Healthcare Support Workers support patients on their journey back to health. There are 30 different types of healthcare support worker roles in the NHS.
Healthcare Support Workers (HCSWs) are the backbone of hands-on care in the NHS. They work alongside nurses, midwives, and other healthcare professionals to support patients with their everyday needs. This might include helping with washing and dressing, serving meals, taking observations like blood pressure and temperature, and offering vital reassurance and companionship.
HCSWs work in a variety of settings — hospitals, clinics, GP surgeries, and out in the community or in patients’ homes. No formal qualifications are needed to start, just a caring nature, good communication skills, and a willingness to learn. It’s a rewarding role with great opportunities for training and career development — many HCSWs go on to become Nursing Associates or Registered Nurses.