Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the team on George Earle Ward, a 28-bed acute ward specialising in the care of patients who have experienced a stroke, as well as those with neurological and acute medical conditions.

The ward includes three Hyper Acute Stroke beds, supporting the rapid assessment and delivery of specialist stroke treatments and blood pressure management, ensuring patients receive timely and effective care at a critical stage of their recovery.

As a valued member of our multidisciplinary team, you will play a vital role in delivering high-quality, person-centred care. Working closely with nurses, therapists, speech and language therapists, discharge coordinators, ward clerks, catering teams and hotel services staff, you will contribute to ensuring the best possible outcomes and experience for our patients and their families.

We are committed to supporting your development and success. You will receive a comprehensive Trust induction, alongside specialist ward-based training, helping you build the knowledge and skills required to thrive in the role. Your contribution will be recognised and valued, with opportunities to actively participate in service improvement and the ongoing delivery of excellent patient care.

Main duties of the job

• Undertake direct patient care, in support of, and under the delegation of the Registered Nurse, and document care given as required.
• Following training you will undertake various clinical tasks including cannulation and venepuncture, wound care, ECG recording, blood sugar checks and vital signs. You will be aware of when these need escalating to your nurse.
• You will support patients to maintain hygiene including mouth care, change positions to prevent skin damage, and with mobility.
• Checking of controlled drugs with Registered Nurse as required.
• Complete nutritional assessment records and weigh patients as required both on admission to complete MUST scores and weekly to ensure monitoring of body mass.
• Use equipment competently and follow Trust policy with equipment following training.
• Escort patients to other departments/hospitals for investigation

We are looking for someone who is:

• Compassionate, caring and patient-focused.
• Enthusiastic and motivated to provide excellent care.
• A strong team player with good communication skills.
• Committed to maintaining high standards of care and patient experience.
• Able to work effectively in a busy and rewarding acute ward environment.

About us
Torbay Hospital provides acute care for the local community and has several community hospitals, and is a hot-spot for those who are considering living by the sea or within half an hour of Dartmoor National Park and an hour to Exmoor National Park. Meanwhile, Plymouth and Exeter are also both within a short drive to enjoy the culture, maritime history and shopping experiences.

Why work with us - the team is flexible and promotes a healthy work/home life balance therefore, your package with us includes a lot more than just your pay.

Are you a caring, compassionate and motivated Healthcare Assistant looking to make a real difference to patients' lives? Our people are caring, committed, inclusive and focussed on quality. We focus on solutions and people's strengths. We encourage outside the box thinking and embrace innovation and change wherever it can drive improvement. If you share our values and vision and are passionate about working with people on what matters to them, you could be a real asset to Team Torbay and South Devon.

Important:

• Unfortunately, our department are unable to support sponsorship for this role. Therefore, applicants who require sponsorship now or in the near future will not be considered for this position.
• If you do not currently hold a Level 3 qualification, you must have an equivalent qualification or level of experience and be willing to enrol on and complete the NVQ Level 3 qualification as part of your employment.

Job responsibilities
Please see attached job description for full details which include :-

• Interview patients or carers as part of the assessment process
• Manual handling of patients and use of mechanical aids
• Undertake and accurately record and interpret clinical observations, routine tests and outcome measures
• Multitask, prioritise and adapt to the needs pf the patients and ward as a whole during each shift.
• Assist patients with continence and elimination requirements, including catheter and bowel care, recording as needed
• Assist patients to rehabilitate, working with physiotherapy and occupational therapists.
• Assist patients with food and drink following speech and language recommendations, maintaining food and fluid charts

Qualifications and training
Essential

• NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care or equivalent qualification/experience

Desirable

• Care certificate
• English & Mathematics at GSCE grade A-C (9-4) or level 2 functional skills

Knowledge and experience
Essential

• Previous experience in a care environment or able to demonstrate a caring nature/ life experience
• Understands the need for strict confidentiality

Desirable

• Working knowledge of complex care needs of some individuals/families including Safeguarding Children & Adults, Domestic Abuse and Mental Health

Specific skills
Essential

• Basic computer/keyboard skills
• Fine motor skills - for venepuncture, phlebotomy and other clinical tasks
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Able to prioritise and organise work
• Record keeping competency in handwritten and electronic records
• Able to manage stress in themselves and others
• Willingness to undertake new skills and training
• To be flexible, adaptable, reliable and punctual

Desirable

• Healthcare competencies appropriate to area of work

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.