Healthcare Assistant - Sexual Health London, England
Job description
Band 3 - Healthcare Assistant
10 Hammersmith Broadway, London W6 7AL
10 Hammersmith Broadway is a modern sexual health and HIV centre in West London and we are looking to recruit a health care assistant to join the team and service. This role is a rare opportunity to develop skills in both sexual health and HIV.
The main aspects of the role include clinical duties including direct patient care under supervision, assisting the Multi professional team in the delivery of a high standard of care to patients attending for Sexual, Reproductive health and HIV care. Other aspects include housekeeping and administration duties and overseeing the maintenance of a safe environment for both patients and staff.
We are looking for individuals who are motivated, enthusiastic and possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills along with the ability to work with a team in an innovative sexual health setting.
In return, you will join a team of friendly skilled experienced doctors, sexual health / HIV nurses, health advisers and admin staff responsible for delivering a high standard of care to patients. We have a full in-house and Multidisciplinary Education programme.
The post holders will be expected to work flexibly within the clinic and at outreach settings in the local community when applicable.
This advert will close early if a high number of applicants are received.
A Health Care Assistant (HCA) is a member of the health care team who works under the supervision of a registered health or social care professional. A HCA can undertake a range of roles within their
overall job and their level of responsibility will be appropriate/ commensurate to the level of knowledge and skills they have acquired.
To participate, under the supervision of a Registered Nurse/ Midwife, in the delivery of patient care to a defined client group, in accordance with the philosophy of care which enables clients to maintain their skills and maximize the potential to achieve independence. Work as part of an effective and caring team.
The post holder works under the direct supervision of the Registered Nurse/ Midwife. They will work within the boundaries of their existing and developing skills at all times. The post holder is expected to
maintain high standards of care, managing their time, tasks and resources effectively.
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust provide services from two main hospitals, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and West Middlesex University Hospital, and a number of clinics across London and the South-East.
We have nearly 7,000 members of staff that arePROUD to Carefor nearly one million people. Both hospitals provide full clinical services, including full maternity, emergency and children’s, in addition to a range of community-based services across London, such as award-winning sexual health and HIV clinics.
We’re one of the best performing Trusts in the country. We’re also one of the top trusts to work for – our staff says they’re engaged, motivated, and would recommend us as a place to work and receive treatment.
Our Trust has been rated by the Care Quality Commission as ‘Good’ in all five of the main domains of safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led, giving an us overall rating of ‘Good’. We’ve also been awarded an ‘Outstanding’ rating for ‘use of resources’ by an NHS Improvement inspection.
Our facilities are some of the best in the country. We have been investing significant Capital year on year in our estate. We have recently completed a £30m expansion of our adult and neonatal critical care facilities at Chelsea and Westminster and are planning an ambitious £60m development of an Ambulatory Diagnostics Centre at West Middlesex.
Skills
- Under direct supervision assists with the delivery of care as described by the Registered Nurse.
- Assist patients with general hygiene needs reporting any changes in patients’ condition.
- Assist the patient to dress appropriately.
- Safeguard patients own belongings and space.
- Under supervision take and record the patient’s observations (e.g. temperature, skin assessment) as required, and inform the registered nurse of any observed changes in the patient’s condition. See Skills Sheet/Competency booklet for further details.
- Support the Registered Nurse in meeting and recording patients’ elimination needs. Report any changes identified and record quantities and frequency on the relevant charts appropriately.
- Work with the Registered Nurse to gain knowledge and understanding of providing pressure area care and the use of aid
- Work with the Registered Nurse to gain knowledge of mobilisation aids and their correct and safe use.
- Assist the Registered Nurse in the moving, handling and positioning of patients to meet clinical need, adhering to the Trust Moving and Handling policy at all times - 1.10 Report physical
- Have an awareness of patient dietary needs and adhere to patient protected mealtimes.
- Under supervision deliver meals and provide drinks to patients as appropriate and record food intake (inpatient only).
- Report any changes of pattern to Registered Nurse
- Report relevant information regarding the patient care to Registered Nurse.
- Assist the Registered Nurse in contributing to the care of dying and deceased patients, sensitively providing support to relatives/friends and support patients who have received bad news.
- Support the Registered Nurse in the provision of health promotion/ education, e.g. prevention of pressure ulcers, deep vein thrombosis. See Skills Sheet /competency booklet for further information.
- Will ensure the environment is clean, comfortable, safe, and welcoming to patients, relatives and all health care professionals. In inpatient areas, this includes preparing bed space: - wash beds, chairs and lockers, making unoccupied beds in readiness for appropriate use.
- Clean and maintain equipment and make ready for use.
- To have an awareness of monitoring and maintaining stock levels of designated items.
- Keep all storage areas clean, tidy and in good order
- Report any faulty or broken equipment to the ward manager and label appropriately.
- Deliver specimens, test requests, notes or any charts as requested.
- Escort patients to other departments as and when requested to do so.
- Promote and ensure safe handling of valuables and patients property as per Trust policy.
- Be aware of and understand basic infection control techniques.
- Be aware of and follow safe disposal of sharps into appropriate container
- Understand universal safety techniques with regard to spillages.
- Dispose of body fluids, soiled linen, clothing etc in line with the Trust Infection Control Policy and Waste Disposal Regulations Clerical and Reception.
- Undertake delegated clerical duties in the absence of ward Clerk.
- Demonstrate good effective communication skills.
- Liaise and co-operate effectively with the administrative and clerical staff, nursing and medical staff and enquiring visitors to the ward / department.
- Deal with all enquiries politely and effectively in all circumstances.
- Ensure patients’ confidentiality and details are maintained at all times.
- Redirect all patients’ enquiries that are outside your field of practice to the Registered Nurse.
- Assist in the completion of PET (Patient Experience Tracker)
- Accurately file all patient documentation as directed.
- To answer telephone calls and redirect enquiries in the absence of the Ward Clerk.
- Undertake Ward/Departmental induction and orientation.
- Complete associated competency booklet – completion time 2 months. Follow up action plan to complete this if required, by initial appraisal at 3 months.
- Work with manager 3 months after taking up post, to undertake an appraisal and Personal Development Plan to set objectives and agree future competency achievement and development.
- Successfully complete the Essence of Care Programme.
- Undertake NVQ Level 2 programme.
- Attend relevant training in line with Trust policy.
- Actively participate in team meetings and team brief cascade of information.
- Assist or participate in departmental and Trust initiatives or audits, related to quality Improvement / Clinical Governance.
- To participate in the orientation and educational programmes for new staff.
- The post holder is encouraged by the ward /department to attend both personal and professional development activities that assist in their role and the service through negotiation with Ward/Department.
- Work within legislation and local procedures according to the Human Rights Act, Data Protection Act and Caldicott guidelines.
- Demonstrate awareness of culture, equality and diversity towards patients and colleagues.
- Maintain dignity and privacy at all times.
- Provide equality for all patients by non-discriminatory practice.
- Demonstrate an understanding of religious beliefs and customs.
- Understanding the requirements of vulnerable patients and the processes that are required to maintain their safety.
