Health Care Assistant in Lymphoedema

Job summary

Bay Lymphology has an exciting opportunity to recruit a Health Care Assistant to support our Lymphoedema service, based in Kendal, for 24 hours per week, 3 days across Monday to Friday. We are looking to appoint a compassionate and caring support worker, who is enthusiastic and highly motivated to progress their own professional development. The successful applicant will be committed to working closely with health and social care colleagues to provide high quality care for patients with both primary and secondary Lymphoedema and those at risk of developing the condition. Full training will be given with further development opportunities. Although experience is not essential, the post would suit someone with an interest in chronic illness, cancer and palliative care.

NB, the service is not within the NHS Agenda for Change terms and conditions and is not eligible for NHS pension, however benefits and a generous nest pension scheme is available. During the application and on boarding process a mandatory orientation invite will be provided and supported for applicants to experience the service environment and meet team members.

Main duties of the job

This role involves developing knowledge and understanding of lymphoedema, including its causes, development, signs, symptoms, and current management practices. You will assist in managing the caseload, providing high-quality, patient-centred care, including skin care advice, simple lymphatic drainage (SLD), compression bandaging, manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), and fitting compression garments. You will work closely with patients and the Lymphoedema Practitioners (Specialist Nurses) to carry out care plans in line with agreed treatment protocols, regularly assessing patients progress and treatment effectiveness and reporting/ escalating concerns to senior colleagues. Collaboration with the wider team will ensure continuity of care and that patient needs are met. Flexibility to meet service needs and participation in research, audits, and service awareness campaigns will be key to this role. Additionally, you will help ensure the prevention and control of infection, prioritise health and safety, and contribute to the evaluation of the lymphoedema service through the collection of statistical information. This job description may evolve as needed to meet service requirements.

About us

Bay Lymphology is a close-knit team of dedicated nurse specialists and assistant lymphoedema practitioners, based in the charming town of Kendal, Cumbria. As a specialist outpatient service, we are open Monday to Friday from 09:00-17:00, accepting referrals from both primary and secondary care. Our main clinic, located in the heart of Kendal, is equipped with the latest technologies, including photo- biomodulation therapy, Kinesio taping, negative suction therapy, and intermittent pneumatic compression therapyall of which the successful candidate will receive comprehensive training to use. At Bay Lymphology, we believe that early intervention is crucial to effective lymphoedema management. Our service offers a high standard of care, providing lymphoedema management, advice, and information aimed at preventing swelling, reducing progression and complications, and empowering patients to self-manage their condition. Before applying, we warmly invite anyone interested in this role to visit our clinic and experience firsthand the supportive and professional environment we offer.

For further information, please contact Joanne Hopper , Service Lead [email protected]