Health Care Assistant inEast Grinstead inEast Grinstead PUBLISHED
THU 9 JAN 2025
Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in East Grinstead is seeking empathetic and self-motivated Health Care Assistants for its Surgical Ward Canadian Wing, which specializes in Plastic, Maxillo-Facial, and Corneoplastic surgery. Candidates will work under the supervision of registered practitioners, providing high-quality patient care and supporting the daily operations of the ward. While prior health care experience is desirable, training and orientation will be provided. Responsibilities include preparing patient areas, assisting with admissions and discharges, maintaining clinical cleanliness, and supporting patients with daily activities while ensuring their dignity and privacy.
In this role, Health Care Assistants will contribute to a positive care environment, communicate compassionately with patients and their families, and collaborate effectively with the health care team. Opportunities for professional development, including enrollment in the Care Certificate and access to apprenticeship programs, are available. Ideal candidates should possess basic IT skills, be prepared to handle clinical duties such as record keeping and patient observations, and maintain compliance with Trust policies and health regulations.
In this role, Health Care Assistants will contribute to a positive care environment, communicate compassionately with patients and their families, and collaborate effectively with the health care team. Opportunities for professional development, including enrollment in the Care Certificate and access to apprenticeship programs, are available. Ideal candidates should possess basic IT skills, be prepared to handle clinical duties such as record keeping and patient observations, and maintain compliance with Trust policies and health regulations.
Surgical WardCanadian Wing is a 43 bedded unit specialising in Plastic, Maxillo-Facial and Corneoplastic surgery. We have opportunities for Health Care Assistants to join our busy and friendly team.The ideal candidates will be empathetic, caring and compassionate.You will also be reliable, self motivated and able to work as a member of the team assisting all staff in the daily running of the ward and providing high standards of care to patients.Previous experience in a health care setting is desirable although orientation, training and supervision will be provided. Basic IT skills are beneficial.
Queen Victoria Hospital offers developmental opportunities for Health Care Assistants. You will be enrolled on the Care Certificate and be given the opportunity to apply for the various apprenticeship programmes.
The Healthcare Assistant will work as part of the team with supervision of registered practitioners to provide effective, safe patient focused care at all times.
Contribute to the development of the care environment with a positive, professional attitude.
Contribute to the maintenance of daily provision of service and care to meet the individual needs of patients and department.
To support the smooth running of the department and ensure patients, relatives and carers are dealt with in a friendly and efficient manner.
You will ensure that policies and guidelines are adhered to.
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- To prepare areas in preparation for receiving patients.
- Assist to ensure the department is restocked and have shared responsibility for maintaining the cleaning of clinical areas.
- Comply with, and maintain Trust & Local Infection Control policies and procedures.
- To assist with the admission and discharge of patients.
- The post holder will be required to work as part of a skilled team to support the provision of an effective and safe clinical service.
- Work as part of a team under supervision to provide a safe, effective environment of care for patients, relatives and their carers. Under direction of a registered practitioner, to support a comprehensive level of care, maintaining high standards and continuity of care to patients.
- Support the registered practitioner in the delivery of direct and indirect patient care.
- Under the direction of a registered practitioner, undertake a range of delegated clinical duties including record keeping, patient observations and specimen handling.
- Under the direction of the registered practitioner check sterilised equipment, ensuring related paperwork is in order and completed correctly.
- To assist in ensuring all written documentation is completed, i.e. Patient care plans,
- Use Patient Centre for relevant purposes.
- Assist with the provision of the day to day management of clinical equipment and report any problems to senior colleagues, completing the necessary documentation.
- Communicate with colleagues, patients and their relatives/ carers in a professional and compassionate manner. To escalate any concerns about a patient to the relevant practitioner immediately.
- Assist patients with activities of daily living whilst ensuring the privacy and dignity of the patient is maintained at all times, for example, undressing, chaperoning, emotional and physical support overcoming barriers to communication.
- Ensure patients, visitors and staff are dealt with sensitively and professionally with due regard to ethnic origin, culture, religion, disability and sexual orientation.
- Acting as a positive role model for peers, supporting other HCAs as required.
- Maintain professionalism at all times and respect colleagues.
- Recognise potential hazards in the workplace and deal with them within own capability and/or report promptly to relevant team leader.
- To deal with queries and problems from patients and staff, both on the telephone and personally, in a positive and helpful manner and escalate as appropriate.
- Attend department meetings.
- Ensure a safe environment in the department for patients/staff and visitors and inform the Matron/ Nurse in Charge of potential hazards. Comply with COSHH regulation and other Health and Safety legislation.
- Be prepared to extend knowledge and skills by rotation through whole department.
- Assist in the evaluation of new equipment and resources.
- To undertake phlebotomy tasks as required upon completion of the competency.
- Be able to use any information technology within the department.
- Carry out any other duties commensurate with the post within own capability.
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The National Health Service (NHS) is a cornerstone of healthcare in the United Kingdom, established in 1948 with the simple yet profound principle of providing healthcare to all citizens, free at the point of use. This revolutionary system aimed to ensure that access to medical services would not depend on an individual’s financial situation, a concept that has since become fundamental to British societal values. Learn more...
Useful skills for a Health Care Assistant:
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To work as a Health Care Assistant (HCA) in the UK, you will need a variety of skills and qualities to provide effective care and support to patients. Here are some essential skills and qualifications:
1. Communication Skills: Ability to communicate clearly and empathetically with patients, their families, and other healthcare professionals.
2. Interpersonal Skills: Building rapport with patients and providing emotional support is crucial.
3. Compassion and Empathy: Understanding the feelings and experiences of patients to provide the best possible care.
4. Physical Stamina and Strength: The role may involve lifting and moving patients, as well as being on your feet for long periods.
5. Teamwork: Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to deliver coordinated care.
6. Patience and Resilience: Caring for patients, especially those with complex needs, can be challenging, so patience is essential.
7. Attention to Detail: Noticing changes in a patient's condition and following care plans accurately.
8. Basic IT Skills: Many healthcare environments use electronic patient records, so familiarity with computers is beneficial.
9. Organizational Skills: Managing your time and priorities effectively to ensure that all patient needs are met.
10. Understanding of Health and Safety Regulations: Knowledge of infection control, safeguarding, and maintaining a safe environment for both patients and staff.
11. Basic Clinical Skills: Depending on the setting, you may need skills such as taking vital signs (temperature, pulse, blood pressure), assisting with personal care, and understanding basic medical terminology.
Qualifications
While formal qualifications are not always required to become an HCA, some employers may prefer candidates with:
- Relevant Experience: Experience in care settings, either paid or voluntary, is highly valued.
- NVQs or Diplomas: Qualifications in Health and Social Care, such as an NVQ Level 2 or 3, can enhance your employability.
- Basic First Aid Certification: Having this certification can be beneficial.
Additional Training
Many employers offer on-the-job training, and you may also be expected to complete mandatory training courses, such as:
- Manual handling
- Health and safety
- Safeguarding vulnerable adults and children
- Infection prevention and control
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inEast Grinstead