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Healthcare Assistant
The closing date is 27 August 2025
Weare looking for enthusiastic and dynamic Health Care Assistants to join ainnovative specialist multidisciplinary, complexed Frailty Team Ward at Bishop Auckland Hospital.Ward 7 is part of our inative frailtypathway which involves the identification and management of frailtypatients.
The HCA will support theward Team with the co-ordination of patient information gathering, you willsupport with clinical tasks and assessments, the expediting of clinicalinvestigations and complex discharge planning. Along side providing first classbasic patient care.
Thepost holder will be part of a larger multi-disciplinary team includingConsultant Geriatricians, Nurses and Therapists.
Main duties of the job
The job involves working as part of amulti-disciplinary team providing a high-quality service in the complex frailtyunit. The post holder will undertake a wide range of duties to clinicallysupport the multidiciplinary team which include welcoming patients to the unit,recording observations and ECGs,phlebotomy, providing patients with refreshements, assisiting withpatients hygine need, helping facilitate patient hospital transfers and patientdischarge and supporting the unit by helping ensure the unit is clean and wellstocked at all times.
About us
If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager.
You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks.
We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.
We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented.
Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents.
Over reliance onAI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish the applicant's chances ofsuccess.
For the most up-to-date information on visa requirements and eligibility, please check online to determine whether you can apply.
From April 9th 2025 - Healthcare assistants - You must have a minimum of two yearsof experience working within the NHS as a HCA for the Trust to considersponsorship (we will only consider sponsorship if you meet this criteria andhave a current visa expiring within 3 months).
Job responsibilities
Tocontribute to the care planning process involving and informing patients andwhere appropriate their carers.
Support the Frailty Teamin gathering patient information and collateral history on the patient byliaising with next the ofkin, carers and external agencies.
Support the Frailty Teamwith complex discharge planning.
Support the Frailty Teamwith administrative duties and referrals to support services.
Organise, prioritise andadjust own workload in relation to patient care.
Liaise with members of themulti-disciplinary team in the delivery of care programs.
To recognise and act upondeterioration in a patients condition informing a Registered Nurse of action taken.
To assess patients levelof dependence in meeting personal care needs and ensure appropriate assistance is given.
To discuss with patientsstrategies to maximize independence and manage chronic illness.
To keep accurate andtimely written records of care delivered and patient progression.
To carry out additionalclinical skills relevant to the patient group/speciality.
To assist medical staffand registered nurses in carrying out invasive procedures.
To act as teamrepresentative where appropriate reducing demands on Registered Nurse time.
To assist in resolvingconflict and diffusing situations where appropriate.
To take responsibility forongoing education and their personal development plan.
To welcome patients to theunit, and facilitate patient transport needs to and from hospital.
To assist in the admittingof patients to the ward, including recording these on clinical systems, recording base-lineobservations.
To provide care topatients following instructions within the Care Plan or Pathway.
To carry out clinicalskills relevant to the unit which may include phlebotomy, recording ECGs, recording blood glucose,performing MRSA screening and monitoring/removal of IV cannulas.
To assist the clinicalteam with data entry, filing, documentation of care delivery, includingscheduling of planned procedures.
To ensure the unit areaand clinical rooms remain tidy and well stocked, including liaison withsupplies team to ensure adequate stockprovision.
To demonstrate competencein accurate recording of clinical observations.
To recognise abnormalrecordings or changes with the patients condition and report to registered nurse.
To act as chaperone whennecessary.
Serving of patient meals/drinks/snacks provide and supportpatients with hygiene needs.
To assist in escorting,transferring and discharging patients ensuring return of property andbelongings and bedspace prepared for next patients.
Person Specification
Special Skills & Knowledge
* Good verbal and written command of English.
* Ability to act upon own initiative.
* Able to work under some pressure.
* Ability to show leadership.
* Ability to plan own work.
* Ability to work calmly under pressure.
* Willing to take and record patient observations.
* Knowledge of care and related procedures, clinical observations, relevant legislation.
Personal Attributes
* Good interpersonal skills.
* Able to engage and build effective relationships at all levels.
* Understanding of the role of HCSW.
* Able to work as part of a team.
* Knowledge and understanding of the need for confidentiality.
Experience
* Ability to learn new skills.
* Previous experience in caring for others.
Qualifications
* Care Certificate or willingness to complete within first 6 months of commencement in post.
* GCSE equivalent in English and Mathematics.
* Short courses relevant to undertake patient and clinical care duties.
Special Requirements
* Self-motivated and able to motivate others.
* Excellent communication & interpersonal skills.
* Ability to work in a busy and varied work environment and respond to change.
* Be able to offer pastoral care to mentors and students when providing feedback on performance.
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.
Employer name
County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
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