Healthcare Assistant

Patient Care Ensure that the palliative care unit is run in an effective and caring manner in order to promote a happy and secure environment for patients, relatives, visitors and staff. Keep the ward tidy and promote high standards at all times by adhering to good infection control practice as per policy. Assist patients with their personal care and advise on health needs, seeking advice as necessary from members of the multi-disciplinary team. Assist in admitting patients to the ward. Help patients at mealtimes, in line with their specific needs. Take patients to the garden, tea bar, etc. Ensure at all times the safe custody of patients property, as per St Josephs policy. Maintain a good level of nursing stock and equipment and assist with ordering. Sit with dying patients. Escort patients to outpatient appointments and, continue to be the patients advocate. Understand the safe handling and storage of oxygen. Communication Have good communication skills and be able to use the telephone. Read and familiarise the prescribed plan of care, writing in the daily nursing reports on care given, and ensuring that the report is countersigned by a registered nurse. Welcome, assist and advise patients relatives, whilst observing confidentiality. Provide emotional support to patients, their relatives and friends. Assist patients in their choice of food and, in discussion with the registered nurse and the dietician, advise if their diet / food consistency has to be changed. Order patients menu daily from the kitchen. Regularly participate in nursing handover. Occasionally participate in multidisciplinary meetings. Help new staff to settle into the ward routine. Strategic Planning & Development Contribute to a comprehensive departmental induction and in-service ongoing training for nursing auxiliaries and volunteers in the in-patient area. Perform last offices when a patient dies, following the patients wishes or beliefs. Take patients to the mortuary when required, with dignity and sensitivity. Assist other members of the multidisciplinary team, as required, e.g. Physiotherapist, when moving a patient. Be aware of all regulations regarding the health and safety of patients, visitors and staff and report and record all accidents, incidents and complaints to the registered nurse. Attend relevant study days, particularly statutory in-service training. Bring new knowledge back to the team.