Guy's and St Thomas' nursing assistants are leading the way

Nursing assistants at Guy’s and St Thomas’ have been hailed in today’s Cavendish Report about the role of support staff in hospitals.

The nursing assistant title replaced healthcare assistant (HCA) at the Trust earlier this year, and it is recommended by the report as the best example for other trusts to follow as it recognises how vital the role is.

Report author Camilla Cavendish said: “What is important about the adoption of ‘nursing’ in the title is the implied recognition by these trusts that HCAs are part of the nursing team: not a separate tribe.”

Chief Nurse Eileen Sills said: “Today’s Cavendish Report is a welcome recognition of the vital role nursing assistants take on our wards.

“We are proud to be mentioned as an example of good practice by Camilla Cavendish and to see that other hospitals are being encouraged to follow our lead.

“The title of nursing assistant was chosen by our staff to recognise their integral part in the nursing team and to help patients to understand the role they have in their care.”

The Trust offers nursing assistants extensive training from a wide range of areas including infection prevention and control, and the opportunity to complete a diploma in healthcare.