About this role
Job summary
St Helena Hospice is seeking a Health Care Assistant, to work within the Hospice IPU.
This is a full time role and the shifts are 12 hours
Main duties of the job
The key priorities of this role are:
To assist registered nurses, OT's and physiotherapists in providing high standards of specialist care to patients and their relatives.
Identify and adapt clinical support given under the varying professions guiding principles of care and be able to switch approach as directed.
About us
St Helena Hospices core values and behaviours will be embedded in our recruitment, our training and development review and our decision making process.
Training and competencies within the specialities, as well as on-going support and professional development, will be tailored to meet your individual needs.
In return we offer;
A competitive and progressive salary.
Enhanced hourly rates for working unsocial hours
NHS Pension (for active members who wish to transfer and continue their membership)
Group Pension Plan for non NHS Pension Staff
Clinical Supervision
Employee Assistance and Wellbeing support
We cover the cost of your DBS Check and the periodic renewal
Uniform provided
Free on site parking
Subsidised dining and complimentary drinks
Job description Job responsibilities
Duties & Responsibilities:
In conjunction with other members of the team, and in line with your level of competence, assist in meeting the needs of patients: hygiene, elimination, nutrition, mobilising, maintaining independence, pain.
Be able to recognise and advocate for the promotion of independence and personalised care, based on patients' life histories and expressed preferences about their own care.
Meet the therapy needs of the patient through the delivery of the therapy plan of care devised by the registered therapist.
Identify the psychosocial and spiritual needs of families and friends under his/her care and communicate to the Supervisor.
To implement rehabilitation programmes devised by the OT or physio and when needed, follow up interventions.
To practice daily living activities with patients on the ward under the guidance of the OT/Physio, e.g. functional transfers, personal care, or mobility.
To assess and provide basic mobility and daily living equipment aids to patients, report to the Occupational Therapist (OT) or Physio (PT) as appropriate and arrange for loan or replacement of equipment with statutory services.
To implement therapeutic interventions such as exercise, stretching, energy conservation, pacing and relaxation, reporting to OT/PT as necessary.
Perform Last Offices to deceased patients including safe custody of valuables and belongings.
Maintaining health and safety within the ward area, i.e. ensure fire exits are clear, cupboards safely stocked, and hazards removed and reported.
Check and ensure that equipment is clean and in working order ready for use
Ensure that all information recorded by the individual is in accordance with St Helena policy (i.e patient records, incident/accident reports).
Escort patients to hospital appointments, home visits or recreational trips.
Assist in checking Controlled Drugs with Registered Nurse (on completion of Drugs Competency Framework).
Ensure you follow all policies and procedures in relation to prevention and infection control
Undertake and record clinical observations reporting results to Registered Nurse
Undertake simple dressings independently, within level of competence and assist Registered Nurses with complex dressings.
Person Specification
Qualities Essential
Proven ability to work off own initiative and as part of a team. Flexible to meet needs of service. Physically able to undertake the job. Proven coping strategies when under emotional pressure
Qualifications Essential
GCSE level 4 and above in English and Maths Full UK Driving Licence
Desirable
NVQ any level in care Computer literacy St Helena Drugs Competancy Framework
Experience Essential
Experience working with people and handling difficult situations.
Desirable
Experience of working in health or social care setting.
Communication Essential
Proven written and verbal communication skills. Clear verbal communication skills demonstrable with a range of people. Ability to accurately record any information required i.e. patient records, telephone messages or information as requested by patients
Desirable
Communication Skills Training
Skills and Knowledge Essential
Proven awareness of the possible needs of patients, families under the care of St Helena Knowledge of illness as a carer and the ability to recognise when a person has physical, social, psychological or spiritual care needs. Demonstrated commitment and understanding to the Hospice philosophy and the work of St Helena.
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 St Helena Hospice
Address St. Helena Hospice
Barncroft Close
Highwoods
Colchester
CO4 9JU
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.sthelena.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)