HCSW Standards and CodesDeveloping Opportunities

David Forbes - Regional Organiser UnisonDebbie 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 31st 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 31st 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?