Job role: Health Care Assistant
Company name: NHS Jobs
Salary: £24,071.00 to £25,674.00 per year
Job Reference: B0423-25-0010
About the Job
You should be flexible and adaptable to changes in your duties depending on patient demand, staffing levels, and operational priorities.
A willingness to support colleagues and work collaboratively across the wider team is essential to meet the needs of the service.
These duties will be carried out across both the Inpatient Unit and Community Services.
Duties & Responsibilities
* Assist in meeting the needs of patients in areas such as hygiene, elimination, nutrition, mobility, independence, and pain management.
* Promote and advocate for independence and personalised care based on patients’ life histories and preferences.
* Meet therapy needs by delivering the therapy plan devised by the Registered Therapist.
Patient Care
* Identify the psychosocial and spiritual needs of patients, families, and friends, and communicate these to the Registered Nurse (RN).
Therapy & Rehabilitation
* Implement rehabilitation programmes devised by the Occupational Therapist (OT) or Physiotherapist (PT).
* Practice daily living activities (e.g., transfers, personal care, mobility) with patients under OT/PT guidance.
* Assess and provide basic mobility and daily living equipment; report to OT/PT and arrange for loan or replacement as needed.
* Implement therapeutic interventions such as:
o Exercise
o Stretching
o Energy conservation
o Pacing and relaxation
o Report outcomes to OT/PT as necessary.
Ward & Patient Safety
* Perform Last Offices for deceased patients, ensuring safe custody of valuables and belongings.
* Maintain health and safety within the ward:
o Keep fire exits clear.
o Ensure cupboards are safely stocked.
o Identify and report hazards.
* Check and ensure all equipment is clean and functional.
* Record all information accurately in accordance with St Helena policy (e.g., patient records, incident/accident reports).
Clinical Support
* Escort patients to hospital appointments, home visits, or recreational trips.
* Assist in checking Controlled Drugs with a Registered Nurse (after completing the Drugs Competency Framework).
* Follow all infection prevention and control policies.
* Undertake and record clinical observations, reporting results to the RN.
* Perform simple dressings independently (within competence) and assist RNs with complex dressings.
Patient & Family Support
* Assist and supervise family members or untrained carers in providing patient care at home.
* Enable and support families to continue caring for the patient appropriately.
* Support SinglePoint Registered Nurses in patient assessment and care.
* Provide holistic care, addressing physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs.
Home & Community Work
* Work unsupervised in patients’ homes.
* Report any symptoms, concerns, or changes in the patient’s condition to SinglePoint.
* Seek guidance from St Helena Medical and Senior Staff when required.
Communication & Coordination
* Act as a call handler when needed—serving as the first point of contact for patients, relatives, and healthcare professionals.
o Maintain a calm telephone manner and use excellent communication skills.
o Use IT systems to log calls for triage.
* Act as a driver for the Registered Nurse during night shifts.
* Communicate effectively with the interdisciplinary team, including District Nurses, GPs, and Social Services.
Equipment & Education
* Maintain awareness of equipment used in palliative and end-of-life care at home.
* Participate in educational programmes within St Helena as both provider and learner.
* Mentor and guide new Health Care Assistants.
Independent & Lone Working
* You will be required to work independently in patients’ homes and community environments as service needs dictate.
* When working alone, you must:
o Adhere to the organisation’s Lone Working Policy.
o Follow all safety protocols.
o Use the lone worker device provided for personal safety and emergency alerts.
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