Health Care AssistantinNuneaton inNuneatonPUBLISHED WED 23 OCT 2024

Band 3: £24,071 to £25,674 a year PERMANENT GOOD SALARY

24-HOUREND OF LIFEINTERNAL ROTATIONNHSVEHICLE

Mary Ann Evans Hospicer3lnIm1Q

Mary Ann Evans Hospice in Nuneaton is seeking a passionate Health Care Assistant (HCA) to join their dedicated team, focusing on palliative and end-of-life care. This role involves working primarily within the Hospice at Home and Wellbeing programs, where the HCA will deliver high-quality care to patients in their homes and support families within the hospice setting. The position requires a current driving license and access to a vehicle, as well as an NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent. Though experience in palliative care is preferred, it is not mandatory; however, a strong commitment to personalized care and effective communication skills are essential.

The role entails collaborating with healthcare professionals, social services, and other organisations to ensure that patients receive comprehensive support, particularly those wishing to die at home. The HCA will work 7 days a week, primarily during the daytime, with potential for night shifts as part of the Rapid Response team. Additionally, competency with IT systems, specifically EMIS for electronic patient records, is required, and training will be provided. The position emphasises the importance of involving patients and their families in decision-making regarding their care, thereby enhancing their quality of life during a challenging time.

Due to our exciting service developments we have a great opportunity for an individual or individuals who are passionate about palliative and end of life care!

For over 30 years Mary Ann Evans Hospice have provided outstanding end of life care to its community and its services have made a huge impact on many families lives across North Warwickshire.

The journey towards end of life can be a complex one. At Mary Ann we pride ourselves on delivering the highest standard of care and support to patients and their families, and constantly strive to ensure we reach as many people as possible, whenever and wherever they may need us. The hospice serves a population of approximately 190,000 people covering Nuneaton, Bedworth, Atherstone, Coleshill and the surrounding villages in northern Warwickshire.

The post holder will hold a current driving licence and have access to their own vehicle for duties associated with this role.

The post holder will hold a NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care or equivalent. They will be able to demonstrate a commitment to continuing professional development and a willingness to complete further studies.

There is a preference that the post holder has experience in working in a palliative and end of life care however this is not essential. It is essential that the candidate has a passionate about improving and providing high quality palliative and end of life care in the community.

The post holder will possess strong communication skills to enable them to build effective working relationships with their patients, carers and other healthcare professions at all levels across the healthcare sector. The post holder must be committed to providing personalised care by ensuring patients and their families are involved in decision making in relation to their health care.

It is essential that the post holder is confident and competent with IT skills as we use EMIS, which is an electronic patient records, training on EMIS will be provided.

The post holder will be able to work independently as well as working as a member of Mary Ann's community team.

About us
The Health care assistant (HCA) will be working within our community services which consist of the Hospice at Home (HAH) team, the Wellbeing programme and Rapid Response (RR) which is a shared service with South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust. The role will be predominately working within HAH and the Wellbeing programme working 7 days a week between the hours of 8.30am to 4.30pm. At the current time we are piloting a change in hours working from 8am to 8pm. At the end of September this will be reviewed and hours may become permanent. There may be the occasional requirement to work within the Rapid Response team which will be internal rotation onto night shift.
When working within the HAH team the HCA will provide high quality palliative and end of life care to patients and their families within their own home. You will work closely with our community and hospital colleagues from the NHS, social services, local care homes and other voluntary providers to support those patients who preferred place of death is to die at home.
When working within the Wellbeing program the HCA will work as part of a team to support patients, families and carers within the hospice setting to improve their quality of life, encouraging reablement and well-being models of care.
On occasions when required the HCA will work with the Rapid Response team which covers a 24-hour service working alongside an experienced qualified palliative care nurse to support them to provide urgent care for those patients who have uncontrolled symptoms which require immediate intervention.

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Useful skills for a Health Care Assistant: Click to view

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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