Clinical Support Worker

Job overview

Specialty Integrated Medicine at LTHT has an exciting opportunity for Clinical Support Workers to join the Acute Elderly Admissions Units on Wards J19 & J21. The Admissions Units are 30 bedded wards, accommodating a mixture of female and male patients with a variety of medical conditions. The post holder will be responsible for providing direct and indirect compassionate care for patients in support of and supervised by a registered practioner, and in close collaboration with the wider Multi-Disciplinary Team.

J19 & J21 accept patients aged over 75 directly from the Emergency Department and are responsible for commencing the initial treatment and care that is required. Patients will normally stay on the Acute Admissions Units for a period of no more than a few days before they are either discharged or transferred to a longer stay ward. This high patient turnover makes them busy and fast paced units, inhabited by hard working and supportive teams that pride themselves in working collaboratively to provide high quality patient care.

Main duties of the job

The Acute Elderly Admission Units provide care for patients 24 7 365 days a year therefore the team work a combination of days weekends and nights.

The post holders duties will include the following:

Establish and maintain effective communication with patients families and carers

Develop and maintain appropriate relationships communication and teamwork with members of the multidisciplinary team within the ward and or department

Provide and deliver a high standard of compassionate personal care recognising and meeting the specific needs of the patients

Following training and assessment competently undertake agreed clinical tasks relevant to the post and clinical area

Assist the patient with all aspects of their personal hygiene.

Assist in the safe moving and handling of all patients utilising appropriate equipment.

Assist the patient with their elimination needs; including bowel and urinary catheter care.

Provide care for patients with reduced mobility; to include skin integrity and pressure area care.

Assist in ensuring patients nutritional needs are met.

Carry out clinical observations on patients recording and reporting abnormalities and changes in patients condition to the registered practitioner

Utilise early warning score indicators e g NEWS to recognise any patient deterioration and or sudden change in condition reporting immediately to a registered practitioner.

Assist in the correct handling and dispatch of specimens

Job responsibilities

The jobholder will be actively involved in providing direct and indirect compassionate care for patients in support of and supervised by a registered practitioner.

The jobholder will assist in the overall implementation of care as part of the multi professional team. The jobholder is expected to deliver and maintain high standards of acute and planned care. The jobholder will be skilled in taking appropriate actions to achieve the planned outcome.

The jobholder will contribute to the maintenance of an environment for effective care.

The jobholder will be expected to practice in accordance with Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust LTHT policies guidelines standards and statutory requirements and operate within defined competency boundaries.

The jobholder will work within a ward or clinical department.

3. ORGANISATIONAL CHART

4. PRINCIPAL DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Communication and Working Relationships

Establish and maintain effective communication with patients families and carers

Develop and maintain appropriate relationships communication and teamwork with members of the multidisciplinary team within the ward and or department

Assist in the welcome and reception of patients into the clinical area

Demonstrate a variety of communication skills with patients who may have communication needs and difficulties e.g. confusion dementia or other linguistic issues

Communicate effectively with all health social care providers voluntary sectors and emergency services

Maintain clear concise and legible documentation adhering to standards in accordance with trust policies and guidance

Ensure compliance with Trust policies and procedures regarding confidentiality of data and data security

Communicate with colleagues and members of the multidisciplinary team clearly and effectively in written verbal and electronic format this may include accessing and updating patient records on central databases or electronic systems.

Occasionally participates in and contribute to local audits e.g. hand hygiene audit

Escalate concerns with regards to patients physical or psychological needs or changes in their clinical condition to a registered practitioner within appropriate time frames

Effective use of communication skills when responding to patients relatives or carers concerns and complaints contributing to the ward unit or department team action plan to achieve local resolution.

Ensures in liaison with registered practitioners that interpreters are utilised as appropriate to support patients understanding and communication needs.

Ability to answer phone effectively managing the enquiry.

Clinical activities to be undertaken under the direction and supervision of a registered practitioner

Provide and deliver a high standard of compassionate personal care recognising and meeting the specific needs of the patients

Following training and assessment competently undertake agreed clinical tasks relevant to the post and clinical area

Acknowledge any limitations of competence in accepting care activities outside agreed limitations and inform a registered practitioner

Assist in planning implementation and evaluation of individual programmes of care for patients

Document interventions performed and care delivered ensuring that the record is countersigned by a registered practitioner where appropriate.

Assist in the recording of fluid balance reporting discrepancies to a registered practitioner.

Assist the patient with all aspects of their personal hygiene.

Assist in the safe moving and handling of all patients utilising appropriate equipment.

Assist the patient with their elimination needs; including bowel and urinary catheter care.

Provide care for patients with reduced mobility; to include skin integrity pressure area care and measurement and application of antiembolic stockings

Assist in ensuring patients nutritional needs are met.

Carry out clinical observations on patients recording and reporting abnormalities and changes in patients condition to the registered practitioner

Utilise early warning score indicators e.g. NEWS to recognise any patient deterioration and or sudden change in condition reporting immediately to a registered practitioner.

Collect equipment for clinical procedures as directed by the registered practitioner. Safely dispose of equipment post procedure restocking where appropriate

Assist in safe and appropriate use and maintenance of equipment

Assist in the correct handling and dispatch of specimens

Safe disposal of soiled linen and clinical waste from the ward or department

Participate in the process of involving relatives and or carers in the provision of patient care

Contribute to the psychological and spiritual needs of patients using diversionary and comfort measures as appropriate

Acts as a chaperone as per chaperone policy.

Assist in the performing of last offices for deceased patients.

Undertake the escort of patients to other departments and ward as instructed by a registered practitioner

Organise and prioritise time effectively

Undertake duties on different wards departments or clinical areas as and when required by service demands

Act in such a way that safeguards the health and wellbeing of children & vulnerable adults at all times. Is familiar with and adheres to the LTHT safeguarding policies.

Other Responsibilities

Participate in the use of the Leeds Improvement Method to improve the quality and safety of the service.

Contribute to the prevention and control of infection in line with Trust guidelines

Assist in maintenance of accurate records and documentation with regard to legal requirements confidentiality and management of information.

Ensure that essential information on the patients condition and progress is recorded in accordance with Trust guidelines

patient confidentiality

Promote and value the rights responsibilities and diversity of people ensuring religious and cultural needs are addressed

Education Health Safety and Security

Ensure safe keeping and transportation of patient property and valuables in accordance with Trust policy

Ensure equipment and resources are used appropriately efficiently and economically

Maintain a safe working environment reporting incidents accidents complaints according to Trust policy.

Participate in inservice training

Complete priority and mandatory training requirements in the required time frames.

Participate in annual performance appraisal

To be alert to issues of risk and concern about care provided raising any concerns observed via the Trusts Whistleblowing Policy and supporting processes.

5. THE LEEDS WAY VALUES

Our values are part of what make us different from other trusts so we see this as a strength as well as a responsibility. They have been developed by our staff and set out what they see as important to how we work. Our five values are:

Patientcentred

Collaborative

Fair

Accountable

Empowered

All our actions and endeavours will be guided and evaluated through these values

Additionally the following are core values which relate specifically to this post:

Respect the contribution of all members within the team and the importance of working together to provide quality and safe patient care.

Commitment to contributing to a quality service in an efficient and effective manner.

Commitment to ensuring each person is entitled to respect dignity equal and human rights.

Recognises the importance of confidentiality.

Commitment to support uphold and demonstrate the core values and behaviours of LTHT

6. WEST YORKSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF ACUTE TRUSTS WYAAT

Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is part of the West Yorkshire Association of Acute Trusts WYAAT a collaborative of the NHS hospital trusts from across West Yorkshire and Harrogate working together to provide the best possible care for our patients.

By bringing together the wide range of skills and expertise across West Yorkshire and Harrogate we are working differently innovating and driving forward change to deliver the highest quality care. By working for Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust this is your opportunity to be a part of that change.

WYAAT is the acute sector arm of the West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership one of the largest integrated care systems in the country. The Partnerships ambition is for everyone to have the best possible health and wellbeing and the work of WYAAT and each individual trust supports that ambition.

7. INFECTION CONTROL

The jobholder must comply at all times with the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Infection Control policies in particular by practising Universal Infection Control Precautions. Hand hygiene must be performed before and after contact with patients and their environment.

8. HEALTH AND SAFETY RISK MANAGEMENT

All staff are responsible for working with their colleagues to maintain and improve the quality of services provided to our patients and other service users. This includes complying at all times with the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Policies including Health and Safety policies in particular by following agreed security and safer working procedures and reporting incidents using the Trust Incident Reporting system

9. EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY

The jobholder must comply with all policies and procedures designed to ensure equality of employment and that services are delivered in ways that meet the individual needs of patients and their families. No person whether they are staff patient or visitor should receive less favourable treatment because of their gender ethnic origin age disability sexual orientation religion etc.

The jobholder will be actively involved in providing direct and indirect compassionate care for patients in support of and supervised by a registered practitioner.

The jobholder will assist in the overall implementation of care as part of the multi professional team. The jobholder is expected to deliver and maintain high standards of acute and planned care. The jobholder will be skilled in taking appropriate actions to achieve the planned outcome.

The jobholder will contribute to the maintenance of an environment for effective care.

The jobholder will be expected to practice in accordance with Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust LTHT policies guidelines standards and statutory requirements and operate within defined competency boundaries.

The jobholder will work within a ward or clinical department.

3. ORGANISATIONAL CHART

4. PRINCIPAL DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Communication and Working Relationships

Establish and maintain effective communication with patients families and carers

Develop and maintain appropriate relationships communication and teamwork with members of the multidisciplinary team within the ward and or department

Assist in the welcome and reception of patients into the clinical area

Demonstrate a variety of communication skills with patients who may have communication needs and difficulties e.g. confusion dementia or other linguistic issues

Communicate effectively with all health social care providers voluntary sectors and emergency services

Maintain clear concise and legible documentation adhering to standards in accordance with trust policies and guidance

Ensure compliance with Trust policies and procedures regarding confidentiality of data and data security

Communicate with colleagues and members of the multidisciplinary team clearly and effectively in written verbal and electronic format this may include accessing and updating patient records on central databases or electronic systems.

Occasionally participates in and contribute to local audits e.g. hand hygiene audit

Escalate concerns with regards to patients physical or psychological needs or changes in their clinical condition to a registered practitioner within appropriate time frames

Effective use of communication skills when responding to patients relatives or carers concerns and complaints contributing to the ward unit or department team action plan to achieve local resolution.

Ensures in liaison with registered practitioners that interpreters are utilised as appropriate to support patients understanding and communication needs.

Ability to answer phone effectively managing the enquiry.

Clinical activities to be undertaken under the direction and supervision of a registered practitioner

Provide and deliver a high standard of compassionate personal care recognising and meeting the specific needs of the patients

Following training and assessment competently undertake agreed clinical tasks relevant to the post and clinical area

Acknowledge any limitations of competence in accepting care activities outside agreed limitations and inform a registered practitioner

Assist in planning implementation and evaluation of individual programmes of care for patients

Document interventions performed and care delivered ensuring that the record is countersigned by a registered practitioner where appropriate.

Assist in the recording of fluid balance reporting discrepancies to a registered practitioner.

Assist the patient with all aspects of their personal hygiene.

Assist in the safe moving and handling of all patients utilising appropriate equipment.

Assist the patient with their elimination needs; including bowel and urinary catheter care.

Provide care for patients with reduced mobility; to include skin integrity pressure area care and measurement and application of antiembolic stockings

Assist in ensuring patients nutritional needs are met.

Carry out clinical observations on patients recording and reporting abnormalities and changes in patients condition to the registered practitioner

Utilise early warning score indicators e.g. NEWS to recognise any patient deterioration and or sudden change in condition reporting immediately to a registered practitioner.

Collect equipment for clinical procedures as directed by the registered practitioner. Safely dispose of equipment post procedure restocking where appropriate

Assist in safe and appropriate use and maintenance of equipment

Assist in the correct handling and dispatch of specimens

Safe disposal of soiled linen and clinical waste from the ward or department

Participate in the process of involving relatives and or carers in the provision of patient care

Contribute to the psychological and spiritual needs of patients using diversionary and comfort measures as appropriate

Acts as a chaperone as per chaperone policy.

Assist in the performing of last offices for deceased patients.

Undertake the escort of patients to other departments and ward as instructed by a registered practitioner

Organise and prioritise time effectively

Undertake duties on different wards departments or clinical areas as and when required by service demands

Act in such a way that safeguards the health and wellbeing of children & vulnerable adults at all times. Is familiar with and adheres to the LTHT safeguarding policies.

Other Responsibilities

Participate in the use of the Leeds Improvement Method to improve the quality and safety of the service.

Contribute to the prevention and control of infection in line with Trust guidelines

Assist in maintenance of accurate records and documentation with regard to legal requirements confidentiality and management of information.

Ensure that essential information on the patients condition and progress is recorded in accordance with Trust guidelines

patient confidentiality

Promote and value the rights responsibilities and diversity of people ensuring religious and cultural needs are addressed

Education Health Safety and Security

Ensure safe keeping and transportation of patient property and valuables in accordance with Trust policy

Ensure equipment and resources are used appropriately efficiently and economically

Maintain a safe working environment reporting incidents accidents complaints according to Trust policy.

Participate in inservice training

Complete priority and mandatory training requirements in the required time frames.

Participate in annual performance appraisal

To be alert to issues of risk and concern about care provided raising any concerns observed via the Trusts Whistleblowing Policy and supporting processes.

5. THE LEEDS WAY VALUES

Our values are part of what make us different from other trusts so we see this as a strength as well as a responsibility. They have been developed by our staff and set out what they see as important to how we work. Our five values are:

Patientcentred

Collaborative

Fair

Accountable

Empowered

All our actions and endeavours will be guided and evaluated through these values

Additionally the following are core values which relate specifically to this post:

Respect the contribution of all members within the team and the importance of working together to provide quality and safe patient care.

Commitment to contributing to a quality service in an efficient and effective manner.

Commitment to ensuring each person is entitled to respect dignity equal and human rights.

Recognises the importance of confidentiality.

Commitment to support uphold and demonstrate the core values and behaviours of LTHT

6. WEST YORKSHIRE ASSOCIATION OF ACUTE TRUSTS WYAAT

Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is part of the West Yorkshire Association of Acute Trusts WYAAT a collaborative of the NHS hospital trusts from across West Yorkshire and Harrogate working together to provide the best possible care for our patients.

By bringing together the wide range of skills and expertise across West Yorkshire and Harrogate we are working differently innovating and driving forward change to deliver the highest quality care. By working for Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust this is your opportunity to be a part of that change.

WYAAT is the acute sector arm of the West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership one of the largest integrated care systems in the country. The Partnerships ambition is for everyone to have the best possible health and wellbeing and the work of WYAAT and each individual trust supports that ambition.

7. INFECTION CONTROL

The jobholder must comply at all times with the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Infection Control policies in particular by practising Universal Infection Control Precautions. Hand hygiene must be performed before and after contact with patients and their environment.

8. HEALTH AND SAFETY RISK MANAGEMENT

All staff are responsible for working with their colleagues to maintain and improve the quality of services provided to our patients and other service users. This includes complying at all times with the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Policies including Health and Safety policies in particular by following agreed security and safer working procedures and reporting incidents using the Trust Incident Reporting system

9. EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY

The jobholder must comply with all policies and procedures designed to ensure equality of employment and that services are delivered in ways that meet the individual needs of patients and their families. No person whether they are staff patient or visitor should receive less favourable treatment because of their gender ethnic origin age disability sexual orientation religion etc.