health care assistant

West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust; Bury St Edmunds; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A caring NHS organization located in Bury St Edmunds is looking for an Endoscopy Assistant to support registered staff in providing care for patients undergoing various endoscopic procedures. Responsibilities include assisting with bronchoscopy and cleaning equipment. The role requires adherence to infection control practices. Ideal for individuals with a passion for patient care and previous relevant experience. The organization values diversity and aims to create an inclusive work environment.

Qualifications

• Good knowledge of infection control and handling of endoscopic equipment.
• Experience with clinical observations and assisting in endoscopy procedures.

Responsibilities

• Assist with upper and lower GI endoscopic procedures.
• Record clinical observations and report them appropriately.
• Clean and decontaminate endoscopic equipment following guidelines.

Skills

Blood glucose monitoring

Clinical observations

Endoscopic procedures assistance

Cleaning and decontaminating equipment

Infection control knowledge

Job description

To support registered staff in the direct and indirect care of patients undergoing endoscopic procedures, such as gastroscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, bronchoscopy, ERCP and urology clinics. The post holder will undertake additional clinical activities to that of the Band 3 Endoscopy Assistant and will contribute to the development of unregistered staff.

There will be a variety of shifts, some evenings and Saturday working, to meet Trust and Government targets.

Following training, you will be expected to participate in the emergency out‑of‑hour on‑call rota and to participate in the decontamination, traceability and maintenance of endoscopes and other specialised equipment used in endoscopic and non‑endoscopic procedures.

Please note that Certificate of Sponsorship is not available for this position as it does not meet the required criteria. For more information on eligible roles please visit https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa. If you qualify for another type of visa or right to work, please ignore this information.

Key Tasks & Responsibilities

Clinical Responsibilities

• Measure and record blood glucose monitoring via capillary blood.
• Recording and documenting clinical observations and reporting as appropriate to senior nurse.
• Assist with upper and lower GI endoscopic procedures.
• Assist with bronchoscopy.
• Assist with urology clinics.
• Setting up, cleaning and decontamination of equipment.

To be aware of, and demonstrate adherence to, the Trust's policy on infection control and waste disposal.

To adhere to the recommendations for the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) and risk assessments appropriate to the clinical area.

To adhere to the principles of universal precautions in all aspects of patient care and when handling endoscopic equipment.

Identify endoscopes required each day for use within the Endoscopy unit, remote areas and after hours use and prepare as per local and BSG guidelines.

Clean and decontaminate endoscopic equipment in accordance with local and national guidelines and protocols.

We are a busy, friendly, rural NHS Trust providing high‑quality care and compassion to more than a quarter of a million people across West Suffolk. We care for, treat and support people in hospital, at home and in various community settings.

The West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds provides acute and secondary care services (emergency department, maternity and neonatal services, day surgery unit, eye treatment centre, Macmillan unit and children's ward). It has 500+ beds and is a partner teaching hospital of the University of Cambridge.

Adult and paediatric community services, provided in collaboration with West Suffolk Alliance partners, include a range of nursing, therapy, specialist, and ongoing temporary care and rehabilitation, some at our Newmarket Community Hospital.

We do our utmost to achieve outstanding clinical outcomes for patients and our values of fairness, inclusivity, respect, safety and teamwork guide how we work and behave as a team.

With nearly 5,000 staff, from all over the world, we strive to make our organisation a great place to work. Whatever your role or ambition, we want to help you be the best you can be.

We promote a diverse and inclusive community where everyone's voice counts and you can #BeKnown for whoever you are.

#BeKnown at West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust. By us. By our patients. By our community.