Healthcare Assistant at The African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE)

Job Objective

• The Healthcare Assistant (HCA) will be responsible for providing essential basic care to patients, supporting the nursing and medical team in the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered care. He/ She will assist with daily living activities, monitor patient vital signs, ensure a clean and safe environment, and provide crucial emotional support to patients and their families. The role holder will work under the supervision of registered nurses and is a vital member of the ward team.

Key Accountabilities/Responsibilities

Patient Care and Support

• Assist patients with personal care activities such as bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting, and feeding.
• Support patient mobility, including repositioning to prevent bedsores and assisting with ambulation or wheelchair transfers.
• Ensure patient call bells, bed rails, and other safety devices are within easy reach and functioning.
• Provide comfort measures to patients, such as back rubs and ensuring a comfortable room temperature.
• Provide emotional comfort, reassurance, and cultural sensitivity to patients and their families.
• Assist in the orientation of new patients and their families to the ward environment. 
• Ensure patient privacy, dignity, and respect are maintained at all times.
• Assist patients with hydration, meals, and nutritional support as directed by the nursing team.
• Monitor patients for signs of discomfort or distress and promptly report observations to supervising nurses.

Clinical Assistance

• Measure, record, and report basic vital signs (temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure).
• Assist nurses with simple clinical procedures, specimen collection, and equipment setup.
• Help in transporting patients to and from diagnostic units or treatment areas.
• Support nurses during emergency response and patient resuscitation efforts by ensuring readiness of supplies and equipment.
• Maintain confidentiality in handling patient information and clinical documentation.

Infection Prevention & Control

• Adhere strictly to hand hygiene protocols before and after every patient contact. 
• Utilize personal protective equipment (PPE) correctly based on patient and task requirements. 
• Follow cleaning and disinfection protocols for patient equipment (e.g., beds, monitors, commodes). 
• Assist in maintaining a clean, tidy, and clutter-free patient environment.
• Follow proper procedures for the disposal of clinical and general waste. 
• Educate patients and visitors on basic infection control measures.

Ward Support & Equipment Management 

• Restock bedside supplies and stationery in patient rooms and utility areas. 
• Assist the Store Officer and nursing team in checking and maintaining inventory levels of consumables.
• Ensure patient care equipment is clean, functional, and stored correctly after use. 
• Report malfunctioning or damaged equipment to the nurse in charge or the Store Officer. 
• Assist with the receiving, unpacking, and storing of ward supplies. 
• Help prepare rooms for new patient admissions.

Emotional & Psychological Support

• Provide empathetic listening and emotional support to patients and their families. 
• Engage patients in conversation to reduce anxiety and promote a positive atmosphere. 
• Escalate instances of patient distress, anxiety, or depression to the nursing team. 
• Assist in comforting distressed or disoriented patients.
• Respect cultural, religious, and personal beliefs of all patients.
• Help to create a calm and reassuring environment for patients receiving end-of-life care.

Documentation & Communication

• Accurately document care provided and update patient records as directed.
• Communicate effectively with nurses, doctors, and multidisciplinary team members regarding patient needs and changes in condition.
• Relay non-clinical patient concerns to appropriate personnel for follow-up.
• Participate in handover meetings to ensure continuity of care.

Teamwork & Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with nurses, doctors, and allied health professionals to ensure holistic patient care.
• Support the nursing team during high workload periods and emergencies.
• Participate in ward rounds, team discussions, and training sessions.
• Contribute to a positive, professional, and patient-centered environment in line with AMCE values.

Qualifications

Experience and Qualification

• A Diploma, NCE, or Certificate in Health Care Assistance or a related field is an added advantage.
• Understanding of basic nursing care procedures and patient hygiene standards.
• Knowledge of infection control, sanitation, and hospital safety practices.
• Familiarity with vital signs monitoring and documentation processes.
• Compassionate, empathetic, and patient-centered approach.
• Ability to follow instructions and work effectively as part of a team. 
• Physical stamina to perform tasks requiring standing, walking, lifting, and bending. 
• Basic computer skills for documentation in the EHR system.
• Awareness of patient rights, dignity, and ethical standards in care delivery.