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Job description

We are looking for a dynamic and enthusiastic senior Health Care Assistant (band 3), with previous experience working in an acute setting.

The Coronary Care Unit (CCU) is an eight bedded unit, providing level 2 care to patients who are admitted via our Cardiac Catheter Suite or Accident and Emergency. We are a dedicated team, who are motivated and supportive, ensuring holistic patient care.

Together with the MDT, you will make a real difference to the lives of people with coronary conditions.

As a senior HCA you will be responsible for supporting the registered nurses to deliver high-quality care. This fast paced unit has a high turnover of patients, meaning no shift is ever the same, requiring a hands-on approach and a “can do” attitude.

In return we will offer training and opportunities to fill any skill gaps. The shift pattern is long days only, seven days a week with no nights. You will be expected to work a mixture of week days, weekends and bank holidays.

• To contribute to the implementation and progression of a range of patient treatment and care programmes as delegated by a registered healthcare practitioner.
• To assist with clinical duties to ensure the effective running of the unit.
• To monitor and record patient’s clinical observations, escalating appropriately to a registered nurse as required.
• To assist in the maintenance of up to date, comprehensive and accurate records in accordance with current legal requirements both written and digital.
• Undertake electrocardiogram (ECG) recording and point of care testing (e.g. blood sugar, urinalysis.)
• Assist in the collection of specimens, including blood samples (including fixed central lines and established arterial lines.)
• Where appropriate insert, secure and remove female catheters; empty drainage bags and accurately measure and record urinary output.
• To participate in maintaining standards of hygiene, cleanliness and infection control, reporting problems as appropriate.
• Ensure that equipment is clean at all times, stored safely when not in use and report faults as appropriate.

King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of the UK’s largest and busiest teaching Trusts with a turnover of £1 billion, 1.5 million patient contacts a year and more than 15,000 staff based across South East London. The Trust provides a full range of local and specialist services across its five sites. The trust-wide strategy of Strong Roots, Global Reach is our Vision to be BOLD, Brilliant people, Outstanding care, Leaders in Research, Innovation and Education, Diversity, Equality and Inclusion at the heart of everything we do. By being person-centred, digitally-enabled, and focused on sustainability, we aim to take Team King’s to another level.

We are at a pivotal point in our history and we require individuals who are ready to join a highly professional team and make a real, lasting difference to our patients and our people.

King’s is committed to delivering Sustainable Healthcare for All via our Green Plan. In line with national Greener NHS ambitions, we have set net zero carbon targets of 2040 for our NHS Carbon Footprint and 2045 for our NHS Carbon Footprint Plus. Everyone’s contribution is required in order tomeet the goals set out in our Green Plan and we encourage all staff to work responsibly, minimising their contributions to the Trust’s carbon emissions, waste and pollution wherever possible.

Clinical Responsibilities

You will be able to perform the following:

• To assist patients with activities of daily living whilst encouraging independence, as appropriate
• Demonstrate encourage and assist patients in undertaking therapeutic activities within parameters of agreed care plans and under guidance of registered practitioners
• To monitor and record patient’s clinical observations, escalating appropriately to a registered nurse as required
• To assist with patient nutritional needs – eating, drinking, menu selection, meal delivery and special diets according to the individual patient’s needs
• To assist in the maintenance of up to date, comprehensive and accurate records in accordance with current legal requirements both written and digital
• To assist in the admission and discharge of patients including any necessary risk assessments
• To escort patients and families to other departments within the hospital as required
• Undertake electrocardiogram (ECG) recording and point of care testing (e.g. blood sugar, urinalysis)
• After appropriate training, to assist in the collection of specimens including blood samples (including fixed central lines and established arterial lines – specialist areas only)
• After appropriate training; insert, secure and remove female catheters; empty drainage bags and accurately measure and record urinary output
• After appropriate training assist in the implementation of advanced wound care (e.g. skin closure using adhesive sutures, wound drainage care)
• To participate in maintaining standards of hygiene, cleanliness and infection control, reporting problems as appropriate
• To ensure that equipment is clean at all times, stored safely when not in use and report faults as appropriate
• To assist in setting up and preparing patient areas appropriately to the clinical area (this may include the set up and calibration of devices g. ventilators, pumps – after appropriate training)
• To ensure that stock levels of linen, sterile supplies and stationery are maintained at all times in conjunction with the senior sister/ward
• To assist in the maintenance and safekeeping of patients property in line with Trust policy
• To assist ward staff with general collection/delivery of items necessary to ensure effective operational management of ward/department
• To assist in performing the last offices as requested
• To ensure that all patients and relatives are welcomed and orientated to the ward environment
• To assist with the care of distressed or bereaved relatives
• To demonstrate an awareness of the different cultural, ethnic and religious needs
• To participate effectively in multidisciplinary case conferences as required

Administrative Responsibilities

• To assist with clerical and ward administrative duties, including data management, photocopying, transporting of equipment/data/ paperwork to other departments, booking patient transport, sending referrals and administration of appointments
• To provide clear and effective information and communication, both verbally and in Promptly referring enquiries to the relevant person
• To maintain confidentiality at all times, in and out of the hospital environment

Education and Training

• To be able to identify with support your own development needs, completing a competency document and learning objectives within a specified time frame and as agreed by manager
• To ensure own attendance at mandatory study days and training (BLS, manual handling ) as required by ward/departmental manager
• To update skills and knowledge as required by the Trust
• To actively participate in annual individual performance review
• Sign off HCA’s for Care Certificate
• Once assessed as competent in a specific skill to demonstrate those skills to less experienced staff, providing practical training and basic assessments under oversight of senior registered colleagues

Leadership

• To adhere to, and work within the National Code of Conduct for clinical support workers at King’s College Hospital
• To manage an agreed workload with supervision and support from colleagues and senior staff
• To work within and support the multidisciplinary team, contributing ideas toward future developments
• To act as a role model and advisor to less experienced staff demonstrating and promoting the Trusts Values and Behaviours
• To provide day-to-day supervision and co-ordination of junior staff (e.g. healthcare assistants (band 2), apprentices, work experience) supporting their local induction
• Take personal ownership in giving and receiving feedback
• To participate in reflection and or clinical supervision sessions as provided
• To observe personal and collective responsibility for resource management
• To be responsible with others for any specific risk management associated with the post, reporting and taking appropriate actions as necessary

Research and Service Development

• Assist with audits, surveys and research and developmental activities as instructed
• Provide care to patients taking part in clinical trials as directed by registered healthcare professionals in line with relevant research protocols
• To act as a liaison with specialist teams and services as a link practitioner enhancing communication and collaborative working by attending meetings and disseminating relevant information (via face to face teaching and written/digital briefings)