Senior Health Care Support Worker (SHCSW)

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen to be part of the pre-operative team as a Senior Health Care Assistant .You will be able to support the peri-operative (Pre-op) assessment of patients prior to their date of surgery.

We believe in putting people first. So you’ll appreciate having the time to care – to fully understand each patient’s needs and give them and their families the comfort and reassurance that can mean so much. You’ll be an excellent communicator and team worker – flexible and motivated.

Please note that applications from temporary workers who have been engaged with the Trust for a minimum of 3 months are welcome.

We are working towards a 7 day a week service so the ability to work some weekends is essential.

***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

The Health Care assistant is a member of the multidisciplinary team whose function is to assist the registered staff to provide the highest standard of nursing care to patients undergoing pre –operative investigations.

You will also be expected to contribute to the training & development of new & existing staff with link roles. In return, you will be working with a friendly, supportive and flexible team who are committed to providing an excellent service. We are also committed to looking at your own personal development to help you to develop your skills and knowledge and to work effectively and efficiently in your role.

The role also includes undertaking basic & extended skills such as performing observations, ECGS, venepuncture, cannulation with indirect supervision.

Assisting registered practitioners with the care of patients undergoing the pre-assessment pathway for elective surgery.

Performing basic and extending skills in line with local policies and procedures.

There will be a new computer system being introduced to pre-assessment in July so strong IT skills are required with the ability to adapt to new clinical software.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Obtain consent prior to giving care in accordance with Trust policies.
• Competently undertake delegated duties in line with patient care plans.
• Ability to use your knowledge and experience to undertake non-routine duties and an understanding to take decisions within your area of responsibility.
• To carry out a range of (limited) clinical duties with minimal / no supervision, including for example, blood pressure monitoring, oxygen saturation levels, body temperature, pulse rate and respiration rate, glucose monitoring, collection and testing of urine samples / faecal samples / sputum samples and wound swabs ensuring delivery of high-quality patient care at all times. NB: this list is not exhaustive and will vary depending on area of work.
• Participate in patient assessment providing high quality holistic patient care and escalating concerns about patients to other clinical staff.
• Practice safe standards of care to patients following Trust guidelines and policies and be able to concentrate for periods throughout the day with occasional interruptions.
• Provide clinical care in accordance with the infection prevention and health and safety policies and procedures.
• Maintain the work environment in line with Trust infection control and patient safety policies.
• Utilising skills to actively facilitate self-care and independence with patients.
• Promote health education specific to the clinical area and in line with national and local policies. For further details please see the attached JD & PS