Sleep Support Assistant

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly motivated HCA, to work within a forward thinking organisation that delivers a patient centered approach to supporting a diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea on patients as well as General Respiratory patients.

There are approximately 8,000 patients established on treatment for Sleep disordered breathing within the County Durham and Darlington area.

As a member of the sleep service you will have the opportunity to develop your skills and knowledge of sleep disordered breathing to enhance the care that patients receive. This includes being able to provide life style advice, offer DVLA guidance and answer queries related to sleep disordered breathing.

This role will be predominantly hospital based at both BAH/UHND. You will be responsible for direct patient care and HCA led clinics both on a 1:1 and group capacity, telephone clinics for reviewing patients established on treatment. There is also an expectation to safely offer patient initiated follow up where necessary and liaising closely with other members of the sleep service.

You will also support the Respiratory Nurse Specialists within the Hospital Setting.

Main duties of the job

The role will involve both direct and indirect patient contact. You will work closely with the other members of the sleep service and relevant members of the MDT.

The service consists of both face to face and telephone reviews for both new diagnosis of patients and reviews of those established on treatment. It will also involve distributing new equipment, educating the patients and trouble shooting a variety of potential problems.

You will be responsible for supporting the senior sleep nurses with group sessions which include delivering a presentation to a small number of same sex patients and commencing treatment.

There is also the requirement to answer telephone and email concerns from patients and liaise closely with other members of the sleep service.

You may be asked to assist the nurses by performing physical observations, venepuncture, capillary blood gases and some administation.

About us

If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager.

You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks.

We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.

We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented.

Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents.

Over reliance on AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish the applicant's chances of success.

For the most up-to-date information on visa requirements and eligibility, please check online to determine whether you can apply.

Job responsibilities

To work alongside the existing Sleep Specialist nurses, to provide a high level of

specialist knowledge to patients and other health care professionals.

To deliver both review telephone and face to face clinics of patients established on CPAP therapy

Trouble shooting problems with CPAP devices and equipment and arranging suitable follow up or delivery of equipment

Regular answering of queries from both patients with pre-exsisting OSA and pre-formal diagnosis.

Understanding the mechanics of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) and relevant equipment.

Understand remote monitoring (Airview) and when to adjust pressures and settings to ensure optimal patient treatment.

Ability to arrange patient initiated follow up (PIFU)

Ability to cross site cover (UHND/BAH)

Measuring and recording observations: respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, temperature, pulse, blood pressure.

Completing documentation accurately.

Cleaning and restocking respiratory equipment (CPAP masks and equipment, nebulisers, peak-flow meters, oxygen tubing).

Reinforcing patient education given by nurses

Communicating changes in a patients condition promptly to the clinical team.

Providing reassurance and emotional support to patients with chronic breathing issues.

Following infection-control procedures, especially with airborne illnesses.

Good communication and empathy.

Ability to stay calm when patients are distressed or breathless.

Basic clinical skills and willingness to learn.

Attention to detail when recording observations.

Basic understanding of respiratory conditions and OSA.

Venepuncture (where suitable)

Capillary blood gases

Administration

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Foundation degree of NVQ level 3 in hospital enviromnement
• Evidence of continued professional development
• Driving license

Desirable

• Willingness to work towards foundation degree

Experience

Essential

• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to work independently
• IT Literate
• Knowledge of Obstructive sleep apnoea/Respiratory condition

Desirable

• Experience of Sleep anoea and respiratory conditions

Special Skills & Knowledge

Essential

• Good IT skills
• Ability to prioritise work load
• Excellent interpersonal skills

Special Requirements

Essential

• Driving posts must have valid Full UK driving licence