Job summary Do you want to work as a Health Care Assistant, within a team where assessment, care, compassion and communication are top priority? Then come and join us The Surgical Assessment Unit is a mixed gender 18 bedded ward, specialising in hepatobiliary, colorectal, vascular, urology and general surgery based at Derriford Hospital, Plymouth. As an assessment and in-patient area, we accept patient referrals from G/P's, the Emergency department and outpatient specialties every day of the year. Patients are assessed through our two purpose built assessment areas. We also provide and ultrasound scanning service on the unit. SAU is a busy and rewarding place to work. We have our own expert clinical educators who can help develop and enhance your skills. We look forward to meeting you. 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. Main duties of the job A Senior Health Care Support Worker (SHCSW) is part of the multidisciplinary team delivering direct care to patients and supporting Registered Practitioners to deliver high quality, compassionate health care to people in accordance with assessed needs and a care plan. You will carry out a range of clinical and non-clinical healthcare, or therapeutic tasks, under the direct or indirect supervision of the Registered Practitioner, in accordance with the Trust values. There will be opportunities to develop your knowledge and skills, specific to your needs. Training will be provided to ensure you have the required core skills for a Band 3 HCSW in your area of work. You will also be supported to obtain a Care Certificate if not already achieved About us 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. Date posted 27 January 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 3 Salary £24,071 to £25,674 a year £24,071 - £25,674 Per Annum Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number 216-AM-S6746880 Job locations Surgical assessment Unit Plymouth Hospitals Nhs Trust Plymouth PL6 6DH Job description Job responsibilities 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. For further details please see attached JD&PS. Job description Job responsibilities 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. For further details please see attached JD&PS. Person Specification Qualifications Essential oOne of the following oLevel 3 (SCQF - 6): - City and Guilds 3 oNVQ 3 oBTEC National Diploma oExperience equivalent to the above qualifications oLevel 2 Functional skills in English and Math's, or equivalent oCompletion of Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support (that maps to the Apprenticeship Standard for Senior Health Care Support Worker) oEquivalent demonstrable experience Knowledge & Experience Essential oDemonstrable experience of providing care in a healthcare or social setting oBe able to work as a member of a team oDemonstrable experience of time management and prioritising work Aptitude & Abilities Essential oEffective and appropriate communication skills both written and verbal oAble to complete appropriate documentation accurately oDemonstrate an awareness of healthcare work and policies and procedures Person Specification Qualifications Essential oOne of the following oLevel 3 (SCQF - 6): - City and Guilds 3 oNVQ 3 oBTEC National Diploma oExperience equivalent to the above qualifications oLevel 2 Functional skills in English and Math's, or equivalent oCompletion of Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support (that maps to the Apprenticeship Standard for Senior Health Care Support Worker) oEquivalent demonstrable experience Knowledge & Experience Essential oDemonstrable experience of providing care in a healthcare or social setting oBe able to work as a member of a team oDemonstrable experience of time management and prioritising work Aptitude & Abilities Essential oEffective and appropriate communication skills both written and verbal oAble to complete appropriate documentation accurately oDemonstrate an awareness of healthcare work and policies and procedures 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. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). Additional information 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. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). Employer details Employer name University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust Address Surgical assessment Unit Plymouth Hospitals Nhs Trust Plymouth PL6 6DH Employer's website https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)