Health Care Support Worker

Job overview

The modern Critical Care Unit (CCU) at The Royal Marsden Hospital facilitates the provision of exceptional treatment and care to patients throughout critical phases of their cancer journey.

The 16 bedded CCU on the Chelsea site is the only level 3 critical care facility dedicated entirely to cancer patients in the United Kingdom. This environment is challenging, exciting and supportive, facilitates the development of specialised skills.

An opportunity for a health care assistant is now available to join our team. We are looking for someone who is motivated and committed to working in a challenging but enjoyable environment.  You will be expected to participate in patient care and assist in maintaining a safe and effective environment. You will enjoy working as a team, be able to take direction and demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively with patients, families and staff. We will provide you with education and development opportunities within the unit and you will be attached to a team so that your short- and long-term goals are identified.

For an informal discussion regarding this opportunity or to arrange an informal visit please contact:

Angelita Escolano , CCU Sister, [email protected]

Main duties of the job

The purpose of the HCA’s role in Critical Care Unit (CCU) is to assist in the delivery of direct/indirect patient care under the supervision of the registered nursing staff.

The HCAs are required to work with members of the CCU team to ensure the maintenance of an efficient, safe, clean and pleasant environment for all patients.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For further information on this role, please see the attached detailed Job Description and Person Specification :-

• To undertake and practice the Care Certificate standards.
• Monitoring and recording patients’ vital signs (including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, oxygen saturation) and reporting any abnormal results to registered nursing staff.
• Measuring and recording patients’ height and weight
• Performing venepuncture and venous blood sampling. (After appropriate training and assessment of competency)
• Undertakes clinical tasks relevant to the specific clinical area following competency sign off, for example, ECG, urinalysis, MRSA screening swabs, recording of allergies on Digital health Record (DHR) EPIC and other clinical tasks where training/competency sign off deemed appropriate for HCA that has been ratified through NRRAC.
• Assisting with nutrition where applicable i.e. assisting with menu completion, feeding assistance. Working closely with the ward host/hostess and housekeeper. Understanding the dietary needs of patients and utilise diet charts and fluid balance charts appropriately.