Ward Assistant

What is a Ward Assistant?

Ward assistants help nursing staff in hospitals and other health care establishments with non- medical duties including housekeeping, transportation, ward, patient and office support.

Roles of a Ward Assistant

• Assist patients in and out of taxis, ambulances, cars or helicopters.
• Lift patients on and off beds, with the assistance of nurses
• Transfer patients files and x-rays between departments, specimens to laboratories
• Make sure that an adequate supply of clean clothing and linen is available for the patient and that soiled items are removed and cleaned
• Transport specimens to laboratories
• Deliver and collect linen, rubbish, infectious waste, specimens and equipment
• Maintain clean and prepare wheelchairs, trolleys and other equipment
• Assist in administrative duties such as photocopying ward forms
• Assist in the maintenance of stocks of linen and non-medical supplies
• Assist in lifting and turning patients, transporting them in wheelchairs, stretches or on movable beds between wards and departments
• Clean rooms such as bathrooms, showers, utility rooms and offices and clean interior windows
• Clean equipment in the pan room such as pan trolleys, buckets, pans, bowls, suction bottles and tubing, commodes, wheel chairs and seats, and rinse trays
• Wash patients' lockers and tables
• Discuss patients concerns with nurses
• Accompany patients, who are ready for discharge, to the central waiting area
• Transport equipment, X-rays, patient records and deceased patients between wards, departments, theatres and mortuary
• Attend emergency cardiac arrest calls, fire and other urgent situations within the hospital, grounds and patient restraint.
• Assist in emergencies

Career Opportunities

Ward assistants work in public hospitals, some private hospitals, nursing homes, hospices, some health clinics and after-care centres. They may become Health care Assistants, Home Aide, dental Assistants, Dietary Assistants or Therapy Assistants.

Qualifications Required

Work as a ward assistant is available without formal qualifications. Entry to this occupation may be improved with qualifications like Certificate II in health Support Services

Supervision provided

A comprehensive orientation program is provided for all new staff members with ongoing support.

Personal skills required of a Ward Assistant

• Physically fit
• Able to lift heavy objects
• Caring and supportive attitude
• Respect for the rights of others
• Able to perform domestic duties efficiently
• Good communication skills
• Able to work as part of a team
• Able to follow instructions
• Capable of handling equipment such as wheelchairs, beds and other medical equipment
• Familiar with procedures to guide patients safely through the hospital
• Knowledgeable of hospital health and safety procedures
• Knowledgeable in basic patient care
• Aware of hospital and staff routines
• Familiar with medical terminology and first aid
• Knowledgeable of hygiene and sterilization requirements
• Able to use a computer
• Able to deal with death an injury of patients
• Reliable, punctual and energetic
• Able to remain calm in emergencies

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