Care home tackles nursing shortage with new assistant practitioner role

Staff at a Lancashire care home have been taking part in an innovative new training course – one of the first of its kind in the UK.

Healthcare workers at Springhill Care Home in Accrington embarked on a 15 month Assistant Practitioner Programme, as a commitment to maintain excellent standards in care.

The programme allows qualified staff to develop clinical and management skill and adheres to many aspects of a registered nursing course.

Theresa Swan, learning and development manager at Springhill, said: “The national shortage of nurses within this sector is likely to last for many years. Therefore the assistant practitioner role is an excellent response to the problem, which will help to meet the challenges we face in health and social care.

“The group is progressing very well, and have just passed an examination in anatomy and physiology. This initiative will benefit not only the learners but all of our staff and their nurse colleagues. As a result, the residents of the home will experience an even higher level of service.”

The new assistant practitioner role allows healthcare professionals to work alongside nursing colleagues and take on additional responsibilities, creating a solution to the national shortage of nurses experienced across the care sector.

Recent reports suggest the care sector is affected by nurse shortages, with statistics reflecting the number of nurses over the age of 55 at 33 per cent in comparison with 13 per cent across the NHS, meaning a higher proportion are nearing retirement age. Springhill Care provides long-term personalised care and support for adults and older people, including those requiring nursing care and specialist dementia care.