Health Care Assistant (Generic)
Post Holder:
Area of Work:Care
Responsible to:Advanced Nurse Practitioner
Accountable to:Director of Nursing Services
Mission
“KATHARINE HOUSE HOSPICE EXISTS TO DEVELOP AND PROVIDE SPECIALIST PALLIATIVE CARE SERVICES FOR ADULTS ACROSS MID-STAFFORDSHIRE”
Department Objectives
The purpose of the Care Services is to provide specialist palliative care to adult patients, their carers and friends within the palliative care philosophy framework identified by the World Health Organisation.
Role Within the Care Department
The post holder will work as a member of the multi-disciplinary team, on an internal rotation shift basis, assisting with patient care activities under the direct supervision of a registered nurse. They will support the delivery of direct patient care by providing clerical, catering and housekeeping assistance as required, without the direct supervision of a registered nurse.
Function and Responsibilities
Specific Objectives
- To participate fully in the delivery of nursing care to patients as delegated by a registered nurse
- To assist with patients’ meals, understanding their nutrition and hydration needs
- To undertake housekeeping duties as required
- To provide clerical assistance as required
Key Working Relationships
Nursing and Care staff
Multi-professional team members
Volunteers
Key Tasks and Responsibilities
Clinical
1)To participate fully in the delivery of care to patients as delegated by registered nurses and other allied health professionals e.g. physiotherapist, occupational therapist, ensuring that patients are helped to maintain their dignity, privacy and individuality
2) To assist with patients’ meals, by preparation, serving and providing assistance to feed
3)To communicate relevant information regarding patients and carers to registered nurses, verbally and in written form
4)Ensure the correct usage and maintenance of all equipment
5)Maintain patient written records in accordance with the requirements of registered nurses and hospice policy
6)To provide a welcome for patients and visitors to the unit, providing assistance, support and information as required
7)Demonstrate initiative in planning daily and weekly routines
8)Maintain up-to-date knowledge of changes in policies and procedures relevant to the post
Housekeeping
1)Assist the housekeepers in keeping patient areas clean and tidy
2)Ensure that storage areas, equipment and linen are tidy and safe
3)Ensure the kitchen area is clean and tidy and undertake washing up following patient meals as required
4)Assist housekeepers with laundry as required
5)Keep stores replenished
Clerical
1)Answer the telephone and take messages in accordance with hospice policy
2)Maintain stock levels of clinical forms and patients’ record forms as needed
3)Participate in filing patient information as directed by registered nurses
Personnel
1)Take all measures to ensure the safety and welfare of all patients and staff, having due regard to the Health and Safety at Work Act
2)Attend mandatory updates as required
3)Actively seek support when needed and contribute to providing support for others when needed
4)Active participation in the Individual Performance Review process
5)Identify own training needs
6)Attend In House and external training to maintain and develop own knowledge and skill base
7)Attend clinical supervision sessions as per Katharine House Hospice policy and procedure
Key Competencies and Skills Requirements
As defined in the attached Competency Requirements, salary is commensurate with the level of post awarded
Induction Requirements
- Two day Katharine House Hospice Induction course
- Work one week supernumery, spent in the In Patient Unit and Day Care Unit
- Introduction to Katharine House Hospice team
Job Revision
This job description is subject to periodic revision following discussions with the post holder
Confidentiality
Patient and/or staff information is confidential. It is a condition of Katharine House Hospice employment that you will not use or disclose any confidential information obtained in the course of your duty
Infection Prevention and Control
In accordance with the Health and Social Care Act 2008, the post holder will actively participate in the prevention and control of infection within the capacity of their role. The Act requires the post holder to attend infection prevention and control training on induction and at regular updates and to take responsibility for the practical application of the training in the course of their work. Infection prevention and control must be included in any personal development plan or appraisal.
Smoking
The hospice has a no smoking policy. All hospice premises are considered No Smoking Zones
This post requires the individual to consent to an enhanced disclosure by the Criminal Records Bureau
CH/HCA/Generic/March 2011Page 1 of 4jd:care