New nursing apprenticeship to boost healthcare in prisons

A new apprenticeship is set to boost healthcare in prisons and support healthcare assistants to carve out careers in one of the most challenging and rewarding sectors of healthcare.

The Open University and Care UK will deliver a Nursing Associate Higher Apprenticeship, training Health Care Support Workers (HCSWs) who are employed across more than 40 prison and young offender establishments where healthcare services are provided by Care UK’s Health in justice division.

The first cohort of 11 HCSWs, from HMP Isle of Wight; HMP Oakwood; HMP/YOI Swinfen Hall; HMP Dovegate; HMP Foston Hall and HMP New Hall, are due to start studying in September, followed by another cohort in February 2020.

The apprentices will train using the OU’s unique work-based learning model, training within their prisons as well as studying at home to ensure they can grow their skills while continuing to provide the highest standards of quality and best practice.

Kate Carter, Director of Nursing at Care UK, said: “Care UK’s Health in Justice team serve thousands of patients in 43 English prisons. This includes some of the most vulnerable people within our society. Nationally, we have an ageing prison population with increasingly complex needs, including mobility issues and dementia. In addition, HCSWs support those with addictions through rehabilitation and they educate and create care plans for those living with chronic health problems.

“The healthcare system has a shortage of nurses. We know that to best serve our patients and attract, recruit and maintain excellent staff we need to guarantee great educational and career prospects. This apprenticeship will let our colleagues continue to provide invaluable services, while training to take on further clinical roles in what is possibly one of the most interesting healthcare areas.”

Dr Sally Boyle, Head of School for Health, Wellbeing & Social Care at The Open University, said: “We are thrilled to be able to support Care UK in the delivery of our Nursing Associate Higher Apprenticeship, as we nurture and train HCSWs to improve their skillset and continue their work as vital team members to the health service.”

For further information about the Nursing Associate Higher Apprenticeship visit  www.open.ac.uk/business/apprenticeships/degree-and-higher/nursing-associate-higher-apprenticeship.