Clinical Support Worker

Job overview

We are looking to recruit 4 full-time / part-time Clinical Support Workers for our new Multi-Speciality Elective Care Hub and re-furbished Day Treatment Unit at Wharfedale Hospital, Otley, in West Yorkshire, part of the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

This is an exciting opportunity to develop new clinical skills and knowledge whilst consolidating any previous experience. The nursing team provide pre and post-operative care for patients in a dedicated surgical unit. The unit is supported by 4 theatres with procedures being carried out under both local and general anaesthetic covering a wide range of specialities including Urology, Gynaecology, Ophthalmology, ENT, Colorectal, and general surgery.

The Elective Care Hub is based on Ward 1, consisting of 23 beds, with separate admission and discharge areas containing 5 trolley / chair bays.

In addition to the Elective Care Hub, Ward 1 also has a separate bespoke Day Treatment Unit providing haematology support and pain management treatments.

Interviews are planned to take place on Wednesday 20 November 2024.

Informal visits are actively encouraged. Please contact Senior Sister, Helen Harrison or Sister, Bex Powell on 0113 39 21651 / 21713 to arrange a visit or to discuss further details of the post.

Main duties of the job

The post requires a flexible approach regarding working hours to provide cover over a 24-hour period, including early, late, twilight and night shifts. The service is currently provided across 5 days and 3 nights, but this will be extended to 5 nights and 6 days in the future.

We are looking for confident and self-motivated individuals who have high professional standards with a caring and compassionate nature. Successful candidates will work as part of a multi-disciplinary team and it is essential that they are a good team player as well as being able to work on their own initiative, with excellent communication skills. You will be actively involved in direct and indirect care of patients in support of and supervised by a registered nurse.

Job responsibilities

JOB PURPOSE SUMMARY

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 action(s) 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. The jobholder must comply with the wearing of PPE as appropriate to the clinical situation - this may involve wearing face masks for a considerable length of time.

ORGANISATIONAL CHART

Matron

Senior Sister / Senior Charge Nurse

Staff Nurse

CSW (This post)

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 multi-disciplinary 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 multi-disciplinary 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 anti-embolic 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 in-service 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.

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:

Patient-centered

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

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.

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.

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

Please read Job Description attatched.

JOB PURPOSE SUMMARY

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 action(s) 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. The jobholder must comply with the wearing of PPE as appropriate to the clinical situation - this may involve wearing face masks for a considerable length of time.

ORGANISATIONAL CHART

Matron

Senior Sister / Senior Charge Nurse

Staff Nurse

CSW (This post)

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 multi-disciplinary 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 multi-disciplinary 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 anti-embolic 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 in-service 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.

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:

Patient-centered

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

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.

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.

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

Please read Job Description attatched.