Clinical Support Worker

Job summary

We are an evolving service, developing new treatment options for patients. You will be working alongside clinicians and administrators assisting with the care of patients undergoing diagnostic testing and treatment therapies, carrying out patient care in collaboration with the Clinical Staff and ensuring the smooth running of the unit.

Other duties will include but are not exclusive to: equipment set up and calibration, data collection, monitoring stock levels, booking patient appointments and clinical note preparation.

Main duties of the job

The Clinical Support Worker will have responsibility for actively participating as part of the multidisciplinary team within the department, to provide a seamless service to patients, under the direction of a Registered Professional.

Communicate patient appointments by telephone and where necessary, completing essential patient checks prior to patient attendance Chaperoning professional staff Appropriately prepare equipment that will be needed for each patient test. Monitoring and ordering stock items as required, including patient information leaflets, and organising stock cupboard to a high standard. Handling and dealing with possible distressing circumstances. Further information can be found in the attached job description

About us

In a development role to join our team in the Gastrointestinal Physiology and Pelvic Floor Services Department based at the Churchill Hospital.

You should be an enthusiastic, motivated person who is passionate about providing high quality, safe, patient centered care. Good communication skills are essential and the ability to work with people as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Job Title: Clinical Support Worker Gastrointestinal Physiology & Pelvic Floor Services

Directorate: Surgery

Location: GI Physiology Unit, Churchill Hospital

Hours: (Full / Part time)

Grade: Band 3 opportunity to develop to a band 4.

Reports to: Principal Clinical Scientist Dr Tanya Miller

Accountable to: Principal Clinical Scientist Dr Tanya Miller

Summary of Post

The Clinical Support Worker will have responsibility for actively participating as part of the multidisciplinary team within the department, to provide a seamless service to patients, under the direction of a Registered Professional.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Clinical / Technical

Switch on and do basic running tests / calibration of equipment at the start of each clinic. Appropriately prepare equipment that will be needed for each patient test. Assist the patients in the correct positioning for tests. Assist patients who need help undressing and dressing. Chaperoning professional staff. Ensuring that patients have hygienic wipes and hand-washing facilities after the tests Monitoring and ordering stock items as required, including patient information leaflets, and organising stock cupboard to a high standard. Managing incoming deliveries as necessary. Be responsible for careful handling of sensitive and delicate equipment and reporting any faults or problems noticed. Be aware of and follow policy on safe handling of body fluids and contaminated items. Clean and check all equipment in the clinical area following completion of patient examination in accordance with guidelines for each piece of equipment. Accurately and responsibly carry out the instructions of the registered Professional, who will remain accountable for the delivery of care. May be required to remove pH catheters (full training will be given) and process the recorded data accurately and appropriately, printing any necessary documentation required. Assist in smooth running of sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) permanent implant list as necessary. Respond appropriately in the event of an emergency, accurately and promptly carry out the instructions of the multidisciplinary team. Adhere to Trust infection control procedures demonstrating an understanding of cross infection.

Full training will be given in all aspects of clinical diagnostics and therapeutics referred to in this job description.

Communication

Ensure compliance with Trust policies and procedures regarding confidentiality of data and data security. Welcome patients, visitors, and relatives to the clinical area, providing assistance, support and information where required, being aware of barriers to effective communication. Demonstrate a variety of communication skills with patients who may have communication difficulties, , confusion, dementia or other linguistic issues. Answer the telephone in a polite courteous manner and pass on enquiries to the Registered Professional where necessary, always maintaining confidentiality. Using EPR messenger as a tool of communication. Communicate patient appointments by telephone and where necessary, completing essential patient checks prior to patient attendance. Organise in coming post , referral letters to be scanned and sent to the appropriate department co-ordinator. Ensure that all appropriate documentation is on the electronic patient record and maintain clear concise legible documentation adhering to Trust policies and NMC guidelines when using paper documentation. To assist in orientation of new staff and provide support for other team members, gaining support by participating in clinical supervision to act as a mentor for nursing assistants. To take an active role in team and department meetings, participate in department and trust teaching programmes. To ensure the department and trust policies are known, understood, and implemented, including sickness (Goodshape) and annual leave policies. To ensure that all statutory/ mandatory training is kept up to date, to attend sessions as required by the Trust and keep an accurate up to date record. Continue to improve and develop own personal practice and maintain a personal profile using performance reviews to advance personal and professional development. To be supported by the clinical team to complete the unit competencies within a time frame agreed with the support of a named mentor. To contribute to a relaxed, friendly, and organised environment. To be flexible and open to any changes that are required to ensure the efficiency and safety of the service. Be pro-active in creating an environment that responds to potential or known health and safety risks (, reporting equipment malfunctions) To be actively involved in ensuring a clean, safe, and tidy environment. To be actively aware of financial, budgetary, and resource management issues within the department. Handling and dealing with possible distressing circumstances. Communicate effectively with members of the multidisciplinary team (MDT), lead the MDT preparation after training Use the Hospital information support system and other computer systems. Maintain files of information for visitors, including photocopying of articles and information Filing of SNS folders and scanning of documents to EPR as necessary Co-ordinate communication with estates/G4S

Management

Assist in the management of patient case load as required and as directed by the Registered Professional. Take all reasonable steps to ensure the safe keeping of patients property in accordance with Trust policy. Ensure equipment and resources are used appropriately, efficiently, and economically. Participate in clinical audits as directed by the Registered Professional.

Patient Administration

Locate and make sure that appropriate notes and labels are available prior to tests (usually one week in advance of clinic list). Check patient details on arrival. Enter patient details onto unit computer on arrival (training will be given). Enter patient details on to test equipment. Check for patient follow up appointments via patient and/ or EPR. Process patient feedback forms to the correct location Populating consent forms prior to diagnostic studies Print patient labels as necessary and required prior to daily clinic lists.

Research and Auditing

Assisting with gathering bowel scores, referrals and outcomes and Sacral Nerve Stimulation (SNS) data and adding to the spreadsheet. Full training will be given.

Other duties and responsibilities

Responsible for the general tidiness and cleanliness of the unit, including waiting area and stock cupboards. Ensure patient leaflets are available and displayed in the waiting room and ordered from the print room. Monitor stocks of routine consumables and re-order as stocks fall low (, gloves, sterile equipment, pharmacy). Top-up stores from main stores when necessary. Checking linen cupboard contents and re-ordering as necessary. Removing and tying full linen bag and replacing linen bags. Maintain security within the unit and always lock clinic room doors when not in use. Such duties as may be required and delegated by professional staff.

To recognise clinic emergency (training will be given)

Personal and People Development

Identify own development needs and take action to enhance own knowledge, skills and areas of competence as necessary. Complete all statutory and mandatory training, and necessary updates as required by the OUH Trust Continually update practice in accordance with current research and evidence Discuss personal and professional development needs during an annual appraisal with line manager or team leader to develop and agree personal development pla Person Specification

Education and Qualifications

Essential

Numeracy / literacy skills - Level 2 or Grade C at GCSE

Desirable

Evidence of relevant training / courses (CPD)

Experience and Knowledge

Essential

Health care experience in a clinical environment Experience of working in health & therapy teams / working with people

Skills, abilities and competencies

Essential

Problem solving / inter-personal skills Clear verbal and written communication skills / Basic IT skills Ability to prioritise work load Able to work independently and use own initiative Motivation for role / adaptable / flexible Team worker / confident / able to recognise self-limitations Demonstrable basic clinical skills Ability to follow instructions in accordance with policies & procedures E x Personal Qual

Desirable

Knowledge of Cerner Millennium's Electronic Patient Record

Personal Qualities

Essential

Courteous and respectful Kind and helpful Responsive communication Effective and professional Build key relationships internally and externally

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