NURSES have backed calls to improve training for healthcare assistants after an independent report found there was no minimum standard that had to be reached before they can work unsupervised.

The Cavendish Review, which was commissioned by the Government in the wake of the Stafford Hospital scandal, has called for all healthcare assistants [HCAs] to receive standard training.

It said a significant proportion of frontline staff are not registered nurses, but deliver much of the hands-on care in hospitals and care homes.

The report’s authors said there was a lack of consistency in standards across the country and workers should get at least two weeks' training.

East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust employs more than 900 HCAs, and said they undergo a three-day ‘corporate induction’, which includes core clinical mandatory training and infection control.

They then take a ‘detailed local induction in their working area’ within their first month of work, which ‘includes any specialist training needed’.

Ian Brandwood, director of HR and learning and organisational development, said the majority of new recruits have previous paid or voluntary experience.

“They also undergo a specific HCA one day training programme covering all care aspects before they begin work on the wards – we are currently looking at extending this training to additional days and making it more in-depth.

“We support the HCAs in working on the wards and ensure they receive the appropriate training and support to provide care and compassion to all our patients.”