New training scheme brings opportunities for healthcare workers
The Trust has welcomed the first cohort on its brand new training programme which will see 12 healthcare support workers (HCSWs) undertake an 18 month course to become Assistant Practitioners (AP).
This is the first time Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust has provided this training, which is delivered in partnership with Somerset College, and will see the HCSWs commit to undertake a Higher Apprenticeship which includes Quality Curriculum Framework (QCF) Level 5 Diploma in Healthcare.
Lee Budge, Director of Corporate Business, said: “I am delighted to welcome our first cohort of Healthcare Assistants to this new training for programme for two reasons. Firstly, it will benefit our patients by ensuring that we have right staff, in the right place, at the right time which is a prerequisite for the provision of safe and high quality care. Secondly, it will benefit staff who show great aptitude and dedication by helping them to unlock their potential and providing them with an exciting development opportunity and new career pathway. “I will follow their progress with interest, as they lead the way for future cohorts.”
The Trust currently has a small number of staff working in AP roles and, with the launch of locally delivered training, aims to see this number increase. The benefits Assistant
Practitioners bring include:
• Improved continuity of care;
• More timely care;
• Reduced workload pressures for Registered Practitioners;
• Improved care co-ordination;
• Improved patient satisfaction.
The Trust is committed to supporting all staff to develop professionally in order to equip them with the knowledge and skills to deliver safe, compassionate, high quality care. Within this, it is recognised that our HCSW’s provide a fantastic service, and that this previously untapped talent have potential for further development.
Present at the launch was: Lee Budge, Executive Director of Corporate Business; Debbie Taylor, Assistant Director of Learning and Organisational Development; Sarah Hockey, Learning and Development Manager; Nadine Ash Ward Sister Mayflower, Mel Gandy, Sister Endoscopy, Dan Devlin, Curriculum Manager (Somerset College); Rich Clarke, Assessor and Scheme Co-ordinator (Somerset College).
