Job overview

The Ward Assistant role is a hybrid role of non-clinical HCA with some Ward Clerk responsibilities.  This role is integral to the smooth running of the Neonatal Unit.  You would work in a non-clinical capacity, assisting the nursing and medical staff to provide a caring, friendly and safe environment for babies and their families.

The successful applicant will be expected to work a rolling 2 week pattern, with alternate weekends.  Working hours are 9-5 with at least 1 late shift every 2 weeks.

We are looking for someone with excellent organisational skills, attention to detail and great use of initiative.  A large aspect of the role is the cleaning and maintenance of the ward which is integral to enabling the nursing staff to provide excellent care for our babies and families.  The role also incorporates some administrative duties as part of the Ward Clerk aspect of the post, although this is a smaller part of the role.

Because it's a Great Place...

The Neonatal Unit works hard to provide excellent care to our babies and families.  We always strive to develop and improve and last year we became the first Neonatal Unit in the North West be awarded both the Baby Friendly Initiative Stage 3 accreditation and the Family Integrated Care accreditation.

Main duties of the job

Some tasks involved are:

• Maintaining ward security by granting entry to the correct people to ensure a safe environment for babies, their families and ward staff.
• To be responsible for cleaning, maintenance and storage of equipment and alerting nursing staff and the housekeeper of any broken/faulty equipment.
• To ensure nurseries and trolleys are stocked with all necessary equipment.
• Maintain the ward environment in cleanliness and tidiness.
• Work with the housekeeper to ensure adequate stock levels of all consumables and the regular maintenance of equipment and stock control
• Ensure patient information and bed statements are accurate and up to date, including the use of the DCS system.
• To file reports and maintain written notes.
• Facilitates the smooth running of the unit by taking instruments to CSSD, collecting medication and blood transfusions.

The role is predominantly non-clinical, however there are rare opportunities to be involved in simple clinical tasks such as:

• Carrying out assigned tasks such as nappy changes, term bottle feeds and assist with weighing under the supervision of the nursing staff.
• To document on fluid balance charts any milk, disposed nappies or urine/stools.
• To assist in parent-craft in the special care nursery.
• To demonstrate the use of breast pumps and consumables. To monitor the loan, cleanliness and satisfactory return of breast pumps.
• Preparation of clinic equipment for ROP.
• To support parents/relatives in times of distress.

Working for our organisation

Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (MCHFT) provides good quality, safe and effective healthcare to the people of Cheshire and beyond. The Trust, which manages Leighton Hospital in Crewe, Victoria Infirmary in Northwich, and Elmhurst Intermediate Care Centre in Winsford, was established as an NHS Trust in April 1991 and became a Foundation Trust in April 2008.

We employ almost 5,000 members of staff, provide around 540 hospital beds, with a range of services including accident and emergency, maternity, outpatients, therapies, and children's health.

The Trust is also part of Central Cheshire Integrated Care Partnership (CCICP), a unique local health partnership that provides a range of community services for people across South Cheshire and Vale Royal.

During the Coronavirus pandemic, the Trust was recognised nationally for its Be Safe Be EquiPPEd campaign, which aimed to make the Trust as safe as possible for staff and patients, through supporting the correct use of PPE.

The results in the 2020 national NHS Staff Survey showed improvements in all elements of the safety culture theme, with 92% of respondents feeling their role made a difference to our patients. We were also recognised nationally for our workforce health and wellbeing initiatives.

At Mid Cheshire, we value our staff and appreciate that in order to give our patients the best quality, compassionate care, we also need to look after our colleagues.