Workshop dates

Whilst this set of workshops has been designed to meet the needs of HCAs, it is open to all clinicians to learn together.

All HCAs must be covered by the practice insurance policy and we strongly recommend that they are members of the RCN. There are many advantages of joining the RCN as well as the £3 million indemnity insurance they have support from the RCN national network and full access to the website which would support them in their developing role. They must undertake 3 full days training and have all their competencies signed off by their mentor (this can be a practice nurse or a GP). The content of the programme will focus on what the HCA is to undertake. At the present time it will involve Influenza & Pneumococcal vaccination and B12 but not childhood immunisation.

The course will comprise:
• 3 days training over a 5 week period
• Formal teaching sessions
• Pre teaching activities
• Post teaching questions to be answered between study days
• Competency development in the workplace
• A final in class assessment on day 3.

The training will encompass:-

Day 1
• An understanding of how immunity works and types of vaccines
• General immunisation policies as laid down by the Dept of Health
• Describe the types of conditions vaccinations are used for
• Communication, developing partnerships and legal issues (consent, confidentiality, negligence, vicarious liability)

Day 2
• The types of vaccinations the HCA will be involved in – the composition, benefits and contraindication
• Storage and handling of vaccines
• Administration – areas to give, needles to use, injection technique
• Practical skills development

Day 3
• Continue practical skills development
• Anaphylaxis
• Records
• Formal classroom assessment of students

Competencies are linked with the training and have been developed in exactly the same way as the HCA course.

Health Care Assistants are not allowed to give Flu vaccinations as part of a PGD but one of the options available is a PSD (Patient Specific Direction). This is a list of patients that a HCA will see. This list will contain a signature box. The GP must sign to say s/he is happy for the HCA to give the jab and the HCA signs to say that this has been given.

Health Care Assistants must work in close proximity to their PN/GP Mentors.

Workshops

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