We are looking to recruit a health care assistant to join the team and service. This role is an opportunity to develop skills in the Gynaecology Department under the Women and Children Directorate
The main aspects of the role include clinical duties including direct patient care under supervision, assisting the Multi professional team in the delivery of a high standard of care to patients attending in the ward. On some occasions, there is an opportunity to work in the outpatient department to ensure the knowledge and experience in Gynaecology is enhanced. Other aspects include housekeeping and administration duties and overseeing the maintenance of a safe environment for both patients and staff. We are looking for individuals who are motivated, enthusiastic and possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills along with the ability to work with a team in a small and friendly unit. In return, you will join a highly skilled and experienced doctors, nurses, physiotherapist, occupational therapist and other members of multidisciplinary team who are responsible for delivering a high standard of care to patients. We have a full in-house and Multidisciplinary Education programme.
The post holders will be expected to work flexibly within the gynaecology field. We are particularly interested to talk to candidates who have a passion for Women's Health.
Main duties of the job
- To participate, under the supervision of a Registered Nurse/ Midwife, in the delivery of patient care to a defined client group, in accordance with the philosophy of care which enables clients to maintain their skills and maximize the potential to achieve independence.
- Work as part of an effective and caring team. The post holder works under the direct supervision of the Registered Nurse.
- They will work within the boundaries of their existing and developing skills at all times.
- The post holder is expected to maintain high standards of care, managing their time, tasks and resources effectively.
Our Trust is one of England's top-performing and safest trusts. We operate two main acute hospital sites—Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and West Middlesex University Hospital—along with award-winning clinics across North West London.
Our nearly 7,500 staff care for a diverse population of 1.5m, providing full clinical services including maternity, A&E and children’s services, plus specialist HIV and sexual health care. The CQC rates us Good in safety, effectiveness, care and responsiveness, and Outstanding in leadership and resource use.
We continually invest in our facilities, including a £30m expansion of critical care at Chelsea and an £80m Ambulatory Diagnostic Centre at West Mid.
We are delivering sustainable healthcare through our Green Plan. In line with Greener NHS ambitions, we aim for net zero carbon emissions by 2045. Achieving this requires collective effort. We encourage staff to reduce their impact on carbon, waste and pollution wherever possible. Every action counts to create a healthier, more sustainable future.
We are committed to equal opportunities and believe diversity drives innovation and excellence. We welcome applications from the global majority, veterans and underrepresented communities, valuing the perspectives they bring.
If you haven’t heard from us within 3 weeks of the closing date, your application was likely unsuccessful. Employment is subject to a six-month probation.
Some roles may require weekend shifts at multiple sites.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Under direct supervision assists with the delivery of care as described by the Registered Nurse.
Assist patients with general hygiene needs reporting any changes in patients’ condition.
Assist the patient to dress appropriately.
Safeguard patients own belongings and space.
Under supervision take and record the patient’s observations (e.g. temperature, skin assessment) as required, and inform the registered nurse of any observed changes in the patient’s condition. See Skills Sheet/Competency booklet for further details.
Support the Registered Nurse in meeting and recording patients’ elimination needs.
Report any changes identified and record quantities and frequency on the relevant charts appropriately.
Work with the Registered Nurse to gain knowledge and understanding of providing pressure area care and the use of aids.
Work with the Registered Nurse to gain knowledge of mobilisation aids and their correct and safe use.
Assist the Registered Nurse in the moving, handling and positioning of patients to meet clinical need, adhering to the Trust Moving and Handling policy at all times.
Report physical and psychological changes in patient’s condition to the Registered Nurse, ensuring pain and distress are acted on promptly.
Have an awareness of patient dietary needs and adhere to patient protected mealtimes.
Under supervision deliver meals and provide drinks to patients as appropriate and record fluid / food intake, (inpatient only).
Report any changes of pattern to Registered Nurse.
Report relevant information regarding the patient care to Registered Nurse.
Assist the Registered Nurse in contributing to the care of dying and deceased patients, sensitively providing support to relatives/friends and support patients who have received bad news Support the Registered Nurse in the provision of health promotion/ education, e.g. prevention of pressure ulcers, deep vein thrombosis.
Will ensure the environment is clean, comfortable, safe, and welcoming to patients, relatives and all health care professionals. In inpatient areas, this includes preparing bed space: - wash beds, chairs and lockers, making unoccupied beds in readiness for appropriate use .
Clean and maintain equipment and make ready for use.
To have an awareness of monitoring and maintaining stock levels of designated items.
Keep all storage areas clean, tidy and in good order.
Report any faulty or broken equipment to the ward manager and label appropriately.
Deliver specimens, test requests, notes or any charts as requested.
Escort patients to other departments as and when requested to do so.
Promote and ensure safe handling of valuables and patients property as per Trust policy.
Be aware of and understand basic infection control techniques.
Be aware of and follow safe disposal of sharps into appropriate container .
Understand universal safety techniques with regard to spillages.
Dispose of body fluids, soiled linen, clothing etc in line with the Trust Infection Control Policy and Waste Disposal Regulations.
Undertake delegated clerical duties in the absence of ward Clerk.
Demonstrate good effective communication skills.
Liaise and co-operate effectively with the administrative and clerical staff, nursing and medical staff and enquiring visitors to the ward / department.
Deal with all enquiries politely and effectively in all circumstances.
Ensure patients’ confidentiality and details are maintained at all times.
Redirect all patients’ enquiries that are outside your field of practice to the Registered Nurse.
To answer telephone calls and redirect enquiries in the absence of the Ward Clerk.
Undertake Ward/Departmental induction and orientation.
Complete associated competency booklet – completion time 2 months Follow up action plan to complete this if required , by initial appraisal at 3 months.
Work with manager 3 months after taking up post, to undertake an appraisal and Personal Development Review
Development Plan to set objectives and agree future competency achievement and development.
Successfully complete the Essence of Care Programme.
Undertake NVQ Level 2 programme.
Attend relevant training in line with Trust policy.
Actively participate in team meetings and team brief cascade of information.
