About this role
Job summary We are looking to recruit enthusiastic and motivated Healthcare Support workers to join our Team within Outpatient Services within the Princess Alexandra NHS Trust.
Our Healthcare support workers are an integral part of the Team and, whether you are just starting your career in Healthcare or looking to develop your skills further, this is your opportunity to be part of our experienced and supportive Team.
The Outpatient Team and the Practice Development Team, will encourage you to develop within this role by supporting you to achieve the Care Certificate, a nationally recognised qualification.
Our Trust delivers Outpatient Clinics across three sites, enabling over 300,000 patients access to a vast number of specialities, such as paediatrics, general surgery, breast, oncology, orthopaedics, minor operations and Gynaecology.
We would welcome informal visits to our department where we would be delighted to show you around.
Main duties of the job To work as a member of the Team in the delivery of high quality care under the direction of the Outpatient Manager working to support the clinical leadership Team. To be flexible to work over three sites supporting Service provision over a seven day week. To assist with basic care and other clinic related activities under the supervision of, or as directed by a Registered Nurse. To assist the Registered Nurses with the smooth running of clinics supporting the delivery of high quality, safe care . To complete the National Care Certificate. At times of exceptional pressure within the Trust, to support other clinical areas within the Hospital This post is advertised as a band 3 subject to the following;
Successful completion of the National Care Certificate within the six month probationary period of employment. During this time you will be paid as a band 2. On successful completion ( or accepted evidence ) of the Care Certification, and completion of the probationary period of employment, you will be promoted to NHS AFC Band 3
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
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
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
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Level One Functional Skills in maths and English (or equivalent)
Desirable
Care Certificate NVQ Level 2/3 in healthcare
Experience Essential
Able to communicate effectively with patients and colleagues verbally and in writing skills
Desirable
Previous experience in healthcare/ working as a care provider Previous experience in an acute hospital environment
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 The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust
Address The Princess Alexandra Hospital
Harlow
Essex
CM20 1QX
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.pah.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)