Healthcare Assistant

Virtual ward is a safe and efficient alternative to NHS bedded care. Virtual wards support patients who would otherwise be in hospital to receive the acute care and treatment they need in their own home. This includes either preventing avoidable admissions into hospital or supporting early discharge out of hospital. The post holder will carry out duties working independently or alongside the registered nurse and other members of the MDT team within Plymouth, South Hams and West Devon undertaking urgent clinical nursing skills to patients in their own homes, care homes or other community locations.

On completion of competencies the role will include assisting nursing and members of MDT using clinical procedures including, venepuncture, Male and female urethral catheterisation, 12 lead ECG recording, Simple wound care and aseptic technique, delivery of medications. Good communication skills with patients and colleagues and the ability to organise allocated work is an essential component of this post. To plan, organise, prioritise and adjust own case load in relation to patient requirement, indirectly supported by Registered Nurse or MDT team. To be responsible for accurately documenting patient visits and contacts and ensuring this information is communicated to the appropriate team.

Referrals will be obtained from Virtual ward, Secondary Care, GPs, Community District Nursing Teams, PPG via 111, SWAST and other appropriate services. The post holder will be able to provide holistic evidence based / best practice care to patients in accordance with National and Organisational approved policies/procedures and individual care plans. Work autonomously and unsupervised in the community setting, recognising the risks associated with lone working, both clinically and socially and work proactively to reduce those risks. To manage, under indirect supervision, own workload within competencies of the post.

Work as an autonomous practitioner, managing and prioritising delegated workload according to local guidelines and identified need. Working in a variety of community settings, exercising a high level of judgement, discretion and decision making in clinical care. Work within challenging and unpredictable environments e.g. patients homes, which may have constraints and require adaptability Supporting other members of the team in their planning of patient care.

Provides support and advice to patients carers and relatives (on patients conditions and prognosis) where appropriate. Able to recognise the importance of health education and teaching of patients and carers, and to be able to advise and refer patients on where to access information. Following patient assessment, undertake clinical skills specific to individual competence under indirect supervision. Ability to undertake a range of agreed competency based diagnostic tests including Venepuncture & Point of care testing, Catheterisation, bladder scanning,12 Lead ECG and wound care.This list is not exhaustive.

Responsibility for reviewing care delivery and maintaining records in accordance with local and with organisational guidelines. Maintain accurate records, which are confidential, up to date, legible and that all care given is documented. These records may be paper or IT based system and must be maintained as specified in the Organisation Policies, NMC guidelines and Government directives. Works as part of a multi-disciplinary team Acts as patient representative to facilitate appropriate care pathways which involves effective communication to peers, other specialist practitioners, GPs and Consultants.

To adhere to infection control policies and guidance.