Job description

Healthcare Support Worker

Band 3
The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust 2
Job application: HCSW Band 3
The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust 3
Job application: HCSW Band 3
The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust 4
Job application: HCSW Band 3

Job title
Healthcare Support Worker

Directorate
Cancer Services

Grade
Band 3

Hours of work
37.5

Location
Smithers Ward, Sutton

Reports to
Ward Sister /Charge Nurse

Accountable to
Matron

Liaises with
Patients and Carers
Medical and nursing staff
Multidisciplinary Team members
Professional Development Team

1. Job Purpose
1.1. To carry out in a responsible and efficient way, the nursing care for patients which has been
drawn up in conjunction with the co-ordinator of the shift.
1.2. To demonstrate the ability to develop a greater awareness and understanding of the needs of
patients with cancer and the different treatment modalities
1.3. As an integral member of the nursing team work with team members to ensure the maintenance
of an efficient, safe, clean and pleasant environment for all patients.

2. Key areas of responsibility

These responsibilities will be carried out under the guidance of the shift co-
ordinator.
Clincial Responsibility
2.1 To undertake and practice the Care Certificate standards.
2.2 Monitoring and recording patients’ vital signs (including blood pressure, pulse, temperature,
oxygen saturation) and reporting any abnormal results to registered nursing staff.
2.3 Measuring and recording patients’ height and weight.
2.4 Performing venepuncture and venous blood sampling. After training and assessment of
competency.
2.5 Undertakes clinical tasks relevant to the specific clinical area following competency sign off, for
example, ECG, urinalysis, MRSA screening swabs, recording of allergies on EPR and other clinical
tasks where training/competency sign off deemed appropriate for HCSW that has been ratified
through NRRAC.
The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust 5
Job application: HCSW Band 3

2.6 Assisting with nutrition where applicable e.g. assisting with menu completion, feeding assistance.
Working closely with the ward host/hostess and housekeeper. Understanding the dietary needs
of patients and utilise diet charts and fluid balance charts appropriately.
2.7 Liaising with the trusts MDT as appropriate to ensure complete holistic care is provided.
2.8 Demonstrates an understanding of infection control issues including attendance at mandatory
training; an understanding of policy and procedure and accept responsibility for their own
infection control practice and a willingness to challenge others’ practice.
2.9 Demonstrates and understanding of nursing care plans and utilise them in line with Trust policy
and procedure.
2.10 Directing or escorting patients and their belongings between departments and clinical areas.
2.11 Collecting patient’s medications from pharmacy.
2.12 Assisting in the provision of basic care to patients so as to ensure their comfort, cleanliness and
well-being, for example mouth care, hygiene and eye care.
2.13 Reporting to registered nurses any problems arising during observation of or conversations with
patients and carers.
2.14 Co-operating with all colleagues to maintain a presentable and safe environment. Ensuring that
all patient/public areas (including bedside where applicable) and utility rooms are clean and tidy
at all times, and informing an appropriate member of staff when the required standard is not
maintained.
2.15 To prepare dressing/procedure trolleys initially under the guidance of registered staff and then
independently following completion of competency.
2.16 Cleaning equipment on a daily basis, including trolleys and drip stands. Informing the nurse in
charge when repairs are needed.
2.17 Collecting blood products from blood bank (subject to completion of part 1 blood transfusion
competency)
2.18 To monitor ward equipment service/calibration history and in conjunction with the ward
sister/charge nurse ensure all equipment is maintained as per Trust policy
2.19 Ensuring stock levels of clinical and non-clinical supplies are maintained. Ordering and putting
away stock. Rotating stock so that short expiry times are used first. Safely disposing of out of
date stock.
2.20 Assisting nursing and medical staff where required with various clinical procedures, as delegated
appropriately by a registered nurse.
2.21 To report faulty equipment to the relevant department for repair.
2.22 Preparing patients for discharge and ensuring that rooms/bed areas are ready for the prompt
reception of a patient at any time. This may involve checking that appropriate cleaning of the
bed, bed table, locker and any other moveable item of furniture as a bed is vacated in the course of
the day/evening, endeavouring to bring about the cleaning of floors, walls, bathrooms, showers
and toilets in rooms, between patients.
2.23 Assisting with daily bed making as required.

Administration / Clerical
2.24 Greeting patients on their arrival to the department; orientating patients and ensuring they are
made aware of single sex accommodation (e.g. toilets, changing rooms) where applicable.
2.25 Answering telephones and dealing with enquiries and or taking messages.
2.26 Admitting/discharging patients on the bed board in the absence of ward clerk.
2.27 Updating the kitchen/staff board on any changes to dietary needs of patients.
2.28 Transferring medication charts/medications to and from pharmacy.
2.29 Transferring laboratory specimens to laboratory.
The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust 6
Job application: HCSW Band 3

Education and Development Responsibility

2.32 Undertake regular mandatory training and develop skills in accordance with Trust policy.

Management and Leadership Responsibility

2.33 Awareness of correct reporting lines and methods of communication to report issues.
2.34 Act as an advocate for staff, patients and relatives at all times.
2.35 Ensure the benefits to patients are maximised through careful, economical and appropriate use of
NHS resources including equipment, property, money, time etc.
2.36 To promote a safe clinical environment for all patients, visitors and staff.
2.37 To assist with any local or Trust initiatives to ensure the continuous improvement of the quality of
services and safeguarding of high standards of care.

3. General Data Protection Regulation

3.1 You will familiarise yourself with the Trust’s data protection policy which sets out its obligations
under the General Data Protection Regulation and all other data protection legislation. You must
comply with the Trust’s data protection policy at all times and you agree that you will only access
the systems, databases or networks to which you have been given authorisation. The Trust will
consider a breach of its data protection policy by you to be a disciplinary matter which may lead
to disciplinary action up to and including summary dismissal. You should also be aware that you
could be criminally liable if you disclose personal data outside the Trust’s policies and procedures.
If you have any queries about your responsibilities in respect of data protection you should
contact the Trust’s Data Protection Officer.
4. Safeguarding and Wellbeing of Children and
Vulnerable Adults
4.1 The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable
adults. To achieve our commitment, we will ensure continuous development and improvement of
robust safeguarding processes and procedures that promote a culture of safeguarding amongst
our workforce. All staff are expected to be aware of national, organisational and departmental
policies and procedures on safeguarding and promotion of the wellbeing of children and
vulnerable adults and should be able to communicate this to others

5. Health and Safety

5.1 All staff are required to make positive efforts to maintain their own personal safety and that of
others by taking reasonable care, carrying out requirements of the law whilst following recognised
codes of practice and Trust policies on health and safety.

6. Customer Service Excellence

6.1 All staff are required to support the Trust’s commitment to developing and delivering excellent
customer-focused service by treating patients, their families, friends, carers and staff with
professionalism, respect and dignity.

7. Emergency Planning
7.1 In accordance with the Trust's responsibilities under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 all staff are
required to undertake work and alternative duties as reasonably directed at variable locations in
the event of and for the duration of a significant internal incident, major incident or pandemic

8 Equality and Diversity Policy

8.1 The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust is committed to eliminating all forms of
discrimination on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage / civil
partnership, pregnancy / maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation
The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust 7
Job application: HCSW Band 3

9. No Smoking Policy
9.1 There is a no smoking policy at this Trust

10. Flu Vaccination- What we expect from our staff

10.1 At The Royal Marsden we have an immune compromised patient population who we must protect
as much as we can against the flu virus. Each year, seasonal flu affects thousands of people in the
UK. Occurring mainly in winter, it is an infectious respiratory disease capable of producing
symptoms ranging from those similar to a common cold, through to very severe or even fatal
disease.
The wellbeing of our staff and patients is of the upmost importance to us, and it is the expectation
of The Royal Marsden that all patient-facing staff have an annual flu vaccination, provided free of
charge by the Trust.

11. Review of this Job description

10.1 This job description is intended as an outline of the general areas of activity. It will be amended in
the light of the changing needs of the organization

12. Employee Specification

Candidates must be able to Essential or Assessed by
demonstrate Desirable
Education/Qualifications

Care Certificate – or the ability to attain the Care

certificate within 12 weeks (if working 30 hrs or
more) or 20 weeks (if working up to 30 hrs)
Demonstrable experience of working in a healthcare Application form /
Essential
setting. Interview
Understanding of working with patients who are
critically and chronically ill.
Evidence of ongoing professional development

NVQ in Health and Social Care Level 2 Desirable Application form

Experience
Experience of working in a healthcare setting for a
duration long enough to have obtained relevant
Application form /
competencies for a Band 3 position. Essential
Interview
Experience of working with computers (keyboard
skills, data entry)
Application form /
Experience of working with oncology patients Desirable Interview

Skills Abilities/knowledge

Clinical skills (e.g. phlebotomy etc.) Interview / References

Evidence of effective interpersonal skills
Evidence of good organisational skills Essential
Self-motivated to work under minimal supervision
Ability to work as part of a team
Good communication skills, written and verbal
The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust 8
Job application: HCSW Band 3

Patience and understanding of patient’s needs Interview / References

Ability to remain calm and demonstrate tact and
diplomacy whilst under pressure
Evidence of commitment to customer care
initiatives
Awareness of the importance of patient
confidentiality
Literacy and numeracy skills
Awareness of health and safety at work (e.g. Manual
Handling skills, Infection Control measures)
Ability to use own initiative

Understanding of working with patients who are

Desirable Interview / References
critically and chronically ill

Other Requirements

Flexibility to meet the needs of the service (e.g. shift Essential Interview
work)

Able to work on both sites and to be flexible to meet Essential Interview

the needs of the role

The above attributes have been identified by management to be necessary for this post, and will be used
when short listing applicants for interview.