Call for Evidence to The Health and Social Care Workforce Planning Inquiry.

The Board of CHCs recognises that this is an area where we do not have a reason to make a significant contribution, but there are two areas in particular which have come to our attention which we hope the Inquiry will address.

1. Dental Nurses

We are concerned about the need for recognised, funded training for Dental Nurses, given the importance of Cleanliness and Infection Control as well as good patient care. We understand that at present this area is not well resourced and that there are no standard specifications for staff competence.

2. Healthcare assistants

We believe that anyone employed as a Healthcare Assistant should have a recognised minimum level of competence in relation to the fundamentals of patient care, be they employed in the public sector or the private sector. So many of the people that they care for are particularly vulnerable and unable to express their concern if poorly treated. A basic set of skill and awareness standards, together with communication skills should be established and staff should need to reach a standard for accreditation before being allowed to work in these areas.

It should be recognised that such staff are critical to good care services and remuneration should reflect this.

Peter Johns
Director,
Board of CHCs in Wales
26 October 2007