Healthcare Assistant

Patient Care

Ensure that the palliative care

unit is run in an effective and caring manner in order to promote a happy and

secure environment for patients, relatives, visitors and staff.

Keep the ward tidy and promote

high standards at all times by adhering to good infection control practice as

per policy.

Assist patients with their

personal care and advise on health needs, seeking advice as necessary from

members of the multi-disciplinary team.

Assist in admitting patients to

the ward.

Help patients at mealtimes, in

line with their specific needs.

Take patients to the garden, tea

bar, etc.

Ensure at all times the safe

custody of patients property, as per St Josephs policy.

Maintain a good level of nursing

stock and equipment and assist with ordering.

Sit with dying patients.

Escort patients to outpatient

appointments and, continue to be the patients advocate.

Understand the safe handling and

storage of oxygen.

Communication

Have good

communication skills and be able to use the telephone.

Read and familiarise the

prescribed plan of care, writing in the daily nursing reports on care given, and

ensuring that the report is countersigned by a registered nurse.

Welcome, assist and

advise patients relatives, whilst observing confidentiality.

Provide emotional

support to patients, their relatives and friends.

Assist patients in

their choice of food and, in discussion with the registered nurse and the

dietician, advise if their diet / food consistency has to be changed.

Order patients menu

daily from the kitchen.

Regularly participate

in nursing handover. Occasionally participate in multidisciplinary meetings.

Help new staff to settle into the ward routine.

Strategic Planning & Development

Contribute to

a comprehensive departmental induction and in-service ongoing training for

nursing auxiliaries and volunteers in the in-patient area.

Perform last

offices when a patient dies, following the patients wishes or beliefs. Take

patients to the mortuary when required, with dignity and sensitivity.

Assist other

members of the multidisciplinary team, as required, e.g. Physiotherapist, when

moving a patient.

Be aware of

all regulations regarding the health and safety of patients, visitors and staff

and report and record all accidents, incidents and complaints to the registered

nurse.

Attend

relevant study days, particularly statutory in-service training. Bring new

knowledge back to the team.