JOB DESCRIPTION Job Title: Health Care Assistant Department: Main Outpatients/Raynes Park Reports to: Matron Liaises with: Outpatients Sister Band: 2 Job Summary The Health Care Assistant (HCA) will work within a team to ensure effective communication with Nursing, Medical, Health Records and Medical Secretarial staff so the clinics are conducted effectively and efficiently. The HCA will endeavour to maintain effective communication with patients and their carers. This entails ensuring that patients have understood their consultation and any instructions regarding further investigations have been explained thoroughly. HCA s are expected to be flexible in the way they work and to undertake any task or activity assigned to them HCA s will only be required to undertake activities for which training has been provided and for which they have been assessed as competent. The Outpatient HCA is responsible for a range of support services to the Outpatients Department encompassing clerical, technical and ancillary duties as allocated by the Qualified Nurse. The outpatients nursing team is a friendly, cohesive team who work towards supporting their colleagues. Trust Philosophy The post holder will be expected to commit to our core values as Kingston Hospital NHS Trust aims to employ and work with people who share these values. Our values are:- Caring Design and deliver care around each individual patient s needs and wants Safe 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 Value each other We all value each other s contribution By having a clear set of values, patients, carers, visitors and colleagues can expect Kingston Hospital s staff to behave in certain ways. Department Philosophy The purpose of the Outpatients Department is to deliver high quality care and service to our patients that will demonstrates we continually aim to respond to patients needs. 1 of 5
Department Structure Chart Junior Sister Staff Nurse Health Care Assistant KEY RESPONSIBILITIES/OUTCOMES: Clinical 1. Receive patients into clinic, check identity details, and provide information and advice to patients and their carers within their competences and give directions to other departments/hospitals as required. 2. Be courteous, considerate of the patient s dignity and confidentiality, will act at all times in the interest of the patient, while ensuring the data protection act is maintained efficiently. 3. Ensures that all waste is disposed in line with trust Infection control policies. 4. Undertake training, so becoming multi-skilled to meet the needs of patient-focused care given in Outpatients Department. 5. Having received the appropriate training and completes the relevant competencies to work in a variety of clinics to include Respiratory Medicine and ENT. 6. Chaperone patients and provide direct technical assistance where trained and deemed competent to medical staff where required. 7. Once deemed competent will be able to carry out specific procedures which will enhance patient care, e.g. spirometry, phlebotomy. 8. To assist doctor/nurse specialist in the specialist clinic s. Team Role 1. To assist with biopsies where necessary. 2. To coordinate clinics. 3. To work in varerius areas in the department; MOPD, Cancer Centre, Minor Ops room, Raynes Park and Rohampton Wing. 4. To support patients during their consultation. 5. To ensure the correct specimen labelling policy is followed. 6. To carry out vital signs and understand the readings to be abe to act accordingly. 7. To carry out ECG reading General 1. It is necessary to work as part of the outpatient s team in a co-operative, cohesive and supportive manner towards all team members. 2. Work in an allocated team and is responsible to the Outpatient s team leaders for the morning preparation of clinics. 2 of 5
3. Ensure cleanliness, tidiness and updating of stock and equipment in all consulting and clinical rooms. 4. To comply with Kingston Hospital Trust policies and procedures, ensuring Health and Safety standards of care and working practices are met. 5. Maintain a high quality of standards that have been taught, implemented and assessed through in-service training. 6. To ensure Outpatients and Kingston Hospital Trust Quality Objectives are met and work to meet the Standards defined in the Trust Philosophy. Education and Training/Self-Development 1. Attend all training sessions, complete work based activities and keep up to date all documentation to meet Care Certificate requirements 2. Identify own training and development needs and undertake appropriate training/education as required. 3. Participate in an annual individual performance review process where objectives will be agreed, performance monitored and personal development needs discussed. 4. To attend all statutory and mandatory training as and when required to do so. 5. 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. 6. 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. Criminal Records Bureau Disclosure A Criminal Records Bureau check and disclosure 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. 3 of 5
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 cooperate 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 their age, colour, creed, ethnic or national origin, marital status, nationality, physical or mental disability, race, religious belief, sex or sexual orientation. 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. 4 of 5
Person Specification Job Title: Health Care Assistant Criteria for Selection Essential Requirements Desirable Requirements Assessment Method Qualifications Good general education GCSE in English language Willing to complete the Care certificate and to complete within 12 weeks (pro rata for part time) Experience 6 months current experience in care work, preferably in a hospital. Skills Understand the need for and able to maintain confidentiality of patient information and records at all times. Understanding of the data protection act Sound communication skills both written and verbal Understand the importance of Health and Safety in a hospital environment. Must be organised and able to prioritise their work Must be able to follow instructions through Customer services Diploma NVQ level 2/3 in health care Additional experience in a customer service industry IT Skills desirable Has gain relevant experience within the health care setting and can relate theory to practice. Attended in house study days related to health care. Application Form Application form & interview Application Form & Knowledge Other Maintains a high standard of personal behaviour and appearance Promotes teamwork and fosters good working relations within the department and team. Courteous, helpful and professional Able to use initiative and undertake duties with supervision Flexible and adaptable Enjoys being busy and is self motivated with high standards. A mature, cheerful and reliable disposition would be preferable. Approved by: Manager date Agreed with: Employee date 5 of 5