Job Description

Are you currently working within health or social care and want a new challenge to develop your experience and be part of transforming local care for Medway?



Do you have a desire to work in Respiratory and be part of a team?



Are you dynamic, proactive and thrive to make a difference?



Do you hold a full driving licence?



If you answered yes and are passionate about improving the health and wellbeing for people we have just the role for you!



We have an exciting opportunity for a respiratory assistant to join our team working alongside other healthcare professionals.



In liaison with the Lead for Respiratory Service and other members of the multi-disciplinary team:



Assist in the treatment of patients with COPD, B ronchiectasis and I nterstitial L ung D isease in the Medway community .



Implement a treatment and rehabilitation program for the patient as instructed by the qualified team members.



To support the administration and organisation of the respiratory service .



Assist in the ongoing development and evaluation of the respiratory service .



So what else?



This is your chance to join a progressive and innovative service in a social enterprise that is patient and staff focused - you'll even have the opportunity to become an MCH shareholder.



We encourage staff to get involved in exploring new ways of working and service development.



We'll provide well established, in-service training, one to one supervision, and appraisals with regular support.



You'll be able to develop your skills in a friendly and supportive team.



Would you like to work flexibly? In the NHS, we are reminded every day of how important work life balance is. As a flexible working friendly organisation, we want to be sure that you can work in a way that is best for us, for our patients and for you. Speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement"



The small print



Informal visits can be arranged on request.



We will offer you the choice of two pension schemes; the NHS Pension scheme and our Scottish Widows group personal pension.



MCH encourages all staff to be double COVID vaccinated to protect themselves, their colleagues, their family and their patients.



To work as a member of the Community Respiratory multidisciplinary team under the guidance of professionally qualified members of the team, to assist in the provision of respiratory care to patients with chronic lung disease, having regard for health and safety at work and the need for confidentiality.



In liaison with the Lead for Respiratory Service and other members of the multi-disciplinary team:



Assist in the treatment of patients with COPD, Bronchiectasis and Interstitial Lung Disease in the Medway community.



Implement a treatment and rehabilitation program for the patient as instructed by the qualified team members.



To support the administration and organisation of the respiratory service.



Assist in the ongoing development and evaluation of the respiratory service.

Summary of Service:

The community respiratory team works to support patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Interstitial Lung Disease and Bronchiectasis. We see patients in their homes and in clinic settings. We also provide a point of contact for patients via the telephone. The Community Respiratory Team also liaises closely with the local hospitals, GPs and other health care professionals via mail and telephone.



Communication and Relationship Skills



Give consideration of the needs and well-being of relatives/carers and promote relative/carer participation in care programmes.



Respect individual clients and their environment, maintaining confidentiality at all times.



To attend and contribute to multi-disciplinary team meetings as appropriate.



Develop skills to communicate with clients and their relatives using reassurance, tact and empathy skills, and may have to overcome barriers to understanding when dealing with clients and difficult issues.



Knowledge, Training and Experience



Literate and numerate.



Good verbal and written communication skills.



Ability to work in a team and under the supervision of qualified staff.



Ability to follow written, verbal and visual instructions and treatment programs.



Able to use to initiative.



To gain experience of working with a range of people.



Able to take on a range of administrative tasks.



To develop the ability to work independently as well as part of a team.



Knowledge of personal care and/or community working.



Analytical and Judgement Skills



To liaise fully at all times with team members with particular reference to the condition of the patient and their progress.



To be aware of own competency and how to seek appropriate action.



To use observational skills and feedback observations concisely and accurately.



Planning and Organisational Skills



To arrange appointments as required.



To complete electronic diary.



To arrange groups as required.



Plans own day to day work activities under supervision of qualified team member.



Physical Skills



To travel across Medway and Swale in a timely manner.



To take on a range of administrative tasks.



Use of PC and email.



Collection and delivery of specimens.



Able to use a variety of equipment i.e. nebulisers, inhalers, spirometers, pulse oximeters, and fitness equipment.



Responsibility for Patient/Client Care



To assist the qualified members of the team in the provision of a service to clients with COPD, their carers and/or their relatives.



To assist the qualified members of the team in providing pulmonary rehabilitation for clients with COPD.



To deliver individual care plans and home exercise programmes designed by qualified members of the Community Respiratory Team under their supervision.



To be able to take blood pressure, pulse oximetry, temperature and spirometry of the client when requested by a qualified member of the team.



To work in a manner which promotes the patient's independence at all times.



To participate in and support qualified team members in health promotion, including smoking cessation advice.



Responsible for Policy and Service Development Implementation



To adhere to the protocol and guidelines as set out in the appropriate MCH Policy and Procedures.



Ensure all policies and procedures are adhered to, including data protection and highlight any concerns to relevant staff.



Participate in quality initiatives/audit aimed at enhancing care and change of practice to better meet the client and service needs.



To have good safety awareness for the patient, carer, relative, self and team members.



Responsibilities for Financial and Physical Resources



To assist the qualified team members with the allocation and maintenance of equipment, keeping accurate records of equipment used and materials used.



To achieve good time management and keep accurate records of patient contacts.



To keep and submit regular statistical data.



Responsibilities for Human Resources (HR)



Completion of the apprenticeship qualification.



Willingness to learn and develop skills.



Participation in the performance and development review process.



Responsibilities for Information Resources



To accurately record and monitor clients progress and record any information relevant to the patient's care in the patient's multi-disciplinary records, including details of medication, treatment and nutrition, notifying appropriate professional of any matters of concern



To input data, email, produce information using computer systems as required



Responsibilities for Research and Development (R&D)



Assist in the ongoing development and evaluation and audit of the community respiratory service



Freedom to Act



Assist in the treatment of patients diagnosed with COPD in Medway and Swale



Implement a treatment and rehabilitation program for the patient as instructed by the qualified team members.



Work on own initiative under direct supervision of clinical manager



.



Physical Effort



Frequent requirement to exert light effort for several periods of time throughout a shift

This may include:

Inputting at keyboard for majority of the day and sitting in restricted positions,



Lifting, sorting, general handling of case records and occasionally moving of trolleys or similar.