Healthcare assistant at Derriford Hospital

To apply for this module or for any queries regarding enrolment please contact the Professional Development Unit Admissions team

Visit: Professional Development Unit, Level 4 Rolle Building, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA United Kingdom

Opening hours: 9.00am to 4.30pm

To book individual study days or for further information regarding undertaking individual study days please contact:

Booking: via eStore (booking will open once dates are confirmed)

Email: PDUStudyDays@plymouth.ac.uk

Phone: +44 1752 585409

Key features

This 60 credit module has been specifically developed to equip healthcare assistants (HCA’s) working in a community and/or primary care setting to perform the role of HCA in General Practice safely and competently. It will enable you to develop the skills and knowledge specific to your role, to maximise your scope of practice and boost the quality of care you can offer.

This module is made up of a series of study days, each of which is specific to certain conditions and/or skills meaning that you can choose to undertake those that are the most relevant to your role or all ten to complete the module with the option of gaining academic credit at the same time.

The module meets the National Minimum Training Standards for Healthcare Support Workers (DoH/Skills for Health and Skills for Care, 2013) and will provide your employer with evidence to satisfy standard 12b from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) Essential Standards of Quality and Safety (2010).

Module code

HEAC395

Credits

60

FHEQ level

Level 4 - certificate of higher education

Location

Exeter

Healthcare assistant at Derriford Hospital

Course details

This module is offered as a series of study days specific to certain conditions and/or skills which can be easily mapped to the tasks or role you complete. This flexible approach enables your employer and you to fund just the days you need; meaning there is a direct link between investment and quality of care.

Course pathways

There are two course pathways: the core programme and the bespoke programme.

Core programme

You must enrol on the module and attend all ten study days. This pathway is recommended for those who are relatively new to the role or who have not attended much formal training. You will have one year to submit your academic assignments if you choose this route.

Bespoke programme

You must attend core skills day one and two and can then add eight clinical study days appropriate to your role in practice. It may be possible to include up to five clinical study days undertaken within the last three years as prior learning (these would need to be supported with written assignments and portfolio evidence). You will have up to two years to submit your academic assignments from the first date of study. 

If you have undertaken study days and would like to know if they can count towards this module or have any other queries, please contact the module lead or the Professional Development Unit.

Core programme content

  • Core skills (2 days)
  • Measurements and investigations 
  • Health promotion, behaviour change and obesity management 
  • Atrial fibrillation, INR testing and anticoagulation 
  • Tissue viability and wound management 
  • Pernicious anaemia and B12 injections 
  • Introduction to long-term conditions (2 days) 
  • Supporting patients with mental health issues, learning disabilities and/or dementia

Further information

This module is not currently running in 2019/2020. If you have any questions related to this please contact the Professional Development Unit. 

Please be aware that all modules run to minimum numbers. In the event that there are low numbers, this module may be rescheduled to an alternative date. Some modules are also subject to maximum numbers.

If you are interested on enrolling on the HEAC395 module and/or have any queries regarding the module please contact PDUAdmissions@plymouth.ac.uk

If you have any queries regarding undertaking individual study days please contact PDUStudyDays@plymouth.ac.uk  

Module lead – Fiona Cook

"The course for Healthcare Support Workers in general practice meets all the national minimum training standards (DoH/Skills for health and skills for care, 2013) and will equip you to perform your role safely and competently."
Fiona Cook 2

Entry requirements

You will need to typically be working in general practice either by having a job or having a placement. If on placement you must be hands-on with patients, with a minimum of three sessions a week.

You will also need to secure the support of a designated mentor in practice. To follow the academic pathway you must demonstrate the ability to write at level 4 (certificate of higher education). Please contact the module lead for further information.

Fees and funding

Fees for 2018/19 academic year

Core programme

Non-accredited: £1,100

Accredited: £1,350

Bespoke programme

Individual training days: £110 – please contact PDUStudyDays@plymouth.ac.uk for information regarding study days

Cost of academic accreditation after completion of 10 training days: £250

Funding

Funding for this module may be available through your employing trust. To apply please contact your Trust’s Educational Co-ordinator who will guide you through the application process.

If you work in the private, independent and voluntary sector, please contact your employer who will advise you.

Accreditation

Academic accreditation will be via a portfolio of learning containing five pieces of work (total word count 4,000 words) providing evidence of achievement of learning outcomes. Access to individual and group tutorials will be freely available and you will have access to learning support offered by University of Plymouth.

On successful completion of the academic assignments, you can achieve 60 credits at level 4 (certificate of higher education). Although it is not mandatory we strongly encourage you to pursue academic accreditation.