JOB DESCRIPTION Job Title: Health Care Assistant Department: Critical Care & Outreach Reports to: Matron Manager Liaises with: Senior Sisters, Senior Staff Nurses, Support Staff Band: Band 3 JOB SUMMARY An interesting and varied position, designed to provide support to the multi-disciplinary team in accordance with Unit and Hospital policies and procedures, which requires excellent communication, organisational and administrative skills. Trust Culture and Values The Trust has defined its culture as one that is patient centred which puts safety first and where all staff take responsibility, are valued and value each other. To support this our four values are that we are all:- Caring we design and deliver care around each individual patient s needs and wants Safe we make the safety of patients and staff our prime concern (safety comes first) Responsible all staff take responsibility for the hospital, its services and reputation And that we: Value each other we all value each other s contribution. Our training, policies, procedures, and practices are all intended to support behaviours in line with our values and all staff are expected to uphold these by 'Living Our Values Everyday' DEPARTMENT PHILOSOPHY Our philosophy for the Critical Care Unit is to view patients holistically and offer support and understanding to family and friends. In achieving this we will treat each patient with dignity and respect according to their belief, involving patients family and friends in the decision making process of their care. We believe in giving high quality individualised care, using evidence-based standards of care. We believe, as a Unit, in teamwork and the process of democracy where all opinions are valued and are given due consideration. DEPARTMENT STRUCTURE CHART Managing Matron Band 7 and 6 Data Manager HCA Technician Ward Receptionist Housekeeper
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES/OUTCOMES: Clinical Duties Following training and assessment, clinical duties include: 1. Under direct supervision of a Registered General Nurse (RGN), provide quality hygiene care to the patients including bed-making, bathing, skincare and mouth care. 2. Assist patients with their elimination needs while maintaining dignity, taking into account cultural backgrounds and observing infection control procedures. 3. Under supervision and instruction of an RGN, help patients with their nutrition and eating needs by observing individual dietetic requirements and providing direct support at mealtimes, if necessary 4. Tend to psychological needs of all patients by acknowledging each person s right to be treated with respect and relating to them in a friendly, informative and professional manner. 5. Assist & tend to patient with Learning Disability, confusion/delirium. Ensure safe environment & observe patient does not come to harm. Alert & inform qualified staff of any abnormality/aggravation in patient s behaviour which could lead to harm. 6. Assist patients with their mobility and rehabilitation, under the supervision and direction of the trained nursing and allied health professional staff of Critical Care. 7. To maintain patient s privacy, dignity and confidentiality at all times. 8. Under direct supervision of an RGN, undertake patient observations including pulse, temperature, respiration, blood pressure and oxygen saturations and record them clearly and accurately. Inform qualified staff of any abnormality in readings obtained during the recording of patient observations. 9. To ensure that each bed and bed area is cleared, restocked and prepared for new admissions. 10. Assisting with safe transfer of patients inter department/hospital. 11. Assisting with safe moving and handling of patients as per Trust policy on moving and handling. Assisting patients to mobilise in liaison with RGN/Physiotherapists. Maintain the comfort of patients confined to bed by helping to reposition them as required. 12. Maintain tidiness and hygiene of the service area, observing infection control procedures. 13. To collect blood products from Blood fridge after training. 14. To process Arterial Blood Gas after training. 15. To perform 12-Leads ECG after training. 16. After undertaking Basic Life Support training, summon help and assist the qualified staff in an emergency situation. 17. Assist in last offices. 18. Assist in clinical procedures following appropriate training. To prepare and maintain environments for clinical procedures.
19. To prepare patient for and undertake agreed clinical activities such CT scan. Technical Duties 1. To assist and support qualified staff with all technical aspects within the Critical Care Area. To include equipment preparation, equipment maintenance and routine tasks including: Maintenance and cleaning of equipment. Assisting with the technical aspects of the treatments within the Critical Care Areas. Sterilisation and disinfecting equipment. Setting up of specialist equipment e.g. bronchoscope 2. To be responsible for the equipment inventory including daily checking of the Dash boxes, crash trolleys, transfer monitors, oxygen/heliox cyclinders, oxylog, portable suction. 3. Responsible for monitoring and reporting of faulty equipment and liaising with the EME department to ensure speedy repairs. Ensure all equipment within service date. 4. Maintain a neat tidy and uncluttered appearance on the unit at all times and in all areas, clearing and tidying all equipment, stores, stock and supplies as required. 5. To ensure all unit equipment, drip stands, commodes, fans etc., are cleaned between each patient use and are adequately maintained. 6. To ensure that each bed area is cleared, restocked and prepared for new admissions. 7. Be aware of Health and Safety issues for the department, reporting any untoward incidents to the Nurse in Charge. Raise untoward incidents via Ulysses. 8. Order non-stock/stock provisions via Proactis. Check and unpack the weekly stores order in accordance with agreed stock levels and review as necessary taking all necessary action to manage stock levels efficiently. Other Duties 1. Work to ensure a safe environment for both patients and staff, observing recognised Health and Safety procedures. 2. Work flexibly in any Trust location, as requested. 3. Comply with hospital and Unit policies. 4. Comply with the Equal Opportunities Policy, and promote equal opportunities at all times Communication Communicate clearly, concisely and accurately with all those with whom they have contact, including patients, visitors and relatives, other team members, and other members of the Trust staff, while bearing in mind their varied cultural backgrounds and communication needs. Specific: 1. Where appropriate, welcome and assist visitors, patients and professionals to the Unit. 2. Answer telephone and take and relay clear legible messages. Use the telephone effectively and efficiently, utilising customer service skills 3. Make clear and concise telephone calls when requested 4. Handle confidential information in the appropriate manner. 5. Liaise with porters and other departments when required.
Interpersonal 1. Make the department as welcoming as possible for patients, dealing with queries, taking time to talk to patients, defusing difficult situations and keeping individuals informed, wherever possible and if appropriate. 2. Deal sensitively with patient needs and requests respecting their diverse backgrounds and providing direct care tailored, as far as possible, to their individual needs. Education and Training/Self-Development 1. Identify own training and development needs and undertake appropriate training/education as required. 2. Participate in an annual individual performance review process where objectives will be agreed, performance monitored and personal development needs discussed. 3. To attend all statutory and mandatory training as and when required to do so. 4. Act responsibly in respect of colleague s health, safety and welfare following safe work practices and complying with the Trust s Health and Safety Policies. 5. Adhere to all Trust Policies as applicable. This job description is not intended to limit the scope and extent of the job to be undertaken and will be subject to review and alteration as necessary, following discussion with the post holder. Health Clearance Health clearance is required for this appointment. Applicants must complete a medical questionnaire, return it to the Occupational Health and Wellbeing Service and, if required, undergo a medical examination before appointment. Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) A DBS will be required before appointment for all posts with access to children or vulnerable adults. Confidentiality and Disclosure of Information In the course of your normal work with the Trust you will come into possession of confidential information concerning patients, the Trust and its staff. This information should always be treated according to the Trust s rules on confidentiality. Any inappropriate disclosure may be subject to the Trust's disciplinary procedures. Raising concerns Staff may on occasion have genuine concerns about healthcare matters and consequently the Trust endorses the principle that these must be raised in a responsible and appropriate manner, and if necessary using the Trust s Raising Concerns (Whistleblowing) policy. Data Quality/Security The post holder is responsible for ensuring that he/she maintains the integrity and quality of both computerised and manual data. Acceptance of Gifts and Hospitality The conduct of staff in the public service should be scrupulously impartial and honest and in this context any offers of gifts or hospitality should be discussed with your manager, prior to acceptance. Codes of conduct and professional standards All staff should adhere to any codes of conduct or professional standards set by the regulatory bodies with whom they are registered or by professional bodies of which they are a member. Managers should observe the Code of Conduct for NHS Managers. Risk (managerial and supervisory staff only)
Managers are responsible for implementing and monitoring any identified and appropriate risk management control measures within their designated area(s) and scope of responsibility. Full details are set out in the Trust s Risk Management Policy. Health and Safety All staff are advised that, under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and associated legislation, it is the duty of every employee to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of other people who may be affected by their activities at work, and also to co-operate fully with the Trust and others in connection with any arrangements to satisfy the statutory duties and responsibilities under the Act, including undertaking appropriate mandatory and health and safety training. Infection Control All staff must at all times be aware of their responsibilities for ensuring infection control and to maintain hygiene standards in accordance with infection control policies and instructions. Personal Property The Trust is unable to accept responsibility for articles of personal property lost or damaged on its premises whether by burglary, fire, theft or otherwise and staff are advised to insure against all risks. Equal Opportunities Equality of opportunity is an integral part of the Trust s recruitment and selection process and recruiting managers must ensure that they comply fully with the Trust s Equality & Diversity Policy. The Trust aims to ensure equality of opportunity for all irrespective of race, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, age, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity and religion, or belief. No Smoking Smoking by staff, patients and visitors, will not be permitted anywhere on Trust premises. Security Staff must wear their identity badge at all times to assist in maintaining the security of the hospital; be observant, and not afraid to enquire of people as to their business in the hospital. Any suspicious behaviour must be reported to the Security Officer, manager, or security team. Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults Kingston Hospital NHS Trust is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults at risk of abuse. If the post is one that involves access to children and vulnerable adults during the course of their normal duties, an enhanced Criminal Records (CRB) check will be required. All employees have a responsibility for safeguarding children and vulnerable adults in the course of their daily duties and for ensuring that they are aware of the specific duties relating to their role.
Person Specification Post: Health Care Assistant Band 3 Criteria for Selection Essential Requirements Desirable Requirements Assessment Method Qualifications Good literacy and numerical abilities. Studies or equivalent experience/knowledge Numeracy & literacy test Knowledge Knowledge of personal care Application Form and related procedures Interview gained through experience References Experience Previous HCA experience Ability to use initiative in Application Form within a health care setting high pressure work Interview Ability to work successfully situations References as part of a busy team Previous experience of Able to work well with working in a similar role people, particularly the Ability to prioritise ability to deal with all people delivery of patient care fairly and sensitively Customer Care training Sensitivity of cultural needs Experience with the use and maintenance of equipment within a hospital environment Ability to use initiative to find solutions to a varied number of problems Skills Able to communicate clearly Ability to work flexibly in Application form in writing, verbally and on a busy environment Interview the telephone Basic computer skills References Able to receive routine Formal Demonstrate an Assessment information and act awareness of keeping accordingly the clinical environment Personal Qualities Able to provide patients with an environment that support privacy and dignity Ability to work accurately to defined procedures, using standard forms and documents Demonstrate basic numeracy skills Ability to organise and prioritise workload Positive customer care skills, (polite, respecting, caring, engaging etc) Integrity, adaptability, commitment and motivation Support patient confidentiality, equality & diversity at all times safe and clean Willing to undertake further education and training as required Clerical skills (for example simple filing, record keeping and letter writing) Interview References
Flexible Teamwork Willingness to develop further training and knowledge Approved by: Manager Agreed with: Employee Date: Date: