The role of non-professional staff in health adviser/GUM practice – finding the right recipe Paul Driscoll SSHA conference – 09/09

Who am I? Past – HIV nurse specialist, Lead Health Addenbrookes NHS Trust in Cambridge Now - Lecturer in the school of Health and Human the University of Suffolk, still clinically active

What do I love….?

What a question to ask a new lecturer… ‘Would you like to be involved in a new project involving Skills for Health?’

Why the lengthy title of this lecture? The NHS work force is changing…and we have to be prepared

‘200,000 NHS nurses are about to walk out the door’ ‘Hospitals creaking under the strain as NHS vacancies are left unfilled’ Degree only professions

NHS budgets cut by 10% in next financial year? Funding for health and social care HEIs across the country being reduced Finite NHS resources are starting to bite Privatisation

Will this effect Health Advisors?

Without question Potential….  Vacancy freezes  Increased difficulty finding staff with appropriate experience to train  Reduction of HA services  Erosion of the HA role  Greater threat in non-central/rural centres??

The Solution? Reflection Awareness Preparation Flexibility Leadership

The Solution? Make ourselves more efficient Review work loads Review working structures Can technology be used to allow more effectively Can non-professional staff be used to complete some of the tasks traditionally carried out by a HA?

The Solution? How many of you have non- professional members of staff carrying out elements of HA work?

The Solution? The Associate Practitioner - band 4 -being developed at a national level and in a Trust near you -enhanced health care assistant role -significant applications within GUM ??HA practice?? -FdA supported

The Solution? What is an Foundation Degree? A nationally recognised qualification 240 academic credits (– can be topped up to full BA, 360 credits) Students enter the course at academic level 4 A qualification the facilitates widening participation in HE It presents a ideal opportunity for work force development

Health Care Practice FdA – Sexual Health pathway Designed for non-professionals working in an appropriate health care setting Fully funded by local Strategic Health Authority Cohort in place to commence course in Febuary 2010

FdA Health Care Practice – Sexual Health Pathway

In conclusion… Am I proposing that we dilute the important work that Health Advisors carry out….? NO

In conclusion Am I proposing that as a professional group we demonstrate an increased level of awareness towards the threats to our practice….absolutely.

Thank you.