HealthJobsUK

Job overview

Are you a naturally caring person who loves to make a difference to others no matter how small that difference might be?

Are you the type of person who respects other people, treats them fairly and accepts them for who they are?

Do you like getting things done? And are you known for being hard-working and reliable?

Here’s what one of our Health Care Support Workers says about the job:

“For me the job means putting yourself out there for patients and the team – truly caring about what you do and the impact you have".

Neuroscience Critical Care is a referral centre for neurology, stroke and neurosurgical patients from across the London area and nationally. Your role will be assisting with the delivery of care to patients who require intensive and high dependency care in an acute, dynamic setting. We look after complex neuroscience patients with a wide range of conditions. Many patients are on ventilators, have many drips and drains, and need to be closely monitored. There is a multi-disciplinary approach to high quality care, the healthcare assistants work alongside the registered nurses to deliver high quality care to the patient, in the context of their family. This is a varied role and there are opportunities to progress within the department. You will be part of one of the 5 teams in Neuroscience Critical Care, there is lots of support, training and events to help you with the transition to a new environment and get to know the team.

Main duties of the job

The role is focussed on direct care to patients with complex Neuromedical conditions or following emergency and elective neuro/spinal surgery and thrombectomy/neuro radiological procedures. Most patients require ventilation and specialist/ invasive monitoring and haemofiltration/Plasma exchange. Due to the underlying conditions patients can be agitated, confused, have limited mobility or paralysis. The role of the healthcare assistant is to support patients at the bedside, assist with mobilisation, personal care and provision of fluids and nutrition. You will be part of the team delivering direct patient care with support and direction from registered nurses and therapist. You will be supported by a senior nurse in charge on each shift and there is an education team to support your learning and development in the area.

Working for our organisation

The National Hospital is a specialist hospital and part of UCLH NHS Trust. It is a dedicated centre for patients with a wide range of neurology, neurosurgical and spinal conditions. There is a good team spirit across the site and a focus on staff support and development. We adhere to our trust values of safety, kindness, teamwork, improving and strive to deliver high quality care across the hospital and wider trust.

In the Neuroscience Critical Care unit you will be supported by a Line Manager Band 7 and part of a dedicated team. The teams work together during team weekends and staff team days allow for training and team building. There is the opportunity to progress to a band 3 role within the department.

We look after our patients in the context of their family and friends and ensure regular communication, ascertaining the patient’s wishes and ensuring family involvement in decision making.