'Lansley must listen to nurses on the front line' HCAs
Nursing Times news, analysis and practice for HCAs
HCAs: The Heart of Healthcare
HCAs: The Heart of Healthcare
As I write this, I have just had first-hand experience of the NHS at its finest. I turned up as requested at 7am for my admission and was greeted by a young HCA who checked me in then directed me to my bed space. She showed all the patients around individually so we all knew where everything was.
Opportunities for HCAs to work prison health care increasing
Since prison health care became the responsibility of the NHS, opportunities for HCAs to work in this specialist environment have increased, reports Adrian O’Dowd
New body to protect vulnerable adults and children
A new body has been set up to help prevent unsuitable people from working with vulnerable adults and children, reports UNISON’s Sarah Peters
Move up the ladder with a grading review
A grading review can help HCAs ensure they are working at the right level for their pay band - or make the case to move up a band, says Kathy Oxtoby
Working as an HCA in mental health
Working in mental health care is both challenging and rewarding for HCAs, who work in settings ranging from the community to secure hospitals. Ingrid Torjesen explains
How should HCAs be regulated?
As HCAs take on more responsibilities and carry out more procedures, the pressure to regulate them is increasing. Views on how this should be done differ, explains Adrian O’Dowd
HCAs and patient confidentiality
Patients have the right to confidentiality from all healthcare professionals, including HCAs, reports Adrian O’Dowd
What kind of employment-related support can UNISON offer me?
Many employment-related situations are difficult to deal with alone, and union support is invaluable. These questions illustrate the sort of help UNISON can offer
Latest practice articles for HCAs
Personal care at the end of life and after death
New guidance gives nurses clear advice on care surrounding death
Managing allergic rhinitis
The symptoms of allergic rhinitis can be disruptive and distressing. This article outlines their causes and triggers, and the main treatment options.
Latest news for HCAs
MPs call for mandatory HCA regulation
Healthcare assistants should be subject to compulsory regulation similar to nurses, an influential group of MPs has said.
Hospital work experience scheme to be extended
A scheme that gives unpaid job hunters the chance to provide patient care in the wards of a hospital is set to be extended, it has emerged.
Health workers strike over NHS pension proposals
Up to 100,000 workers across the NHS were expected to take part in strike action today in protest at the government’s controversial pension refoms.
Midlands trust introduces jobseekers to caring role
A Midlands hospital is helping to get people back into work after teaming up with the Jobcentre Plus.
Unions seek views on pay and conditions
Unions have launched a joint survey asking their NHS members about their views on pay and working conditions.
