Job summary

Kernowflex (Bank) Healthcare Support Worker

Applicants will need to have a minimum of six months experience of working as a healthcare support worker in an acute healthcare setting or equivalent for this role.

We are looking for compassionate, motivated and enthusiastic individuals who are committed to delivering a high standard of patient care on our busy but friendly wards.

As a Healthcare Support Worker you will be a valued member of the team and help support our nurses to look after patients.

At our trust we strongly believe in patient care and want to attract like minded people to help build and maintain a supportive and enjoyable place to work.

Main duties of the job

The Kernowflex Healthcare Support Worker (HCSW) works as part of the ward / department team under the supervision of registered nurses and midwives and : - participates in the delivery of patient care- contributes towards ward / department organisation- supports registered nurses in the provision of a safe and caring environment

All Healthcare Support Workers are expected to complete the following activities and achieve the required level of competence within a timescale agreed with their manager and with reference to RCHT HCSW Development Strategy : - attendance at the HCSW Induction Programme- attend the mandatory development study days- participate in the annual HCSW update- complete the appropriate Qualifications & Credit Framework (QCF) training

Key working relationships include all members of the multi-professional team, including nursing and medical staff, allied health professionals and support workers.

The role of a Healthcare Support Worker is a very privileged role, within this role you will provide personal care and support to patients at their most vulnerable times.

Our values are Care & Compassion, Trust & Respect, Working Together, Inspiration & Innovation and Pride & Achievement - they shape how we serve, and they say how we work together in our team.

About us

In return for your expertise and hard work, we offer a wide range of benefits including :

Competitive rates of pay with increments.

Access to the NHS pension scheme.

Unsocial hours enhancements (where applicable).

A flexible working pattern to suit you.

Opportunities for further training (all paid for) and progression into permanent posts.

Paid annual leave quarterly pro rate of working time directives.

Weekly pay.

A comprehensive induction and ongoing mandatory training.

Plus, when you go home, you can relax in the most amazing countryside and coastal environments - work-life balance here in Cornwall is unrivalled.

If you do not have the required experience to join the bank, you may like to consider applying for a permanent post with the Trust.

Vacancies can be found on the NHS Jobs website or at

Recruitment : 01872 255755 Option 2

Kernowflex : 01872 255755 Option 1

Sustainability is integral to the Trust achieving the NHS Net Zero target. All staff are therefore actively encouraged and supported to implement new ways of working within their field of expertise.

Job description

Job responsibilities

To work co-operatively as part of the multi-disciplinary team, helping nursing, midwifery and other clinical staff in routine work associated with patient care and to support registered nurses in the implementation of programmes of care within the limits of the HCSWs knowledge and competence.

To provide comfort, reassurance and support to patients and / or their carers if anxious or distressed, assist with essential patient care, making beds, sorting clean linen, distributing menu cards etc and to assist patients to become as independent as possible by giving the appropriate level of support as delegated and under supervision

To maintain patients personal and oral hygiene, help with dressing / undressing, giving bed baths, mouth and skin care, assisting with pressure area care, escort patients to other departments and have a basic understanding of special dietary needs and implications for the patients condition, ensure adequate hydration and nutritional intake including feeding patients.

Record intake and output and understand the need for accuracy

To assist patients to access and use appropriate toilet facilities, ensuring privacy and dignity are maintained.

Record routine observations as designated by the nurse in charge (following training and having been assessed as competent, TPR & BP, urine tests, ECG).

To alert trained staff promptly of changes in the patients condition or any possible risks.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Basic literacy and numeracy skills

Desirable

• Level 2 qualification or experience in a care environment
• GCSE in English and Mathematics

Experience

Essential

• Six months experience of working as a healthcare support worker in an acute healthcare setting or equivalent
• Working in a team
• Able to demonstrate a good work ethic

Skills

Essential

• Able to communicate accurately and effectively with patients and colleagues, verbally and in writing
• Able to follow instructions and complete assigned tasks
• Able to deal with the public in person and on the phone
• Able to support and reassure patients / carers in distress
• Understands importance of maintaining confidentiality
• Able to demonstrate a good standard of written English

Last updated : 2024-05-14