Healthcare Assistant

Job Title: Healthcare Assistant

Location:Dilton, Westbury, UK

Job Summary:

The Healthcare Assistant provides essential support to patients by assisting with daily activities and ensuring their comfort and well-being. Working under the supervision of registered healthcare professionals, the Healthcare Assistant plays a vital role in delivering high-quality patient care and maintaining a clean, safe, and supportive environment.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Patient Care:

   • Assist patients with daily personal hygiene, including bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting.
   • Support patients with mobility needs, including helping them move around, use mobility aids, or transfer from bed to chair.
   • Assist with feeding and ensuring patients maintain adequate nutrition and hydration.
   • Monitor and record vital signs, such as temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure.

2. Clinical Support:

   • Assist nurses and other healthcare professionals during medical procedures and examinations.
   • Prepare and maintain patient care areas, ensuring cleanliness and availability of necessary equipment and supplies.
   • Collect specimens, such as urine and stool samples, for laboratory testing.
   • Report any changes in a patient's condition to the nursing staff promptly.

3. Communication and Documentation:

   • Communicate effectively with patients, families, and the healthcare team to ensure clear understanding of care plans and patient needs.
   • Provide emotional support and reassurance to patients and their families.
   • Accurately document care provided and observations in patient records.

4. Health and Safety:

   • Adhere to infection control procedures to maintain a safe and hygienic environment.
   • Follow health and safety guidelines, including proper handling of hazardous materials and safe disposal of waste.
   • Assist with the maintenance and storage of medical equipment.

5. Professional Development:

   • Participate in ongoing training and development opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge.
   • Stay updated on best practices in healthcare and patient care.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Certification as a Nursing Assistant (CNA) or similar qualification is preferred.
• Previous experience in a healthcare or caregiving role is advantageous.
• Basic life support (BLS) certification is an advantage.

Skills and Abilities:

• Compassionate and patient-focused attitude.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Good organizational and time management skills.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in record-keeping.
• Ability to handle physically demanding tasks, such as lifting and assisting with patient mobility.

Working Conditions:

• Shift work, including nights, weekends, and holidays, may be required.
• Physical demands such as standing for long periods, lifting, and moving patients.
• Exposure to infectious diseases and bodily fluids.