Bank Healthcare Support Worker

Job overview

We are currently recruiting Healthcare Assistants who are looking for the ability to work flexibility or to work some additional hours, to join our healthcare assistant bank where you will be working within a Trust that is rated outstanding for its care and delivers the best patient experience in the NHS (according to the Adult Inpatient Survey).

Joining our healthcare assistant bank will enable you to deliver the best care to our patients whilst offering you the flexibility to choose when you work across our orthopaedic surgical, medical and rehabilitation wards.

Under current Home Office Immigration Rules, this role does not meet the UK Visas and Immigration criteria and the position is not therefore eligible for sponsorship. Applications from candidates that require skilled worker sponsorship will NOT be shortlisted.

Main duties of the job

Previous experience of working in a care setting would be desirable. You will demonstrate a caring and compassionate approach, be able to deliver high standards of care to our patients and follow defined protocols relating to patient care.

Candidates are advised that if they are offered the opportunity to be registered on our bank of temporary workers they will be required to attend 4 days’ of Induction and work 4 paid shadow shifts on different areas prior to being able to book shifts – this is to provide our temporary workers with support and confidence.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Under the direct/indirect supervision of trained staff, be able to use own initiative and be able to assist patients in all activities of daily living within own level of competence.
• Assist patients to maintain and improve their mobility to their full potential. Assist with dressing, promoting independence as much as possible within the boundaries of the patient’s functional ability.
• Provide patient care, which may require the use of physical effort to roll, manoeuvre and stand patients. The use of manual handling equipment and training is essential, to reduce physical strain and maintain safety of the patient. Annual manual handling training is mandatory.
• Assist other team members to maintain the skin integrity of all patients and have a working knowledge of all aids that are available to support this practice.
• Provide a safe and clean environment for patients by having and demonstrating a working knowledge of all Health and Safety issues.
• Assist patients to select meals. Have a working knowledge of available supplementary foods, which may be prescribed. Provide assistance and monitoring with eating and drinking as required, whilst still attempting to promote patients' independence.
• To have a basic understanding in the safe use of wheelchairs, commodes and other equipment used on the unit.
• Ensure due regard is given to the customs, culture, values and spiritual beliefs of the patient, family, carers and staff. To uphold the Trust's Diversity/Equal Opportunities Policy.
• Ensure due regard is given to the safety of patient’s belongings according to Trust policies.
• Be able to handle waste body fluids, ensuring correct disposal according to Trust policies. Take specimens of urine, faeces, sputum, wound and other swabs, when requested to do so from a qualified nurse.
• Assist with escort duties as required. Chaperoning patients during medical examinations.
• Basic life support skills are essential and will be updated at least yearly.
• Ability to call help and support staff in the event of an emergency.
• Be accountable for own practice and take every reasonable opportunity to sustain and improve knowledge and professional competence.
• Attend yearly statutory training to ensure adherence to Trust policy and current legislation.
• Attend relevant in-house training sessions which is pertinent to own clinical practice, to enhance knowledge and skill, maintaining competencies.
• Maintain personal training records.
• Participate in a yearly appraisal, setting personal objectives for own professional development plan.

Applicant requirements

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.