Care Certificate programme opens doors to healthcare careers
Congratulations to the trainees who have successfully completed the NHS Care Certificate Programme, a new initiative supporting local residents interested in starting a career in healthcare.
A celebration presentation was recently held at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, where trainees received their certificates and shared their experiences of the programme. The initiative has helped participants build their knowledge, develop their confidence and gain the essential skills needed to apply for Healthcare Support Worker roles within the Trust.
The Care Certificate Programme was a pilot initiative led by Isimeme Egbuniwe, Head of Recruitment; Rory Van Niekerk, Lead Nurse Post Registration, Clinical Education; and Irene Adindu, Clinical Educator for Healthcare Support Workers at the LGT Clinical Academy, with funding from the Integrated Care Board (ICB).
The programme was designed for local residents in the Lewisham and Greenwich boroughs who are interested in starting a career in healthcare. Participants completed the NHS Care Certificate training alongside a clinical placement, providing them with the experience and qualification required to apply for Band 3 Healthcare Support Worker roles at LGT.
The pilot has achieved a positive recruitment outcome, with four of the six trainees who completed the programme successfully offered Band 3 Healthcare Support Worker roles at LGT. They will be joining the Trust and starting in their new roles from August.
Following the success of the pilot, the programme has now received funding for a second cohort, which will begin in August. LGT looks forward to continuing to support local people who are interested in developing a rewarding career in healthcare.
Trainees share their experiences
One trainee said:
"It helped me understand patients better and not be so defensive. It helped me engage with patients, hear their concerns and listen."
Another shared:
"The programme helped me change my career and move forward."
Participants also highlighted the support they received throughout the programme from Irene Adindu:
"Irene, our mentor, was amazing. She supported us all and was always there for us."
Isimeme Egbuniwe, Head of Recruitment, and Rory Van Niekerk, Lead Nurse Post Registration, Clinical Education, said jointly: "Congratulations to everyone who has completed the programme. This opportunity was developed with the ICB to support local residents who are interested in starting a career in healthcare. We are delighted that the programme has been funded for a second cohort and look forward to continuing to create pathways into healthcare roles at LGT."
Jules Partridge, Associate Chief Nurse for Workforce and Education, added: "We are delighted to welcome our new Healthcare Support Workers to TeamLGT. Healthcare Assistants are the eyes and ears for our patients, and the compassionate care they provide shapes every patient journey. We value the contribution they make to our communities and look forward to supporting them as they begin their careers with us."
