Mercers Ward is a 18-bedded general surgical ward specialising in Bariatric, Spinal and Emergency Colorectal surgery. We are seeking highly motivated and enthusiastic Health Care Assistants to join our friendly and supportive team.
The role involves supporting the qualified nurses in all aspects of patient care from admission through to discharge. Applicants are required to be flexible, willing to learn new skills and have excellent communication skills.
Applicants must have successfully completed an NVQ in Healthcare at Level 3 or equivalent. Experience in acute environment is also essential.
For further information or informal visits please contact Fiona Witter Manager on 020 7288 3253.
Main duties of the job
POST SUMMARY:
1. The post holder will have an NVQ level 3 in care or equivalent, and have a minimum of two years experience in an acute setting.
2. The post holder will work as part of the ward team under the supervision of registered nurses, and will support them by participating in the delivery of patient care.
3. The post holder will be expected to be self-motivated and use their initiative when necessary.
3. The post holder will undertake the hospital's in house training for Health Care Assistants and will maintain an agreed level of competence.
4. The post holder will work internal rotation to meet the needs of the service.
5. It is expected that the post holder will be able to carry out all of the duties listed
in the main duty section below. No duties are to be undertaked by the post holder unless they have received the appropriate training or instruction.
About us
Whittington Health serves a richly diverse population and works hard to ensure that all our services are fair and equally accessible to everyone. Nowhere is this more obvious than in the way we look after our staff. We aim to employ a workforce which is as representative as possible of this population, so we are open to the value of differences in age, disability, gender, marital status, pregnancy and maternity, race, sexual orientation, and religion or belief. The Trust believes that as a public sector organisation we have an obligation to have recruitment, training, promotion and other formal employment policies and procedures that are sensitive to these differences. We think that by doing so, we are better able to treat our patients as well as being a better place to work.
Job responsibilities
MAIN DUTIES
CARE
The post holder will
a. Treat all patients with dignity, respect and discretion, maintaining their confidentiality.
b. Ensure that patients personal hygiene requirements are met. This will include assisting with washes, bed bathing, assisting patients to use the shower and bath, providing mouth care and cleaning dentures.
c. Promote continence by ensuring that patients toilet needs are met. This will include the giving and taking away of bedpans and urinals, emptying catheter bags, bowel and stoma care.
d. Take and record observations of patients temperature, pulse, respiration and blood pressure. To monitor patients blood sugars. Any abnormalities to be reported to the qualified nurse.
e. Carry out routine urine testing, record results and report any abnormalities.
NUTRITION
The post holder will
a. Assist in the delivery of meals and will also distribute and collate menu cards.
c. Ensure food charts are maintained.
d. Refer patients to the dietician as applicable.
e. Monitor patients weights.
f. Order special diets as necessary
MOVING AND HANDLING
The post holder will
a. Adhere to Trust policy on moving and handling.
b. Maintain the comfort of patients confined to bed by helping to reposition them as required.
c. Assist patients with mobilising in liaison with Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists and Nursing Staff.
DOCUMENTATION
The post holder will
a. Complete all admission documentation in conjunction with qualified staff. (This does NOT include the actual care plan itself).
b. Ensure all written entries on documentation are clear, legible and signed. (ALL entries must be counter-signed by a qualified member of staff.)
c. Complete fluid balance charts and observation charts as required.
INFECTION CONTROL
The post holder will
a. Be aware of and adhere to the Trust guidelines relating to infection control.
b. Take steps to prevent cross infection by using universal precautions and hand washing.
c. Will wear uniform in accordance with hospital policy.
COMMUNICATION
The post holder will
a. Be able to communicate effectively with patients, other staff and the general public.
b. Be polite and respectful at all times.
c. Answer the phone clearly and politely and will relate any messages promptly and accurately.
d. Be willing to undergo computer training and PAS training.
OTHER DUTIES
The post holder will
a. Ensure that patients sign the disclaimer on admission and are made aware of the Trust policy in relation the safe keeping of valuables.
b. Complete the ward property book as required.
c. Report any accidents or incidents according to Trust Policy.
d. Go to other departments and collect patients belongings etc and to collect items from pharmacy.
e. Go to other areas and work as the service needs or under the direction of the manager.
Person Specification
* Ability to communicate with clarity
* Has a minimum of two years experience in an acute setting
* Experience in an acute setting
* Have an understanding of the need for maintaining dignity, privacy and confidentiality
* Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team
* Ability to carry out care duties
* NVQ in care Level 3 or equivalent
* Demonstrates flexible and positive approach, reliable and has good time keeping
* Self motivated to develop skills and knowledge
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
£30,546 to £32,207 a yearper annum inclusive of Inner London HCAs
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