Healthcare Assistant

**JOB DESCRIPTION TITLE**: Healthcare Assistant (HCA) ACCOUNTABLE TO: Director of Clinical Services RESPONSIBLE TO: Director of Clinical Services HOURS: Full / Part time LOCATION: Dr Kershaws Hospice ROLE SUMMARY: To work as a member of the Hospices team to provide a consistently high standard of direct nursing care to the patient and their significant others both in the Hospice and across community services __________________________________ MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Sound basic education in English and Mathematics. NVQ level 2 in Health Care/ Care Certificate or equivalent desirable Previous experience in palliative care setting desirable. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 1. To work with the multidisciplinary team assisting to achieve a consistently high standard of care for patients and their significant others both in the Hospice and community services.

5. To liaise with the Hospice staff as necessary to maintain the comfort and well-being of the client. 6. To respect the privacy and dignity of the patient and their significant others at all times.

7. Support patients to take their prescribed medication, and complete MAR Chart (Caring Hands). 8. Be a counter signatory on the receipt, administration and stock balance checks of Controlled Drugs, following the completion of Medicines Management training.

9. Giving and receiving telephone messages, following liaison with Nurse in Charge. 10. To carry out nursing practices for the patient in accordance with Hospice policy.

11. To know and carry out agreed procedures for the care and custody of patients valuables and property. 12. To escort patients as requested by Nurse in Charge.

13. To observe and adhere to Hospice fire precautions. 14. To report all accidents, incidents, hazards or complaints to the Nurse in Charge/Care Coordinator 15.

To exercise care and economy in the use of property and equipment. 16. Maintenance of general tidiness throughout the Hospice including patient equipment. 17.

To respect the particular needs of patients. 18. To be involved in verbal and written reports with supervision as needed. Ensuring all communication is of a high standard.

19. Co-operation with the investigation of accidents and untoward occurrences. Ensuring that Hospice policy is adhered to. 20.

Attending staff meetings and discussion groups as required. 21. Participating in in-service training programme. 22.

In accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act, taking all precautions to provide a safe environment for patients and colleagues. 23. Accepting opportunities to attend study days or educational visits. Completion of Mandatory Training.

24. Reporting any defective equipment to the person in charge. 25. Relaying any queries or concerns from the client or their families to the Nurse in Charge/Care Coordinator.

26. Respecting at all times the need to maintain confidentiality regarding all patient information. 27. Assist with the promotion of good staff morale.

Give support and help to others as appropriate. 28. Adhere to the Hospice a No Smoking policy Volunteers Dr Kershaws Hospice is generously supported through its active volunteers who work alongside employees of the Hospice, across all departments, helping to fulfil the needs of the services. As part of all roles at the Hospice, it is expected that all post holders commit to assisting and supporting volunteers to perform their roles to the best of their ability.

In addition, it may be required of the post holder to act as a volunteer lead if identified with the Volunteer Co-coordinator, as appropriate. Health and Safety/Security 1. To be familiar with all requirements of the Health and Safety at Works Acts and the Hospice Health & Safety policies and regulations applicable to the post. 2.

To co-operate actively with the nominated Health & Safety person in achieving the aims of the Hospice Health & Safety Policy, Fire Regulations, related issues and various procedures and ensure the legal requirements are met. 3. To take responsible care for the health and safety of themselves and of others who may be affected by their acts or omission, and comply with the Health and Safety legislation. 4.

To wear appropriate safety clothing and use appropriate safety devices as requires, and not to interfere with or misuse anything which is provided in the interests of health and safety. 5. To report and co-operate with the investigation of all incidents and accidents that have led to or may lead to injury and to report all hazards or shortcoming in the protection arrangements. 6.

To ensure as far as predictable that all materials used within the Hospice and its subsidiaries for fundraising activities are properly stored, used and disposed of and that any items of equipment are properly tested, used, maintained and repaired as necessary. 7. To oversee Risk Management Assessments and ensure outcomes are acted upon. Education & Training The post holder will: 1.

Participate in the hospice appraisal system. 2. To mai