“I have learned a lot about myself and my own strengths that I didn't know I had. Thanks Walsall Healthcare.”

 This is just some of the feedback from a successful Clinical Support Worker (CSW) Induction Programme run by Walsall Healthcare - despite all the obstacles of being in a pandemic.

The CSW programme was delivered over two weeks last month.

The Faculty of Research and Education (FORCE) team collaborated with Walsall College and whg to encourage people back into employment. Fifteen of the CSWs were new to care.

The Induction programme involved a variety of elements including:

• standard orientation, scenario based training around personal care
• contemporous documentation such as fluid charts
• hand hygiene, vital signs theory and practice
• patients with challenging behaviours

All parts of the trust team worked hard within social distancing rules to ensure an engaging and supportive introduction was provided.

As a result of the success of this programme, the intention is that the FORCE team will be able to repeat the recruitment/induction process in collaboration with Walsall College and whg several times a year for the next two years.

Here’s a taste of the feedback given by the students:

• "It's never too late to follow your dreams and achieve your goals. Thankful of this opportunity and glad to be a part of the NHS" - Emma Tolley, CSW
• “I have really enjoyed the induction training and learning the basics of care and clinical support - then being able to transfer this knowledge into a practical approach during my shadow shifts on the wards. Walsall Healthcare Trust is great to work for" - Claire Simpson, CSW
• "The past 2 weeks have been very insightful. I have learned a lot about myself and my own strengths that I didn't know I had. Thanks Walsall Healthcare" – CSW
• "Being on this course has been an adventure and felt like a positive impact on the NHS after the pandemic. I've been thankful to get a boost in knowledge before starting my CSW role in A&E" – CSW
• "After being made redundant after 19 years in my last job I felt really apprehensive starting my new job. The induction day and the two days shadowing on a ward went really well and helped me feel more positive about my new role. I can’t wait to start!" – CSW

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