Senior HCA (SMH B3) - Hospice at Home - Nights

www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk - Jobboard; Basingstoke; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A palliative care organization in Basingstoke is seeking a Senior Health Care Assistant to support the delivery of specialist care for patients in their last weeks of life. This role involves assisting Registered Nurses with patient care duties, maintaining infection control standards, and providing emotional support to patients and families. A valid UK driving license and flexibility with shifts, including nights, are required for this position.

Qualifications

• Experience in a healthcare setting is preferred.
• Must possess a full UK driving license and access to a vehicle.
• Ability to work flexible shifts including nights.

Responsibilities

• Assist with general and specific patient care under RN supervision.
• Report changes in patient symptoms to the RN.
• Document care accurately and contribute to care plans.

Skills

Patient care

Communication

Clinical support

Job description

Senior HCA (SMH B3) - Hospice at Home - Nights

The role is based within the Hospice at Home team, supporting the delivery of 24/7 specialist palliative care to enable patients to be supported in the last 2 weeks of life, preferably at home, and providing support to their carers. The team facilitates hospital discharge to home and aims to reduce hospital admissions. The post holder will carry out direct patient care tasks under supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN), maintaining high standards of care within a patient's home.

The H@H team supports patients under St. Michaels services, including those known to Living Well Services, SMH Motor Neurone Disease Service, and SMH Long-Term Neurological Conditions Service. The team comprises a multi-professional group working together to deliver the service.

Responsibilities

• Assist the RN with general and specific patient care, including practical nursing and emotional support.
• Report any deterioration or change in patient symptoms to the RN.
• Assess and reassess manual handling needs to ensure safety.
• Maintain Infection Prevention and Control standards.
• Contribute to care plans under RN guidance.
• Document care accurately and support the completion of nursing documentation.
• Support the RN with CHC Fast Track documentation within role limitations.
• Provide basic emotional support with sensitivity and empathy.
• Care for deceased patients' bodies respecting their wishes, ensuring safe removal.
• Assist with ordering and storing clinical supplies.
• Ensure equipment is clean, functional, and report any defects.

Clinical Skills

Undertake tasks under RN direction and within assessed competencies, including:

• Assist with personal care, transfers, and mobility.
• Vital signs monitoring (temperature, blood pressure, pulse, respiration, pulse oximetry).
• Blood Glucose testing.
• Urethral catheter care and insertion.
• Urinalysis, bowel care, simple wound dressings.
• Venepuncture and post-mortem body care.

Communication and MDT Working

Handle enquiries courteously, collaborate with team members, participate in handovers and reviews, and support patients and families at foundation level 1 psychological support. Assist with breaking bad news and at time of death, referring to RN as needed. Report feedback, concerns, safeguarding issues, and maintain confidentiality according to GDPR.

General

• Respect patient and carer property.
• Complete competency documentation and attend clinical supervision.
• Work flexible shifts, including long days and nights, across a 4-week roster.
• Possess a full UK driving license, with access to a vehicle for community travel; mileage is claimable.
• Ensure security of the hospice building outside hours and adhere to lone working policies.
• Continuously assess and report risks in the working environment.