Health Care Assistant - Emergency Department

at  East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust

The ED team at Royal Blackburn are looking to recruit Health Care Assistants to join our team
We are a very busy department, covering a very diverse population. We are also a major trauma unit.
We are looking for self-motivated HCA’s to help take the department forward – you must be committed, flexible and approachable with established hospital experience.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills are expected.
You must be able to work a variety of shifts including days nights and weekends.
We value experience and skills learnt elsewhere and will work with you to enable those skills, to be utilised and developed further.
To assist in maintaining the highest possible standard of care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse.
We cover Burnley Urgent Treatment Centre, Accrington Minor Injuries Unit along with the ED and Urgent Treatment Centre at Blackburn.
Skills in Venepuncture, Cannulation, ECG taking, simple dressings, observations, pressure care are essential, being able to apply plaster of paris is desirable
You will be supported by a team of Matrons, Senior Sisters and Practice Educators.
Established in 2003 East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust (ELHT) is a large integrated health care organisation providing high quality acute secondary healthcare for the people of East Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen.
Our vision is to be widely recognised for providing safe, personal and effective care. We currently provide high quality services and treat over 700,000 patients a year from the most serious of emergencies to planned operations and procedures. We employ over 8,000 staff, many of whom are internationally renowned and have won awards for their work and achievements.

1. Under the supervision of the Registered Nurse provide care to the highest attainable standard as an effective member of the clinical team, in accordance with agreed Nursing Practice e.g.

• Assist in the assessment, planning, delivery & evaluation of nursing care and report findings to the appropriate Healthcare Professional
• Essential hygiene care
• Oral hygiene, mouth care
• Eye care
• Pressure care
• Bowel care
• Removal of venlons & catheters Perform Cannulation and venapuncture as required
• Undress patients in preparation for examination procedures, maintaining patient dignity and respect at all times
• Chaperone medical staff during examination of patients
• Under the direction/supervision of nursing & medical staff assist in minor

treatments/investigations for patients
2. Maintain accurate clinical records in accordance with Trust Policies.
SH/CC 27/07/07

1. Undertake record, document and report a range of patient’s vital signs to include:

• Temperature
• Blood pressure
• Pulse
• Oxygen saturations
• Peak Flow
• Respiratory rates
• Glasgow Coma Score
• ECG’s
• Random blood sugar
• Undertake venepuncture/cannulation when requested by Healthcare professionals

1. Carry out, record and document patient testing as requested and in accordance with

departmental policy e.g.

• Urinalysis
• Pregnosticon
• Random blood glucose

1. Under the direction of the Healthcare Professional participate in the assessment, admission, discharge and handover of patients.
2. Undertake safe transfer and escort of patients as directed by the Healthcare Professional.
3. Ensure safe moving and positioning of patients.
4. Assist patients with dietary needs.
5. Recognise and respond appropriately to urgent and emergency situations.
   10.Inform staff immediately of any concerns regarding patients condition.
   11.Involve patients and carers/relatives in the delivery of care.
   12.Provide reassurance, support to patients, carers and family.
   13.Have a workable knowledge of the general and specific infection control measures and related issues.
   14.Participate as required in ‘last offices’ procedure.
   15.Participate in the Major Incident Procedure within the Trust guidelines.
   16.Check, clean and ensure all equipment prior to admission / discharge is in good working order e.g. linen, oxygen suction, resuscitation equipment, replace as required in consultation with senior staff.
   17.Ensure that adequate stock levels are maintained e.g. linen and clinical equipment. Order and replace as appropriate.
   18.Take delivery, check relevant items, store all supplies and equipment, and report any discrepancies.
   19.Assist in the cleaning of clinical areas and equipment, ensuring that the area is clear of potential hazards, removing clinical waste and contaminated items to relevant collection areas

Please refer the Job description for details