Detailed job description and main responsibilities

•  Assist patients in maintaining their personal hygiene, grooming and
  dressing needs with specific concern for their religious, cultural and
  personal preference, ensuring privacy and dignity at all times.
• Assist patients in gaining access to and in the use of appropriate toilet facilities. Measure and record body waste/fluid balance accurately.
• Ensure patients nutritional needs are met through assisting in the
  preparation of patients prior to meals and beverages, providing help and assistance in feeding/drinking as necessary.
  • Appropriately record and monitor dietary intake of patients, informing relevant staff of progress and/or any difficulties relating to dietary/fluid intake.
  • Undertakes a range of care duties (appendix 1) consistent with the Band 3 HCSW national AFC profile, delegated by a registered staff member, relevant to the services provided / work area. Care duties may include, capillary blood glucose monitoring, pregnancy testing, urinalysis, ECG’s, removal of urinary catheters, wound management of non-complex wounds / basic dressing, insertion and removal of venous cannula and venepuncture.
  • Assist patients in their mobility requirements, prepare the environment, move and position appropriately to maximise their physical comfort, utilising equipment trained to use and as directed by the multi professional team.
  • Assist in the care of patient’s pressure areas and prevention of pressure damage, undertaking risk assessments, and recording and maintaining relevant documentation and escalation as required.
  • Assist in the procedure of duties relating to last offices for deceased persons. Ensure that all religious and cultural wishes, obligations are adhered with.
  • At the delegation of the registered staff member, transfer the patient from one care area to another, including to other hospitals for investigations.
  • Assist in providing conditions to meet the patient’s need for rest and sleep.
  • Chaperone the patient as required ensuring appropriate support.
  • Actively support and assist in alleviating distress and anxiety of patients, relatives or visitors, consistent with their personal beliefs and preferences. Seeking support from registered staff as needed.
  • Support patients with dementia/cognitive impairment.
  • Use a range of techniques for infection prevention and control including waste management, hand washing and the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
  • To assist with bed-making and maintaining the general tidiness and
  cleanliness of the ward or department.
  • To assist in handling patients’ property and valuables accordingly to Trust Policy, using approved documentation and always acting in a trustworthy manner.
  • Undertake and document patient observations that includes
  temperature, automated blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate,
  conscious level, oxygen saturation levels and conscious levels (not GCS), accurately calculating the National Early Waning Score (NEWS2) and escalating as required to the registered practitioner.
  • To maintain standards of organisational conduct e.g. correct wearing of uniform, punctuality etc.
  • To work effectively within a team and assist in maintaining a good
  working atmosphere.
  • To assist in the induction of new staff within the department,
  demonstrating own duties to new starters. Lead in setting an example to new starters to ensure safe and effective care.
  • Obtain specimens from patients for ward or laboratory testing