Healthcare Assistant

Healthcare assistants care for patients, working under the supervision of nurses, midwives and other health professionals. They may work in hospitals or in community settings, such as care homes, hospices and patients' homes.

The role can vary enormously depending on the setting and the patient's needs, but may include helping patients to wash, bathe, dress, eat and go to the toilet, assisting patients with disabilities in getting around or in everyday tasks and generally ensuring patients are comfortable.

Besides having close contact with patients and their supervising professionals, assistants also work with other staff, such as doctors, cleaners and ward clerks.

Healthcare assistants usually work 37.5 hours a week on a shift or rota system. This usually includes some night, weekend and bank holiday work. Part-time and flexible work is often possible. They are found in a range of settings, including hospital wards and departments, health centres, clinics, residential care homes and nursing homes. Some travel to care for patients in their own homes, so a driving licence may be useful. The job can be physically demanding.

Salaries range from £13,233 to £18,157 per annum.

A healthcare assistant must be:

• caring, friendly and respectful
• able to get on with all kinds of people
• good at listening and observing - to spot someone's needs even when the patient is unable to ask for help
• comfortable with taking on intimate aspects of patients' care
• able to cope with unpleasant tasks
• familiar with health and safety issues that affect the role.

Healthcare assistants work in all parts of the UK. Most are employed by the NHS, but other employers include local authorities, private residential and nursing care homes, hospices, private hospitals, and nursing agencies, who hire out staff to care providers.

There are no set entry qualifications. Experience of paid or voluntary work in a care setting can be helpful. Some health organisations run cadet schemes or offer Apprenticeships, allowing people to gain experience in different health settings. Candidates have a medical check to ensure they are fit for the job and must also undergo checks through the Criminal Records Bureau.

The Diploma in society, health and development may be relevant for this area of work. Other courses in health and social care, such as the applied GCSE and BTEC Certificates and Diplomas, may also be a useful preparation.

Training is on the job. Healthcare assistants acquire skills and knowledge about such things as first aid, hygiene, health and safety, care skills and keeping records. They may also have the opportunity to study for NVQs.

Gaining experience as a healthcare assistant can be an entry route to many careers in the health sector. On gaining NVQ Level 2, healthcare assistants often take on extra responsibilities. On gaining NVQ Level 3, they meet the minimum requirements to train as a nurse.

Healthcare assistants can join the Royal College of Nursing, which offers conferences and workshops aimed at those in assistant roles.

Further details