Job Summary
To meet patient hydration and nutrition needs by providing tea rounds for patients and assisting with serving meals.
Main duties of the job
To meet patient hydration and nutrition needs by providing tea rounds for patients and assisting with serving meals.
About Us
EFFORT, PHYSICAL SKILLS and WORKING CONDITIONS:
Physical Skills
On a daily basis, the post holder is involved in moving the tea trolley, linen trolley and other equipment. As required they will assist in the positioning of patients so they can maintain adequate nutritional intake in line with Trust policy.
Physical effort
The post holder will undertake 4 drinks rounds a day, will be on the move for the majority of the 7.5 hour shift. Will have some computer-based work when stock ordering, reporting faults.
Mental effort
Prioritise workload effectively under the supervision of the ward manager.
Emotional effort
To support patients with their emotional wellbeing on a daily basis during routine interactions.
Working conditions
Maintain a high standard of infection control, ensuring safe disposal of materials contaminated with body fluids such as blood, urine and faeces, adhering to the Hospital Infection Control Policy at all times.
Job Description
Job responsibilities
Operational Delivery
- Undertake regular tea/drinks rounds for patients.
- Responsible for preparation and service of snacks and drinks when requested by a patient or relative.
- Ensure that the 'red' tray system is implemented to denote those nutritionally at risk.
- Ensure hand wipes and serviettes are available for patients at meal times along with condiments.
- Assist in the monitoring and documentation of patients' nutritional intake, ensuring nursing staff are made aware of any problems.
- Assist patients at meal times with cutting up food and if necessary assisting with feeding as requested by the Nurse in Charge.
Co-ordinate Extra Meal Requirements As Required
- Attend and participate in ward catering meetings.
- Support the Ward Manager by highlighting and reporting areas of the ward that are not cleaned to the standards agreed.
- Responsible for ensuring the ward remains tidy.
- Assist with clearing bed areas following a patient discharge or transfer, including cleaning and removal of equipment to the correct storage area, cleaning locker, bed and chair.
- Responsible for the general care of plants and flowers brought into the ward including the regular cleaning of vases.
- Be responsive to patient requests and liaise with nursing staff regarding patient errands.
- Assist patients in the completion of menus, offering alternatives and choices if necessary.
- Ensure that the menus are completed clearly and on time.
- Maintain the safety and storage of the Trust's and patients' property and belongings in line with Hospital Policy.
- Put away the weekly stock order and restock cupboard areas and linen trolleys as required.
- Undertake the moving and positioning of equipment, adhering to the Trust's Moving and Handling Policy.
Patient / Customer Care
- To maintain good communication with patients, families and colleagues.
- Assist the patients to meet their hydration and nutritional needs.
- Assist with moving and positioning of patients in preparation for mealtimes, adhering to the Trust's Moving and Handling Policy.
- Accurate completion of hydration and nutrition charts.
Communication and Relationship Building
- Communicate effectively with ward staff, cleaning and catering staff.
- Must effectively manage barriers when communicating with people with special needs e.g., hard of hearing or cognitive problems.
- Must be able to communicate in a written and verbal form.
- Welcome visitors to the ward and assist with queries.
- Answer the phone in the absence of the admin staff, effectively take messages and deal with enquiries.
Service Development and Improvement
- Attend ward meetings.
- Offer up ideas for improvement and be involved in carrying them through.
- To uphold the Trust's values and vision.
Management and Leadership
- Participate in the induction of new staff/students/volunteers as appropriate.
Finance and Resource Management
- Complete the weekly stock order.
- Complete rotation of stock, monitoring expiry dates.
Information Management
- Maintain confidentiality and manage information sensitively.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
* Good standard of education to GCSE standard / NVQ 2 or equivalent.
* Basic computer skills.
* Evidence of good attendance record.
Experience Essential
* Experience of working with diverse groups of people.
* Team working.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details
Employer name
Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust
Address
QVM
School lane
Welwyn
AL6 9PW
Employer's website
https://www.hct.nhs.uk #J-18808-Ljbffr