Senior Healthcare Support Worker

Senior Healthcare Support Worker

Skills Scan
Senior Healthcare Support Workers operate in various health and care settings such as hospitals, community teams, day-case units, maternity, individual homes, operating theatres, nursing or care homes, hospices, and general practices. They support registered healthcare professionals in delivering high-quality and compassionate health and care services, providing clinical, therapeutic, or diagnostic care under direct or indirect supervision.
Please enter your name:*

First NameLast Name
Please enter your email address (upon completion of this skills scan you will need to click on the submission button. Once you have done this, the completed skills scan will be emailed to you and your line manager. You will need to upload your completed skills scan to the OneFile learning assessment record that you have opened to access this skills scan)
Your Email*
example@example.com
Line Manager's Email*
example@example.com
We need to ensure you require substantial learning and development to access a funded apprenticeship. You do not need to research topics to answer. This is about what you may already know or do, so we can get a baseline and create a personal learning programme. You may also wish to state areas you would like to develop further.

Please rate each question with Yes, Some or No

Please note if you answer Yes or Some to any of the questions, a drop-down box will appear and you will need to write about what you already know and/or do. If you have any qualifications, competency evidence or certification appliable to the question, it is very important you attach these to the OneFile learning assessment record (LAR) that you have opened to access this skills scan. Please ensure you always maintain confidentiality and avoid putting any names of colleagues/patients.

Duty 1:

Act within the limits of own competence and within agreed ways of working, following the relevant local and national standards, policies, and protocols used in the workplace.
Skills - Work in line with legislation, policies, standards, local ways of working and codes of conduct that apply to own role. Work within the scope of practice, the limits of own knowledge and skills, escalating and reporting to others when needed.

Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team to provide safe and non-discriminatory person-centred care and support with individuals’ established consent.

Implement a duty of care, recognising and responding to safeguarding and protection concerns and acting in the best interest of individuals to ensure they do not come to harm:
Do you understand and follow local and national standards, policies, and protocols? *

Yes/SomeNo
Please detail what you follow.
Do you recognise and act within the limits of your own competence?*

Yes/SomeNo
Please detail how you act within the limits of your competence.
Knowledge - The legislation, policies, standards, local ways of working and codes of conduct that apply to own role.

The scope of practice, limitations of own competence, including limitations of own role in relation to medication and who to ask for support.

The principles of ‘person-centred care and support’, including principles of equality, diversity and inclusion, active participation, consent and choice.

The principles of a ‘duty of care’ and ‘safeguarding’, the signs of abuse and ways to reduce the risk of abuse:
Can you explain the importance of adhering to local and national healthcare standards and policies in ensuring patient safety and quality care?*

Yes/SomeNo
Please explain.
How do you ensure compliance with relevant standards and protocols in your daily work as a Senior Healthcare Support Worker?*

Yes/SomeNo
Please provide examples.
Any developmental areas?*

Duty 2:

Promote the health and wellbeing of individuals.
Skills - Support individuals to make informed and positive lifestyle choices.

Actively seek out and act on opportunities to support individuals to maximise their health, well-being and positive lifestyle choices:
Do you actively promote health and wellbeing in your interactions with individuals?*

Yes/SomeNo
Please provide examples
Do you understand strategies for health promotion and apply them effectively?*

Yes/SomeNo
Please provide examples.
Knowledge - National and local definitions of health and well-being and priorities for promoting public health and reducing inequalities.

The availability of services to support individuals with lifestyle choices and how to make a referral if required:
Can you describe practical approaches for promoting health and wellbeing in individuals under your care?*

Yes/SomeNo
Please describe
Do you know how to tailor health promotion strategies to meet the specific needs and preferences of patients as a Senior Healthcare Support Worker?*

Yes/SomeNo
Please provide examples.
Any developmental areas?*

Duty 3:

Monitor the physical and mental health and well-being of individuals in your care.
Skills - Recognise and respond to changes in an individual’s health and wellbeing.

Recognise and respond to the signs and symptoms that an individual is in pain, distress or discomfort to maximise comfort and well-being.

Promote and monitor access to fluids and nutrition in line with an individual’s care plan.

Undertake physiological measurements, selecting and using the correct tools or equipment:
Do you regularly monitor and assess the physical health of individuals?*

Yes/SomeNo
Please provide examples.
Do you regularly monitor and assess the physical health of individuals?*

Yes/SomeNo
Please provide examples.
Knowledge - The signs and symptoms that an individual’s health and wellbeing is changing, including the role of prescribed medication.

The signs and symptoms that an individual is in pain, distress or discomfort. The principles of hydration, nutrition and food safety.

The physiological states, their normal ranges and the correct tools or equipment to use to measure them:
Do you know how to identify and monitor common physical health indicators and signs of mental health concerns in individuals as a Senior Healthcare Support Worker?*

Yes/SomeNo
Please provide examples.
Can you describe the appropriate responses to signs of physical and mental health issues within your scope of practice?*

Yes/SomeNo
Please describe.
Any developmental areas?*

Duty 4:

Use communication methods and techniques to overcome barriers and meet individuals’ wishes, preferences, and needs.
Skills - Communicate with individuals, their families, carers and others in the workplace using techniques designed to facilitate understanding.

Recognise and respond to limitations in an individual’s mental capacity:
Do you use effective communication methods to understand and meet individuals' needs?*

Yes/SomeNo
Please provide examples.
Do you adapt your communication techniques to overcome barriers?*

Yes/SomeNo
Please provide examples.
Knowledge - Communication techniques to maximise understanding including for individuals with specific communication needs or wishes.

The meaning of ‘capacity’, the differences between mental illness, dementia and learning disability and the impact of these conditions on an individual’s needs:
Can you explain the importance of clear and effective communication in healthcare settings for building rapport and ensuring patient understanding?*

Yes/SomeNo
Please explain.
Do you know how to adjust your communication style to address diverse needs and overcome communication barriers in your role as a Senior Healthcare Support Worker?*

Yes/SomeNo
Please provide examples.
Any developmental areas?*

Duty 5:

Maintain the health, safety, and security of yourself and others in the workplace by identifying risks and taking appropriate action to keep people safe.
Skills - Maintain a safe and healthy working environment, using infection prevention and control techniques including hand washing, sanitisation, disinfection and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Maintain the safe supply, storage, use and disposal of supplies and equipment. Move and handle equipment or other items safely and assist individuals. Take appropriate action in response to concerns, risks, incidents or errors and near misses arising in the workplace.

Perform basic life support techniques. Recognise and respond to potential conflict, challenging behaviour or an escalating situation:
Do you identify and manage risks to maintain safety in the workplace?*

Yes/SomeNo
Please provide examples.
Do you take appropriate actions to ensure the health and security of yourself and others?*

Yes/SomeNo
Please provide examples.
Knowledge - The principles of infection prevention and control and the importance of good personal hygiene, hand hygiene and correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Local systems and processes to manage the supply, storage, use and safe disposal of stocks and supplies. The principles of safe moving and assisting individuals and moving and handling equipment.

The meaning of ‘risk’ in the workplace, ways to raise concerns and own responsibilities in relation to incidents, errors and near misses. Techniques and principles to safely perform basic life support. The common causes of conflict and how to respond to them in the workplace:
Can you describe how to identify and address potential risks to ensure a safe and secure environment for patients and healthcare team members?*

Yes/SomeNo
Please detail.
Do you know how to prioritise safety measures and respond effectively to ensure the well-being of yourself and others in a healthcare setting?*

Yes/SomeNo
Please detail how you do this.
Any developmental areas?*

Duty 6:

Maintain and further develop your own skills and knowledge and contribute to the development of others.
Skills - Undertake own training and development activities and contribute to the training and development of others.

Participate in appraisal to support professional development. Reflect on and develop your own practice:
Do you actively seek opportunities to develop your own skills and knowledge?*

Yes/SomeNo
Please provide examples.
Do you contribute to the development of your colleagues?*

Yes/SomeNo
Please provide examples.
Knowledge - The importance of continuing personal and professional development.

The local arrangements for appraisal of performance in the workplace. The principles of reflective practice:
Can you explain the importance of continuous learning and professional development in enhancing the quality of care provided as a Senior Healthcare Support Worker?*

Yes/SomeNo
Please explain.
Do you know how to share your knowledge and skills with colleagues to support their professional growth and development within the healthcare team?*

Yes/SomeNo
Please provide some examples.
Any developmental areas?*

Duty 7:

Record, report, and store information related to individuals, keeping information confidential.
Skills - Record and store information related to individuals securely, including the safe use of technology.

Report and share information related to individuals securely and in line with local and national policies, maintaining confidentiality, duty of confidence and disclosure:
Do you accurately record and report information about individuals?*

Yes/SomeNo
Please provide examples of how you do this.
Do you ensure the confidentiality and secure storage of information?*

Yes/SomeNo
Please provide examples.
Knowledge - Ways to record and store information securely, including the safe use of technology.

The principles of confidentiality, duty of confidence and disclosure:
Can you describe the significance of accurate record-keeping and confidentiality in maintaining patient privacy and ensuring continuity of care?*

Yes/SomeNo
Please describe.
Do you know how to adhere to data protection regulations and maintain the security of sensitive patient information in your role as a Senior Healthcare Support Worker?*

Yes/SomeNo
Please detail what you know about GDPR (general data protection regulations) and your responsibilities.
Any developmental areas?*

Duty 8:

Contribute to the quality of services by participating in improvement activities.
Skills - Participate in and support others with quality improvement activities in the workplace. Use investigatory techniques to source evidence to validate and improve the delivery of care and support within own scope of practice.

Critically appraise sources of information and apply to practice:
Can you describe quality improvement activities you have participated in within your workplace?*

Yes/SomeNo
Please provide examples.
Can you critically appraise a source of information that you have used to improveyour practice in the delivery of care and support?*

Yes/SomeNo
Please provide examples.
Knowledge - The principles of ‘quality improvement’ and ways to measure quality in the workplace.

The principles of investigatory techniques, research and evidence-based practice, and how to access existing evidence and use it to validate and improve practice. The principles of critical thinking and methods of critical appraisal:
Can you explain the principles of quality improvement (QI) and how they can be applied to measure and enhance quality in the workplace?*

Yes/SomeNo
Please explain and provide examples.
Can you discuss the principles of investigatory techniques, research, and evidence-based practice, including how to access and use existing evidence to validate and improve practice?*

Yes/SomeNo
Please explain and provide examples.
Any developmental areas?*

Duty 9:

Provide leadership for others within the scope of own role.
Skills - Provide leadership and act as a role model for others within the scope of own role.

Contribute to mentoring and supervision of others in the workplace within the scope of own role:
Do you provide guidance and support to your colleagues?*

Yes/SomeNo
Please provide examples.
Do you demonstrate leadership within the scope of your role?*

Yes/SomeNo
Please provide examples.
Knowledge - The principles and styles of leadership in relation to own role and place of work.

The relationship and differences between leadership, management, supervision and mentoring:
Can you describe the key attributes of effective leadership in healthcare and how they can be applied in your role as a Senior Healthcare Support Worker?*

Yes/SomeNo
Please describe.
Do you know how to support and guide your colleagues to achieve common goals and deliver high-quality care within the healthcare team?*

Yes/SomeNo
Please explain and provide examples.
Any developmental areas?*

Choose your Pathway*
Adult Nursing Pathway
Skills - Support individuals with activities of daily living to develop and maintain their independence in line with their desired outcomes and plan of care. Assist with tissue viability risk assessments and manage pressure areas.

Adult nursing support and children and young people support: Assist with wound care in line with the care plan. Obtain and test specimens in line with the care plan. Provide care and support for individuals and their family during the end-of-life phase.

Contribute to signposting to relevant agencies and, discharge or transfer of individuals between services, in line with their care plan. Recognise and respond to deteriorations in physical health, mental health and wellbeing.

Support adults to take responsibility for their own health and wellbeing and for managing their own condition:

Knowledge - The activities of daily living and ways to support individuals to develop and maintain their independence in carrying out these activities.

The structure and function of the skin and underlying tissues and factors that lead to tissues being compromised. The principles of wound management and the equipment and materials that are used to treat wounds.

Methods for taking and testing specimens. The end-of-life phase and the factors which impact care during the end-of-life phase. Local systems for discharge and transfer and the availability of services and agencies offered by the wider health and social care system.

The signs and symptoms that indicate an individual’s physical or mental health and wellbeing are deterioration. How to support adults to take responsibility for their own health and wellbeing:
Maternity Support Worker Pathway
Skills - Assist with tissue viability risk assessments and manage pressure areas. Obtain and test specimens in line with the care plan.

Provide care and support for individuals and their family during the end-of-life phase. Contribute to signposting to relevant agencies and, discharge or transfer of individuals between services, in line with their care plan.

Recognise and respond to deteriorations in physical health, mental health and wellbeing. Support adults to take responsibility for their own health and wellbeing and for managing their own condition. Assist the midwife with teaching, feeding and hygiene needs of babies-parenting skills and antenatal and postnatal exercise. Assist health care professionals with antenatal and newborn screening and provide information to parents about immunisation activities.

Provide support to the maternity team by maintaining the supply of resources, instruments and equipment. Support personal care such as providing care for women with urethral catheters. Identify the baby and provide wristband or label in line with local security procedures.

Care for the physical needs of babies by undertaking routine healthy baby observations and reporting any abnormalities. Support parents and carers to meet the developmental, nutritional and hygiene needs of babies.

Work in partnership with families and other support services to support individuals in difficult circumstances, bereavement and loss. Provide support to the midwife and others in the multi-disciplinary team in an emergency during pregnancy, labour, birth or the postnatal period:

Knowledge - The structure and function of the skin and underlying tissues and factors that lead to tissues being compromised.

Methods for taking and testing specimens. The end-of-life phase and the factors which impact care during the end-of-life phase. Local systems for discharge and transfer and the availability of services and agencies offered by the wider health and social care system.

The signs and symptoms that indicate an individual’s physical or mental health and wellbeing are deteriorating. How to support adults to take responsibility for their own health and wellbeing. Strategies to engage women and carers in feeding, bathing, parenting and self-care such as antenatal and postnatal exercise.

Local and national antenatal and newborn screening services and immunisation programmes. Local systems and protocols to maintain the maternity environment including procedures to maintain the supply of resources, instruments and equipment.

The purpose of a urethral catheter and the importance of regular monitoring. Local security procedures for women and babies including systems for woman and baby identification. The routine checks and observations undertaken for a healthy baby such as cord care, eye care, oral hygiene, stools and signs of neo-natal jaundice.

The nutritional and hygiene needs of babies, the benefits of different feeding methods and the importance of skin-to-skin contact in bonding. The principles of supporting families at difficult times, bereavement and loss and the availability of other support services. The scope of their own role in an emergency during pregnancy, labour, birth or the postnatal period:
Theatre Support Worker Pathway
Skills - Complete pre- and post-operative checklists. Support the surgical team to maintain the sterile field. Participate in team briefing, patient sign in, timeout, sign out and debriefing.

Support and monitor the pre-medicated, sedated and unconscious individual. Measure and record an individual’s body fluid balance. Move, position and transport individuals and specialist equipment before, during and after surgery.

Prepare the clinical environment and provide surgical instrumentation and supplementary items for the surgical team. Carry out counts for swabs, sharps, instruments and disposable items and act if something is missing. Assist in receiving, handling and dispatching clinical specimens or blood products:

Knowledge - Local systems and protocols for completing pre- and post-operative checklists. The principles of asepsis and maintenance of the sterile field in relation to the provision of surgical instrumentation and medical devices to the surgical team.

Local systems and protocols for team briefing, patient sign in, timeout, sign out and debriefing. The effects of pre-medication, sedation and anaesthesia on individuals. The purpose for recording an individual’s body fluid and factors that affect input, output and wound drainage.

Techniques used in the peri-operative environment to position individuals and specialist equipment for before, during and after surgery. The types, purpose and function of surgical instruments and supplementary items used in theatre such as the cost implications of items used and the impact on the commissioning of surgical procedures.

The importance of identification, measurement, accounting for and recording swabs, sharps, instruments or other disposable items used and the actions to take if one is missing. Types and uses of containers for transport, procedures for labelling, handling, dispatching recording and reporting for clinical specimens and blood products:
Mental Health Support Worker Pathway
Skills - Recognise and respond to deteriorations in physical health, mental health and wellbeing. Use strategies and tools to promote mental wellbeing and to support individuals with mental ill health.

Observe, record and report changes and barriers, using proactive approaches to manage behaviour which challenges. Take an active approach in supporting individuals to manage their condition. Build, monitor and sustain therapeutic relationships with individuals, carers and their families.

Promote a recovery-based approach that enables the individual to manage their condition. Enable and empower individuals to actively participate in society and recognise the impact of mental health on them and others. Identify situations of risk to yourself or others and take action including seeking support.

Involve the individual, carers and family members in risk management processes. Review and promote your own mental health and wellbeing:

Knowledge - The signs and symptoms that indicate an individual’s physical or mental health and wellbeing are deteriorating.

The nature of mental health and well-being and the main forms of mental ill health according to the psychiatric International Classification of Diseases and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM/ICD) classification system.

The main interventions in mental health and well-being and the benefits of early intervention. The needs of individuals with mental ill health and those supporting them at key stages and through times of change or transition. Techniques used to build, monitor and sustain therapeutic relationships with individuals, carers and their families.

The factors that facilitate an individual’s recovery experience. The impact of the individual’s mental ill-health on their life, family, friendships and active participation in society.

Risk factors of harm to self or others, a range of triggers and consideration of the impact of the environment. Prevention and risk reduction strategies which involve the individual and others, such as suicide mitigation, behaviours which challenge, substance misuse and self-neglect and reduction of restrictive practices.

The importance of own mental health and wellbeing when working in mental health services:
Children and Young People Support Worker Pathway
Skills - Support individuals with activities of daily living to develop and maintain their independence in line with their desired outcomes and plan of care.

Assist with tissue viability risk assessments and manage pressure areas. Assist with wound care in line with the care plan. Obtain and test specimens in line with the care plan.

Provide care and support for individuals and their family during the end-of-life phase. Contribute to signposting to relevant agencies and, discharge or transfer of individuals between services, in line with their care plan.

Recognise and respond to deteriorations in physical health, mental health and wellbeing. Support the development of children and young people through therapeutic play and learning.

Support children and young people through transitions by enabling shared or independent decision making. Support parents, families and carers to meet the needs of children and young people. Support children and young people before, during or after diagnostic, clinical or therapeutic procedures:

Knowledge - The activities of daily living and ways to support individuals to develop and maintain their independence in carrying out these activities.

The structure and function of the skin and underlying tissues and factors that lead to tissues being compromised. The principles of wound management and the equipment and materials that are used to treat wounds. Methods for taking and testing specimens.

The end-of-life phase and the factors which impact care during the end-of-life phase. Local systems for discharge and transfer and the availability of services and agencies offered by the wider health and social care system. The signs and symptoms that indicate an individual’s physical or mental health and wellbeing are deteriorating.

Principles and techniques to engage children and young people in therapeutic play. The main life transitions for children and young people and the importance of involving the child or young person in their own care in line with legal policy and service frameworks for children and young people.

The importance of family-centred care and the role of the public health agenda in promoting and protecting the health and wellbeing of children and young people, to include looked-after children and young carers.

The expected physical, cognitive, language, emotional, social and developmental milestones, the tools and equipment to measure and assess them and how to adapt practice to meet additional needs:
Allied Health Profession (AHP) Therapy Support Worker Pathway
Skills - Contribute to signposting to relevant agencies and, discharge or transfer of individuals between services, in line with their care plan.

Provide therapeutic support in line with care plans to encourage independence, self-management and skills for everyday life. Assist with undertaking clinical risk assessments and management plans.

Recognise the impact of mental or physical capacity, health condition, learning disability or overall wellbeing on the therapeutic or clinical task or intervention and when to adapt. Enable individuals to meet optimum potential.

Facilitate group sessions to support health and well-being of individuals or communities. Support people to engage in the community and access activities or resources in line with their treatment goals. Identify, order or fit therapeutic equipment and resources in line with the individual’s care plan.

Use equipment and resources therapeutically in a safe way in line with local policy and procedure. Demonstrate and teach the safe and appropriate use of therapeutic equipment and resources. Complete safety checks for therapeutic equipment and resources, following protocols to report issues or make adaptations if appropriate:

Knowledge - Local systems for discharge and transfer and the availability of services and agencies offered by the wider health and social care system.

The care planning process and therapeutic strategies used within own role to promote and enable independence, self-management, social integration, recovery and skills for everyday life. Local systems for undertaking clinical risk assessments and management plans relevant to own work setting.

The potential impact of mental and physical capacity, health condition, learning disability or overall wellbeing on therapeutic or clinical interventions. Strategies and approaches to rehabilitate or maximise an individual’s function. Strategies and tools available to engage individuals or communities in group sessions.

Activities and resources available within the community and the means to access them. Local systems for sourcing, ordering and fitting therapeutic equipment and resources and the criteria for provision.

The purpose and function of the therapeutic equipment and resources available, including its limitations and contra-indications. Strategies and tools available to engage individuals in learning how to use therapeutic equipment and resources. Protocols for checking, reporting and adapting therapeutic equipment and resources:
Diagnostic Imaging Support Worker Pathway
Skills - Assist and support the multi-disciplinary team in the safe and effective operation and maintenance of the imaging environment.

Support the multi-disciplinary team in the safe flow of individuals through the imaging environment, recognising and complying with current legislation and best practice. Prepare individuals for imaging procedures, including those that maybe pre-medicated, sedated or unconscious.

Support and position individuals during imaging procedures, including those that maybe pre-medicated, sedated or unconscious. Support practitioners with the preparation and administration of medicines and contrast agents within the scope of own role. Administer medicines supplied by a registered practitioner within the scope of own role.

Insert, flush and remove cannulas in line with local protocols and within the scope of own role. Provide after care for individuals following imaging procedures. Assist practitioners in setting up and maintaining aseptic or clean area in the imaging environment. Support the multi-disciplinary team in the safe delivery of an imaging service. Review and promote the health and wellbeing of self and others, including mental health.

Participate in team briefing, patient sign in, timeout, sign out and debriefing. Assist with undertaking clinical risk assessments and management plans. Recognise the impact of mental or physical capacity, health condition, learning disability or overall wellbeing on the therapeutic or clinical task or intervention and when to adapt.:

Knowledge - The procedures and protocols for undertaking quality checks on equipment, the procedures and protocols for working safely in the imaging environment. An awareness of ionising and non-ionising radiation and how these are safely applied to imaging examinations across a patient pathway.

The correct clothing, hygiene, fluid, nutrition protocols, safety equipment requirements relevant to the imaging procedure and the condition of the individual, including the correct use of pre- and post- procedural checklists. Techniques and equipment used to position individuals in line with the safety requirements of the procedure, the physical and mental condition of the individual and how this may impact on the imaging procedure.

The regulations procedures and protocols for the safe preparation and administration of medicines and contrast agents. Roles and responsibilities in the safe supply, management and administration of medicines, the range of procedures where these are used and the risks and mitigations of side effects, adverse response or non-compliance.

The risks and contra-indications of cannulation and the equipment and techniques used to cannulate/remove cannulas. The risks and mitigations of side effects, adverse responses or non-compliance associate with imaging procedure, the correct use of post-procedural checklists and the protocols and procedures for onward care relevant to the imaging procedure undertaken.

The principles of asepsis and maintenance of the sterile field or clean area in relation to imaging equipment and materials. The structure and function of the human body in health, disease and trauma, as well as common pathologies and mechanisms of disease and trauma, in relation to imaging examinations. The importance of recognising the signs and symptoms that indicate a deterioration in the health and wellbeing of self and others, including mental health.

Local systems and protocols for team briefing, patient sign in, timeout, sign out and debriefing. Local systems for undertaking clinical risk assessments and management plans relevant to own work setting. The potential impact of mental and physical capacity, health condition, learning disability or overall wellbeing on therapeutic or clinical interventions:

Senior Healthcare Support Worker

Duty 1:

Duty 2:

Duty 3:

Duty 4:

Duty 5:

Duty 6:

Duty 7:

Duty 8:

Duty 9:

Adult Nursing Pathway

Maternity Support Worker Pathway

Theatre Support Worker Pathway

Mental Health Support Worker Pathway

Children and Young People Support Worker Pathway

Allied Health Profession (AHP) Therapy Support Worker Pathway

Diagnostic Imaging Support Worker Pathway

Duty 10

Duty 11

Duty 12

Scrub Only

Circulatory Only

Recovery Only

All Roles

Duty 13

Duty 14

Duty 15

Duty 16