Upskilling healthcare ‘unsung heroes’

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Gisborne Hospital’s “unsung heroes” have been enthusiastically upskilling.

Healthcare NZ-Tairāwhiti healthcare assistants (H|CAs) have undergone further training in infection control, catheter cares, fall risks and feeding at-risk patients.

“The first of the HCA workshops for the year was a hit,” clinical education team educator Arihia Mataira said.

“The enthusiasm the HCAs brought to the day was not only relationship-building, but it gave a greater understanding as to why our HCAs practise the way they do.

“As educators, most times the objective is to enhance our HCAs’ knowledge and skills in the hope of stimulating more critical thinking.

“Assisting the direction and delegation they receive from registered nurses can only benefit our patients and their whānau.

“HCAs are unsung heroes who play an important part in the delivery of healthcare as they have considerable interaction with patients and whānau.

“Increasing their knowledge can help increase care to our community.”

The HCAs are a valued and respected workforce within the organisation who ensure patients and whānau receive a high standard of care.

“The education team is committed to ensuring HCAs are supported and have opportunities to grow their skills to support their practice in the workplace,” education team leader Ondrea Gooch said

“These workshops are always a pleasure to facilitate as the HCAs who attend are passionate and enthusiastic about learning new knowledge and skills.”

The role of HCAs include assisting with daily tasks such as washing, dressing, eating and helping patients taking medicine.