Ward Support Assistant

NHS Jobs; Virginia; On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

NHS Jobs in Virginia is seeking compassionate ward staff to assist patients with eating and drinking, work with nurses and dietitians, monitor intake, and document progress. The role emphasizes culturally aware nutrition support and recording outcomes to inform care plans.

You will also maintain clean treatment areas, manage linen and equipment, follow infection control policies, and support administrative tasks.

Responsibilities

• Assist patients with eating and drinking, ensuring individual needs are met.
• Work with registered nurses and dietitians to implement nutritional care plans.
• Monitor and record food, fluid, and supplement intake; report findings to nursing and dietetic teams.
• Advise patients on suitable food choices, considering cultural preferences.
• Order special diets and liaise with catering staff regarding menu choices.
• Encourage prescribed snacks and supplements; document intake as directed.
• Weigh and measure patients as per nutritional risk assessments.
• Promote healthy eating and maintain nutritional information resources on the ward.
• Prepare discharge nutritional reports with dieticians and nursing staff.

Job description

Patient Care & Nutrition

Assist patients with eating and drinking, ensuring individual needs are met. Work with registered nurses and dieticians to implement nutritional care plans. Monitor and record food, fluid, and supplement intake; report findings to nursing and dietetic teams. Advise patients on suitable food choices, considering cultural preferences. Order special diets and liaise with catering staff regarding menu choices. Encourage prescribed snacks and supplements; document intake as directed. Weigh and measure patients as per nutritional risk assessments. Promote healthy eating and maintain nutritional information resources on the ward. Prepare discharge nutritional reports with dieticians and nursing staff.

Housekeeping & Environmental Duties

Clean and maintain treatment areas, sluice rooms, linen storage, and patient spaces. Ensure linen supplies are replenished and stored appropriately. Clean and check returned mobility equipment for reuse. Decontaminate equipment according to infection control policies. Maintain tidiness and cleanliness of the clinical environment, including unpacking and storing stock deliveries. Follow Health and Safety and Infection Control policies, attending mandatory training updates.

General Duties

Answer telephones professionally and relay messages appropriately. Support administrative tasks when required. Participate in audits and data collection as directed. Contribute to moving and handling patients following training. Act as a link to other agencies and services when appropriate. Promote self-development through training identified by the team.