Health Care Assistant inTiverton inTiverton PUBLISHED WED 15 JAN 2025

Band 3: £24,071 to £25,674 a year per annum FIXEDTERM GOOD SALARY

EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT EMPATHY NHS PARAMEDIC

South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust rreevmLA

Opportunity to work within a supportive and collaborative team, including nurses, paramedics, and doctors.

Gain hands-on experience in urgent and emergency care, enhancing your skills and knowledge in a fast-paced environment.

Contribute positively to community health by treating urgent health problems locally and reducing unnecessary visits to emergency departments.

Flexibility in working hours with shifts available 7 days a week, promoting a better work-life balance.

Training and development support available for those needing to enhance their skills or knowledge in healthcare.

Directly interact with patients, providing empathetic care and making a meaningful difference in their health outcomes.

The Health Care Assistant role at Tiverton’s Urgent Treatment Centre, part of the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, involves supporting registered staff such as Specialist Nurses, Paramedics, and GPs in providing urgent care. Responsibilities include conducting initial patient assessments, managing patient flow, maintaining accurate clinical records, and assisting with ongoing patient care as directed. The position requires the ability to triage patients, document observations, report changes in their condition, and ensure a safe, clean environment by properly managing supplies and equipment.

This fixed-term contract emphasises the need for strong communication skills, empathy, and the ability to work effectively under pressure, while providing a vital contribution to patient care in a fast-paced setting. Previous experience in a healthcare environment is preferred, although training is available for suitable candidates eager to develop their skills in urgent and emergency care.

To support the Specialist Nurse, Paramedic or GP working within the Urgent Treatment Centre by undertaking initial assessments of patients, managing patient flow and executing appropriate treatment plans.

Booking patients in on Adastra, initial assessment of patients, documenting findings in the clinical record and observing and re-assessing waiting patients as required. Raising any concerns identified.

Assist with the care of patients within the unit as directed by registered staff

To be based in Tiverton Hospitals Urgent Treatment Centre which is open to patients between the hours of 08:00 and 2000, 7 days a week. The purpose of the UTC is to treat urgent health problems locally preventing unnecessary attendances at local ED's.

Responsibilities for Staff/Patients

To book patients into the Adastra system when reception is closed.
Undertaking initial assessments of patients maintain patient records, recording observations and contributing to the evaluation of the patient's progress.
To assist in the ongoing care of patients within the unit as directed by the registered clinicians.
To undertake tasks such as recording observations following local training and assessment of competence, reporting any change in a patient's condition promptly and accurately to the qualified staff.
To help maintain supplies and ensure correct storage. To monitor quality and remove sub standard items for the return to the supplier. Assist in maintaining adequate levels of stock.
To provide a safe and clean environment for patients and staff by ensuring that the equipment and furniture are cleaned and used correctly and that any faulty or damaged equipment is reported to senior staff.
To use equipment safely and appropriately, following local instruction.
To have a good understanding of National and Trust policies, especially with regard to health and safety, moving and handling, infection control, confidentiality and to comply with those policies and procedures.
Willingness to be flexible and adaptable to facilitate the provision of quality care for patients

About us
The role will be as a Health Care Assistant working within South Western Ambulance Service NHS Trusts Urgent Treatment Centre on a 12-month fixed-term contract.

You will provide essential support to the wider team which includes, administrators, Paramedics, Nurses, Pharmacists and Doctors . The role involves assisting with all aspects of patient care, including triaging and clinician support. You will support both emergency and non-emergency presentations, ensuring the safe care of patients while maintaining a calm and professional demeanour.

The role requires excellent communication, empathy, and the ability to work under pressure. This position offers a valuable opportunity to contribute to patient care while gaining hands-on experience in the dynamic field of urgent and emergency care.

Previous experience within a health care setting is highly desirable.Training can be provided where required.

More information related to this job opportunity, from jobsincare:

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More about the NHS

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: 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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