Dedicated healthcare assistants (HCAs) with East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT) have spent the coronavirus lockdown learning new skills by successfully completing the NHS care certificate.
The 12-strong group, who all work in the Outpatients Department at Ipswich Hospital, chose to study for the certificate during the height of the pandemic while clinics were scaled back.
It saw them complete a mix of practical and theory assessments which have been developed by Health Education England to ensure health and care staff meet 15 quality standards. This includes basic life support, health and safety, equality and diversity, safeguarding children and adults, privacy and dignity and fluids and nutrition.
Francesca Vale, junior sister for main outpatients, said: “I am really proud of all our healthcare assistants. They have worked incredibly hard to study for their certificates during what has been an uncertain time for everyone.
“Completing the modules has further raised the standards of care they provide and given them a much more in-depth understanding of important areas such as infection control and mental health.
“The majority of our HCAs completed the certificates while they were redeployed elsewhere in the hospital during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, which makes their achievement even more impressive. Our congratulations go to them all.”
The HCAs spent five months completing the certificate under the guidance and mentorship of nursing colleagues from outpatients and discharge lounge, as well as staff from ESNEFT’s education team.
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