Senior Health Care Support Worker (SHCSW)

Job overview

We are seeking an enthusiastic Senior Health Care Assistant (SHCA) to join our Urgent Treatment Centre team. Working under the guidance of our Nurse Practitioners, you will play a key role in delivering safe, effective, and high-quality patient care across our urgent care services.

As a Senior Health Care Assistant, you will support the clinical team in providing care to patients attending our Urgent Treatment Centres and Minor Injuries Unit.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has a compassionate and patient-centred approach to care.
• Works effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Demonstrates excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Is willing to undertake training and competency assessments.
• Can adapt to a fast-paced and varied urgent care environment.
• Is flexible and able to work across multiple sites and shift patterns.

Working Pattern

This is a 37.5-hour per week position covering services that operate 7 days a week, including Public Holidays.

The role is primarily based at Cumberland Urgent Treatment Centre, with an expectation to rotate to Derriford Urgent Treatment Centre and Tavistock Minor Injuries Unit as service needs require.

Shift patterns may include:

• Early shifts
• Late shifts
• Long days

*Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as ‘Priority’ and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.*

Main duties of the job

Main Duties and Responsibilities

As a Health Care Assistant, you will work closely with the Nurse Practitioners and wider clinical team to support the delivery of safe, effective, and patient-centred care within the Urgent Treatment Centre and Minor Injuries Unit services.

Key responsibilities include:

Clinical Duties

• Assist the Nurse Practitioner in delivering both the physical and psychological care of patients.
• Provide support and reassurance to patients, relatives, and carers as required.
• Report any concerns, changes in patient condition, or operational issues promptly to the Senior Nurse.
• Ensure compliance with quality indicator requirements for Type 3 A&E, Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC), and Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) services in England.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and complete patient documentation in accordance with agreed service standards.

Following appropriate training and successful competency assessment, you may undertake the following clinical tasks:

• Recording and monitoring patient observations.
• Performing 12-lead ECGs.
• Undertaking urinalysis and blood glucose testing.
• Providing simple wound care management, including wound closure and dressings.
• Applying Plaster of Paris (POP) casts and other splints.
• Delivering health promotion advice and support to patients.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To assist the Nurse Practitioner in fulfilling his/her role in the physical and psychological care of patients and be aware of the need to assist relatives and carers. To report as soon as possible, to the senior nurse, any problems that may arise.

Comply with the quality indicator requirements for type 3 A&E/UTC/MIU departments in England.

Complete and monitor patient clinical observations: ensuring own documentation is completed to the MIU agreed standard.

Clinical tasks will include assisting patients, their relatives and carers, performing obs, recording ECGs, aspects of wound care management, urinalysis,  blood glucose testing, applying POP and splints, health promotion

Monitoring stock levels- both clinical and other stores utilised within the clinical area

Maximising use of resources, time, and equipment. Ensuring defects are reported and monitoring repairs are carried out.

Maintaining safety of patients, relatives. carers and staff. Reporting incidences, safeguarding issues and completing Datix when required

In the absence of the Receptionist undertake administrative tasks

Individual MIU key tasks as negotiated by the Manager.

To be aware of and abide by UHP & Health Authority approved policies, i.e. child protection, infection control, standards and quality initiatives.

The post holder is required to take reasonable care for his/her own health & safety and that of other persons who may be affected by his/her acts or omissions.

Please see Full Job Description attached