Health Care Assistant

For further information please refer to the Job Description & Person Specification. Monitoring and recording patients vital signs (including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, oxygen saturation) and reporting any abnormal results to registered nursing staff. Measuring and recording patients height and weight Checking patients MRSA status on arrival to OPD, under the supervision of senior nursing colleagues and screening patients if required Checking patients identification on arrival to unit and allergy status. Performing venepuncture, venous blood sampling and cannulation Undertakes clinical tasks relevant to the patients in OPD, following competency sign off, for example, ECG, urinalysis, MRSA screening swabs, recording of allergies on EPR, venepuncture and cannulation. Assists the nursing staff with the smooth running of clinics. Escorting and chaperoning patients where applicable. To provide support and supervision for the Band 2 HCAs working in the department. Demonstrates an understanding of infection control issues including attendance at mandatory training; an understanding of policy and procedure and accept responsibility for their own infection control practice and a willingness to challenge others practice. Demonstrates an understanding of nursing care plans and utilises them in line with trust policy and procedure. Understands the dietary needs of patients and utilises diet charts and fluid balance charts appropriately. Working alongside and liaising with members of the MDT as appropriate. Undertakes patient transfer and escort duties Collecting patients/patients medications from pharmacy Collects blood products from the laboratory in accordance with the hospital transfusion policy (The post holder will only perform this task after training and assessment of competency as per trust policy ) Assisting in the provision of basic care to patients so as to ensure their comfort, cleanliness and well being. Reporting to nurses any problems arising during observation of, or conversations with, patients and carers. Co-operating with all colleagues to maintain a presentable and safe environment. Ensuring that all patient/public areas (including bedside where applicable) and utility rooms are clean and tidy at all times, and informing an appropriate member of staff when the required standard is not maintained. Preparing dressing/procedure trolleys, initially under the guidance of registered staff and following completed competency these tasks can be undertaken independently. Assisting nursing and medical staff where required with various clinical procedures, as delegated appropriately by a registered nurse.