Job summary
Based at University Hospital of North Durham with rotation
to Sunderland Royal Hospital and Shotley
bridge as required.
An opportunity has arisen for enthusiastic Health Care
Assistant to join our well established team of
outpatient nurses in our busy department. Your role will be
working within the dermatology and
plastics skin surgery service.
We are looking for individuals who have experience in a
healthcare assistant role, have a proven record
of quality care delivery and are willing to take on extra
responsibilities as defined by the qualified
nurses.
The post holder will be required to travel to various sites
to assist with minor surgery sessions, you will
also be required to perform general duties which will
include clinic management, phlebotomy,
chaperoning and supporting patients during consultations,
supporting qualified staff in managing stock,
housekeeping, and health and safety issues.
You should have a pleasant, confident attitude with
excellent communication skills and have the ability
to work well on your own initiative as well as part of a
team. Good organisational skills and be able to
contribute to the development of flexible working hours
within the team.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will be required to support the Dermatology
Service on the acute site and community. They will undertake specific duties
set once competency has been confirmed in the out-patient clinics and within
the minor procedure operating room. The post holder will work as part of the
dermatology team in line with local guidelines for dermatology.
The post holder will undertake appropriate training to meet
the needs of the service ensuring competency is achieved, maintained and
updated yearly.
Work closely within the Dermatology team
The post holder will be responsible for the safe and clean
theatre environment ensuring that all infection control procedures and the
principles of sterile fields are adhered to.
Support other Health Care Assistants who are
junior to this position, offering support and guidance on the role and
participate in the teaching and development of staff in this role
About us
If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager
You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks
We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.
We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented
From April 1 2024 we are unable to offer sponsorship for healthcare roles that do not meet the minimum salary, If you are in the UK on a VISA please ensure you have no restrictions that would prevent you from taking this post.
Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents
Job description
Job responsibilities
Work within the Dermatology Service and the
multi-disciplinary team to provide care to patients presenting with
Dermatological conditions which require treatment or surgical procedures.
Prepare a procedure/theatre room for surgery ensuring that
the environment is clean.
Act as an assistant in the theatre environment maintaining
a sterile field for the procedures.
Undertake the scrub role in the procedure room in line
with protocols
Support the surgical practitioner in simple excisions by
holding the skin hook that the Surgical Practitioner has already placed in
position and hands to the HCA to maintain tension
Cutting superficial sutures under the direction of the
Surgical Practitioner
Apply digital pressure as directed by the Surgical
Practitioner to assist with keeping the surgical site dry /blood free
To work within agreed protocols for all aspects of
clinical practice.
To follow plans of care developed by the medical or
specialised nurse team.
Ensure patient comfort throughout the procedure to reduce
the patients anxiety and provide reassurance.
Communicate effectively within the Dermatology team and
the patient/user and relatives
Provide support to patients acting as patient advocate and
chaperone as necessary
Escalate when appropriate to senior nursing team any
patient safety concerns, perceived risks or untoward incidents without delay to
support a safe environment for visitors and staff in accordance with Trust
policyUndertake iontophoresis treatments on patients referred and with a clear
treatment plan.
Be proficient in vena puncture
Follow a treatment plan devised by the doctor or
specialist nurse to remove stitches and staples
Follow a treatment plan for simple dressings of surgical
wounds following assessment by a suitably trained qualified nurse or doctor.
Document and complete appropriate records for patients,
clearly and accurately and in a timely manner.
Develop a link role within the department and cascade this
knowledge to colleagues.
Lead by example and inspire others acting as a role model.
Order and carry out stock control of items liable to
expire to ensure optimum safety.
Friendly, polite telephone manner being aware of the need
for confidentiality and liaising with a Registered Nurse / Health Care
professional at all times.
Ensure the patient is prepared for safe and effective
transfer/discharge.
Attend study days and conferences for people with
dermatological conditions relevant to the role and grade.
Maintain competency in skills in line with agreed
protocols
Assist qualified staff in audits as required
Follow appropriate policies and procedures and comment on
developments.
Provide advice to and demonstrate work activities to new
and/or less experience staff.
Any other duties commensurate with Band.
Professional:
To provide a high standard of professional conduct and
specialist expertise at all times
Work within scope of practice in line with agreed
protocols
Comply with infection control policies and contribute to
the departmental infection control audit
Commit to delivering the best care at all times.
Providing cover for colleagues across the Trust as
necessary and at the demands of the service
.Thrive to develop themselves and their colleagues and
participate in an annual appraisal.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Work within the Dermatology Service and the
multi-disciplinary team to provide care to patients presenting with
Dermatological conditions which require treatment or surgical procedures.
Prepare a procedure/theatre room for surgery ensuring that
the environment is clean.
Act as an assistant in the theatre environment maintaining
a sterile field for the procedures.
Undertake the scrub role in the procedure room in line
with protocols
Support the surgical practitioner in simple excisions by
holding the skin hook that the Surgical Practitioner has already placed in
position and hands to the HCA to maintain tension
Cutting superficial sutures under the direction of the
Surgical Practitioner
Apply digital pressure as directed by the Surgical
Practitioner to assist with keeping the surgical site dry /blood free
To work within agreed protocols for all aspects of
clinical practice.
To follow plans of care developed by the medical or
specialised nurse team.
Ensure patient comfort throughout the procedure to reduce
the patients anxiety and provide reassurance.
Communicate effectively within the Dermatology team and
the patient/user and relatives
Provide support to patients acting as patient advocate and
chaperone as necessary
Escalate when appropriate to senior nursing team any
patient safety concerns, perceived risks or untoward incidents without delay to
support a safe environment for visitors and staff in accordance with Trust
policyUndertake iontophoresis treatments on patients referred and with a clear
treatment plan.
Be proficient in vena puncture
Follow a treatment plan devised by the doctor or
specialist nurse to remove stitches and staples
Follow a treatment plan for simple dressings of surgical
wounds following assessment by a suitably trained qualified nurse or doctor.
Document and complete appropriate records for patients,
clearly and accurately and in a timely manner.
Develop a link role within the department and cascade this
knowledge to colleagues.
Lead by example and inspire others acting as a role model.
Order and carry out stock control of items liable to
expire to ensure optimum safety.
Friendly, polite telephone manner being aware of the need
for confidentiality and liaising with a Registered Nurse / Health Care
professional at all times.
Ensure the patient is prepared for safe and effective
transfer/discharge.
Attend study days and conferences for people with
dermatological conditions relevant to the role and grade.
Maintain competency in skills in line with agreed
protocols
Assist qualified staff in audits as required
Follow appropriate policies and procedures and comment on
developments.
Provide advice to and demonstrate work activities to new
and/or less experience staff.
Any other duties commensurate with Band.
Professional:
To provide a high standard of professional conduct and
specialist expertise at all times
Work within scope of practice in line with agreed
protocols
Comply with infection control policies and contribute to
the departmental infection control audit
Commit to delivering the best care at all times.
Providing cover for colleagues across the Trust as
necessary and at the demands of the service
.Thrive to develop themselves and their colleagues and
participate in an annual appraisal.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Relevant NVQ Level 3 or equivalent relevant Care Certificate or willingness to complete within first 6 months of commencement in post
- GCSE equivalent in English and Mathematicsnt experience
Desirable
- Short courses relevant to undertake patient and clinical care duties
Experience
Essential
- Computer skills
- Ability to learn new skills
Desirable
- Previous experience in caring for others
Special Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- Good verbal and written command of English.
- Ability to act upon own initiative.
- Good communication skills.
- Able to work under some pressure.
- Ability to show leadership
- Ability to plan own work.
- Ability to work calmly under pressure
- Willing to take and record patient
- observations
Desirable
- Knowledge of care and related procedures, clinical observations, relevant legislation
Special Requirements
Essential
- Self-motivated and able to motivate others
- Excellent communication & interpersonal skills
- Reflective practitioner
- Ability to work in a busy and varied work environment and respond to change
Desirable
- Be able to offer pastoral care to mentors and students when providing feedback on performance
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Relevant NVQ Level 3 or equivalent relevant Care Certificate or willingness to complete within first 6 months of commencement in post
- GCSE equivalent in English and Mathematicsnt experience
Desirable
- Short courses relevant to undertake patient and clinical care duties
Experience
Essential
- Computer skills
- Ability to learn new skills
Desirable
- Previous experience in caring for others
Special Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- Good verbal and written command of English.
- Ability to act upon own initiative.
- Good communication skills.
- Able to work under some pressure.
- Ability to show leadership
- Ability to plan own work.
- Ability to work calmly under pressure
- Willing to take and record patient
- observations
Desirable
- Knowledge of care and related procedures, clinical observations, relevant legislation
Special Requirements
Essential
- Self-motivated and able to motivate others
- Excellent communication & interpersonal skills
- Reflective practitioner
- Ability to work in a busy and varied work environment and respond to change
Desirable
- Be able to offer pastoral care to mentors and students when providing feedback on performance
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.
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
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.
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).
