Delegating healthcare to care staff: how does it work?

Oonagh Smyth, CEO of Skills for Care, along with Deborah Sturdy, chief nurse for adult social care, and Melanie Weatherley, director of Walnut Care, discuss what the delegation of healthcare activities means, how it works, and who it can help

The Guiding principles for delegated healthcare were published in May 2023, in a fitting collaboration between Skills for Care, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), and sector partners.

The new voluntary principles support the person-centred nature — and the safety and effectiveness of — delegated healthcare activities which have been happening in social care already for many years. They are designed to be adapted locally to complement existing best practice and local protocols.

A delegated healthcare activity is an activity which a regulated healthcare professional, such as a nurse, nursing associate, occupational therapist, or speech and language therapist, delegates to a care worker or personal assistant. This could include administering insulin to someone with diabetes or carrying out simple wound care.

Log in or register FREE to read the rest

This story is Premium Content and is only available to registered users. Please log in at the top of the page to view the full text. If you don't already have an account, please register with us completely free of charge.

Latest Issues

Care Show Birmingham

National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham
9th October - 10th October 2024

Care Roadshow South

Epsom Downs Racecourse, Epsom
15th October 2024

Care Roadshow Wales

Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff
12th November 2024

Care England Conference

Church House Conference Centre, Westminster, London
13th March 2025

Care Sector Supplier Awards

London Marriott Hotel Canary Wharf, 22 Hertsmere Rd, London E14 4ED
29th April 2025