A new labour market intelligence report applauds the “unsung heroes” in the NHS and UK health sector – the health support workforce. The in-depth report, authored by Ian Wheeler, head of research, labour market intelligence and evaluation at Skills for Health, shows how training and developing support workers could save the sector millions each year. Using a broad estimate based on NHS data on workforce numbers and pay, the report predicts significant cost savings, which could be in excess of £100m.
The report sets out to maintain the focus on developing the public’s understanding of support workers, following recent high profile reports such as the Cavendish review. The research not only focuses on clinical support staff, but also reviews a broad range of roles, such as secretarial, cleaning, catering, porters and maintenance. It gives an in-depth insight into this section of the workforce, including the number of roles, qualifications, pay scales, training and skills development. Interestingly, the report establishes how better utilisation of the skills and expertise of support staff could help employers achieve greater efficiency and higher quality care.
Included in the report are three case studies that demonstrate how the support worker role can be maximised to offer cost efficiencies and deliver exemplary patient care:
- Velindre Cancer Care staff in Cardiff offer support from their mobile centre as well as the main site.
- Wellbeing co-ordinators were introduced in East Cheshire to work alongside the neighbourhood teams to accept referrals for patients who can receive additional support. This aided in reducing the amount of unplanned hospital visits and enhanced the wellbeing of patients.
- Nail carer roles were introduced in Birmingham after the NHS identified more than 4,000 patients (mainly elderly) were attending its podiatry service simply needing their nails cut. By introducing a new support role that did not require the attention of a fully qualified podiatrist, it provided a cost effective alternative for routine nail care.
To find out more and to view the full report, visit the Skills for Health website
Content on this page is produced and paid for by Skills for Health, sponsor of the Guardian Healthcare Professionals Network’s workforce development hub
