JOB PURPOSE
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an individual to join the dynamic dermatology team.
The purpose of the Healthcare Assistant is to actively support the work of the service and its staff in delivering quality healthcare and expert dermatology advice and treatment.
The role can be offered both part and or full time.
You will need a full, clean driving licence and own transport are essential, as you will be required to drive to our NHS clinic locations across Kent; in Rainham, Rochester and Fleet.
ABOUT THE SERVICE
Sussex Community Dermatology Service (SCDS) and Kent Integrated Dermatology Services (KIDS) is a busy community dermatology service stretching across Sussex, Surrey and Kent. The clinical team consists of Consultant Dermatologists, GPwSIs as well as registered trained Nurses and Health Care Assistants. We also have a dedicated and experienced team of Administrators, Managers and Business Support roles. The service aims to ‘see and treat’ patients during their initial appointment, to avoid the patient having numerous follow-up appointments. The clinical services available to the patients within our service include day surgery, minor operations, patch testing, photodynamic therapy, and phototherapy. We focus on the needs and preferences of our patients, ensuring their wellbeing is at the heart of our decisions.
KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
· Preparing/setting up clinics and equipment, including checks to ensure equipment is in working order and tidying of the clinical area prior to clinic sessions. On completion of clinic sessions ensure that the clinical area is left clean and tidy and all used equipment is disposed of appropriately
· Assisting patients in preparing them to be seen by the doctor in clinic, always being aware of the need to maintain the dignity and privacy of the patient
· Assisting the Registered Nurse with dressing changes and perform simple dressing changes as delegated
· Chaperoning patients and doctors during consultation, examination and clinical procedures
· To carry out a range of delegated clinical care duties, including assisting with procedures, needing a clear understanding in carrying out sterile techniques
· Measure and record weight and height and vital signs including temperature, radial pulse, peripheral pulses, blood pressure and respiration
· Test urine as requested, recording and reporting findings appropriately
· Liaise closely with medical staff, nursing staff and medical secretaries
· Ensuring clinics are conducted effectively and efficiently, identifying and attempting to solve any problems before they occur to assist in the smooth running of the clinic
· Be familiar with and carry out all activities according to policies and procedures
· Checking patient notes prior to consultations on the electronic database and assist in data entry as required
· Recognising and reporting patients’ condition, changes and needs to the Registered Nurse
· Collecting specimens including routine blood samples, urine and stool specimens, mid-stream urine and sputum specimens, and observing safe practice procedures when dealing with body fluids in line with Infection Control Policy
· Completing the prescribed plan of care for a patient as delegated by the Registered Nurse.
· Assisting patients to plan for further clinic appointments on request from medical staff on completion of consultation
· Offering advice and information to patients, and knowing when to use diplomacy and tact when patients become anxious or angry in any given situation
· Transferring patients from wheelchairs to weighing scales/chairs/couches, using hoists, moving trolleys and manoeuvring patients into the correct position for clinical procedures
· To be aware of the procedure to follow in case of Cardiac Arrest and any other emergency
· To assist with the checking and maintenance of stock levels and ordering stock and equipment items as required and as instructed
· To assist with clerical duties, such as making follow up appointments on the Patient Record Systems, record data on clinics lists for medical records information and retrieve results as and when necessary
· To take and pass on messages to the appropriate person
· To carry out any other duties that are relevant to the grade as and when requested
KEY SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
· Have a broad knowledge of dermatology and skin surgery
· Have the knowledge to initiate emergency treatment where necessary, with due regard to risk management policies and procedures, to participate in maintaining a safe environment for patients, relatives and staff which includes assessing patients within their environment
· Caring and approachable nature
· Excellent communication and listening skills
· Ability to work proactively within a team, with a respectful approach to colleagues
· Experience of working in a care environment (preferably clinical)
· NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care (desirable)
Confidentiality / Data Protection
Post holders must maintain the confidentiality of information about patients, staff and other health service business in accordance with the Data Protection Act of 1998. Post holders must not, without prior permission, disclose any information regarding patients or staff. If any member of staff has communicated any such information to an unauthorised person those staff will be liable to dismissal. Moreover, the Data Protection Act 1998 also renders an individual liable for prosecution in the event of unauthorised disclosure of information.
Information Governance
All staff must comply with information governance requirements. These includes statutory responsibilities (such as compliance with the Data Protection Act), following national guidance (such as the NHS Confidentiality Code of Practice) and compliance with Sussex Community Dermatology Service policy and procedures. All staff are responsible for any personal information (belonging to staff or patients) that they access and must ensure it is stored, processed and forwarded in a secure and appropriate manner.
Health and Safety
All post holders have a responsibility, under the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) and subsequently published regulations, to ensure that the SCDS’s health and safety policies and procedures are complied with to maintain a safe working environment for patients, visitors and employees.
This job description is intended to reflect, in outline, the responsibilities of the post holder, which may change over time with corporate or local business needs of The Organisation. It will therefore be subject to periodic review.
Job Type: Full-time
Licence/Certification:
* Driving Licence (required)
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 18/11/2024
Reference ID: LH-oct24
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