My Blog

During my experiences as a patient or with a family member needing medical care, very often the most impactful people have been healthcare support workers (HCSWs).  These unsung ‘heroes’ usually work long hours on the smallest pay scale yet can often make such a positive impact on your care or for your loved one. Did you know that HCSWs make up 40% of the NHS workforce, deliver 60% of care delivery yet only receive 5% of the training budget?  There is more information in the Cavendish Report. What can we do about this?

I recently attended an Open University workshop which looked at high quality education for this group of people. Gail Adams, Head of Nursing from UNISON, talked about a systematic approach to link service providers and educational providers together to help with career escalation and enabling workers to ‘be the best they can be’.  It is very encouraging and relevant that the next president of UNISON began their career progression through studying with the Open University. Gail encouraged the development of flexible learning and cohesive programmes. She also questioned if information is passed onto HCSWs and if they are rightly respected and listened to. Gail also made the valid point that those HCSWs who are happy to remain in that role should also be valued as much as those who consider their role as a stepping stone to further roles in healthcare.

Mark Platt, the policy advisor from the Royal College of Nursing also talked about the importance of the value of this vital part of the NHS. We also heard from Jane Naish, Deputy Chief Nurse at Milton Keynes NHS Foundation Trust, about the admirable way that they are enabling at least four HCSWs per ward (where training is in place) to become a cohort for practice change. Anne Prygodzicz, an Education Commissioning Manager from HE Wessex, talked about the role of Local Education Training Boards (LET – Bs) and the role of Health Education England (National) in improving patient care. Finally we heard from Anne Trotter, Standards Compliance Manager from the National Midwifery Council. She spoke about the response to the Francis report and the need for change to move towards a positive culture.

The Open University are making a proactive approach to enabling training for HCSWs in a variety of areas to ‘transform care’. These are

• Personalisation in Health and Social Care (GK096)
• Improving end-of-life care (KG001)
• Improving dementia care (KG002)
• Improving diabetes management (KG003)
• Improving health and wellbeing (KG004)

If you are interested in finding more about these new courses visit www.open.ac.uk/transforming-care.  Individuals can sign up immediately online.

These courses are also suitable for anyone involved in these areas – when will you take a look?

One question I asked the panel was ‘what can be done to preserve and develop the enthusiasm and positive changes brought by HCSWs and students from being ‘crushed’ by negative people’?

I asked this because students have often told me that they are ‘told off’ for addressing vital needs of patients, e.g. ‘just’ listening.  Suggestions offered included the approach offered by Jane, who ensures that there is a cohort on each ward. I also feel that there is a need by senior managers to appreciate and value the role that HCSWs play.

I will always remember a wonderful lady who used to be a midday assistant when I was a teacher. She had chosen to be a stay at home Mum whilst her children were little. Carol was a joy to have in the classroom. She always had a smile, something positive to say and a real ‘star’. She left that role a few years later to become a HCSW. Our paths crossed again when I had several weeks in hospital due to digestive problems. Carol was a ray of sunshine in the ward too; always was cheerful and made us all feel better by her presence. We had an elderly lady on the ward who could have been considered ‘a nuisance’ as she had challenges with her water works and was often tutted about for the amount of time she rang the bell for care. Some of the more senior staff were often very abrupt with her and she would cry, distressing us all. One morning it was me who shed a tear. Carol had been asked to give her a bed bath. The care and compassion that she gave that lady was outstanding. She was gentle, yet directive and efficiently completed the task. As the curtains went back later the elderly lady shone! The contentment and glow from her was a delight to see – hence my tear. That is what the essence of care is all about.

I do not know where Carol is now, yet for me, she is a perfect example of the value and contribution HCSWs can bring. They really are the backbone of the NHS. They deserve respect; training and the value for the true care they give.

Do you know a ‘Carol’ or someone who has one in their team? If so, please pass on this information on so they have the opportunity to add to their natural skills with additional qualifications that will improve the essence of care and quality of life for many.

Elaine