Healthcare Assistant

Are you an enthusiastic and empathetic person looking to work in a passionate team of like-minded individuals? Then why not join our forward thinking local Neonatal Unit here in Cornwall?

Our Neonatal unit has a combination of 20 ITU, HDU and Special Care cots and is part of the Southwest neonatal network. Our Outreach service also provides support to babies discharged from the unit with ongoing medical or nursing needs.

We are looking to recruit a Healthcare Assistant to work within the special care nurseries, preferably with experience of caring for babies with specialist needs. This may include Nasogastric tube passing and feeding, providing support in establishing breastfeeding, delivering oxygen via low flow, supporting family transition from the clinical setting to normal family life and carrying out basic observations among other supportive duties.

Alongside Registered Nurses, HCA’s will also be involved in preparing babies and their families for discharge, and communicating ongoing care needs with various care teams within the community.

To contribute to the optimum delivery of care by assisting all clinical staff and to deliver care in a manner sensitive to the family’s needs and wishes, acknowledging and respecting their rights and beliefs at all times.

Carry out observations and recordings of the infants vital signs in recognition of own knowledge, skills and competence, and in accordance with local protocols. Report any recordings outside of agreed parameters to a Registered Nurse in addition to making written record on both the observation chart and in Patient Profile and general condition.

To support the delivery of family centred care and support and encourage close and loving relationships between baby and family.

We have parent accommodation within the Neonatal Unit which supports families in their preparation for home. This aids us in our ongoing work with the Burdett Trust and toward the UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative standards and well as Family integrated care.

Cornwall is a fantastic place to live and work – a spectacular coastline, unspoiled countryside as well as the Cathedral city of Truro, with good transport links by train and plane.

Sustainability is integral to the Trust achieving the NHS Net Zero target. All staff are therefore actively encouraged and supported to implement new ways of working within their field of expertise.

To provide a high standard and quality of care to babies and their families in accordance with Trust clinical policies, procedures and guidelines. Delivering care in a manner sensitive to the family’s needs and wishes, acknowledging and respecting their rights and beliefs at all times.

Please see the attached job description and person specification for full details.