team verbally and in writing when required.
5. RESPONSIBILITY FOR LEADING AND MANAGING
To complete mandatory training requirements.
To set an example of professional working behaviour, including maintaining punctuality, good attendance and commitment to department
To help orientate new staff to the team and participate in NIV teaching programmes.
To be involved with teaching, supervising and assessing all staff, carers and patients involved with the care of sleep and ventilation patients, seeking assistance as required.
6. RESPONSIBILITY FOR INFORMATION RESOURCES
To be responsible for the maintenance of accurate written patient records as required.
To have a good working knowledge and skill of word processing and spreadsheet programs
Under supervision prepare reports for managers and colleagues. This could include reports supporting cases for development, reporting performance, and monitoring specific services.
Assist in the smooth introduction and running of new services offered by the Department
To attend relevant staff and management meetings, tutorials, training sessions, and external courses.
Contribute to the development of appropriate outcomes and service impact measures to evaluate patient response and service development needs.
Ensure all information is stored in accordance with the Data Protection Act and Caldecott guidance.
To communicate effectively and work collaboratively with medical, nursing and therapy colleagues to ensure delivery of a co-ordinated multidisciplinary service.
Carry out administrative work relating to the work of the sleep and ventilation team and ensuring confidentiality:
writing reports directly onto the hospital reporting system
booking and rescheduling appointments
dealing with enquiries from patients and colleagues
receiving/welcoming patients
posting/faxing out reports
arranging patient transport and portering
maintenance of filing systems
7. GOVERNANCE AND AUDIT
Under supervision operate good equipment management procedures to ensure timely and effective maintenance and regular safety testing.
Assist in maintaining accurate databases and save adhering to Trust policies and guidelines.
To contribute to the care, calibration, maintenance and security of the department premises and equipment.
Process information electronically and manually.
Ensure information is communicated through the appropriate trust channels as required.
