Senior Healthcare Assistant

at  The Christie NHS Foundation Trust

We are looking for a Band 3 Clinical Health Care Assistant to join the Experimental Cancer Medicine Team (ECMT) covering a portfolio of early phase oncology clinical trials in all solid tumour types. ECMT works to deliver the next generation of cancer treatments including, Chemotherapy, Immunotherapy, targeted therapies and other novel agents.
Research at the Christie is supported through the R&I division and provides opportunities to develop research skills and knowledge with educational packages and support.
The post holder will work alongside a team of Consultants, Senior Clinical Research Nurses, Clinical Research Nurses and clinical trial administrators to deliver a range of complex treatments to a high standard of care. Although desirable, research experience is not essential for this role however the post holder should have a minimum of twelve months relevant healthcare experience. This is a clinical role and so experience in clinical skills such as venepuncture, cannulation and ECG’s would be desirable however training can be provided.
The post holder will assist the research nursing team in supporting patients participating in clinical trials, completing trial related assessments following protocols including observations, bloods including trial specific bloods and completing ECGs. You will play an important role in supporting and coordinating our outpatient clinics as well as helping with some administrative tasks. You will need to be caring and compassionate. Flexibility in working is essential.
The Christie is one of Europe’s leading cancer centres, treating over 60,000 patients a year. We are based in Manchester and serve a population of 3.2 million across Greater Manchester & Cheshire, but as a national specialist around 15% patients are referred to us from other parts of the country.
We provide radiotherapy through one of the largest radiotherapy departments in the world; chemotherapy on site and through 14 other hospitals; highly specialist surgery for complex and rare cancer; and a wide range of support and diagnostic services. We are also an international leader in research, with world first breakthroughs for over 100 years.
We run one of the largest early clinical trial units in Europe with over 300 trials every year. Cancer research in Manchester, most of which is undertaken on the Christie site, has been officially ranked the best in the UK.

EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

1. The Health Care Assistant is responsible for their own personal development and maintaining a personal development plan.
2. To complete competency modules relevant for ECMT services, in line with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and Trust policies.
3. Annually attend all mandatory study days including Principles and Practice of Intravenous Skills, Infection prevention and control, Cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), moving and handling, fire safety, and patient observations.
4. Annually update Intravenous (IV) skills including phlebotomy, Central Venous Catheter (CVC), Peripheral Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) and cannula management.
5. To work towards and complete the Christie Care Certificate qualification in an allotted time frame if not already completed.

1. Provide a supportive role within ECMT for nursing, medical and clerical Staff.
2. Undertake the nursing care needs of patients, ensuring privacy & dignity is maintained.
3. Write reports of care given under the covering signature of a qualified nurse.
4. Participate in procedures appropriate to the department.
5. Support and assist in the induction and training of other Health Care Assistant’s.
6. Covering ECMT outpatient clinics which involves taking requested blood from a Central Venous Catheter (CVC), a portacath or peripherally, rooming patients, height and weight recording, patient observations, Echocardiograms (ECGS) and liaising with medical staff.
7. Be able to act independently as clinic co-ordinator and ensure the safe and timely through put of patients.
8. Rotate to work on the treatment floor, assisting nursing staff during treatments and discharging patients.
9. Safely escort patients to other areas and deliver blood samples to key departments.
10. Assist in the provision of meals and refreshments for patients whilst attending outpatient clinics or treatment on the CRF.
11. Help to maintain a safe environment and report faults and risks to the nurse in charge.
12. Liaise with the Estates department for repairs and maintain maintenance records.
13. Liaise with Housekeeper who is responsible for stores, stationery and ordering. Assist in the maintenance of stock levels.
14. Handle patients personal possessions, ensuring cash and valuables kept securely.
    15.Aid the safe storage of medicines and the return of any unused medication to pharmacy.
15. Assist staff with procedures.