Network news 

Regional and country news 

Scotland
West Midlands

Scotland

Supporting better care programme

The RCN in Scotland recently launched its enhanced 'Supporting better care' programme and held four workshops throughout November to enable health care support workers to enhance their knowledge and therefore extend their competence and confidence in providing direct care. If you or a colleague would like further information or are interested in attending future programmes, please contact Susan Watt on 0131 662 6152 or email susan.watt@rcn.org.uk.

West Midlands

Following the successful delivery of HCA master classes in Warwick, the RCN is now urging HCA/AP Network members to get in touch if they would like workshops on accountability, communication skills and team work delivered in their workplace. Email isobella.biddle@rcn.org.uk to find out more and arrange a convenient session.  

At the annual general meeting (AGM) of many RCN branches across the West Midlands, HCAs have been elected onto the branch executive committee as the HCA lead to work with the regional team and arrange ongoing development for HCA network members. Check out if your branch has an HCA lead and if not, ask to be elected into this position so that you too can work with the network team. If your branch already has an HCA lead, make sure you share with them the ideas you have to develop the HCA network in the coming year.

Over 140 HCAs attended the North Staffordshire branch and University Hospital of North Staffordshire HCA annual conference on 31 October. The next regional event takes place on 28 November at the University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust. Keep watching the West Midlands events pages for the big HCA event at Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust in 2012.