Overworked healthcare assistants not given proper training or supervision

Healthcare assistants (HCAs) are being expected to do the work of nurses without adequate training or proper supervision, according to survey results published today (Wednesday) by UNISON. Nearly two thirds (63%) say they are being left to care for patients without enough support from doctors and nurses. The impact is that almost two in five (39%) of HCAs say they do not feel confident that those they are caring for are safe. The findings are based on a survey of nearly 2,000 HCAs across the UK with the majority working in hospitals, as well as in mental health, in the community and in GP practices. More than half (51%) say they have not received adequate training for performing tasks such as dressing the wounds of patients, giving out medication and changing stoma bags. The report also highlights how nursing and other staff shortages are to blame for nearly three quarters (74%) of HCAs having to take on extra work, according to UNISON. Healthcare assistants say the situation has been worse this winter (2017/18) compared to the year before. Well over half (57%) say that they have picked up extra work due to nursing or clinical staff shortages. Also, two in five (41%) say they were asked to carry out tasks without adequate training more often than last winter, and over a third (37%) said they were asked to perform tasks without supervision more frequently than last year. UNISON is calling on the government to address staffing issues so that HCAs feel properly supported and pat...
Source: UNISON Health care news - Category: UK Health Authors: Tags: News Press release HCAs health care assistants heath care NHS training Source Type: news