Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Personal Care Duties

·         Welcome and orientate patients, carers, relatives, and other visitors to the ward/department always demonstrating care and compassion.

·         Provide support to the registered practitioner, and where appropriate, other members of the ward / department clinical team as required.

·         Participate with emergencies i.e. cardiac arrest, patient falls and patients with a rapidly deteriorating condition.

·         Undertake transfer/escort of patients from one area to another within scope of practice and after appropriate delegation from the registered practitioner.

·         Assist in the maintenance of the patient’s individual hygiene requirements, including supporting/ undertaking fundamental patient care, such as washing, dressing, skin care, oral care, hair care, nail care etc. Ensure any concerns or changes in the patients' condition are reported to the registered practitioner.

·         Assist in the prevention of pressure ulcers, complete required documentation and report any concerns or changes in skin integrity to the registered practitioner.

·          Ensure safe and effective use of equipment and other aids deployed to assist patient movement and mobility e.g. walking aids, hoists etc.

Nutrition and Hydration

·         Assist in the preparation of patients prior to them receiving meals and beverages, providing assistance with feeding / drinking where appropriate.

·         Correctly record and monitor dietary and fluid intake of patients, informing registered practitioners of progress and / or any difficulties relating to dietary / fluid intake experienced by the patient.

Communication

·         Communicate effectively and maintain good relationships with patients, relatives, and other

healthcare practitioners.

·         Ensure that consent is obtained prior to delivering all aspects of patient care.

·         Undertake duties as directed by the registered practitioner in relation to all verbal and written

communications, ensuring messages and communications are passed to other team members, as required.

·         Listen to and value the views of patients and their relatives and / or on their experience and discuss this with registered practitioners to improve care and patient experience.

·         Actively support and assist in alleviating distress and anxiety for patients and carers in line with their personal beliefs and preferences whilst in hospital, seeking support from a registered practitioner when required.

Infection Prevention and Control

·         In accordance with training, ensure safe and effective infection prevention and control (including waste management), handwashing and wearing of Personal Protective Equipment are always adhered to.

·         Maintain cleanliness in the work environment in line with Health and Safety and Infection Prevention policies and guidelines.

·         Prepare and maintain environments for clinical procedures under the direction of a registered practitioner

General Department Duties

·         Preparing clinic rooms prior to the commencement of any clinics

·         Maintaining clinic rooms and general areas during clinic sessions

·         Under the direction of a registered practitioner, organise the supply and maintenance of materials department equipment, ensuring they are placed in the correct area and present no

·         hazards to staff, patients, or visitors.

·         Assist in the transfer of materials and equipment as requested.

·         Clean and return equipment used in procedures and treatments or dispose of as appropriate.

·         Assist with the checking and recording of deliveries to the clinical areas against original orders.

·         Assist with stock rotation, minimising the risk of equipment being out of date.

·         To report any accidents or potential hazards involving self/patients/other staff/visitors/equipment to the registered practitioner in charge

·         Chaperoning the patient in accordance with policy ensuring support to the patient in accordance with Trust policies and procedures

·         Use IT systems where appropriate and trained to do so, to record patient information e.g. fluid balance, nutrition, height, and weight.

·         Occasionally participate in audits, surveys, research, and development activities.