Job summary An exciting opportunity has arisen to join us and work within a friendly, supportive and innovative team on the Acute Medical Unit (AMU) at Worcestershire Royal Hospital. The 28 bedded unit admits patients 24 hours a day, seven days a week from the Emergency Department, Medical Same Day Emergency Care Unit (MSDEC) and direct GP admissions. Patients stay on AMU for up to 72 hours before being transferred to the most appropriate ward environment for their continued care or they will be discharged home. The HCA role on AMU involves supporting the registered nurse by providing on going care; facilitating safe transfer and discharge out of the Department. We work closely with the Emergency Department and Medical SDEC in order to improve and maximise patient flow. We are passionate about improving our service and delivering high quality, individual care to our patients. Our staff are at the centre of everything we do. We engage with, and invest in, our nursing teams, creating an environment where all staff feel valued. We offer support throughout your time with us, with regular personal developmental reviews and individual objectives to support personal development within the department. No two shifts are the same and you will be supported on every shift by senior nurses, who will help to develop your confidence, knowledge and skills. For further information contact: Leah Sherman,Ward ManagerLeah.shermannhs.netfor informal chat and opportunity to see unit and meet our team. Main duties of the job Your role as a Health Care Assistant (HCA) is to work alongside registered nurse as part of the ward or department team to provide care to patients. The types of duties include: washing and dressing patients, serving patients meals, assisting with feeding patients when necessary, helping people to mobilise, assisting patients with toileting, bed-making, generally assisting with patients' overall comfort, monitoring patients' conditions by taking temperatures, pulse, respirations and weight. Acting with compassion you will put patients at the centre of all you do. You will communicate effectively with patients and their carers. This role will require you to work variable hours on a rota including nights and weekends. You will show courage by embracing new ways of working and doing the right thing by the people you care for, including speaking up when you have concerns. About us Our purpose is simple - Putting Patients First. We are looking for exceptional colleagues who can help us achieve this. Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust is a large acute and specialised hospital trust that provides a range of local acute services to the residents of Worcestershire and more specialised services to a larger population in Herefordshire and beyond. The Trust operates hospital-based services from three sites in Kidderminster, Redditch and Worcester Our workforce is over 7,000 strong, and our caring staff are recognised as providing good and outstanding patient-centred care. You could be one of them. We are committed to recruiting the best people to work with us to achieve our Vision - working in partnership to provide the best healthcare for our communities, leading and supporting our teams to move 4ward. Our 4ward behaviours, which we ask all staff to demonstrate, underpin our everyday work and remain firmly at the heart of all we do. Our objectives are simple: Best services for local people Best experience of care and best outcomes for our patients Best use of resources Best people Better never stops, and our Clinical Services Strategy provides a clear future vision for our Trust, our hospitals, our services and our role in the wider health and care system. We are proud to have achieved Timewise accreditation - this means we are committed to embedding flexible working within our organisation as a flex positive employer. Date posted 06 November 2024 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 2 Salary £23,615 a year agenda for change, fixed rate Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time, Part-time, Flexible working Reference number C9365-24-1248 Job locations Charles Hastings Way Worcester Worcestershire WR5 1DD Job description Job responsibilities Risk Assessment: The post involves manual handling activities, exposure to bodily fluids and exposure to high noise levels. It may also involve exposure to challenging behaviour. Job Purpose: The Care Assistant is a member of the ward/department team who implements prescribed care and/or undertakes activities as directed by a registered nurse. Additional aspects of care Assisting with the recording and safe keeping of patients property/valuables. Moving and repositioning of patients. Dressing/undressing of patients. Making of occupied and unoccupied beds, tying up of dirty linen bags and despatching to laundry. Cleaning and tidying examination rooms/clinic areas. Replenishing of linen or stock cupboards. Assist with patients mobilisation, ensuring safe environment and using appropriate techniques. Accompany able patients to other departments. Assist with occupational, physiotherapy and recreational activities. Assist in the care of relatives and visitors. Assist with the care of patients in isolation. Chaperone professional staff where appropriate. Measuring body temperature, pulse rate and respiration and completing the necessary documentation. Measuring patients height and weight as directed by a registered nurse and recording on the appropriate documentation. Be involved in patient booking in/ admission, introducing patients to ward/department area as directed by registered nurse. Be adaptable and flexible to working in various areas of the department/ward as required. Assist the multi professional team to prepare and support patients undergoing treatment and/or investigation maintaining privacy and dignity at all times. Assisting in the care of the dying patient, for example bathing, feeding. Assisting in preparing deceased patients for the mortuary. Communication and relationships The Healthcare Assistants relationship with both staff and patients should be discreet, bearing in mind that all information regarding patients must be kept confidential. Report to the nurse in charge of the ward/department matters of concern relating to patients and the ward/department environment environment. Answer the telephone, refer to appropriate person. Attend ward/department reports and meetings when appropriate. Be aware of the need to greet visitors to the ward/department and ascertain the purpose of their visit. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of health and safety at work in order to maintain a safe environment. Undertake duties outside your working area (e.g. delivery and collection) to assist in maintaining good communications. To ensure the privacy and dignity of patients at all times. Vision and Values: The Trust aims to provide local services for local people. It has developed its vision to reflect this commitment. To continue to be the major provider of acute/specialist services for the people of Worcestershire (and wider) with a strong reputation for providing outstanding, high quality, reliable, accessible and integrated healthcare for local people Driving this commitment are the Trust-wide signature behaviours: Do what we say we will do No Delays, every day We listen, we learn, we lead Work together, celebrate together Competence The post holder is responsible for limiting his / her actions to those which s/he feels competent to undertake. If the post holder has any doubts as to his or her competence during the course of his / her duties then s/he should immediately speak to their line manager or supervisor. Codes of conduct All employees of the Trust who are required to be registered with a professional body, to enable them to practise within their profession, are required to comply with their code of conduct and requirements of their professional registration. Those staff that are not required to be registered with a professional body are required to comply with the Trusts codes of conduct. Confidentiality The post holder must maintain confidentiality, security and integrity of information relating to patients, staff and other Health Service business. Records Management All employees of the Trust are legally responsible for all records that they gather, create or use as part of their work within the Trust (including patient, financial, personnel and administrative), whether paper or computer based. All such records are considered public records and all employees have a legal duty of confidence to service users. Employees should consult their manager if they have any doubt as to the correct management of records with which they work.Health and SafetyEmployees must be aware of the responsibilities placed on them under the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) and the Manual Handling Operations Regulations (1992) and all relevant Trust Health and Safety Policies and Guidance. This ensures that the agreed safety procedures are carried out to maintain a safe environment for employees, patients and visitors to the Trust. Infection Control Employees must accept personal responsibility and accountability for Infection Prevention and Control practice. Employees should ensure they are familiar with, and comply with, all relevant Infection Control policies for minimising the risk of avoidable Health Care Associated Infection. All Employees must undertake annual mandatory updates in Infection Control. Risk Management It is a standard element of the role and responsibility of all employees of the Trust that they fulfil a proactive role towards the management of risk in all of their actions. This entails the risk assessment of all situations, taking appropriate actions, and reporting all incidents, near misses, and hazards promptly. It is a contractual obligation that all employees must co-operate with any investigations undertaken. Children and vulnerable adults You have a responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of the children / young people / vulnerable adults that you come into contact with or are responsible for in your job role and sphere of competence. Disclosure and Barring Service The Trust aims to promote equality of opportunity for all, with the right mix of talent, skills and potential. Criminal records will be taken into account for recruitment purposes, only when the conviction is relevant. As the Trust meets the requirements in respect of exempted questions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, all applicants who are offered employment will be subject to a criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service before the appointment is confirmed. This will include details of cautions, reprimands or final warnings, as well as convictions. Postholders may periodically be asked to undertake a re-check. The Trust is legally required to check all staff against the Disclosures and Barring Services Childrens and Vulnerable Adults barring lists if they engage in what is defined as Regulated Activity or Controlled Activity: Regulated Activity is defined as working closely with children or vulnerable adults, paid or unpaid, on a frequent or intensive basis. Controlled activity is work that provides opportunities for contact with children or vulnerable adults. Equality and Diversity The Trust promotes policies and practices that challenge discrimination, promote equality, respect individual needs, preferences and choices, and protects human rights. The Trust has a clear commitment to equality for all in employment practices based on an applicants ability, skills and aptitude for the post. A range of equality & diversity policy initiatives are in place and all successful applicants are expected to familiarise themselves with these. It is therefore the duty of every employee to comply with the detail and spirit of these policies and the law at all times. Any issues or concerns you have should be taken up with your manager or the human resource team as soon as possible. Dignity All employees must treat each person as an individual, offering a personalised service respecting peoples dignity and modesty at all times. Conflict of Interest The Trust is responsible for ensuring that the service provided for patients and its care meet the highest standard. Equally, it is responsible for ensuring that staff do not abuse their official position for personal gain or to benefit their family or friends. The Trusts Standing Orders require any member of staff to declare any interest, direct or indirect, with contracts involving the Trust. Staff are not allowed to further their private interests in the course of their NHS duties. Job description Job responsibilities Risk Assessment: The post involves manual handling activities, exposure to bodily fluids and exposure to high noise levels. It may also involve exposure to challenging behaviour. Job Purpose: The Care Assistant is a member of the ward/department team who implements prescribed care and/or undertakes activities as directed by a registered nurse. Additional aspects of care Assisting with the recording and safe keeping of patients property/valuables. Moving and repositioning of patients. Dressing/undressing of patients. Making of occupied and unoccupied beds, tying up of dirty linen bags and despatching to laundry. Cleaning and tidying examination rooms/clinic areas. Replenishing of linen or stock cupboards. Assist with patients mobilisation, ensuring safe environment and using appropriate techniques. Accompany able patients to other departments. Assist with occupational, physiotherapy and recreational activities. Assist in the care of relatives and visitors. Assist with the care of patients in isolation. Chaperone professional staff where appropriate. Measuring body temperature, pulse rate and respiration and completing the necessary documentation. Measuring patients height and weight as directed by a registered nurse and recording on the appropriate documentation. Be involved in patient booking in/ admission, introducing patients to ward/department area as directed by registered nurse. Be adaptable and flexible to working in various areas of the department/ward as required. Assist the multi professional team to prepare and support patients undergoing treatment and/or investigation maintaining privacy and dignity at all times. Assisting in the care of the dying patient, for example bathing, feeding. Assisting in preparing deceased patients for the mortuary. Communication and relationships The Healthcare Assistants relationship with both staff and patients should be discreet, bearing in mind that all information regarding patients must be kept confidential. Report to the nurse in charge of the ward/department matters of concern relating to patients and the ward/department environment environment. Answer the telephone, refer to appropriate person. Attend ward/department reports and meetings when appropriate. Be aware of the need to greet visitors to the ward/department and ascertain the purpose of their visit. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of health and safety at work in order to maintain a safe environment. Undertake duties outside your working area (e.g. delivery and collection) to assist in maintaining good communications. To ensure the privacy and dignity of patients at all times. Vision and Values: The Trust aims to provide local services for local people. It has developed its vision to reflect this commitment. To continue to be the major provider of acute/specialist services for the people of Worcestershire (and wider) with a strong reputation for providing outstanding, high quality, reliable, accessible and integrated healthcare for local people Driving this commitment are the Trust-wide signature behaviours: Do what we say we will do No Delays, every day We listen, we learn, we lead Work together, celebrate together Competence The post holder is responsible for limiting his / her actions to those which s/he feels competent to undertake. If the post holder has any doubts as to his or her competence during the course of his / her duties then s/he should immediately speak to their line manager or supervisor. Codes of conduct All employees of the Trust who are required to be registered with a professional body, to enable them to practise within their profession, are required to comply with their code of conduct and requirements of their professional registration. Those staff that are not required to be registered with a professional body are required to comply with the Trusts codes of conduct. Confidentiality The post holder must maintain confidentiality, security and integrity of information relating to patients, staff and other Health Service business. Records Management All employees of the Trust are legally responsible for all records that they gather, create or use as part of their work within the Trust (including patient, financial, personnel and administrative), whether paper or computer based. All such records are considered public records and all employees have a legal duty of confidence to service users. Employees should consult their manager if they have any doubt as to the correct management of records with which they work.Health and SafetyEmployees must be aware of the responsibilities placed on them under the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) and the Manual Handling Operations Regulations (1992) and all relevant Trust Health and Safety Policies and Guidance. This ensures that the agreed safety procedures are carried out to maintain a safe environment for employees, patients and visitors to the Trust. Infection Control Employees must accept personal responsibility and accountability for Infection Prevention and Control practice. Employees should ensure they are familiar with, and comply with, all relevant Infection Control policies for minimising the risk of avoidable Health Care Associated Infection. All Employees must undertake annual mandatory updates in Infection Control. Risk Management It is a standard element of the role and responsibility of all employees of the Trust that they fulfil a proactive role towards the management of risk in all of their actions. This entails the risk assessment of all situations, taking appropriate actions, and reporting all incidents, near misses, and hazards promptly. It is a contractual obligation that all employees must co-operate with any investigations undertaken. Children and vulnerable adults You have a responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of the children / young people / vulnerable adults that you come into contact with or are responsible for in your job role and sphere of competence. Disclosure and Barring Service The Trust aims to promote equality of opportunity for all, with the right mix of talent, skills and potential. Criminal records will be taken into account for recruitment purposes, only when the conviction is relevant. As the Trust meets the requirements in respect of exempted questions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, all applicants who are offered employment will be subject to a criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service before the appointment is confirmed. This will include details of cautions, reprimands or final warnings, as well as convictions. Postholders may periodically be asked to undertake a re-check. The Trust is legally required to check all staff against the Disclosures and Barring Services Childrens and Vulnerable Adults barring lists if they engage in what is defined as Regulated Activity or Controlled Activity: Regulated Activity is defined as working closely with children or vulnerable adults, paid or unpaid, on a frequent or intensive basis. Controlled activity is work that provides opportunities for contact with children or vulnerable adults. Equality and Diversity The Trust promotes policies and practices that challenge discrimination, promote equality, respect individual needs, preferences and choices, and protects human rights. The Trust has a clear commitment to equality for all in employment practices based on an applicants ability, skills and aptitude for the post. A range of equality & diversity policy initiatives are in place and all successful applicants are expected to familiarise themselves with these. It is therefore the duty of every employee to comply with the detail and spirit of these policies and the law at all times. Any issues or concerns you have should be taken up with your manager or the human resource team as soon as possible. Dignity All employees must treat each person as an individual, offering a personalised service respecting peoples dignity and modesty at all times. Conflict of Interest The Trust is responsible for ensuring that the service provided for patients and its care meet the highest standard. Equally, it is responsible for ensuring that staff do not abuse their official position for personal gain or to benefit their family or friends. The Trusts Standing Orders require any member of staff to declare any interest, direct or indirect, with contracts involving the Trust. Staff are not allowed to further their private interests in the course of their NHS duties. Person Specification Knowledge and skills Essential Able to communicate effectively in English. Proficient in reading and writing in the English language. Attention to detail. Desirable Ability to identify personal development needs. Ability to adapt to new situations Awareness of Health and Safety. Awareness of Clinical Risk Knowledge of principles of speciality Qualifications Essential NVQ 2/3 in Direct Care or equivalent. Desirable First Aid Qualification, ECG and/or Venepuncture training Experience Essential Experience of working in a nursing team. Knowledge of confidentiality. Person Specification Knowledge and skills Essential Able to communicate effectively in English. Proficient in reading and writing in the English language. Attention to detail. Desirable Ability to identify personal development needs. Ability to adapt to new situations Awareness of Health and Safety. Awareness of Clinical Risk Knowledge of principles of speciality Qualifications Essential NVQ 2/3 in Direct Care or equivalent. Desirable First Aid Qualification, ECG and/or Venepuncture training Experience Essential Experience of working in a nursing team. Knowledge of confidentiality. 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 Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust Address Charles Hastings Way Worcester Worcestershire WR5 1DD Employer's website https://www.worcsacute.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)