Job overview

The post holder will support care for patients on the Sexual Health Pathway. This may include the supporting patients who present with sexually transmitted infections, sexual dysfunction, HIV/AIDS, contraception requirements and/or any other sexual health related problems.

The post holder will be expected :

To provide asymptomatic screening in a variety of clinics.

To prepare for and assist the clinicians and support patients undergoing examinations and procedures.To undertake clinical and non-clinical duties for example venepuncture and microscopy.Work as an effective member of the multi-disciplinary team . Undertake any other duties that may reasonably be required.

Adhere to trust policies and participate in future developments within the service. The post holder will be based at Nottingham University NHS Trust, the Directorate of Sexual Health with sessions in GU Medicine, Victoria Health Centre and at other clinics in community settings.

Main duties of the job

NUH is able to offer a variety of sexual health services in a number of locations in and around Nottingham. Contraception, STI diagnosis and treatment, Sexual Dysfunction, HIV management, Partner notification, Health Promotion and Counselling are offered at main hubs at City Hospital Campus, Victoria Health Centre and a number of community settings. Targeted services are offered in non-traditional healthcare settings for hard to reach groups.

We are looking for a enthusiastic and motivated Health Care Assistant, who has an interest in sexual health with excellent communication skills and a flexible approach to complement our existing Sexual Health Services team. The HCA will provide asymptomatic screening, pregnancy testing, will assist the clinicians with clinical procedure’s and general stocking/setting up of clinical areas.

The Sexual Health Service operates a variety of clinics from 0830-1900, Monday to Friday & 0930-1400 on Saturdays.

Working for our organisation

In undertaking this role, all employees will be expected to behave at all times in a way that is consistent with and actively supports the principles listed in the Consultation Document on the creation of the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust. These are:

The principles of the NHS, where high quality care is provided on the basis of need rather than the ability to pay. The contribution of the local community to the development of our services. Preserving and developing our reputation as a caring organisation.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

In addition to the below summary you need to familiarize yourself with full Job Description and Person Specification documents attached to this advert.

Under the direction and supervision of a registered nurse, carry out nursing procedures following verification of competency and assist with the care and treatment of patients. This will include:

Assisting the clinicians with the preparation and support for patients undergoing examinations and procedures

Explaining procedures to patients and giving basic sexual health advice

Undertake specific identified tests i.e. recording patient’s observations and pregnancy tests

Carrying out venepuncture and microscopy.

Provide asymptomatic screening for STI when appropriately trained.

Register and issue C card and condoms to guidelines.

Participate in the treatment and rehabilitation of patients as required.

Direct and escort patients and visitors around the clinic and to other departments.

Report back to registered staff all concerns about the patient’s condition

Take all reasonable steps to ensure the safe-keeping of patients’ property, in accordance with Patients’ Property Procedure.

Be aware of the need for confidentiality both in the written and spoken word.

Comply with all Trust policies with particular regard to the policies and procedures carried out in the event of maintaining staff and patient safety.

Report all accidents and untoward incidents to the nurse in charge of the area and complete an incident form in accordance with Trust policy.

Report problems with equipment and facilities to the nurse in charge / estates as appropriate

Be prepared to attend and undertake any necessary training, being aware of the need to develop oneself and to strive to increase personal knowledge.

Undertake any ‘Working in New Ways Packages’, which have been identified by the Sister/Charge Nurse and are integral to the role requirements and specialty area. Under normal circumstances these must be completed in accordance with the ‘Working in New Way’s Policy and Guidelines

Communicate effectively with the multidisciplinary team in order to promote efficient patient care.

Be aware of the need for confidentiality both within the written and spoken word and ensure correct storage of patients’ records at all times.

Liaise with other clinical areas as necessary for the coordination of patient care and the smooth running of the department.

Welcome visitors and patients to the clinical area providing assistance, support and information where required

Maintain good communication with other staff, patients and visitors including answering the telephone in a courteous and professional manner.

Ensure accurate record keeping in line with Trust and national standards.

Monitor and reassure patients during clinical procedures.

Actively participate in multidisciplinary training, meetings and events

Identify young and/or vulnerable people and comply with safeguarding policies, making appropriate referrals.

Signpost clients to other services where appropriate.

Participate in teaching and supervision of students from a variety of disciplines.

Carry out expected role without the need for constant supervision although recognising limitations and seeking direction when necessary.

Use initiative in planning daily and weekly routines.

Make a contribution to the development of patient care and setting standards.

Prepare clinic area and equipment ready for use keep clinical Assist in unpacking, checking and storing supplies delivered to the area, reporting when stocks are low.

Take all reasonable steps to ensure the safe keeping of patients’ property in accordance with Trust policy.

Promote a professional, welcoming and uncluttered environment, keeping all areas safe, clean and tidy.

Collaborate with all members of the clinical area to ensure efficient running of the ward/unit/department.

Use resources effectively in order to provide quality patient care whist having an awareness of budgetary issues.

Respond to change initiatives in a positive manner

Be aware of need for own personal development and be prepared to attend and undertake any necessary training, being aware of the need to develop oneself and to strive to increase personal knowledge.

Contribute to making the clinical environment conductive to learning and development where individuals feel able to discuss ideas and action as well as showing initiative.

Actively participate in educational programmes.

Supervise and support new non-registered staff

In addition to the key job responsibilities detailed in this job description all employees at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust are expected to comply with the general duties detailed below:

To maintain a clean, safe environment, ensuring adherence to the Trust’s standards of cleanliness, hygiene and infection control.

Nottingham University Hospitals is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All staff and volunteers are therefore expected to behave in such a way that supports this commitment.

All staff have an individual responsibility for creating accurate records of their work and for making entries into and managing all NHS records effectively in line with the Health Record Keeping Policy and other Health Records and Corporate Records Management policies and procedures in order to meet the Trust’s legal, regulatory and accountability requirements.

To take reasonable care to prevent injury to themselves or others who may be affected by their acts or omissions.

To co-operate fully in discharging the Trust policies and procedures with regard to health and safety matters.

To immediately report to their manager any shortcomings in health and safety procedures and practice.

To report any accidents or dangerous incidents to their immediate manager and safety representative as early as possible and submit a completed accident/incident form.

To use protective clothing and equipment where provided.

Whilst the aim of the Trust is to promote a co-operative and constructive view of health and safety concerns in the organisation, all staff must be aware that a wilful or irresponsible disregard for safety matters may give rise to disciplinary proceedings.

To actively participate in governance activities to ensure that the highest standards of care and business conduct are achieved.

Employees are expected to take all reasonable steps to look after both their physical health and mental health. To support employees to achieve this NUH offers a wide range of health and wellbeing activities and interventions. The full programme can be viewed at on the staff intranet.

Line managers are expected to encourage and support staff to look after their health and wellbeing, including the release of staff to attend health and wellbeing activities and interventions.

To comply with all Trust policies, procedures and practices and to be responsible for keeping up to date with any changes to these.

The post holder must be able to:

work within unpleasant clinical working conditions (for example exposure to body fluids)

concentrate in an intense and sometimes noisy environment

cope with potentially violent and threatening situations

fulfil Trust health and safety policies and procedures when performing risk associated procedures including dealing with hazardous substances

This job description should be regarded as a guide to the duties required and is not definitive or restrictive in any way. The duties of the post may be varied from time to time in response to changing circumstances. This job description does not form part of the contract of employment.

A strategic review of all Trust services is taking place, as a result of which some services, or parts of some services, may transfer from one campus to the other. This will be decided in accordance with the most appropriate way to provide the best healthcare for patients in the future and all staff will be fully consulted on about the impact of any such decisions.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.