Christine Simpson
Why did you want to be a HCA?
I was an aseptic none touch technique (ANTT) audit and educational assistant in IPC (infection prevention and control), but this was only a year’s contract and was coming to an end, so although I was enjoying what I was doing I knew it was time to move on.
I decided I would like to stay within the IPC team as I enjoyed this type of role, so I was looking for a new role to expand my knowledge and hopefully gain a permanent position. I then gained a role on the community IPC team.
Day-to-day tasks?
Visiting care homes in the Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland areas and completing environmental audits. This entails looking round the care home’s environment and ensuring that all equipment is washable and currently clean and that paintwork, carpets and so on are also clean and in a good state of repair.
It also involves educating staff on IPC relevant to their roles in the care homes, talking about infections common to the community like c-diff, MRSA, COVID and flu. This role has already expanded to include domiciliary care (home care) day centres and ILS (independent living services).
Most fulfilling part of the job?
Getting to meet new people every day and build relationships with them.
Getting the community staff to engage with training and education and receiving positive feedback from them that they have enjoyed not only what I have taught but that they have understood and enjoyed the session.
Simon Wood
Why did you want to be a HCA in critical care?
I came into the hospital as a volunteer when COVID started. I wanted to help and was a student at Teesside University doing a level 4 and 5 foundation degree. I worked on the intensive care unit and soon a vacancy was available so applied and got the job. I really enjoy working here. I started in 2020 and have been here over four years now.
Day-to-day tasks?
I check equipment at the start of my shift then get all the patients washed and cleaned ready for the day, we set up ventilators and other specialised equipment and urine analysis and blood gas(ABG). stock cupboards and assist nurses throughout the day.
Most fulfilling part of the job?
Every day is different, the staff are a great team to work with and we all help each other.
It’s a pleasure to come to work for a great hospital and a great team. We learn something new every day and I have been very happy here.
Contact us
- Careers at South Tees: [email protected]
- Work experience at South Tees: [email protected]