Health Care Assistant

• The Health Care Assistant (HCA) works under the Theatre Manager in Theatre & Recovery, under indirect supervision of the Nurse Manager in the clinic area and is accountable to both for their working practice.
• This is guided by standard operating procedures and requires the individual to use a degree of initiative.
• The HCA also provides support for other members of the nursing team and contributes towards the coordination of team activities.
• Experience as a support worker is desired but not essential. Good personal skills and a flexible, eager-to-learn and caring attitude will be beneficial in this role.
• The HCA will be a member of a small supportive team in an inclusive environment.

·         Work alongside and support the registered nurses

·         Maintain work areas in each clinical area so that they are clean, safe and free from hazards reporting any potential risks identified

·         Measuring and recording following physiological measurements for routine egg collection or consultation such as:

blood pressure

pulse rate and rhythm

temperature

height and weight – body mass index

venepuncture

glucose monitoring

perform urinalysis

·      Training will be provided if the candidate does not have the above skills

·      Prepare and maintain environments and equipment before, during and after patient care interventions

·      Act as a chaperone of patients

·      Training will be provided to become a scrub practitioner at egg collection and all theatre procedures

·      Work in the recovery area under the supervision of a Registered General Nurse and undertake recovery competencies

·      Perform venepuncture once trained

·      Clean and stock areas, trolleys and cupboards as necessary

·      Semen analysis – checking and cleaning of sample room, taking patients to the room

·      Make up pots/envelopes using IVF witness system

·      Set up and assist at HyCoSY/SIS procedure

·      Assist on scan list

·      Maintaining, stocking and ordering within the clinical areas to support the nursing team

·      Work independently in the clinical area within specified range of competencies, being supported where needed by a registered nurse.

·      Liaise with nursing team ensuring that everyone is responsible for their own working environment.

Communication and Documentation:

·      Give accurate and appropriate information to patients and groups within own competence

·         Communicate effectively with patients, respecting their privacy, dignity and beliefs at all times

·         Identify risks involved in work activities and take action to manage the risks

·         Manage own time effectively

·         Ensure own actions, communication and values support equality, diversity and rights

·         Undertake recordkeeping and work within guidelines provided and report any abnormalities

·         Be aware of, and if appropriate, assist in current clinical audit

·         Contribute to the preparation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) and general documentation

·        Documenting information and activities with patients in an accurate and timely manner

·        Maintain confidentiality or information relating to patients, relatives, staff and the clinic

·         Practice within agreed standards of care and individual competency framework

·         Take responsibility for own developmental learning and performance, including participating in supervision and maintaining a record of own personal development

This job description is not to be regarded as exclusive or exhaustive as there may be other duties or requirements associated with the post which you may be called upon to perform from time to time

General Duties

• Ensure that all information concerning patients is treated in the strictest confidence
• Relay messages to appropriate employees
• Help in any way to make the department run as smoothly as possible

Be aware of and adhere to:

• Health and Safety at Work Act
• Staff Handbook policies
• No Smoking policy
• Data Protection Act
• HFEA code of practice
• Care Quality Commission standards