Healthcare Assistant/Technician

Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare facility in Greater London is seeking a dedicated team member to support the Endoscopy Department. The ideal candidate will assist registered nurses in delivering high standards of patient care and perform critical decontamination duties. Responsibilities include preparing medical devices, maintaining cleanliness in the department, and ensuring compliance with healthcare standards. This is an opportunity to be part of a committed team in a dynamic clinical environment, contributing to patient safety and care quality.

Qualifications

• Demonstrate knowledge of hand hygiene and safe disposal of sharps.
• Ability to maintain high standards of cleanliness and equipment operation.
• Effective communication with patients and staff.

Responsibilities

• Assist and support registered nurses in high-standard patient care.
• Undertake decontamination science duties under supervision.
• Prepare and maintain consultation rooms for procedures.
• Record and file patient information accurately.
• Provide patient care as directed by a registered nurse.

Skills

Knowledge of infection control techniques

Manual dexterity

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Ability to work in a team

Job description

The post holder will play a vital role in supporting registered nurses and the wider clinical team in delivering high standards of patient care within the Endoscopy Department. They will contribute to the safe and efficient operation of the service by undertaking specialised decontamination duties and ensuring compliance with departmental protocols and national standards.

Responsibilities

• Assist and support the registered nurses in providing high standards of care, whilst supporting the efficient running of the Endoscopy Department.
• Undertake decontamination sciences duties under indirect supervision of the Decontamination team leader, providing specialised decontamination of medical devices contributing to the clinical care of the patients.
• Carry out receipt, disassembly, cleaning, reassembly, inspection, packing, sterilisation of reusable medical devices.
• Record all tasks in the Healthcare Science Information System (tracking and tracing) database.
• Work in accordance with the Department's Standard Operating Procedures and Quality Management System.
• Work within the boundaries of their existing and developing skills at all times, maintaining high standards of care and managing time, tasks and resources effectively.
• Be aware of exposure to blood and body fluids.
• Ensure endoscopy specific guidelines and protocols are adhered to and JAG standards are maintained.
• Reprocess reusable medical devices: disassemble, clean, disinfect, inspect, assemble, sterilise, dispatch and track in a control environment.
• Provide advice and training to apprentice decontamination technicians, trainee nurses and HCAs.
• Provide a collection and delivery service to Department's customers.
• Inform the Decontamination team leader of any raw material shortages and ensure stock is located.
• Meet the demands of the Department's workload whilst consistently achieving high quality standards measured by in‑process checks and non‑conformance reports.
• Investigate non‑conformance reports as instructed.
• Use manual dexterity and concentration for the disassembly of reusable medical devices in accordance with the Manufacturer's instructions.
• Operate decontamination equipment and carry out routine tests in accordance with quality standards and guidance.
• Communicate with enquiries from users and other members of healthcare staff in a polite and helpful manner, seeking scientific advice where required.
• Undertake duties consistent with the responsibility of the grade and needs of the service.
• Prepare and maintain high standards of cleanliness in the working environment.
• Prepare and maintain consultation/examination/procedure rooms, ensuring necessary equipment, information/documentation are available at all times.
• Assist in the preparation of notes and documents for patient lists.
• Assist the endoscopist with a range of diagnostic procedures performed in the endoscopy unit.
• Be familiar with, and work to, the protocols and policies of the endoscopy department and trust policies.
• Accurately record and file patient information.
• Transport specimens, test requests, notes or any charts as requested.
• Provide patient care/treatment as directed by the registered nurse and within the boundaries of assessed competency.
• Provide support to staff and patients during endoscopy procedures.
• Ensure equipment is in working order and report faults accordingly.
• Escort patients to other wards/departments as required.
• Encourage users to give feedback on their experience.
• Protect and maintain patient confidentiality at all times in line with trust policies.
• Undertake delegated duties as directed by the registered nurse.
• Deal with all enquiries politely and effectively in all circumstances and seek support from a registered nurse as appropriate.
• Undertake extended skills specific to individual competence under the indirect supervision of the registered nurse.
• Report incidents and potential risks to the sister/charge nurse.
• Contribute to developing the service to ensure that delivery of medical device decontamination is safe, effective and follows best practice.
• Maintain high standards of department safety ensuring the health, safety and welfare of self and others.
• Demonstrate agreed standards of personal and professional development within defined timescales.
• Refer appropriate issues and raise uncertainties with senior staff.
• Maintain security of the Decontamination Department(s), equipment and chemicals in accordance with the Department's Policy.
• Actively participate in the Organisation's appraisal system and personal development planning process in accordance with Organisation's Policy.
• Ensure safe handling of transportation trolleys and reusable medical devices.
• Maintain compliance with all statutory and mandatory training as defined by the organisation and service needs.
• Comply with the Department's training programme and undertake training in line with the development of the post, as agreed with line manager.
• Continually develop and maintain a portfolio of evidence of training and CPD activities.
• Understand the Department's Quality Policy, Quality Manual and Standard Operating Procedures to ensure a high standard of work at all times.
• Be familiar with data protection and Caldecott issues relating to the use and storage of patient information.
• Assist in the training of other decontamination personnel to perform tasks as directed by the Decontamination Team Leader.
• Maintain and be able to use IT systems.

Infection Control

• Demonstrate knowledge of infection control techniques and hand hygiene.
• Demonstrate knowledge of safe disposal of sharps into appropriate container.
• Understand universal safety techniques with regard to spillages.
• Keep all areas clean, tidy and in good order.
• Report any faulty or broken equipment to the manager.

Professional Development

• Ensure mandatory training and a satisfactory appraisal is in date.
• Undertake a professional development plan and demonstrate achievement of objectives.
• Ensure adherence to Trust policy and JAG guidelines at all times.
• Role model Trust values at all times.

Communication

• Ensure all communication, which may be complex, contentious or sensitive, is undertaken in a responsive and inclusive manner, focusing on improvement and ways to move forward.
• Ensure all communication is presented appropriately to the different recipients, according to levels of understanding, type of communication being imparted and possible barriers such as language, culture, understanding or physical or mental health conditions.

This job description may be subject to change according to the varying needs of the service. Such changes will be made after discussion between the post holder and his/her manager.

All duties must be carried out under supervision or within Trust policy and procedure. You must never undertake any duties that are outside your area of skill or knowledge level. If you are unsure you must seek clarification from a more senior member of staff.