Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The Health Care Assistant will support the Continence Service in delivering high-quality care to patients experiencing bladder and bowel issues. This includes undertaking assessments and reviews, promoting continence health, monitoring skin integrity, and supporting the provision and reassessment of continence products. The role will involve working closely with specialist nurses, acting as a chaperone, and visiting patients in various settings, including their own homes.

The post holder will contribute to improving patient outcomes by providing compassionate, safe, and person-centred care while always maintaining patient dignity and confidentiality

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Patient Assessment and Review

• Undertake routine reviews of patients with bladder and bowel conditions under the guidance of the Continence Nurse.
• Assess and monitor skin condition, particularly in patients at risk of incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) or pressure damage.
• Gather relevant patient history and document changes in symptoms, skin integrity, and continence needs.
• Identify any concerns or deterioration in a patient’s condition and escalate appropriately to a registered nurse.

2. Continence Care and Product Management

• Support the reassessment of continence product requirements, ensuring correct product type, size, and usage.
• Provide patients and carers with guidance on correct use, fitting, and disposal of continence products.
• Monitor product usage and report any supply or suitability issues to the nursing team.
• Liaise with suppliers where required to ensure smooth provision of products. 

3. Health Promotion and Education

• Provide education and advice on bladder and bowel health, hydration, nutrition, and toileting strategies.
• Promote skin care best practices to prevent breakdown and maintain integrity.
• Encourage and support lifestyle modifications where appropriate to improve continence outcomes.

4. Collaborative Working

• Work alongside Specialist Continence Nurses and other healthcare professionals to deliver coordinated care.
• Act as a chaperone for patients during intimate assessments or procedures.
• Contribute to team discussions and multidisciplinary meetings when required.
• Administrative duties in the absence of administration staff.

5. Home Visits and Community Care

• Visit patients in their homes, residential care settings, or clinics to conduct assessments and reviews.
• Ensure safe lone working practices and adhere to organisational safety protocols during community visits.
• Adapt care approaches to suit the patient’s environment, respecting privacy and dignity.

6. Record Keeping and Documentation

• Maintain accurate, timely, and legible patient records in line with service policies and data protection regulations.
• Complete required documentation following home visits, reviews, and assessments.

7. Professional Development

• Undertake mandatory and role-specific training, including continence care, skin integrity, and safeguarding.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of best practice in bladder and bowel care.
• Reflect on own practice and engage in supervision and appraisal processes.

8.Essential Skills and Attributes

• Compassionate and empathetic approach to patient care.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Organised with good attention to detail.
• Willingness to undertake intimate care tasks sensitively and professionally.

9.Working Conditions

• May require manual handling of patients and equipment.
• Exposure to bodily fluids during care activities.
• Must adhere to infection prevention and control measures.