Clinical research helps millions of people live longer and healthier lives. If you want to join this innovative and exciting speciality, then we are offering a unique opportunity to work as a Research Healthcare Assistant in the Synergy Team within the Research and Development Department, University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust. The Synergy Team coordinates studies in a wide variety of specialities such as Hepatology, Paediatrics, Maternity, Dermatology and Orthopaedics. We are looking for a compassionate, enthusiastic HCA who is reliable and flexible with good interpersonal and organisational skills. Are you a person who enjoys a challenge and have a passion to deliver a high standard of care? Are you a caring individual who enjoys supporting people to improve their health? Can you demonstrate an ability to work under pressure to tight timelines and work in a large multi disciplined team on a portfolio of commercial and non-commercial studies? We offer a friendly, supportive working environment with access to training and professional development and offer a full induction programme with ongoing mentoring. For further information or if you would like to arrange an informal visit please contact: Natasha Wilmshurst natasha.wilmshurstnhs.net 01752 431854 or Sarah Griffee sarah.griffeenhs.net 01752 432997 To carry out a range of clinical duties with minimal / no direct supervision. Participate in patient assessment providing high quality holistic patient care and escalating concerns about patients to other clinical staff. Lead by example and supervise/support junior members of staff to improve and maintain high standards of care. Implements clinical care packages through a range of delegated clinical care duties relevant to the area of service. Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as ‘Priority’ and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification. We are a people business – where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment team on 01752 432100. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted. PRIMARY DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY 1. Obtain consent prior to giving care in accordance with Trust policies. 2. Competently undertake delegated duties in line with patient care plans. 3. Ability to use your knowledge and experience to undertake non-routine duties and an understanding to take decisions within your area of responsibility. 4. To carry out a range of (limited) clinical duties with minimal / no supervision, including for example, blood pressure monitoring, oxygen saturation levels, body temperature, pulse rate and respiration rate, glucose monitoring, collection and testing of urine samples / faecal samples / sputum samples and wound swabs ensuring delivery of high-quality patient care at all times. NB: this list is not exhaustive and will vary depending on area of work. 5. Participate in patient assessment providing high quality holistic patient care and escalating concerns about patients to other clinical staff. 6. Practice safe standards of care to patients following Trust guidelines and policies and be able to concentrate for periods throughout the day with occasional interruptions. 7. Provide clinical care in accordance with the infection prevention and health and safety policies and procedures. 8. Maintain the work environment in line with Trust infection control and patient safety policies. 9. Utilising skills to actively facilitate self-care and independence with patients. 10. Promote health education specific to the clinical area and in line with national and local policies. 11. maintain effective record keeping and communication with patients, relatives, and members of the Multidisciplinary team regarding all aspects of care demonstrating a range of appropriate communication skills, where there may be barriers to understanding. 12. Ensuring equipment and stores are well maintained, taking appropriate action if the equipment is faulty. This may include ordering supplies. 13. Work effectively as part of a team. 14. The SHCSW is responsible for inputting information into the electronic patient record where applicable and also into patients written records. Comply with all relevant legislation and local policies regarding confidentiality and access to medical records. Professional 15. Demonstrate ability to access Trust policies and procedures and comply with those relevant to role. 16. Act, at all times, in a manner which demonstrates respect for privacy, dignity and confidentiality. 17. Embrace the Trust values and work in an inclusive way. 18. Act within limits of competence, ensuring actions support care, protection, and wellbeing. 19. Responsible for maintaining own skills, knowledge, and competence for the role. 20. Participate in team discussions / meetings as an integral member of the team. 21. You are accountable for your workload in accordance with care plans and for reviewing the effectiveness of care provided. Adapting, or escalating as required. 22. To support or guide the healthcare support worker. Administration 23. Competent in the use of IT systems within the workplace environment. 24. Participate in the induction and orientation of newly appointed staff, learners and other visitors to the department. 25. Comply with Trust policy regarding information governance and the care of patient property. Working Conditions 26. Dependent on work setting you may have frequent exposure to bodily fluids, distressed, or confused patients. 27. Occasional distressing and emotional circumstances when caring for patients with chronic illness or terminally ill.