Job Summary
To work as part of the ward or department team in providing compassionate care to patients, service users, carers and families. This is a pivotal role that is essential in providing care and support to patients and service users through direct and indirect care, working within clearly defined limits and attainment of agreed competence. Act as a role model at all times, reflecting the trust values and behaviours and delivering high standards of care. Be self-aware and open to receive and learn from feedback. Act as an advocate on behalf of patients and service users, recognising, respecting and responding to the diverse needs of our population.
This position is not currently eligible for a certificate of sponsorship in line with Home Office guidance as it does not appear on the skilled worker visa occupation list.
If you currently hold a different type of visa allowing you to work in the UK we would welcome an application from you. If your visa expires or there is a change in status during your employment, the Trust will be required to review your employment which may result in the termination of your employment to comply with the relevant immigration legislation.
Main duties of the job
1. At all times treat patients, service users, families, visitors and colleagues with dignity and respect to deliver compassionate care, exercising discretion and behaving in a manner consistent with Airedale NHS Foundation Trust Right Care Values.
2. To maintain confidentiality in all aspects of work and work within the Healthcare Support Worker Code of Conduct.
3. Work in a collaborative and co-operative manner with other members of the care team to meet the holistic needs of patients and carers.
4. To establish and maintain effective communication and relationships with the multi-disciplinary team, respecting the equality and diversity of each and every person he/she/they comes into contact within the course of his/her/their business.
5. Uphold the privacy and dignity of patients at all times.
6. Work in line with Trust policies and procedures and within scope of competence, undertaking mandatory training and essential skills training as identified for the role.
7. Contribute to the development of the clinical area, through contribution of new ideas to improve patient care/experience and by escalating concerns appropriately.
Specific Duties & Responsibilities
1. Under the direction of the Registered Healthcare Professional, provide good quality personalised care in accordance with agreed local and national standards using a wide range of skills.
2. Achieve and maintain core and departmental specific competencies as a HCSW as agreed with manager.
About Us
We are delighted to offer a wide range of benefits to employees including:
* Cycle to Work
* Travel Scheme
* Childcare Vouchers with Salary Sacrifice
* Onsite Nursery
* Buying and Selling Annual Leave
* Car Leasing
* Employee Assistance Programme
* Employee Health and Wellbeing
* Extensive Reward Scheme
* Counselling Service
* Financial packages including Vivup and Wagestream
* Staff Networks, Enable, Rainbow, Gender, Race Equality Ecoaware & Admin Network.
Our Values:
We understand that it's down to the hard work, effort and dedication of our staff that makes a difference for our patients. Our people really do make our Airedale experience - we take pride in fostering a friendly, effective and caring work environment. Our values are part of our DNA, which are:
* Committed to Quality of Care
* Compassion
* Working together for patients
* Improving Lives
* Everyone Counts
* Respect and Dignity.
Date posted: 03 April 2025
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 2
Salary: £24,169 a year Per annum
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 423-7016654
Job locations: Elective surgery, Airedale NHS trust, Steeton road, Keighley, BD20 6TD
Job Description
Job responsibilities
Specific Duties & Responsibilities
1. Assist with the service of meals and support patients who may need assistance with eating and drinking in line with their plan of care.
2. Assist with the safe moving, handling and mobilisation of patients ensuring that care plans are followed to minimise risk.
3. Communicate effectively with kindness, warmth and compassion recognising when there are barriers to communication where support may be required.
4. Act as a patient and staff advocate, escalating concerns and challenging poor behaviour or practice appropriately.
5. Maintain accurate records of care within area of responsibility.
6. Observe and report any changes in a patients condition to the Nurse in Charge.
7. Involve patients and carers/relatives in delivery of care.
8. Provide reassurance and support to patients, carers/family.
9. Support the maintenance and cleanliness of the clinical environment by attending to general tidiness of the area including unpacking and storage of stock deliveries.
10. Report any estates issues appropriately.
11. Support clinical teams to fulfil cleaning responsibilities as identified in the National Cleaning Standards framework.
12. Assist and contribute to the movement and treatment of patients to achieve physical comfort and minimise the adverse effects of pressure according to the plan of care.
13. Contribute to minimising the effects of disruptive abusive behaviour and the protection of individuals from abuse.
14. To answer the telephone and relay messages appropriately.
15. In the absence of administrative support, support administrative functions as directed by the nurse in charge.
16. Develop own skills and knowledge and contribute to the development of others.
17. Once experienced assist with the induction of new Health Care Support Workers.
18. Recognise and respond appropriately to urgent and emergency situations.
19. Ensure the effective and efficient use of resources and contribute ideas to cost improvement programmes.
20. Report any incidents, concerns, complaints or accidents to the Nurse in Charge completing adverse incident forms as required.
21. Attend and participate in team/ward/department meetings.
22. Support the psychological and emotional wellbeing of patients, carers and families.
Clinical Duties
Must be able to undertake other tasks appropriate to the clinical environment with necessary training and as directed by the Ward Manager or Department Lead:
1. Recording of patient information e.g., completion of fluid balance and food charts, stool charts, and recording on physiological observation charts (vital signs).
2. Support the Registered Nurse in the delivery of end-of-life care and care of the deceased.
3. Attend training in the use of equipment and devices appropriate to role and report faulty equipment promptly.
4. Record all care provided in the Trust standard format.
5. Beds made & changed in a timely manner to keep patients clean and comfortable and bed areas correctly prepared for new admissions.
6. Ward equipment cleaned and labelled e.g. commodes, medical devices.
7. Participate in regular patient checks known as Intentional rounding. Ensuring that patient comfort is maintained, skin checks are undertaken and recognising, reporting and recording changes to condition of skin.
8. Order equipment as directed by the registered nurse using appropriate system e.g.: Use of E-trace for ordering appropriate mattress.
9. Completion of property checklists and disclaimers.
10. To undertake physiological observations recording blood pressure, pulse, temperature, respirations and oxygen saturations.
11. Calculation of National Early Warning Score (NEWS) score, reporting any abnormalities to the Nurse in Charge.
12. Empty drainage bags such as catheter bags, stoma bags using appropriate infection prevention and control precautions.
13. Test patient blood glucose levels from capillary samples recording results and escalating when required.
14. To collect specimens of urine, sputum or faeces as requested and according to ward/ department procedures.
15. To assist patients in completing ward menus.
16. To accompany patients to other departments as deemed appropriate by the nurse in charge in line with Trust transfer policy.
17. Remove cannulas and apply dressings as directed by the nurse in charge.
18. Provide patients with appropriate activities and stimulation to promote wellbeing and recovery in particular when providing enhanced care.
19. Participate in audit activities at the request of the Ward manager / Department lead.
20. Act as a chaperone to support privacy and dignity of patients during intimate cares and examinations.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
* Possess or be willing to work towards the care certificate.
* Be able to demonstrate basic literacy and numeracy skills required for the post.
Desirable
* Level 2 diploma in Health and Social Care.
* Functional skills level 1 numeracy.
Experience
Essential
* No previous experience required.
Desirable
* Experience of working in a formal care setting or as an informal carer.
* Previous experience of dealing with the public.
Qualities & Values
Essential
* Be caring with a desire to help others.
* Cheerful and friendly.
* Keen to support patients with their personal needs including washing and assisting patients to use the toilet.
* High levels of commitment and self-motivation.
* An ability to engage with a wide range of individuals.
Desirable
* Commitment to personal development.
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: Airedale NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Elective surgery, Airedale NHS trust, Steeton road, Keighley, BD20 6TD
Employer's website: https://www.airedale-trust.nhs.uk #J-18808-Ljbffr