MORE than 200 healthcare assistants have completed a national training programme at Basildon Hospital in the last two years.

The care certificate was designed to allow healthcare assistants to show they have the knowledge, skills and attitudes to provide excellent care to patients. The training covers 15 topics, including privacy and dignity, infection prevention and control and basic life support.

Nurses Jackie Cullen, Tracey King and Amanda Sales, led the programme. Jackie said: “We get very good feedback.

“It gives healthcare assistants knowledge and confidence before they go on to the wards and it also helps them apply their practical skills to achieve standards of care.”