Health Care Assistant - Respiratory

Job Summary

Under the supervision of a registered nurse assisting the Ward / Department team in providing the highest possible standard of care for patients and their families/carer. The post holder will undertake a range of tasks and duties as delegated by a registered nurse. Bed Management and Capacity Monitor bed availability across wards. Coordinate admissions, transfers, and discharges. Escalate capacity issues to site management teams.

Support utilisation of discharge lounges and appropriate patient placement.

Promotes effective communication within the multi-disciplinary team and takes measures to overcome communication difficulties Clear and clean vacated bed spaces and prepare ready for use according to the ward/unit protocol. Assist in maintaining a clean and safe environment in all areas. Be familiar with Trust policy and procedure for reporting clinical incidents, reporting of incidents if they occur. Attend to the needs of visitors and patients particularly those who may be distressed or bereaved.

Care for patients property, including valuables, in accordance with Trust policy. Obtain demographic details and social history from patients/visitors to assist in the discharge process.

Identify patients suitable for discharge early in the day. Track expected discharge dates and planned discharge dates. Liaise with multidisciplinary teams (MDT) to remove barriers to discharge. Ensure required discharge documentation is completed. Coordinate transport, medications, and community services.

Undertake a range of clerical duties in the absence of or in support of the Ward Clerk to ensure a smooth running service, this may involve:
Reception/telephone duties Basic computer skills MDT and Board Round Participation Attend safety huddles and board rounds. Review all patients with potential discharge plans. Highlight delays and actions required from medical, therapy, nursing, and social care teams. Update patient flow systems and discharge trackers. Escalation and Problem Solving Identify patients experiencing delayed discharge. Escalate issues relating to:
Social care packages Therapy assessments (PT/OT) Transfer of Care documents Continuing care requirements Community nursing support Mental capacity (MCA) and DoLS processes Work with system partners to resolve delays.

Act as the link between wards, site management, bed managers, therapists, social workers, discharge teams, and community services. Facilitate communication regarding patient pathways and discharge plans. Support families and carers by ensuring discharge arrangements are communicated appropriately.

A typical daily workload may include:
Attend morning safety huddle. Review all patients with estimated discharge dates. Update patient flow systems before deadlines. Attend MDT board rounds. Track discharges and potential same-day discharges. Escalate delays requiring therapy, social care, or medical input. Coordinate transfers and bed allocation. Participate in discharge and patient flow meetings. Monitor ward capacity and report risks. Review outstanding actions for patients awaiting discharge.

The post holder shall as necessary provide cover for and undertake duties of absent colleagues. The post holder shall follow all the policies and procedures of the organisation.

Wirral University Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Wirral University Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust