Healthcare staff receive national award to improve care locally
South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust (SWFT) are improving patient care by supporting their staff who work towards achieving the Care Certificate.
A group of Clinical Support Workers at the Trust have become the first members staff to receive the national award which was developed from the Cavendish Report for the Department of Health.
The Care Certificate is designed for non-registered members of staff who are involved in direct patient care. The initiative aims to ensure high standards and provides reassurance that healthcare workers have the same introductory skills, knowledge and behaviours to deliver compassionate, safe, high quality care and support.
The Trust’s Practice Development Team compiled a Workbook Portfolio and Assessment book to help their Clinical Support Workers work towards and achieve the 15 standards set within the Care Certificate.
Since launching the initiative in July 2015, SWFT staff have been working hard to embed the Care Certificate in all areas of the Trust. On the first day of their 4 day induction programme Clinical Support Workers are introduced to the Care Certificate and receive their assessment document and workbook portfolio. The induction programme introduces Clinical Support Workers to the Trust values: Safe, Effective Compassionate and Trusted. It also sets out the different aspects of the role and the skills required perform it effectively. Specialist speakers from different departments within the Trust deliver presentations that equip the new starters with knowledge to assist them as they step out into the workplace. The information from many of these sessions also meets the standards set within the Care Certificate so provides valuable information to help Clinical Support Workers complete the workbook portfolio.
Dee Barrenger-Higgins said: “I’m really pleased to have completed the Care Certificate because it helps to ensure I have a thorough understanding of current practices and it’s great for my development. I feel it has increased my awareness of the issues involved with working with patients and has enhanced the mandatory training that is required by all members of staff. I’m looking forward to sharing what I’ve learned with my colleagues as I think the Care Certificate provides benefits to both staff and the patients we care for.”
SWFT Director of Nursing Helen Lancaster said: “It’s great to see the first group of Clinical Support Workers receive The Care Certificate. It demonstrates that they have the knowledge and skills required to deliver high quality, compassionate care. Each new starter has shown competency and commitment by completing the Workbook Portfolio. It’s theirs to retain and add to as they continue through their career pathway at South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust and beyond.”
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