Trust staff help develop national Care Certificate
HOSPITAL staff in Southport and
Ormskirk have helped develop the national Care Certificate to support the
training of healthcare assistants and support workers. The Care
Certificate meets concerns raised in the Cavendish Review that followed the
inquiry into the quality of care at the former Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation
Trust.
The review found formal support and education for healthcare assistants and
social care support workers was inconsistent. A common national qualification
was needed to assure the public that all those who provide care achieved a
minimum standard of training.
Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust was one of 13 health and social care
organisations that was asked to pilot and report on the effectiveness of a care
certificate to NHS England.
Nicky Williams, Assistant Matron Nurse Education and Training, said:-
"Healthcare assistants found working towards the Care Certificate hugely useful,
not least because it underpins our values as a supportive and caring
organisation.
The certificate developed their confidence and improved job satisfaction. They
also felt better supported, learning more about what good practice looks like
and gaining the confidence to challenge poor practice if they saw it."
From April 1 2015, every healthcare support worker new to the NHS will need to
pass the Care Certificate. The Trust is also considering incorporating the
certificate into training for other health care support workers.
Nicky said:- "The care porters give can be overlooked in a clinical
environment like a hospital but they play an important role in comforting and
putting patients at their ease.
We wanted them and our patients to benefit from the Care Certificate, and a
small group of porters and domestic staff took part in the pilot. Those who did
said it made them feel more valued as part of a team and helped everyone
understand people's different roles. I am proud of the NHS and Southport and Ormskirk trust, and the staff I
have worked with while piloting the Care Certificate who are a credit to
themselves, the organisation and the teams they work in. Their enthusiasm,
commitment and desire to make a difference is something to be celebrated."
Jonathan Parry, Chief Executive, said:- "Caring is everyone's business in
our Trust. Whether you are a porter, a nurse or a member of the domestic team,
thanks to the Care Certificate they will be empowered to play their part fully
in making sure patients are safe and properly cared for."
