Overview
Apprentice Healthcare Support Workers are a vital part of the team that supports staff and patients in wards and departments throughout the hospital. Working under the direction of qualified nursing/midwifery staff, Apprentice HCSWs carry out a wide range of duties to care for, support, and provide information to patients and their families. They also carry out housekeeping duties and perform basic medical checks, such as taking a patient's temperature, pulse and respiration rate. The role is varied depending on the ward and is about learning on the job. The attitude and behaviour of an Apprentice Healthcare Support Worker are more important than formal qualifications. Suitable candidates are friendly, caring and sensitive, and can offer social stimulation as well as care to patients. They will demonstrate the Trust values — Kindness, Respect, Safety and Excellence — in all aspects of their role.
They will be aware of the Care Quality Commission standards and support the multi-disciplinary team to ensure standards are maintained. The individual must provide a patient-centred approach and uphold standards of care to support a culture of compassionate care.
Clinical Support Role
* Under direct supervision assist with the delivery of care plan as described by the Registered Nurse/Midwife
* Assist patients with their care needs as required, reporting any change in the patient's condition to the registered nurse/midwife
* Support the Registered Nurse/Midwife and other health professionals with the mobilization or transfer of patients
* Develop awareness of patients in pain and discomfort and report any changes in the patient's condition to the registered Nurse/Midwife
* Have an awareness of patients' dietary needs, deliver meals, provide patients with drinks where necessary and assist with eating and drinking if required
* Demonstrate an understanding of the different needs of individual patients and their carers/families
* Develop an awareness of vulnerable patients and their safeguarding needs
* Under supervision, take and record patient observations (e.g., temperature, blood pressure) as required and inform the registered nurse/midwife of any changes
* Support patients with elimination needs, recording quantities and frequency on relevant documentation charts as prescribed by the Registered Nurse/Midwife
* Ensure the environment is clean, comfortable, safe, and welcoming to patients, relatives and all health care workers
* Be aware of and understand basic infection control techniques, the disposal of sharps and universal safety techniques with regard to spillages
* Clean and maintain equipment and make ready for use with relevant labelling
* Report any faulty or broken equipment to the Registered Nurse/Midwife and label appropriately
* Deliver specimens, test requests, notes or any charts as requested
* Escort patients to other departments
* Be aware of monitoring and maintaining stock levels where required
* Keep all storage areas clean and tidy and in good order
Clerical and Reception
* Undertake administrative and clerical duties as required/in the absence of the ward clerk/receptionist
* Deal with all enquiries politely and effectively in any circumstances
* Ensure patients’ confidentiality and details are maintained at all times
* Redirect all patients’ enquiries to the Registered Nurse/Midwife
* Ensure that all information is accurately recorded and files updated and that all documentation is accurately filed as directed
* Make patient appointments and book patient transport, if required, as directed by the Registered Nurse/Midwife
Communication
* Ensure all communication, which may be complex, contentious or sensitive, is undertaken in a responsive and inclusive manner, focusing on improvement and ways to move forward
* Ensure all communication is presented appropriately to the different recipients, according to levels of understanding, type of communication being imparted and possible barriers such as language, culture, understanding or physical or mental health conditions
About the Trust
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of England's top-performing and safest trusts. We operate two main acute hospital sites—Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and West Middlesex University Hospital—along with award-winning clinics across North West London. Our nearly 7,500 staff care for a diverse population of 1.5 million, providing full clinical services including maternity, A&E, and children's services, plus specialist HIV and sexual health clinics. The Care Quality Commission rates us as Good in safety, effectiveness, care, and responsiveness, and Outstanding in leadership and resource use. We continually invest in our facilities, including a £30m expansion of critical care at Chelsea and Westminster and an £80m Ambulatory Diagnostic Centre at West Middlesex.
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