Healthcare support workers play a vital role in providing excellent care to patients across all NHS care settings. They can help patients with social and physical activities, personal care, mobility, meal times, booking appointments etc. They may also take observations of patients, including temperature, pulse, respiration and weight. HCSWs can work in hospitals, GP practices, people’s own homes or in the community; roles can vary depending on the environment in which they work. They can work with many different patient groups, of all ages, including those receiving acute care, people with learning disabilities, physical disabilities or mental health conditions, and in maternity services.

The HCSW role can also lead to a range of career opportunities. With the right support, those who exemplify the skills and core values essential to delivering high-quality, compassionate care could, and can, go on to become our future nurses, nursing associates and midwives.

Find out more about our Health Care Support Worker programme.

Meet our South West HCSWs

Kat Greenstreet

Support Workforce Development Lead Workforce Planning and Transformation, Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust.

On a typical day

My role is to empower our support workforce to be the best they can be for themselves and for their patients by promote the importance of support workforce development and training across the Trust. I lead a team that provides a career conversation service for HCSW we offer:

1. Bespoke career conversations to provide tools and assessments to help employees identify their skills, interests, and values, and explore various career options including functional skills.
2. Provide guidance and resources for application writing guidance, and interview tips
3. Facilitate connections for coaching, shadowing, networking, and opportunities by referring to expert in their chosen field. (We don’t claim to know it all we often signpost to those who do)

I also chair a HCSW staff network which provides a space for all HCSW to come together to share experiences, find mutual support and learn about what development opportunities are available to them in our trust.

 One way I’ve made a difference as a HCSW

I have a made a difference to our HCSW workforce by being their dedicated voice for change with regards to development within the trust, making opportunities more visible, creating pathways and empowering them with the knowledge to make their own career choices.

What would you say to someone considering a career As a HCSW?

Being a HCSW is an incredibly rewarding career with multitudes of opportunity to develop. Whether you would like to be the best HCSW for yourself and your patients or you would like to progress into a registered role, working as a HCSW is a great place to start.

Rebecca Fell

Associate HCSW Development Educator, Professional Education Team Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

On a typical day

I regularly teach our new HCSW, and work on creating new development opportunities to expand their knowledge so that they can deliver the best care for our patients.  I am always on hand to provide pastoral support when ever needed along with offering bespoke training within their clinical areas, to further build confidence, knowledge and competence.

One way I’ve made a difference as a HCSW

I have created new development opportunities for this valued part of our workforce, and currently have more new initiatives in the pipeline. Implemented HCSW Clinics so that staff have a safe space to talk to me about any issues they may have, offer advice on their development and assist with completing their Care Certificate workbooks.  Making myself available from the very beginning of their employment and throughout their journey ensures that staff receive the best experience possible when joining the Trust.  It is a privilege to work in this role.

What would you say to someone considering a career As a HCSW?

If you are looking for a career that is fulfilling, where you can build your skills to further your career whilst you work then applying to become a HCSW is a fantastic choice to make. You will be looked after throughout your journey so that we can ensure that you flourish.  Being a HCSW is the most rewarding job I have ever had, and I wish I had changed career to work in the NHS earlier than I did.