HCSW Standards and Codes Developing Opportunities David Forbes - Regional Organiser Unison Debbie Donald – Associate Director for Workforce
Overview of Standards & Codes Primary Focus Patient Safety and Public Protection Apply to all Agenda for Change Bands 1 -9 Promotion of Health & Safety Promoting, supporting and valuing Healthcare Support Worker Careers Promoting integrated team working, and team focused learning and development
Who is a Healthcare Support Worker? Applies to employees who are not currently regulated and defined as a Healthcare Support Worker in CEL 23 as; Provide direct or indirect clinical care under direction of a registered healthcare practitioner Provide a direct service to patients Provide an in-direct service to patients Work with patient identifiable data/information Having responsibility for maintaining premises or equipment used by patients Involved in preparation of goods and services for patients and service users
Overview of Standards & Codes 14 Standard Statements apply the Standard Induction Standards – mandatory for all new starts to NHS from 31 st December 2010 Code of Conduct applies to all new HCSWs once they have completed the Induction Standards, and for all existing HCSW employees within a timeframe to be agreed by employer Code of Practice for Employers applicable from 31 st December 2010
What have the challenges been? Cultural attitudes Workload pressures HR vs. Service responsibility? Is it valued? Has it made a difference?
Benefits Enable a dialogue to take place about supporting HCSW careers Highlighted that public safely is everyone's responsibility Highlighted systems which need improvement Promoted career aspiration and development
What is your experience? What challenges did you face? Has it made a difference?