Health Care Assistant - Emergency Department

Job DescriptionJob Title: Health Care AssistantDepartment: Emergency DepartmentReports to: Nurse ManagerDate: 2025 Overall Purpose of JobWe will provide exceptional patient care in an environment where quality, respect, caring and compassion are at the centre of all we do.The Health Care Assistant’s role is to provide technical assistance and supportive patient care to meet the needs of individual patients throughout assigned areas.Key Responsibilities and DeliverablesThe role of the Health Care Assistant is to assist Nursing staff in the delivery of patient care under the direction of the Clinical Coordinator or Registered Nurse.Healthcare Assistants must report on and off duty to the Nurse Manager or deputy for each shift.To work as a member of the unit team and to establish and maintain the relationships within the team.To support qualified staff in the management and execution of clinical practice.To assist qualified staff with the care of patients, involving specific Emergency Department competencies when trained and deemed competent, will be able to perform venepuncture and cannulation, removal of cannulas, ECG’s and application of cardiac monitoring, application of mobility aids when required.To promote equality of care and non-discriminatory practice, acknowledging a patient's personal beliefs and identity.To ensure that clinical information is passed to the appropriate member of the team.To support patients and relatives in adjusting to the changing circumstances caused by illness and injury.Range of Responsibilities & DutiesAccompany patients to other departments within the Hospital and outside as appropriate by utilizing ISBAR handover tools.Assist with patient hygiene, physical comfort, eating and drinking and mobility whilst observing and reporting specific changes.Assist patients with their hygiene needs e.g. dressing, undressing etc.Assist Nursing staff with the care of incontinent patients and the promotion of continence care.Take care of patients’ dentures, glasses, hearing aids and prosthesis.Supervise patients on commodes, in toilets and bathrooms and assist patients with their hygiene needs.Assist patients who are confined to bed with their toilet needs.Assist in toileting of patients including the giving, removing and emptying of bedpans, urinals, commodes in toilets and in bathrooms.Assist patients with eating and drinking.Assist with lifting patients using appropriate equipment in accordance with the Hospital Moving & Handling policy.Ensure that patients are comfortable in bed or in chair.Accompany patients to other departments within the Hospital and outside as appropriate.Observe skin condition and report findings to Registered Nurse.Respond appropriately to emergency situations. Perform basic life support.Assist with the care of unconscious patients.Assist in the caring for people who are dying. Assist with last offices and in the preparation of the deceased for transfer to the mortuary.Assist in caring for patients that require 1:1 supervision under the direction of the registered Nurse, ensuring their safety needs are met.Follow and implement care plans under the direction of a Registered Nurse.Assist in the delivery of a high standard of holistic care to patients, promoting their equality and dignity at all times.Infection ControlComply with Hospitals Infection Control Policy e.g. Handwashing, use of personal protective equipment (gloves, aprons, visors).Comply with Hospitals Uniform Policy.Use correct procedures for barrier nursing and strict adherence to Hospital infection control protocol on entering/leaving isolation rooms.Maintain a clean environment with due consideration to Health and Safety issues.Keep unoccupied trolleys made and ready for use. Clean and remake used trolleys.Ensure that linen cupboards and store areas are kept tidy and stocked.Assist with the disposal of clinical waste as per hospital guidelines.Ensure that used linen is placed into correct laundry bags.Assist in the maintenance of ward cleanliness.Ensure that sluice rooms are kept clean and tidy.Clean drip stands, pumps and other equipment as required.General DutiesAttend to spillages immediately to reduce the risk of accidents/cross contamination.Move beds and furniture within unit as requested.Ensure patient privacy, dignity and confidentiality.Understand the differences between people and have multi-cultural awareness.Take accurate messages and answer the telephone in a courteous manner.Assist in the maintenance of stock levels of ward items.Adhere to Hospital policies and procedures at all times.Work co-operatively with other members of the multi-disciplinary team.Ensure that all duties are carried out to the highest possible standard, and in accordance with current quality initiatives within the area of work.Be prepared to expand scope of practice as and when it is deemed necessary.   Person Specification  QualificationsLeaving Certificate standard. QQI FETAC Level 5 (all 8 Modules) in Health Care Support or an equivalent nursing qualification required.ExperienceAt least 6 months’ Health Care Assistant experience.Job Specific Competencies and KnowledgeTo be of good character. Be polite, empathic and friendly. Have good interpersonal skills.Be capable of working on own initiative, under supervision, as well as working effectively as part of a team.Ability to organise own work and ability to relay information.Must be of a caring nature, sympathetic to the needs of patients.Basic numeracy and ability to communicate in written and spoken.Emergency Department SpecificAttain competence in the completion of following roles after appropriate training and supportRemoval of IV CannulaVenepunture & CannulationConnecting patients to cardiac monitorECG’sApplication of Mobility AidsAdditional roles as they are developed.Personal CompetenciesAll posts in Beacon Hospital require a high level of flexibility to ensure the delivery of an effective and efficient service. Therefore, the post holder will be required to demonstrate flexibility as and when required by their manager or hospital management. This job description is intended to be an outline of the areas of responsibility and deliverables at the time of its writing. As the Hospital and the post holder develop, this job description may be subject to review in light of the changing needs of the Hospital.