Health Care Assistant | Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust in Watford

Working under the supervision of the qualified nursing staff, the HCSW will participate and support the members of the multi-disciplinary team in delivering high quality patient care. Band 3 HCSWs will be expected to carry out specific skills depending upon the requirements of the clinical area.

Direct patient care:

• To practice the Care Certificate and support junior staff to achieve the standards.
• Communicate with tact, empathy, and overcome barriers to understanding e.g., patients with physical impairment, mental health conditions or learning disabilities.
• To assist with nursing care as instructed by the registered nursing staff.
• To care for the patient’s personal clothing, property and valuables in accordance with relevant Trust policies.
• To assist with the moving and handling of patients and loads, using the correct moving and handling aids and techniques, in accordance with Trust policy, local guidelines and risk assessments.
• To ensure that patient privacy and dignity are respected at all times and that nursing care is patient focused.
• To demonstrate an awareness of the importance of patient confidentiality and ensure a safe and secure environment at all times.
• To perform patient observations e.g. temperature, pulse, blood pressure, respiration, urine testing, fluid balance charts, height & weight and to record these correctly in the patient’s records, reporting any abnormality or change in these to a qualified nurse.
• Undertake a limited range of delegated clinical care duties relevant to the specific clinical area following training and or competency sign off.
• To work within own personal/professional limitations and seek help of others to maintain safe practice.
• Assisting with nutrition where applicable e.g. assisting with menu completion, feeding assistance.
• Take an active role in maintaining effective communication with all disciplines, patients and relatives.
• Demonstrates an understanding of nursing care plans and utilises them in line with Trust policy and procedure.
• Assisting in the provision of basic care to patients so as to ensure their comfort, cleanliness and well-being.
• Reporting to registered nurses any problems or concerns arising during observation of or conversations with patients and carers.
• To report faulty equipment to the relevant department for repair.
• To transport, as required, clinical specimens, blood and blood-products as per Trust policy.
• To support and reassure patients during clinical procedures or treatment.
• To escort patients to and from the ward area if required and if the patient is stable.
• Provide enhanced care to patients according to the Trust policy.

Maintenance of the environment:

• To support the housekeeper in the maintenance of a clean environment.
• To ensure that all linen is stored, transferred and disposed of correctly within Trust policy.
• To assist the ward team to keep the ward/clinical area tidy.
• To assist in the checking, unpacking and storing of items delivered to the clinical area.
• To ensure that all equipment is cleaned after use, in line with Trust policy.
• To adhere to the principles of universal precautions in all aspects of patient care.

Customer Service:

• To answer the telephone in a courteous manner and relay both oral and written messages accurately and promptly.
• To greet all visitors to the ward courteously and in a professional manner.
• To establish and maintain good relationships with visitors, relatives and staff.
• To be punctual at all times.

Professional Development:

• To participate in the Trust’s Individual Performance Review process.
• To assist with the induction and ongoing development of Band 2 HCSWs and other support staff.
• To understand own level of responsibility and accountability in relation to qualified nurses.
• Take part in reflection and appropriate learning from practice.
• All HCSWs recruited to the Trust will be required to attend designated study days.

General:

• To have responsibility for the health, safety and welfare of self and others.
• To promote equal opportunities for staff and clients.
• To comply with the Trust’s No Smoking Policy.
• To be clean, tidy, and smart in appearance by wearing the correct uniform at all times.
• To perform any duties as may be required from time to time that are consistent with the responsibilities of the role.
• To work at all times within the policies and procedures of St George’s Healthcare NHS Trust.
• To report all accidents, incidents, and complaints as per Trust policy.

The HCSW works under the direct supervision of a qualified nurse at all times and must acknowledge when a particular task is outside of her/his role or competence.