Haemodialysis

Support Worker

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Western Isles Health Board

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 Job Advert

Haemodialysis Support Worker

Salary Band 2 £18,600 - £20,606 (per annum)
Increasing to Band 3 £20,700 - £22,594 (per annum) on completion of core competencies

Plus Distant Islands Allowance of £1,074 (per annum)

37.5 hours per week

Permanent post

A new and exciting opportunity has arisen within the Satellite Dialysis Unit for an enthusiastic
and caring individual to join our supportive experienced specialist nursing team. Previous
haemodialysis experience would be an advantage, but not essential. Previous experience of
working in a care setting is essential. The successful applicant will be required to undertake
SVQ level 3 in Healthcare, Renal support.

On completion of the Renal Unit training core competencies the successful applicant would
increase to a Band 3.

The successful applicant will be required to register with the PVG (Protecting Vulnerable
Groups) Scheme.

The successful candidate will need to achieve the Mandatory Induction Standards for
Healthcare Support Workers and comply with the Code of Conduct within three months of full
time employment or up to six months for part time workers. For further information see
www.hcswtoolkit.nes.scot.nhs.uk.

This post is not eligible for relocation expenses.

For further information on this post please contact Rebekah Macleod, Senior Charge Nurse,
01851 708334.
 NHS WESTERN ISLES

1. JOB IDENTIFICATION

Job Title: Health Care Assistant

Department(s):

Job Holder Reference:

No of Job Holders: 1

2. PURPOSE

To work in support of trained nurses in carrying out patient care activities and to
report information relating to patients to Registered Nurses. The post holder will
be expected to assist with other procedures and techniques under the guidance of
trained nursing staff.

JOB SUMMARY

As part of the multidisciplinary team the post-holder will carry out routine
personal care duties for patients in support of, and supervised by a Registered
Nurse.

The post-holder will carry out assigned duties; maintain hygiene, order and
safety within the ward area.
 3. ORGANISATIONAL CHART

Senior Charge Nurse

Charge Nurse

Registered
Nurse(s)

Health Care Assistant(s) (this post)

4. MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POST

 In conjunction with Registered Nurses and within own competencies and

confidence, undertake routine patient care duties in accordance with the care
plan
 Understanding of ward procedures and routines.
 The ability to assess basic care needs of individual patients.
 Understanding of Infection Control; Health and Safety; Fire; Moving and
Handling (including patient handling).
3.

Clinical
 Understanding of ward procedures and routines.
 The ability to assess basic care needs of individual patients.
 Ability to undertake observations e.g. weights, heights, urinalysis and blood
glucose monitoring (this entails lancing a finger to obtain a spot of blood to
estimate sugar levels).
 Ability to recognise obvious changes in patient’s general condition and report to
registered nurse.
 Assess and maintain the safety of patients.
 Instigate emergency procedures by raising alarm.
 Handles and records patient valuables and belongings e.g. Personal clothing
and valuables, in accordance with ward policy.
 Maintain and identify ward/department stock requirements.
  Clean equipment including baths, sanitary aids, cupboards and other
ward/departmental equipment in accordance with Western Isles NHS Board’s
infection control policy.
 Report faulty equipment to registered nurse.
 May be redeployed to other clinical areas.

Education and Research

 Participate and assist Registered Nurses in surveys or audits as required

Organisational

Follows policies in own role and comments on policies as appropriate

4.
Communication
 Document observations in patient care plan and relay information where
appropriate.
 Assists new members of staff into the role of health care assistant
5. SUPPORTING EVIDENCE

Physical Demands of the Job

 On most shifts, frequent moving and handling patients and equipment, using
mechanical aids.
 The requirement on most shifts, to move patients within the ward, to and from
and between wards, theatre, x-ray and other departments.
 The requirement to move patients within the ward, to accommodate new
admissions or to take cognisance of deterioration in a patient’s condition that
would necessitate moving the patient to a side room.
 The post-holder will on occasion have to manoeuvre heavy equipment (such as
chairs, bedside cabinets etc) within the ward, in emergency situations e.g.
during cardiac arrest.
 There will be occasions when a patient falls, or during emergency situations
such as cardiac arrest, when the post-holder will have to move heavy patient
without recourse.
 To mechanical aids and equipment. These manoeuvres may take place in
confined spaces such as side rooms. The average weight of a man is 13-14
stones.

Mental Effort

 To apply the appropriate level of concentration required to perform all nursing

duties and to provide safe and effective care.

Emotional Effort

 The Health Care Assistant will, on most shifts, participate in the care of seriously
or terminally ill patients and their families.
 The Health Care Assistant will, occasionally, be involved in care under
distressing situations while caring for angry patients and their relatives, or while
caring for patients with challenging behaviour.
 The Health Care Assistant will, on most shifts, be involved in the care of
patients/relatives receiving bad news.

Working Conditions

 Contact with body fluids throughout the shift.

 Possible aggressive behaviour of patients and visitors.
STANDARD ELEMENTS

Confidentiality
Comply with all approved NHSWI Policies and Procedures.
Comply with NHSWI Communication Strategy and Media Strategy.
This involves taking the necessary precautions when transmitting information only disclosing it to
those who have the right and need to know it.

All personal health information is held under strict legal and ethical obligations of confidentiality.

NHS staff must follow guidance (NHS Code of Practice on Protecting Patient Confidentiality)
before disclosing any patient information. All staff must respect confidentiality of all matters that
they may learn relating to their employment, other members of staff, patients and their families.

Health and Safety:

Assist in maintaining own and others’ health, safety and security.

This involves:
a) Complying with Board health and safety policies, procedures and participating in mandatory
training.
b) Maintaining a safe working environment and reporting any issues of concern as appropriate.

NHS Western Isles attaches the greatest importance to the health and safety of its employees. It is
the Board policy to do all that is reasonable to prevent personal injury and hazard to health by
protecting staff and others including the public from foreseeable hazards compatible with the
provision of proper services to patients. The Board expects its entire staff to take reasonable care
of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions at
work. More detailed information is given in departmental safety policies where appropriate.

Ensure own actions support equality, diversity and rights.

This involves:
a) Acting in ways consistent with the Board’s policies and procedures.
b) Treating those you come into contact with equitably and with respect.
c) Recognising the need for aids or adaptations.

JOB DESCRIPTION AGREEMENT

I, (Print Name)…………………………………………………….. confirm that the job

description(s) /person specification(s) attached have been discussed with me and are an
accurate and up-to-date account of the duties and responsibilities and skills/qualifications
required to undertake the post.

Job Holder’s Signature: Date:

Head of Department Signature: Date:

NHS WESTERN ISLES - PERSON SPECIFICATION GUIDANCE

Job Title: Healthcare Assistant

Department:

Location:

FACTOR ESSENTIAL DESIRABLE

EXPERIENCE Experience in caring for

people.

Previous experience
Working in clinical
eviroment.
SVQ2
QUALIFICATIONS, Basic Life Support Training
TRAINING, RESEARCH
PUBLICATIONS

Numeracy and literacy. Gaelic speaker

KNOWLEDGE AND
SKILLS Willing to learn new skills IT literate
and participate in training
opportunities. Moving and Handling
principles
Able to communicate
effectively both verbally Understanding for Infection
and written prevention and control
standards

DISPOSITION Able to work on own or as Non-judgemental

part of a team.

OTHER Will rotate between day and

night shifts.

Driving licence
 NHS WESTERN ISLES

JOB DESCRIPTION

5. JOB IDENTIFICATION

Job Title: Haemodialysis Support Worker

Department(s): Renal

Job Holder Reference:

No of Job Holders: 1

6. JOB PURPOSE

 As part of the multidisciplinary team the post holder will be required to assist
registered nurses in the delivery of direct and indirect patient care, with direct
supervision.

7. DIMENSIONS

 This is a development post for the job holder to provide practical dialysis support
to the haemodialysis unit adhering to standards set at local level and national level

 Maintain optimum health and safety of patients undergoing haemodialysis

 Competently perform the necessary dialysis related technical/physical aspects of

care for this defined patient group

 Ensure effective delivery of nursing care is provided to patients and that an

acceptable standard is maintained.

 Provide through local policies, a safe environment for the treatment of patients and
protection of staff

8. Role of Department
The Renal Unit has seven dialysis stations and provides nursing care for patients undergoing
in-hospital haemodialysis. The unit also cares for outpatients attending a renal clinic with NHS
Highland Consultant Nephrologists. The unit is currently open from 0700-0000 Monday,
Wednesday and Friday.
ORGANISATIONAL CHART

Senior Charge Nurse

Haemodialysis Specialist Nurse Haemodialysis Specialist Nurse

Staff Nurse

Haemodialysis Support Worker

(THIS POST)

4. MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POST

 All haemodialysis support workers will undertake training to enable them to attain
knowledge of the role and the standards of patient care expected.
 Provide, assist with and promote patient mobility using the available aids and following
moving and handling policies.
 After training will take and record patient temperature, blood pressure, urinalysis, oxygen
saturation’s, faecal occult blood testing, weight, BMI and Waterlow score and will inform
the Staff nurse of any changes.
 Assist in ensuring that patients nutritional needs are met by, assisting to serve meals,
assist patients to complete menu cards or special diet cards, ensuring the patient is in the
optimum position for them to eat, completing food intake charts, fluid balance charts,
feeding patients,giving patients specialised cutlery to assist them and informing the
registered nurse of any changes to the patients ability to swallow etc.
 Responsible for ensuring that they communicate well with other members of the
multidisciplinary team, patients and their relatives/carers.
 Listening to patients and relatives/carers and reporting concerns to the registered nurse.
 Communicates with other departments as required e.g. diet kitchen, porters etc.
 Completes appropriate nursing documentation accurately.
 Supports less experienced staff/students who are providing care to patients and act as a
source of advice to ensure their learning/knowledge needs are met
 Actively participates in team meetings.
 Answers the telephone and takes and gives accurate messages.
 Assist and provide nursing care to terminally ill patients.
  Carries out non complex wound dressings, after training.
 Prepares trolleys/equipment for specific procedures.
 Maintain optimum stock levels and order stock as required.
 Cleans equipment/chairs etc.
 Helps to maintain a clean and tidy ward area.
 Reports faulty equipment to nurse in charge.
 Adhere to ward and unit procedures for the use of supplies and equipment in order to
provide the effective and efficient use of resources.
 Participate in personal career development plan to maximise skills and develop personal
growth
 Maintain patient confidentiality at all times
 Ordering and stocking of various supplies.

ADDITIONAL RENAL UNIT SPECIFIC TASKS

Following training and assessment of competence will perform the following
 Lining haemodialysis machine with appropriate blood lines and dialyser in preparation for
treatment.
 Priming of haemodialysis machines.
 Is able to take appropriate action in the event of equipment failure.
 Following training will obtain blood samples for glucose monitoring.
 Connecting patients to haemodialysis machines via AV fistulae / grafts.
 Recognising signs of fluid depletion in patients and taking the appropriate action.
 Observing patients for changes in clinical condition during dialysis sessions and taking
appropriate action.
 Disconnecting the patient from the haemodialysis machine via AV fistulae / grafts.
 Removal of dialysis fistula needles.
 Dismantling, cleaning and disinfection of dialysis machines at the end of treatment.
 Recording of patient vital signs.
 Assist in Renal Out Patient Clinic.

9. SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT

 Use of Haemodialysis machines.
 Use of medical devices and all other equipment used in their clinical environment.
 Ability to maximise the use of Information Technology to benefit patient care and personal
development.
 Maintains patient records in accordance with NMC Guidelines and NHS Western Isles
Policy and Procedures e.g. fluid balance charts, food charts, TPR and B/P, stool charts,
weight etc.
 Completes and provides information for personal development plans.
 Completes Waterlow Pressure Area Predicting Tool.
 Partial completion of patient admission documentation.
 Orders ward routine stock.
 Use of hospital intranet.
 Involved in unit communications systems.
 Use of the renal IT system.

10. ASSIGNMENTS AND REVIEW OF WORK

 The haemodialysis support worker is supported by and supervised directly and indirectly
 by a registered nurse within the ward and is not ever left “in charge” of the ward even for
short periods
 Works within the NHS Western Isles policies, procedures and protocols and within the
framework of the ward.
 Is able to prioritise own workload in order to cope with conflicting demands i.e. which
patient to care for first etc.
 Assignment of work will be by senior staff on duty, or by mentor / assessor while in the
training period.
 Work review and formal appraisal or performance will be carried out regularly as part of
the PDP process by senior staff within Renal Unit.

11. DECCISIONS AND JUDGEMENTS

The agreed period of preparation is intended to develop a competence and confidence to
carry out tasks, within the scope of the profile contents, to allow the haemodialysis
support worker to make:

 Informed Choice

 Responsible choices

 Appropriate contribution to the planning delivery and evaluation of direct healthcare

 Planning order of work with a broadly defined routine.

 Acknowledging changes in patient’s conditions and reporting.

 Ability to recognise change in patient’s conditions and reporting.

 Ability to recognise change in patient condition and know when to refer on to senior
nurse.

12. MOST CHALLENGING/DIFFICULT PARTS OF THE JOB

 Managing daily the changing and competing demands of patients, relatives/carers and
professional colleagues.
 Emotional and physical demands of the nature of the role.
 Dealing with violent, aggressive and challenging behaviour both verbal and physical.
 Ensuring patient safety at all times.
 Developing and maintaining clinical skills, knowledge and competency.
 Involving and encouraging patients to follow treatment plans.

13. COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS

 The main purpose of communication is regarding patients condition or issues relating to
patient care.
 Establish and maintain professional relationships with nursing colleagues and members
of the multidisciplinary team as appropriate to benefit patients.
 Communicates continuously with a wide range of health and social care workers, patients
and families utilising a wide range of methods such as telephone, information technology
and verbal about routine daily activities.
 Communicates with the senior nurse / senior charge nurse regarding patient condition,
workload issues and personal development.
 Demonstrates empathy and sensitivity when communicating with people.
  Respects confidentiality of information obtained in the course of duty.
 Attends ward/staff meetings as a participating member of the health care team.
 Contributes to policy changes, patient care delivery through team meetings.
 Communicates with other wards or departments as required, ie, catering, laundry,
estates, supplies.

14. PHYSICAL, MENTAL, EMOTIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB

PHYSICAL
 Continuous moving and handling of patients – in chair, in beds, onto trolleys, from chair
to wheelchair assist with walking etc.
 Frequent moving and handling of heavy dialysis machines around department.
 May be required to work in awkward and cramped conditions eg when connecting
plumbing for dialysis machines.
 Risk assess ward area and be capable of creating a safe working environment for all
staff whilst being sensitive to patients environment continuously.
 Fine motor skills and dexterity to carry out cannulation of AV fistulae when competent.
Removal of AV fistulae cannula.
 Continuous need to walk stand and bend during shift to provide patient care.
 Hand washing/cleansing in between patients.
 Use of moving and handling aids e.g. hoists.
 Lifting of stock/supplies, linen bags, mattresses.
 Coping with unpleasant materials and smells – bodily fluids, infected wounds, vomit etc.,
several times during a shift.
 Computer / Key board skills.
 Frequent exposure prone procedures – ie needles, contact with bloodlines, several times
throughout the shift.
 HepB immunisation

MENTAL, EMOTIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL

 Challenge of gaining the underpinning knowledge to support SVQ process while working
in a busy clinical environment.
 Working with indirect supervision as directed by a registered nurse.
 Delegating and supervising junior and inexperienced members of staff.
 Concentration to operate specialised renal equipment.
 Concentration, decision making and problem solving skills to cope with the competing
demands of patient needs.
 Assisting in the provision of care for acutely /chronically ill patients.
 Reacting to and evaluating constant environmental/clinical changes.
 Maintaining accurate records of observations and dialysis treatments.
 Negotiation skills to deal with patients, relatives and other health care colleagues
competing for time priorities.
 Supporting new staff and learners.
 Emotional demands in caring for people in distress/crisis and caring for terminal patients.
 Working in areas with high noise levels e.g. phones ringing people talking and call bells
alarming.
 Working in very hot conditions of the unit due to heat generated by dialysis equipment.
 Working in areas lit by electric lights.
 Recognising and dealing with violent/aggressive and challenging behaviour.
 13. KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO DO THE JOB.
 SVQ II or recognised equivalent in Healthcare (eg NiCHE).
 Commitment to undertake and successfully complete SVQ III Renal Support (provided in
clinical area).
 bility to work with people and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
 Ability to prioritise assigned workload.
 Ability to work without direct supervision when carrying out routine tasks
 Effective written and verbal communication skills.
 Ability to carry out assigned tasks effectively in a busy environment.
 Attendance of mandatory training.
 Attendance of renal study days and in-house tutorials to attain underpinning knowledge
on assigned aspects of nephrology care.

14. STANDARD ELEMENTS

These are sections that will be generic and included in every job description and will include
confidentiality, health and safety and avoiding discrimination. Example sections are noted below:

Confidentiality

This involves taking the necessary precautions when transmitting information only disclosing it to
those who have the right and the need to know it.

All personal health information is held under strict legal and ethical obligations of confidentiality.
NHS Staff must follow guidance (NHS Code of Practice on Protecting Patient Confidentiality)
before disclosing any patient information. All staff must respect confidentiality of all matters that
they may learn relating to their employment, other members of staff, patients and their families.

Health and Safety:

Assist in maintaining own and others’ health, safety and security.
This involves:

a) Complying with Board health and safety policies, procedures and participating in
madatory training.

b) Maintaining a safe working environment and reporting any issues of concern as

appropriate.

NHS Western Isles attaches the greatest importance to the health and safety of its employees. It is
the Board policy to do all that is reasonable to prevent personal injury and hazard to health by
protecting staff and others including the public from foreseeable hazards compatible with the
provision of proper services to patients. The Board expects its entire staff to take reasonable care of
their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions at
work. More detailed information is given in departmental safety policies where appropriate.

Ensure own actions support equality, diversity and rights.

This involves:

(a) Acting in ways consistent with the Board’s policies and procedures.

(b) Treating those you come into contact with equitably and with respect.

(c) Recognising the need for aids or adaptations.

JOB DESCRIPTION AGREEMENT

I, (Print Name)…………………………………………………….. confirm that

the job description(s) /person specification(s) attached have been
discussed with me and are an accurate and up-to-date account of the
duties and responsibilities and skills/qualifications required to undertake the
post.

Job Holder’s Signature: Date:

Head of Department Signature: Date: 01.12.20

 WESTERN ISLES NHS BOARD
PERSON SPECIFICATION

Job Title: Haemodialysis Support Worker

Department: Renal Dialysis

Location: Hospital

FACTOR ESSENTIAL DESIRABLE

 Previous experience of working Experience
EXPERIENCE in clinical areas within renal
care.
Experience with
long term
conditions.
 Commitment to undertake SVQ SVQ level 2 or
QUALIFICATIONS, TRAINING, level 3 Renal Support recognised
RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS equivalent in
healthcare

 Good communication skills Knowledge of

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS  Numeracy and Literacy caring for long
 Ability to work well with multi term conditions.
disciplinary team
 Excellent organisational skills
 Ability to use own initiative
 Knowledge of infection control
policies
 Basic computer skills
 Good time keeping
 Demonstrate ability to prioritise
workload
  Pleasant outgoing personality
DISPOSITION  Strong motivation to work within
area.
.
OTHER Flexibility for shift work or working
in other areas
 About the Western Isles

The Western Isles, also known as the Outer Hebrides, are a chain of islands
which lie 55km off the west coast of Scotland. The islands have a
population of around twenty-seven thousand people.

Those who enjoy outdoor activities will find that the islands
have a lot to offer. Outdoor pursuits such as horse riding,
hiking, and fishing are popular, as are water sports such as
canoeing, surfing, and kayaking. Further information
about outdoor and sporting activities can be found on
the Outer Hebrides Tourism Information website.

The local Council website provides information

regarding schools, jobs, bus timetables, and
opening times of the leisure centre.

The Board works in partnership with Hebridean Housing

Partnership (HHP), which means that Key Worker Status
will form part of their Housing Allocation Policy. For more
information, please visit the HHP website.

If you have any specific queries regarding your move, please do not
hesitate to contact your Line Manager, who will do their best to answer
them.

Links

visitouterhebrides.co.uk
welovestornoway.com
hebrides-news.com
hebrideanhousing.co.uk
cne-siar.gov.uk
 About NHS Western Isles

The Western Isles Health Board employs over one thousand members of
staff, excluding GPs and Dentists. There are three main hospitals
situated in the Western Isles:

Stornoway—Western Isles Hospital (Ospadal nan Eilean Siar)

Benbecula—Uist and Barra Hospital (Ospadal Uibhist agus
Bharraigh)
Barra—St Brendan’s Hospital

There are a number of GP and Dental Practices

across the Western Isles. Community nursing
services operate out of general practice
premises and at community offices in key
locations.

There are only two medical practices in Stornoway: the

Broadbay Medical Practice on Francis Street (tel 01851
703588) and the Group Practice on Springfield Road (tel
01851 703145). Both have a pharmacy attached to the practice
for the dispensing of prescriptions.

Web wihb.scot.nhs.uk

The latest information about the Board’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic can be
found on the Board’s dedicated website.

Web coronavirus.wi.nhs.scot
 Transport Information

The islands are accessible from mainland Scotland by ferry or by plane

(please note that both services can be affected in the winter).

There are three airports on the Western Isles: Stornoway Airport,

Benbecula Airport, and Barra Airport. The following destinations
can be reached from these airports:

Stornoway Airport—Benbecula, Edinburgh, Glasgow,

Inverness, Manchester
Benbecula Airport—Glasgow, Inverness, Stornoway
Barra Airport—Glasgow

All flights to and from the Western Isles are

operated by Loganair.

If you live in the Highlands and Islands region of

Scotland, you can apply for cheaper air travel through
the Air Discount Scheme. Further information on the
discounts available can be obtained via the Air Discount
Scheme website.

There are nine ferry ports operating in the Western Isles. Routes
run between the islands, as well as to and from the mainland. All
routes are operated by Calmac. Further information on the individual
routes, including timetables and prices, can be obtained via the Calmac
website.

Links

Ferry Travel: Air Travel:

calmac.co.uk loganair.co.uk

Car Hire: Air Discount Scheme:

carhire-hebrides.co.uk airdiscountscheme.com
lewis-car-rental.com