Healthcare Support Worker

Job overview

The post holder will work as an integral part of the Endoscopy team assisting nurses in ensuring the department runs smoothly by participating in the decontamination, traceability and maintenance of endoscopes and other specialised equipment used in endoscopic procedures. Supporting the nurses to prepare patients for the endoscopy procedure (for example performing observations and insertion of cannula) and to monitor patients and deliver care during procedures.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will assist in ensuring a safe and positive patient experience and develop good communication channels with all relevant staff and organisations.

Maintain accurate maintenance records of reprocessing equipment and other specialised equipment as designated by the Nurse in Charge.

Assist with quality assurance checks.

Participate in testing of rinse water

To assist qualified staff in monitoring agreed standards of practice within the unit.

Assist in preparing the patients for their procedure, performing observations and cannulation prior to procedure

Assisting the qualified nurses to observe and monitor the patient within the Endoscopy room during the procedure.

May be required to communicate with the patient to inform if there are variations from the normal in their observations.

This may require tact or compassion if the patient may be in some discomfort or under sedation.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Working closely with all members of the multidisciplinary team both internal and external to the Trust this includes, but not limited to:

To answer the telephone in a courteous and professional manner and relay both verbal and written messages accurately and promptly.

To greet all visitors to the department courteously and in a professional manner.

To establish and maintain good relationships with visitors, relatives and staff, helping them to find their way around department, considering any shared areas within the department.

Identify endoscopes required each day for use within the Endoscopy unit, remote areas and after hours use and prepare as per local and BSG guidelines

Assist with the decontamination and reprocessing of endoscopy equipment in accordance with local and national guidelines.

Maintain accurate traceability records of all endoscopes and endoscopic accessories and ancillaries. Demonstrate adherence to the Trust’s policy on infection prevention and control and waste disposal when handling endoscopic equipment.

Assist with the maintenance of the endoscopic equipment including function testing and problem-solving during use.

Assist with the maintenance of the reprocessing equipment.