Healthcare Assistant

Job overview

An opportunity to join the team on the Intensive Care Unit at CHFT has become available and we are looking for a compassionate, dedicated Health Care assistant  to join our team.

The role is to cover shifts both day and night (11.5 hours shifts) over a seven day period.

This is a cross site post and the successful application will be working in the Intensive Care Units at Calderdale Royal Hospital and Huddersfield Royal Infirmary.

Main duties of the job

You will be an integral member of the ICU team working under the direct supervision of a registered practitioner. • Be responsible for providing care to patients as delegated by the registered practitioner. • Contribute to the maintenance of care environment and quality initiatives to enhance patient care. • Ensure that their practice adheres to policies, procedures, and competencies.  • Act in a manner that upholds privacy, dignity, respect and confidentiality of patients and colleagues.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Personal Care Duties • Welcome and orientate patients, carers, relatives, and other visitors to Critical Care always demonstrating care and compassion. • Report any observed changes in the patient’s physical or psychological needs to the registered practitioner. • Provide support/assistance to the registered practitioner whilst the registered practitioner performs clinical procedures (e.g. chest drain removal), and where appropriate, other members of the clinical team as required. • Participate with emergencies i.e. cardiac arrest, patient falls and patients with a rapidly deteriorating condition. • Assist with the transfer/escort of patients from one area to another within scope of practice alongside the registered practitioner. • Assist in Care after Death for deceased patients ensuring that all religious and cultural wishes are adhered with. • Assist in the maintenance of the patient’s individual hygiene requirements, including supporting/ undertaking fundamental patient care, such as washing, dressing, skin care, oral care, hair care, nail care etc. Ensure any concerns or changes in the patients' condition are  reported to the registered practitioner. • Assist in the prevention of pressure ulcers, complete required documentation and report any concerns or changes in skin integrity to the registered practitioner. • Ensure safe and effective use of equipment and other aids deployed to assist patient movement and mobility e.g. walking aids, hoists etc.

Nutrition and Hydration • Assist in the preparation of patients prior to them receiving meals and beverages, providing assistance with feeding / drinking where appropriate. • Correctly record and monitor dietary and fluid intake of patients, informing registered practitioners of progress and / or any difficulties relating to dietary / fluid intake experienced  by the patient. Communication • Communicate effectively and maintain good relationships with patients, relatives, and other healthcare practitioners. • Ensure that consent is obtained prior to delivering all aspects of patient care.

• Undertake duties as directed by the registered practitioner in relation to all verbal and written  communications, ensuring messages and communications relayed to other team members, as required. • Listen to and value the views of patients and their relatives and / or on their experience and discuss this with registered practitioners to improve care and patient experience. • Actively support and assist in alleviating distress and anxiety for patients and carers in line with their personal beliefs and preferences whilst in hospital, seeking support from a registered practitioner when required. Infection Prevention and Control • In accordance with training, ensure safe and effective infection prevention and control (including waste management), handwashing and wearing of Personal Protective Equipment are always adhered to. • Maintain cleanliness in the work environment in line with Health and Safety and Infection  Prevention policies and guidelines. • Prepare and maintain environments for clinical procedures under the direction of a registered practitioner. • Safely transport samples to the laboratory in a timely and professional manner. • Collection of blood products from blood bank in accordance with Trust policy. • Ensure specialist equipment is cleaned and prepared prior to and after use. General Ward/Department Duties • Under the direction of a registered practitioner, organise the supply and maintenance of materials and ward or department equipment, ensuring they are placed in the correct area and present no hazards to staff, patients, or visitors. • Assist in the transfer of materials and equipment as requested. • Act as designated runner for isolated areas • Manage patient property in accordance with Trust policy • Clean and return equipment used in procedures and treatments or dispose of as appropriate. • Assist with the checking and recording of deliveries to the clinical areas against original orders,  including putting away stock medication. • Assist with stock rotation, minimising the risk of equipment being out of date. • To report any accidents or potential hazards involving self/patients/other  staff/visitors/equipment to the registered practitioner in charge • Perform fire warden and fridge temperature checks • Chaperoning the patient in accordance with policy ensuring support to the patient in  accordance with Trust policies and procedures • Use IT systems where appropriate and trained to do so, to record patient information e.g fluid  balance, nutrition, height and weight. • Occasionally participate in audits, surveys, research and development activities. • Answer the telephone in a courteous and professional manner, accurately taking messages and informing the relevant person(s).