Healthcare Assistant - Haemodialysis Unit

Would you like to develop your knowledge and skills? Would you be interested in becoming a valued member of our dialysis team?

We have a full-time vacancy for an enthusiastic healthcare assistant to join the team

The unit has 31 dialysis stations where our patients attend with chronic kidney disease requiring dialysis up to 3 times a week. We are situated approximately 1 mile away from the main Derriford site and we are located in Estover. We also have satellite units at Kingsbridge and Saltash. Driving is essential as the unit is not on the main bus route and you will cover all 3 areas.

We aim to provide a friendly and professional working environment. Good verbal and written communication skills and previous experience in a health care setting are essential. It is essential that the successful applicant has achieved NVQ Level 2 in healthcare.

You must be prepared to complete additional renal training/competencies.

You will be required to work rotational shifts. The Plymouth Dialysis Unit has the following shift pattern:

EarlyEarly shift: 06:00-14:00

Late shift: 12:00-20:00

Twilight shift: 16:00-00:00

• To assist in the delivery of care, planned and assessed by the Registered Nurses.
• To carry out care / other duties under indirect supervision
• To supervise health care assistants, making a contribution to their training and development
• Support care on a day-to-day basis for all patients in the clinical area under indirect supervision
• Contribute to resource management.

We are a people business – where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure.

We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case.

Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as ‘Priority’ and 'At Risk' status including NHS at Risk staff throughout Devon who is able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.

PRIMARY DUTIES & AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

• To carry out the necessary safety checks and equipment checks
• To line, prime, organize and trouble shoot the dialysis machines (Training on the job)
• To assist in the organization and structure of appointments and patient allocation.
• Assist patients to and from the waiting room into the main outpatient unit for their treatment.
• Carry out stock rotation and replenishment
• Carry out personal care to those patients in need
• Adhere to infection control protocol
• Adhere to correct waste management protocols
• The removal and correct disposal of Dialysis needles, and the necessary wound care afterwards
• To accurately take and document observations of patients and to escalate concern to a senior member of

staff when needed.

• The removal of the dialysis lines from the machines and the cleaning of the machines
• Telephoning transport for patients
• Being an active and positive member of a team, while able to use initiative and work without direct

supervision

• To maintain his/her own professional development, attending courses/further training to enhance and

optimize his/her role within the work area.

• To participate in the training and development of Health Care Assistants, Student Nurses and locum staff

on the ward.

• To promote and safeguard the wellbeing of patients, their families and colleagues
• To share responsibility for the care and maintenance of all the specialist equipment on the ward.
• To respect the confidential information, in line with Trust policy Data Protection Act, obtained in the course

of work and not disclose this information.

• To be familiar with and adhere to Trust and Departmental policies and procedures mindful of responsibilities

to self, colleagues and patients

• Report untoward incidents such as complaints, clinical emergencies, and injury to senior staff
• Act as a mentor to new Health Care Assistants & HCA Trainees, participating in induction programmes, and

on-going development of their practice

• Provide and deliver a high standard of nursing, care (i.e. washing, mouth care, toileting, manual handling &

mobility), recognizing and meeting the specific needs of patients

• With indirect supervision, to manage own clinical workload within the given competencies of the post.