Training for health care assistants

Abstract

The adequate preparation of health care assistants is a matter which is causing nurses great concern. Neil Headford outlines the initiative developed by Barnsley Health Authority which is designed to comply with the recommendations of statutory educational bodies. The meticulously designed course offers health care assistants broad and challenging opportunities and is based on the principles of adult and open learning. Assessment of performance is achieved through a competency model which draws on the ideas of established researchers.