Healthcare Assistant

Healthcare Assistants/Care Workers/Support Workers play a vital role in the care of patients. Working under the direction of more senior healthcare professionals, they take care of the day-to-day needs of patients by providing help with personal care, meals and mobility. They also carry out a range of housekeeping duties, as well as performing basic medical checks, such as taking a patient’s temperature, pulse and respiration rate

The attitude of a Healthcare Assistant is of far more importance than any formal qualifications. Suitable candidates for the role are friendly, caring and sensitive individuals, who are able to offer social stimulation as well as care to the individuals they tend. The job is a physical one and often requires moving and positioning of individuals. Grossdale Vocational Institute provides Short Courses for moving and positioning, infection control and safeguarding individuals and other qualifications. 

All workers must have a CRB check and it is usually necessary to have some prior experience of care work, although on-the-job training is available GP practice, therapists or radiographers

A Healthcare Assistant usually performs many of the following tasks:
• Providing breakfast and other meals
• Ensuring privacy and dignity for clients
• Keeping cients’ records confidential
• Administering medication to clients