Job summary We are looking for enthusiastic and dynamic Health Care Assistants to join a innovative specialist multidisciplinary, Acute Frailty Unit at Darlington Memorial Hospital. Ward 52 plays an integral part of the frailty pathway which involves the identification and management of frailty patients. The HCA will support the ward Team with the co-ordination of patient information gathering, you will support with clinical tasks and assessments, the expediting of clinical investigations and complex discharge planning. Along side providing first class basic patient care. The post holder will be part of a larger multi-disciplinary team including Consultant Geriatricians, Nurses and Therapists. Main duties of the job The job involves working as part of a multi-disciplinary team providing a high-quality service in the complex frailty unit. The post holder will undertake a wide range of duties to clinically support the multidiciplinary team which include welcoming patients to the unit, recording observations and ECGs, phlebotomy, providing patients with refreshements, assisiting with patients hygiene needs, helping facilitate patient hospital transfers and patient discharge and supporting the unit by helping ensure the unit is clean and well stocked at all times. About us If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes. We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented From April 1 2024 we are unable to offer sponsorship for healthcare roles that do not meet the minimum salary, If you are in the UK on a VISA please ensure you have no restrictions that would prevent you from taking this post. Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents Date posted 17 January 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 3 Salary £23,615 to £25,674 a year Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number C9439-25-0070 Job locations Darlington Memorial Hospital NHS Trust Hollyhurst Road Darlington County Durham DL3 6HX Job description Job responsibilities To contribute to the care planning process involving and informing patients and where appropriate their carers. Support the Frailty Team in gathering patient information and collateral history on the patient by liaising with next the of kin, carers and external agencies. Support the Frailty Team with complex discharge planning. Support the Frailty Team with administrative duties and referrals to support services. Organise, prioritise and adjust own workload in relation to patient care Liaise with members of the multi-disciplinary team in the delivery of care programs To recognise and act upon deterioration in a patients condition informing a Registered Nurse of action taken To assess patients level of dependence in meeting personal care needs and ensure appropriate assistance is given To discuss with patients strategies to maximize independence and manage chronic illness To keep accurate and timely written records of care delivered and patient progression To carry out additional clinical skills relevant to the patient group/speciality To assist medical staff and registered nurses in carrying out invasive procedures To act as team representative where appropriate reducing demands on Registered Nurse time To assist in resolving conflict and diffusing situations where appropriate To take responsibility for ongoing education and their personal development plan To welcome patients to the unit, and facilitate patient transport needs to and from hospital To assist in the admitting of patients to the ward, including recording these on clinical systems, recording base-line observations To provide care to patients following instructions within the Care Plan or Pathway To carry out clinical skills relevant to the unit which may include phlebotomy, recording ECGs, recording blood glucose, performing MRSA screening and monitoring/removal of IV cannulas To assist the clinical team with data entry, filing, documentation of care delivery, including scheduling of planned procedures. To ensure the unit area and clinical rooms remain tidy and well stocked, including liaison with supplies team to ensure adequate stock provision To demonstrate competence in accurate recording of clinical observations To recognise abnormal recordings or changes with the patients condition and report to registered nurse To act as chaperone when necessary Serving of patient meals/drinks/snacks provide and support patients with hygiene needs To assist in escorting, transferring and discharging patients ensuring return of property and preparation of bed space for next patient Job description Job responsibilities To contribute to the care planning process involving and informing patients and where appropriate their carers. Support the Frailty Team in gathering patient information and collateral history on the patient by liaising with next the of kin, carers and external agencies. Support the Frailty Team with complex discharge planning. Support the Frailty Team with administrative duties and referrals to support services. Organise, prioritise and adjust own workload in relation to patient care Liaise with members of the multi-disciplinary team in the delivery of care programs To recognise and act upon deterioration in a patients condition informing a Registered Nurse of action taken To assess patients level of dependence in meeting personal care needs and ensure appropriate assistance is given To discuss with patients strategies to maximize independence and manage chronic illness To keep accurate and timely written records of care delivered and patient progression To carry out additional clinical skills relevant to the patient group/speciality To assist medical staff and registered nurses in carrying out invasive procedures To act as team representative where appropriate reducing demands on Registered Nurse time To assist in resolving conflict and diffusing situations where appropriate To take responsibility for ongoing education and their personal development plan To welcome patients to the unit, and facilitate patient transport needs to and from hospital To assist in the admitting of patients to the ward, including recording these on clinical systems, recording base-line observations To provide care to patients following instructions within the Care Plan or Pathway To carry out clinical skills relevant to the unit which may include phlebotomy, recording ECGs, recording blood glucose, performing MRSA screening and monitoring/removal of IV cannulas To assist the clinical team with data entry, filing, documentation of care delivery, including scheduling of planned procedures. To ensure the unit area and clinical rooms remain tidy and well stocked, including liaison with supplies team to ensure adequate stock provision To demonstrate competence in accurate recording of clinical observations To recognise abnormal recordings or changes with the patients condition and report to registered nurse To act as chaperone when necessary Serving of patient meals/drinks/snacks provide and support patients with hygiene needs To assist in escorting, transferring and discharging patients ensuring return of property and preparation of bed space for next patient Person Specification Special Skills and Knowledge Essential Good verbal and written command of English. Ability to act upon own initiative. Good communication skills. Able to work under some pressure. Ability to show leadership Ability to plan own work. Ability to work calmly under pressure Willing to take and record patient observations Desirable Knowledge of care and related procedures, clinical observations, relevant legislation Experience Essential Computer skills Ability to learn new skills Desirable Previous experience in caring for others Special Requirements Essential Self-motivated and able to motivate others Excellent communication & interpersonal skills Reflective practitioner Ability to work in a busy and varied work environment and respond to change Desirable Be able to offer pastoral care to mentors and students when providing feedback on performance Qualifications Essential Relevant NVQ Level 3 or equivalent relevant experience Care Certificate or willingness to complete within first 6 months of commencement in post GCSE equivalent in English and Mathematics Desirable Short courses relevant to undertake patient and clinical care duties Personal Attributes Essential Good interpersonal skills Able to engage and build effective relationships at all levels Understanding of the role of HCSW Able to work as part of a team Knowledge and understanding of the need for confidentiality Person Specification Special Skills and Knowledge Essential Good verbal and written command of English. Ability to act upon own initiative. Good communication skills. Able to work under some pressure. Ability to show leadership Ability to plan own work. Ability to work calmly under pressure Willing to take and record patient observations Desirable Knowledge of care and related procedures, clinical observations, relevant legislation Experience Essential Computer skills Ability to learn new skills Desirable Previous experience in caring for others Special Requirements Essential Self-motivated and able to motivate others Excellent communication & interpersonal skills Reflective practitioner Ability to work in a busy and varied work environment and respond to change Desirable Be able to offer pastoral care to mentors and students when providing feedback on performance Qualifications Essential Relevant NVQ Level 3 or equivalent relevant experience Care Certificate or willingness to complete within first 6 months of commencement in post GCSE equivalent in English and Mathematics Desirable Short courses relevant to undertake patient and clinical care duties Personal Attributes Essential Good interpersonal skills Able to engage and build effective relationships at all levels Understanding of the role of HCSW Able to work as part of a team Knowledge and understanding of the need for 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. 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 County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust Address Darlington Memorial Hospital NHS Trust Hollyhurst Road Darlington County Durham DL3 6HX Employer's website https://www.cddft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)