Healthcare Assistant, Hospice at Home

To work as a member of the Hospice at Home team and to provide appropriate palliative nursing care and support to people in their own homes as well as supporting their carers across our catchment area of Barking and Dagenham, Havering, Brentwood and Redbridge. To liaise with other members of the multidisciplinary team Hospice at Home Manager, Hospice at Home Team Co-ordinator, Primary Health Care Team, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Social Care providers. MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES To provide appropriate physical, emotional and spiritual care in agreement with the individual and family, enabling them to continue to provide nursing care for the individual if that is their wish. To introduce the hospice services and the ethos of hospice care in the home environment. To provide care for people with palliative care needs in their own homes in accordance with the individuals care plan as defined by the District Nurse. To work under the direction of the Hospice at Home Team Manager and in
close coordination with senior staff nurses within team as well as external professionals involved in persons care. Communicates with individuals, carers and health professionals in a professional manner. To provide physical care complying with moving & handling policy and continually perform risk assessment in the persons home. To teach, empower and enable families to care for their loved one. Communicate effectively and appropriately with individuals and carers and liaise with other professionals involved in their care, all working cohesively regarding any clinical decision making to ensure consistent high standard of care for the individual at home. Recognises changes in palliative care symptoms and conditions and notifies other health care professionals as necessary. Supports individuals with the self-administration of prescribed oral medication where the patient is self-medicating and no carer available. Undertakes regular monitoring of syringe pump function whilst caring for
people and undertakes first line troubleshooting when problems occur. To monitor the persons condition and to record all observations accurately using remote technology and Icare. To make accurate notes in last days of care plan if commenced. Ensures patient records and verbal feedback to the team are maintained appropriately, accurately and that all documentation is kept up to date using the remote Icare. To have an understanding of the role of other professionals involved in the persons care and ensure full communications maintained at all times between all relevant parties. To be aware of the function and use of equipment commonly used in the care of palliative care individuals. Cares for the body after death and supports family members carers after death. Undertakes delegated clinical tasks and procedures linked to Saint Francis Hospice competencies for HCAs which are specific to the immediate care environment. Participates in audits, surveys or other clinical
governance activities as requested by service lead. To be aware of team dynamic and to be willing to work as part of a team. To be able to have a flexible approach to working as part of a rota and ensure follow Lone working policy guidance. To have an understanding and awareness of behaviours and interpersonal skills that are vital to effective team working and practice them at all times. Use opportunities to increase skill set and encourage development of HCA role e.g. use of iCare, Deputising Coordinator role for service allocation as required, and referral to Marie Curie/internal hospice Services. Participate and contribute to hospice Widening Access groups and Service Improvement Groups as appropriate. Responsible to use opportunities to increase use and skills with IT with use of iCare, Workday HR system and email as appropriate. PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES To take responsibility for own professional and personal development which will be
monitored in supervision sessions and in a yearly appraisal. To adhere to the policies and conditions of service of Saint Francis Hospice relating to sickness and absence, conduct, Health and Safety, Data Protection and any others that are relevant. Take responsibility for own professional and personal development which will be monitored in supervision sessions and in the annual appraisal system. To be responsible for any equipment provided by the hospice for the role in the community and the safekeeping of such items when not in use. ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES Some information received or supplied during the course of duty will be of a confidential nature confidentiality is not to be breached and is a disciplinary matter. Ensure that computerised data is managed within the requirements of the Data Protection Act. Report accidents/incidents or potential hazards and to work in accordance with the Hospices Health and Safety at Work Policy.