Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Band 2 or 3 (depending on experience) Health Care Assistant to join our busy Endoscopy Team. Milton Keynes University Hospital (MKUH) Endoscopy service is based over 2 sites (MKUH and MKUH White House diagnostic Centre (WHDC)) The unit are purpose built to support outpatient and inpatient endoscopic procedures. It consists of four Endoscopy theatres at MKUH, one of which has the facilities to undertake X- ray screening and laser procedures and two Endoscopy theatres at WHDC.

This is a dynamic team of highly motivated nurses and support staff. As an experienced communicator, you will be expected to provide an efficient and effective service, working as the patients advocate, and mindful at all times of the Trust vision. The successful candidates will embrace the challenge of working in a highly demanding environment where patient focus is paramount.

Our services include an ever-increasing number of specialised therapeutic and diagnostic procedures which require a high level of technical capability and a passion for problem solving.

The applicant does not require previous endoscopy experience as all training will be given but an understanding of Endoscopy procedures is beneficial. In the first 12 months you will be expected to work towards competencies to show you meet the criteria to work as a Band 3 Health Care Assistant to support your nursing colleagues.

The main responsibility of this post will be to work alongside our Endoscopists, Staff Nurses, Nurse Associates and Health Care Assists to delivering high level care to patients in all areas of the unit, this role is highly technical as you will be working with state-of-the-art endoscopic equipment which helps to diagnose, assess, and treat patients with the Gastrointestinal, Respiratory and Urology conditions. This can be a physically demanding and challenging role but is very rewarding for the right candidate.

If you are motivated, enthusiastic and a confident team worker with good communication skills you will be well suited to work within this large multidisciplinary team.

Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, in partnership with the University of Buckingham, is a University Teaching Hospital; we conduct research and teaching on site to improve the care of our patients. The hospital is undergoing significant investment, and we are proud to be rated good by the CQC. Visit our website to catch up on our latest news.

Assist the multi-professional team to prepare and support patients undergoing treatment or investigation.

Assist with pre use checks of specialist equipment and escalate any concerns to the registered nurse in charge.

To provide professional and compassionate care and support during Endoscopy procedures ensuring their dignity is maintained throughout.

To monitor and support the sedated patient during procedures including assisting in basic airway management of patients undergoing Gastroscopy and Respiratory procedures.

Able to communicate well with all members or the multi-disciplinary team.

Good attention to detail when admitting patients, taking biopsy samples, or conducting breath tests.

To help ensure that experience of Trust is positive for patients, relatives, and visitors.

Assist patients to access toilet facilities – escort patients to the toilet, assist patients to use bedpans/commodes/bottles. Empty catheter bags, change incontinence pads according to the needs of the patients care plan and trust policy.

Assist in local audits, hand hygiene, Sedation and WHO check list audit.

Occasionally participate in R&D and take part in surveys and audits.

Please refer to the Job Description attached for full details.