A conference held this week for the Isle of Man’s healthcare assistants and support workers focused on the work of this vital group and their pivotal role in the care of patients and clients.

The conference was organised by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) and was facilitated by two experienced healthcare assistants who have undertaken the RCN ‘First Steps’ competency programme. It was attended by healthcare assistants and support workers from health and social care settings across the Island.

Delegates were welcomed by Dr Malcolm Couch, Chief Executive Officer of the Department of Health and Social Care, who said: “Health and social care services have many unsung heroes, and the conference was an opportunity to celebrate and praise the important work of one group of them.

“Caring services are delivered by a range of people; I’d like to recognise and thank these front line staff for the vital role they undertake across all health and care settings.”

Linda Radcliffe, Chief Nurse said: “Healthcare assistants and support workers are at the front line, delivering day-to-day care and support across many settings from hospital to home, from birth to the final hours. Saying that the role is about giving basic care underestimates the knowledge and skills needed to deliver high quality care that is responsive to the needs of patients and clients.”

A new training programme for healthcare assistants and support workers was announced at the conference. The Care Certificate, developed by Health Education England, aims to assess the fundamental skills, knowledge and behaviours that are required to provide safe, effective and compassionate care. All new healthcare assistants and support workers employed by the Department of Health and Social Care will complete the Care Certificate during their first three months.

Linda continued: “The conference emphasised the importance of training and development for both new and existing healthcare assistants and support workers, with the launch of the Care Certificate.

“A programme of education and professional training for healthcare assistants and support workers is being developed to enhance their skills. The new programme will include sessions on values, personal responsibility, care and compassion, and practical skills.

“By developing and delivering training for these front line staff we can give everyone the confidence that they have the skills, knowledge and attitudes to provide compassionate, safe and high quality care.”

Taster sessions for the programme were provided as part of the conference, introducing delegates to various topics, including ‘food first’ presented by a dietitian, and the management of swallowing difficulties and the use of drink thickeners presented by a speech and language therapist.

Delegates had opportunities to talk with senior managers and to exchange ideas and experiences with each other.