Gemma Carroll

I have worked within South Tees Trust for over 10 years starting off as a bank health care assistant, working for NHS Professionals. I worked on many different wards including elderly, neuro surgery, orthopeadic elective surgery, trauma and acute admissions unit.

In 2014 i applied for a permanent health care assistant vacancy on Cardiothoracic surgery ward, this is where i am currently working now on the High Dependency Unit. My role entails looking after patients pre and post operative heart and lung surgery, recovering patients when they return back from theatre and step down from our intensive care unit. I work closely alongside the staff nurses by providing excellent patient care. My role involves assistance with washing/dressing patients, checking wounds/changing dressings, checking patients blood sugars, removing drains, removing catheters and also taking patients bloods. My job is also undertaking many other tasks such as checking crash trolleys, emergency re-opening trolleys, maintaining a clean, safe environment within the ward and replenishing stock when needed. I've enjoyed this role for many years but i feel that i am ready for a new challenge.

I worked in Brookfield Care Home for just over a year, i looked after residents with Dementia, Parkinsons and individuals who came in to stay for respite.

• Assistance with washing and dressing
• Moving and Handling Sara-steady/Hoist
• Assistance with eating and drinking
• Catheter Care
• Stoma Care
• EOL Care
• Completing documentation during my shift - Food charts, Fluid Intake/Balance, Hourly Checks, Toilet Charts and evaluation care sheets.

I also completed my NVQ 1,2,3 whilst working here.