Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Band 3 Senior Health Care Assistant.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Health-care Assistant to join our dynamic and friendly team in the Dixon Unit. The department is located in Worthing and is the satellite unit for renal haemodialysis. We are open Monday to Saturday- 07:00-22:00 and dialyses 62 patients per week.

You will work within a specialised area, providing high quality care to patients with acute and chronic renal failure and therefore will be expected to take on extended roles associated with the specialism. You will be an excellent communicator and be required to work closely with members of the multidisciplinary team.

Previous healthcare experience is essential and an existing NVQ level 3 would be desirable. Due to the specialised nature of the unit an informal visit is highly recommended.

Main duties of the job

Contribute to implementing and progressing of a range of patient treatment and care programmes mainly Haemodialysis as delegated by a registered healthcare practitioner, and report back on progress. This may involve: making minor modifications to the care/treatment plan haemodialysis within prescribed parameters, supervision of individual/group patient therapy sessions, timetabling/running patient activities.

Participate as an active member of the healthcare team: organising own day-to-day work tasks (with support available), participating in ongoing training and development, and maintaining skills necessary for the role, contributing to the smooth and efficient running of the service. Provide day-to-day supervision and co-ordination of junior staff.

Carry out daily practice in line with our Trust values: Communication, Kindness and Understanding, Fairness and Transparency, Working Together, Excellence.

Working for our organisation

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Adhere to Unit protocols and policies (eg administrate intravenous device intraluminal locks, cannulate).

To accurately monitor and record a patients vital signs, reporting abnormalities to nursing or medical staff. To be actively involved in the assessment, planning, implementing and evaluation of a patient.

To have a good understanding of aseptic technique. To procure and safely send off clinical specimens as requested by the nurse of doctor. To assist medical staff with procedures.

To have a basic understanding of renal disease and the importance of dietary and fluid requirements of individual patients. Inform the nurse in charge of any potential hazard, accident, incident or patient problem that occurs.

To have a basic understanding of the haemodialysis process and associated machinery. To be able to initiate/terminate haemodialysis treatments. To 
be able to trouble shoot complications of dialysis eg clotted lines, intra-dialytic hypotension, with appropriate nursing supervision.

To update patient records using renal database such as CV5 and Diamant system

Please see Job Description and Person Specification for full details.

Person specification

Qualifications and experience

Essential criteria

Desirable criteria

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Essential criteria

Important information for applicants

Flexible Working:If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager. 

DBS Checks:As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check . We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.

Skilled Worker Visa:Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for those that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker.

Closing adverts early:Please apply as early as you're able for this role. In the event of exceptional interest we may close adverts earlier than specified.

UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications