Improving delivery-the need for empowered HCAs

Citation

McIntosh B & Holland A (2012) Improving delivery-the need for empowered HCAs. British Journal of Healthcare Assistants, 6 (7). https://www.magonlinelibrary.com/doi/full/10.12968/bjha.2012.6.7.346; https://doi.org/10.12968/bjha.2012.6.7.346

Abstract
The recently commissioned reviewof international healthcare systemsby the Centre for WorkforceIntelligence has a profound significance forhealthcare management and the deliveryof nursing and medicine within the UK(Cookson, 2012). This review will analyseand compare contrasting internationalhealthcare systems of different providersacross the UK—identifying the key factorsaffecting the delivery of healthcare. Thiscommission must be viewed in relation tothe ‘Nicholson Challenge’ (Hawkes, 2012),which requires savings of £21 billion tofund increased demand over the nextfour years. These efficiency savings arerequired to be found through better waysof working within current NHS law andregulation (Department of Health (DoH),2010a; DoH, 2010b; Hawkes, 2012).The main agenda will be staff substitution—substitution of a higher gradedpractitioner by a lower graded practitioner.However, the greater opportunity is forhealthcare assistants (HCAs) to becomemore professionally empowered.

Keywords
Healthcare workforce Empowerment Staff substitution Quality of care Healthcare assistants (HCA) National Health Service (NHS)