Healthcare Assistant/Clinical Housekeeper - Intensive Care Unit

This is a fantastic time to join our enthusiastic and motivated Intensive Care team. The current challenges of critical care offer a rewarding experience in unprecedented times. Our supportive team is expanding to encompass individuals who have a desire to contribute to the constantly challenging environment of critical care. The ideal candidate will work as part of a team that is committed to maintaining high standards.

Full in-service training will be given.

Working within a highly skilled team, the Band 2 will assist in the operational management of the Intensive Care Unit by maintaining stock levels, preparing equipment trolleys and having a responsibility for the cleanliness of the Unit and the equipment.

The successful candidate will undertake a competency based programme

For further information or to arrange an informal visit please contact:

ICU Senior ward Administrator Mandy King 01322 428387 [email protected]

ICU Matron Maria Crowley on 01322 428402  [email protected]

This advert may close early if there is a high volume of applicants.

This position will not be supported for visa sponsorship.  All applicants are expected to have valid right to work document to work in the UK when applying for this position.

Stocking up of bed areas

Daily cleaning of bed areas and post discharge

Preparation of bed areas for admissions

Preparation of procedure trollies

Management of equipment and store-rooms

Clinical responsibilities:

Takes an active role in maintaining a safe environment for patients, visitors and colleagues within the unit as required by the Health and Safety at Work Act and the COSHH regulations.

To be aware of the reporting procedure for accidents/incidents. To report any accidents or incidents or near misses to the nurse in charge immediately.

To know where all emergency and resuscitation equipment is located.

Ensures that there are adequate levels of stock items and escalates to ward admin staff or procurement staff as appropriate. Informs the nurse in charge of any stock issues.

To keep all clinical areas fully stocked on a daily basis.

To keep bed areas, clinical areas and storage areas clean, tidy and damp dusted according to daily and weekly cleaning schedules to ensure that infection risk is kept to a minimum.

To ensure that any equipment that is not in use is clean, labelled, stored away tidily and on charge, if appropriate.

To inform the nurse in charge when any vital equipment needs maintenance or repair, complete online request and arrange for collection by the EBME department.

To be aware of and assist with basic care needs of patients in ICU/HDU under supervision of a qualified nurse when this is required, i.e. washing and maintenance of privacy.

To maintain confidentiality at all times.

To prepare and set up trolleys for invasive procedures, i.e. insertion of an arterial or central line.

In preparation for the transfer of critically ill patients, the post holder will photocopy patient’s notes in the absence of ward admin staff, ensuring they are complete and tidy.

In the absence of the ward admin staff, the post holder will photocopy general paperwork to ensure stock levels are maintained as requested.

Following competency based training; the post holder will be responsible for the return and cleaning of the bronchoscope following its use in ICU/HDU.

Will assist in the safe moving and handling of all patients using a combination of manual and electrical lifting equipment, i.e. sliding sheets, mechanical hoist.

To deal appropriately with body fluids, i.e. vomit, sputum and soiled linen.

To be involved in the introduction and implementation of new ideas on ICU/HDU.

To care for patients property in accordance with Trust Policy.

Provide assistance to support the Critical Care Outreach Team when a patient is being cared for in the Theatre Recovery area.

Check work emails on each shift and use Trust IT systems as required for role.

Professional responsibilities:

To promote Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust in a positive manner to patients, visitors and the local population as a whole.

To participate in the attainment of Corporate, Directorate and unit targets in relation to relevant government documents and initiatives

To have an awareness of National and Local Health policies and the implications they have on the Critical Care Service.

To have an awareness of the judicious use of resources and report insufficiencies to the nurse in charge.

To act as a role model with regard attitude, conduct and appearance.

To be aware of local policies and procedures and their application to practice.

To be able to recognise own limitations and boundaries of their role.

Attend and contribute to staff meetings

Education and development responsibilities:

To attend rostered mandatory study days and complete e-learning as per Trust and unit requirements

Participates in a system of Personal Development Review to identify training and development needs.

Gives assistance to newly appointed staff within the scope of their role.

Complete Care  certificate during first 6 months of employment

Please also see attached job description.