A NEW employment programme is seeking to enable inexperienced candidates to pursue a career in healthcare across the county.
Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust has launched its ‘game-changing’ New to Care Programme, which supports people with little or no care experience to become healthcare support workers (HCSW).
The programme offers a blend of study days and hands-on work experience in the first four weeks, with trainees being paid from day one.
At the same time, trainees will initiate their Care Certification – a nationally recognised care qualification – ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to provide safe and compassionate care.
After this, people will receive ongoing support and additional training while actively working as HCSWs in an inpatient area like a community hospital ward, adult mental health or older adult mental health ward, or areas which specialise in dementia care.
HCSWs, more commonly known as healthcare assistants, play a pivotal role in supporting patients with their daily needs.
This includes tasks like helping patients with personal care to conducting vital sign assessments like blood pressure checks. They are key in supporting registered nurses and fellow healthcare practitioners in the team.
Simon Kerslake, recruitment and retention lead nurse said: ”The great thing is that our New to Care Programme welcomes people with little or no formal care experience, from a range of different professions and backgrounds, where they can bring lots of transferable skills.
“The programme gives people the foundation knowledge and skills to fulfil the role and prepares them for what a healthcare support worker role is really like – which can be quite challenging but very rewarding. It’s not just about starting a job; it’s about finding a fulfilling and rewarding career in healthcare.”
After gaining experience as a healthcare support worker, many go on to become nursing associates, registered nurses or allied health professionals through taking further education courses funded by the organisation.
Simon adds: ”Whatever your ambitions are, we’ll support you every step of the way.”
The NHS Trust operates Pershore Community Hospital, Evesham Community Hospital, Princess of Wales Community Hospital Bromsgrove, Malvern Community Hospital, and Worcester City Inpatient Unit.
Visit www.hacw.nhs.uk/new-to-healthcare for more information.
