RCN launches First Steps resources for Healthcare Assistants

Published: 23 February 2011

Embargo: 00:01 23rd February 2011
RCN launches First Steps resources for Healthcare Assistants

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today launched a short film and induction programme to help nurses and Healthcare Assistants understand their roles and responsibilities.

The film, “Accountability and delegation: what you need to know” is being shown for the first time as the resources are launched at RCN HQ on Tuesday, February 22nd. The film aims to dispel myths around accountability and inform nurses, employers and support workers about what they are accountable for and how to delegate safely.

Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive & General Secretary  of the RCN said:
“Healthcare Assistants are a vital part of the health service and many can offer excellent care to patients whether they are having surgery, rehabilitation or just a health check. Too often, induction and training are patchy for HCAs, and this can cause problems not just for them but for other staff, who aren’t always aware of who is accountable for which area of a patient’s care. This film and training package aims to provide clarity for all staff groups, and ultimately to improve patient care.”

In addition to the new film there will be a new interactive resource to support the induction of Healthcare Assistants. The web-based resource “First Steps for Healthcare Assistants” will be open for all to use, and can be used individually by HCAs and their colleagues to check and increase their knowledge in key areas such as communication, health and safety, infection prevention and control and core clinical skills. The film and “First Steps” resource will be available to both registered and non-registered staff.
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Notes to Editors

If you would like more information please contact the RCN Media Office on 0207 647 3633, press.office@rcn.org.uk or visit  http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/media

The new resources will be available online after the launch at www.rcn.org.uk/hca, www.rcn.org.uk/hcafirststeps and www.rcn.org.uk/hcaaccountability

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the UK and is the largest professional union of nursing staff in the world. The RCN promotes the interest of nurses and patients on a wide range of issues and helps shape healthcare policy by working closely with the UK Government and other national and international institutions, trade unions, professional bodies and voluntary organizations.