Today, we’re celebrating the vital contribution our 751 Health Care Assistants, 29 Nursing Associates, 16 Assistant Practitioners, 15 Nursery Nurses, seven Trainee Nursing Associates and Nursing Degree Apprentice make to our patient’s care.

Nursing support workers are the bedrock of our wards, clinics and community teams. The term ’nursing support worker’ encompasses hundreds of different job titles and roles, including healthcare support workers, assistant practitioners, nursing associates and healthcare assistants.  

They work independently, alongside registered nurses and as part of wider multidisciplinary teams in all health and social care settings.  

Nursing support workers have a critical role to play in delivering high quality care and excellent outcomes for our patients, however their vital contributions can often go unnoticed. Today is about shining a light on their roles and their skills and to say thank you for the essential care they give every single day.  

This year, the Royal College of Nursing wanted to break down some of the preconceptions about nursing support workers and get to the heart of who they are, what they do and why they’re essential to the nursing workforce.

You can read more about Nursing Support Workers’ Day on the Royal College of Nursing website.

Healthcare Assistant, Emma Alexander was asked about and why she enjoys her role at BSMHFT. She said:

“I have worked as a Health Care Assistant for the past seven years. Working as a Health Care Assistant can be incredibly fulfilling. 

The position requires empathy, patience and an in-depth knowledge of mental health. A fresh challenge and a chance to positively impact someone’s life arise everyday. I have so much satisfaction in helping someone in their hour of need and witnessing a patient make progress.

“While there may be emotional toll it is worth it when you realise that you have improved someone’s life. It is a profession of hope.”