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Job overview

Providing our patients with excellent nutritional care improves their recovery from illness and can reduce length of hospital stay. Our ward based Nutrition Assistants coordinate and monitor the nutritional care of our patients and are a crucial part of our ward teams.

An opportunity has arisen to work as a Nutrition Assistant on Lascelles Neuro-Rehab Unit at Harrogate District Hospital.

You will be ward based but work closely with the Nutrition & Dietetic, Speech & Language Therapy and catering teams. This is a fast paced job which requires time management and organisational skills, and the ability to communicate clearly with patients and staff in many different roles. You will need to be able to work as part of a team whilst also using your own initiative to work by yourself.

Experience in a caring environment is essential but a qualification in nutrition is not.  Full induction and ongoing training in the role will be provided.

Please read the job description before applying to fully understand this varied and vital role.

Main duties of the job

• To provide ‘first line’ nutritional support to patients identified as ‘nutritionally at risk’ on HDFTs Nutrition Risk Screening tool, by the correct implementation of the ‘Red Tray System’
• To repeat nutritional screening on WebV using HDFTs Nutrition Risk Screening tool, following training from the dietitians. Instigate a nutritional care plan according to the nutrition risk score obtained
• Liaise with catering staff to identify patients requiring meals on the Red Tray System
• Explain the Red Tray System to patients and relatives/carers, and provide written information where appropriate
• Order high calorie ‘red tray snacks’ from catering for nutritionally at risk patients, according to patient preference
• Offer oral nutritional supplements (ONS) twice daily to patients on the Red Tray System and identify their preferences. Monitor consumption of ONS
• Ensure appropriate presentation of ONS. Always serve chilled and from a cup/glass
• Use EPMA (view only access) to ensure that correct oral nutritional supplements are offered to patients if prescribed, following dietetic assessment (under the supervision of a registered nurse)
• Coordinate completion of daily Food Record Charts with assistance from nursing and care support staff. Alert nursing staff and dietitians to any concerns
• Fortify foods with dried milk powder and cream replacer to increase patient’s calorie and protein intake

Working for our organisation

At Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust we provide ‘outstanding’ care to both our patients and our staff.  We support staff through benefits, health and wellbeing initiatives and opportunities for personal and professional development. 

• An inclusive and supportive culture – our Trust encourages staff to bring their whole selves to work and active Staff Networks identify areas for improvement.
• Staff Recognition - as well as regular appraisals, we recognise staff with our Making a Difference and Team of the Month Awards plus the Christmas Oscars.
• Employee Support and wellbeing - we have a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, counselling service and fast track physiotherapy service for employees.
• Staff Benefits - We have a range of staff benefits and schemes to support staff health, engagement, wellbeing and inclusion.