Job Overview: The healthcare support worker jobs entail:
- Supporting Registered Practitioners and Assistant Practitioners in providing care for patients in the immediate post-operative phase, high-dependency patients, paediatric patients, and care for the elderly as needed.
- Maintaining a safe environment for all patients attending theatres and PACU.
- Performing post-operative care within the scope of practice while collaborating with all members of the multidisciplinary team.
- Delivering care to patients as delegated by Registered Staff while working within the defined scope of practice.
- Maintaining a tidy, well-stocked environment.
Main Duties of the Job
- Provide support to PACU Practitioners in caring for post-operative patients during their immediate recovery phase.
- Take observations of post-operative patients, ensuring clear and accurate documentation.
- Deliver personal care for patients as required.
- Maintain a safe, tidy, and appropriately stocked environment.
- Facilitate patient flow by assisting as a transit practitioner between wards and PACU.
- Ensure accountability for the care of patients in the immediate post-operative period as delegated by the Team Leader.
Working for the Organisation
PACU serves as the linchpin of the Inpatient Theatre Department, ensuring timely patient flow of post-operative patients based on clinical need. The team comprises a Band 7, three Band 6s, Registered Staff, and Unregistered Staff, working collaboratively to provide high-quality patient care across a 24/7 schedule.
The department also includes an in-house Practice Educator to support and encourage learning. Staff are encouraged to pursue academic and professional development to align with individual and departmental goals. Rotations into theatres and other disciplines within the theatre complex are actively supported.
Detailed Job Description and Responsibilities
- Collaborate with professionals to manage patient arrivals and departures in PACU per policy.
- Foster effective communication with the multidisciplinary team, relatives, nursing staff, ward staff, and theatre practitioners to ensure clear information exchange.
- Participate in team-building activities to enhance cohesion and effectiveness.
- Engage in multidisciplinary team meetings and stakeholder collaboration.
- Report incidents under supervision and ensure communication is central to all care processes.
- Support wards, departments, and theatre staff to ensure coordinated patient care pathways.
- Perform routine daily activities as part of the multidisciplinary team during operating lists.
- Assist Registered and Assistant Practitioners in assessing patients’ post-operative care comprehensively.
- Deliver patient care in line with healthcare needs and within the scope of practice.
- Maintain high standards of practice and professionalism.
- Support Registered and Assistant Practitioners in completing patient paperwork and care plans under supervision.
- Recognise and respond to emergency situations promptly.
- Maintain documentation in compliance with trust protocols and guidelines.
- Contribute to a culture of governance and patient-centered care.
- Identify and act upon risks or issues in the PACU and escalate discrepancies to senior staff.
- Ensure attendance at mandatory training sessions as per Trust policy.
- Participate in improvement strategies and address problems proactively.
- Ensure adherence to infection control policies, including hand-washing procedures, and report any accidents, incidents, or near misses.
- Follow safeguarding protocols for vulnerable adults, children, and young people, including accessing relevant training.
- Participate in the WHO checklist and provide tailored services to meet individual patient needs.
- Promote cost-effectiveness and minimise wastage by maintaining functional equipment and reporting faults.
- Support the education and training of other theatre team members.
- Contribute to service development and foster a learning environment where feedback is valued.
Person Specification
Qualifications and Training
- Theatre/PACU experience (desirable).
Knowledge and Experience
- Proficiency in IT skills.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work as a collaborative team member.
Additional Information
This role offers the opportunity to join an innovative and supportive organisation committed to delivering integrated, high-quality health and social care. The organisation values staff development and fosters a positive working atmosphere.
Staff carers are supported through policies, flexible working arrangements, and a Carer’s Passport scheme that links to additional support and benefits.
Important Information
- Applications close at midnight, 6th December 2024. Early applications are advised as vacancies may close sooner due to high volume.
- Tailor applications to reflect the role description and main duties.
- Correspondence will be conducted via Trac, text, and email. Regularly check all communication channels.
- Candidates with no previous NHS experience will typically be appointed at the band minimum.
- Unsuccessful candidates will not receive interview invitations within 28 days of the closing date.
- References must be provided promptly to avoid delays.
- The organisation is committed to preventing discrimination, valuing diversity, and ensuring equality of opportunity for all individuals, including staff and patients.
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