Blog

As the NHS celebrated its 70th birthday this summer there were plenty of nostalgic memories as we as we all reflected on how things were ‘back in the day’. The NHS has changed so dramatically since its inception in 1948 with technology and advances in medical science largely paving the way. But the NHS landscape has also been shaped by those who use its services. We know that people are living longer with more complex conditions and this is reflected in the demand for services both in primary and secondary care. Read More

Both how much and what you eat and drink not only affects your weight but it impacts on your mood, concentration levels and how you feel. In essence, ‘good’ food and hydration are essential for general wellbeing. So, as a healthcare worker, ensuring that your patients receive adequate amounts of nutrition and hydration is a fundamental aspect of holistic care. Read More

Patients who receive PEG feeding will have a PEG tube (also known as a gastrostomy tube) inserted directly into their stomach. The tube allows all food, fluids and medications to pass directly into the digestive tract. Read More

After a while, the hospital or care home where you work becomes as familiar to you as your own home. But it’s important to remember that for patients and relatives these alien environments can often feel scary and add to the vulnerability they are feeling. You can help to minimise anxieties by providing dignified and compassionate care and this should be a fundamental part of training for all nurses and healthcare assistants. Read More

As you know, patients and their relatives can behave in a range of unpredictable and challenging ways - some can shout abuse at you, some may try to physically attack you, others may harm themselves. So, one of the key aspects of working in healthcare is the ability to deal with whatever behaviour comes your way. And this isn’t always easy. Read More

Throughout August, visitors to the Skills Platform can enjoy an extra 10% off all eLearning courses from Skills From Health by using the promotional code 'summer18' at the checkout. Read More

The industry leading charity Education for Health share their background and specialisms as well as the biggest challenges and struggles faced by private health sector organisations presently. Read More

The healthcare sector, like many others, is now bound by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which came into force in May 2018. GDPR requires healthcare professionals to keep personal, medical and financial information safe and secure, and with the sheer volume of this type of information being used on a daily basis, this can be challenging. Read More

When working as a nurse or health care assistant in the adult care sector, care homes or hospital setting, you will be caring for adults with a range of physical and mental health conditions. Many of these adults are incredibly vulnerable and need the understanding of caring and professionally trained staff. It is vital that all care staff and nurses keep themselves up to date with all aspects of caring for vulnerable adults and those with mental health conditions and challenging behaviours. Read More

Vaccines protect patients against infectious diseases and are a vital part of international efforts to improve public health. They are one of the most effective, and safest, tools which exist for healthcare professionals to keep their patients safe from many serious illnesses. However, in recent years there has been an upsurge in scepticism amongst the public about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines, so it is essential to understand how vaccination works, and why they are both safe and effective. Read More

In the healthcare sector, it is inevitable that professionals and the organisations they work for will use and process large amounts of individuals’ personal data. The use, storage, and processing of personal data within health and social care is governed by a wide range of legislation and guidelines which we outline in this article Read More

Person-centred care is a term used to describe care which is responsive to an individual’s personal circumstances, values, needs and preferences. By adhering to person-centred care principles, staff are empowered to cut through the processes and systems to provide care which is specific to the patient’s individual requirements. Read More

Raising awareness of the importance of oral health by supporting patients and residents with good daily mouth care. Equip your workforce with the tools and knowledge needed to ensure good oral healthcare. A guide for Care Home Managers and all staff working with patients who require assistance with their oral health and passing your CQC inspection. Read More

We’re delighted to launch the newly updated Skills For Health Immunisation and Vaccination elearning refresher course, which provides a welcome update for healthcare professionals to increase their knowledge and understanding of best practice. Read More

Phlebotomy was known as bloodletting when it was first used and dates back to the ancient Egyptians, around 1000 BC. They believed that the process of releasing blood from the body would cure various diseases, such as the plague and acne. Read More

10 tips for health professionals to communicate sensitively and empathically about weight. Guest blog written by our expert partners The College of Contemporary Health. This article tackles how we can raise the issue of weight in a way that facilitates patient-practitioner interactions that are both productive and positive experiences. Read More

Care and Support West, a leading body representing social care and health providers in the South West has joined up with Skills for Health’s Skills Platform to create an integrated online training hub for local providers. Responding to member feedback, Care and Support West has worked with the Skills Platform tackle to tackle urgent issues surrounding the provision of quality, evidence-based training in the adult care sector. Read More

The Skills Platform and Zoe Amar Communications have today launched the Charity Digital Skills Report 2018; the annual barometer which measures the progress of digital within healthcare charities and the wider sector. Top line results reveal incremental progress has been made; but is this slow pace of change fast enough and is a lack of digital capability causing healthcare charities to miss out on reaping the benefits of digital transformation. Read More

Overall, we’ve seen some improvements this year. A number of charities are using digital more strategically. There has however been little change in other areas, and I worry that the pace isn’t fast enough, given the speed of change in digital. Compared to last year, there is growing pressure on funders and charity leaders to raise their game online. And as a trustee, I’m concerned to read that the majority of charities either don’t know or aren’t aware of any plans to improve the digital skills of trustees. Read More

To help any organisation involved with apprenticeships this week (March 5th-9th), Skills for Health are offering 10% off any of their eLearning courses or packages. Check out the range of Skills for Health eLearning courses here and cost effective packages here. If you'd like something bespoke, just get in touch. Read More