Healthcare support workers from across Wales are gathering today for the UNISON Cymru/Wales healthcare conference.
The event, which has been designed to specifically address the needs of healthcare support workers, is looking the evolving role of support workers in NHS Wales and the support worker code of conduct.
Attendees will also hear an address from Welsh health ninister Mark Drakeford.
“Healthcare support workers are an essential part of the NHS healthcare team,” says UNISON Cymru/Wales head of health Dawn Bowden. “They are the backbone of our NHS and account for 40% of the workforce.
“UNISON has long recognised the fundamental role provided by healthcare support workers and we anticipate that role becoming even more important in the wake of things like the Francis report.
“In order for the Welsh NHS to be of the best quality possible, it is essential that healthcare support workers are given appropriate training and support.
“The role of healthcare support workers is evolving and the NHS structures need to keep pace with this change by offering genuine career pathways and development opportunities.
“We know that the health minister understands and appreciates the whole of the NHS workforce and so we are interested to hear his vision for healthcare support workers today.”
