Healthcare Assistant in Prescot

The post holder will assist the trained nurses in ensuring that patients receive the highest standard of care in a safe and pleasant environment. Working as a member of a designated nursing team, the Health Care Assistant (HCA) will deliver elements of care safely under the supervision of a trained nurse, treating patients with respect, dignity and kindness, valuing individuality and maintaining confidentiality at all times.

Main duties of the job:

• Assist registered nursing staff in maintenance of selected observation charts and patient documentation records.
• Recognise and report any concerning change in patients' condition immediately to the registered nurse.
• Liaise with the Housekeeping team to maintain a clean environment for patient care within the unit and the surrounding areas at all times.
• Identify and report all potential hazards, incidents and near misses within the patient areas.
• Ensure that any storage areas are kept tidy and appropriately stocked.
• Assist with laundry duties as and when required.
• To be responsible for undertaking some tasks independently.
• Makes accurate records at the point of care using the hospice's electronic record and reports relevant information directly to the registered nurse.
• To use and store all equipment safely and correctly in accordance with Hospice and manufacturers' instructions ensuring safety for both patients and staff.
• Ensure patient safety at all times and that any care given is in line with training received.
• Assist in the monitoring, storing, and disposal of equipment and hazardous materials in accordance with health and safety guidelines.
• To communicate appropriately with all members of the multidisciplinary team, other colleagues, patients, relatives and visitors to the ward.

Key Responsibilities:

• Working under the direct supervision of the registered nurse administers as directed in the patients' care plan.
• Assist patients with personal care whilst maintaining privacy and dignity at all times.
• Assist with patients' nutritional needs as requested by the registered nurse.
• Be aware of the special psychological/spiritual needs of the Hospice patients and have a sensitive approach to their care.
• To support relatives/friends during the immediate and early bereavement period, ensuring privacy and dignity is maintained.
• Develop and maintain good verbal and written communications at all times.
• Correctly record/report telephone messages.
• Exercise care and economy at all times in the use of property and equipment.
• Ensure that all Hospice supplies are used effectively and economically at all times.
• Understand and comply with the policies and practices of the organisation.
• Maintain confidentiality in respect of all information.
• To be an effective representative of Willowbrook Hospice and to act at all times in a professional manner, promoting a positive company image.
• Undertake any other duties which commensurate with the post at the request of the IPU Manager or other Willowbrook Hospice Manager.

This is an outline of the post holder's duties and responsibilities. It is not intended as an exhaustive list and may change from time to time in order to meet the changing needs of Willowbrook Hospice.

It is the responsibility of all employees to support Willowbrook's vision of promoting a positive approach to diversity and equality of opportunity, to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage in service delivery and employment, and to manage, support or comply through the implementation of Equality & Diversity Strategies and Policies.

The prevention and control of infection is the responsibility of everyone who is employed by Willowbrook Hospice. Employees must be aware of infection control policies, procedures and the importance of protecting themselves and others in maintaining a clean and healthy environment.

This post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and is covered by the Exceptions Order of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.