Guidance published to support delegation of healthcare activities to care workers
Guiding principles to support the delegation of healthcare activities to care workers have been published by Skills for Care, the Department of Health and Social Care and sector partners.
A delegated healthcare activity is an activity that a regulated healthcare professional, such as a nurse, nursing associate, occupational therapist or speech and language therapist, delegates to a paid care worker such as supporting a person with diabetes to manage their insulin administration or with simple wound care.
Oonagh Smyth, chief executive of Skills for Care, said: “The delegation of healthcare activities can provide many benefits to people who draw on care and support, including greater choice and control and quality of life – but it must be done safely and effectively, and it must always be in the best interest of the person drawing on care and support.
“We hope these guiding principles can play a key role in supporting the existing process of delegated healthcare activity, and ensuring this is always conducted safely, effectively and with a person-centred approach.”
Minister for care, Helen Whately, added: “Care workers bring skills and compassion to their work every single day. In the pandemic we saw them successfully take on more of the tasks usually done by nurses, and the principles published today will make that part of our health and care system, for the long term.
“This is a step forward in our social care reforms to develop the careers of the social care workforce, recognising that they have the skills and potential to take on more – as well as easing pressure on our healthcare staff.
“Delegation is an important part of social care both for staff and for people needing care, giving them a chance to be a part of the decision about who carries out daily treatments like wound care so they can have the friendly face of a regular care worker.”
The guiding principles and other supporting resources, including videos and sample policies can be found on the Skills for Care website: www.skillsforcare.org.uk/DelegatedHealthcareActivity
