Page 33 - QARANC Spring 2024

The Gazette QARANC Association 33
The HCA course:
20 weeks to learn the ropes
The Health Care Assistants course at Whittington continues to shape the military healthcare of tomorrow. Recent graduates, Pte Gurung and Pte Tamang, share their experiences of the training.
We arrived in Defence Medical School Whittington on 02 July 2023 to commence the Healthcare Assistant Foundation Course, something that we were both very excited to start. Our class consisted of nine serving personnel and was to last 20 weeks – plenty of time for us all to get to know one another.
In the first week, we were given the opportunity to meet the instructors with ice breakers, as many of us had come from different backgrounds and all had different lengths service and experience. For then on we were tasked to complete our mandatory training on Defence Learning Environment (DLE) and worked with Pearson Apprenticeship to complete our standard care certificate.
At week five, the hard work really started. We ramped up our learning about anatomy, physiology, infection control and first aid, among other essential topics. We were taught by a very professional team including Captain Sheppard, Staff Fiddy, and Staff Wilde – all were highly motivating and taught us theory and practical. They went above and beyond to help us master each topic. This helped to instil in us a better understanding of healthcare practices and protocols and provided a solid foundation in healthcare fundamentals.
After Summer leave, SSgt Charlesworth joined the instructional team, who added further quality. Practical training soon came into play, and we had to undertake our aseptic technique, clinical observations, Electrocardiogram (ECG) practical and Basic Life Support (BLS) summative assessments. This was conducted during weeks seven to nine just before we undertook our class three exam.
We were given an opportunity to apply our knowledge in the real-world settings. Most of the students went to Burton Hospital, and Pte Tamang and I went to Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC). Under the guidance of our experienced instructors Captain Sheppard, Staff Fiddy, Staff Charlesworth and Staff Wilde and other healthcare professionals, we gained good experience in providing personal care, assisting with activities of daily living, and supporting patients’ physical and emotional well-being.
I was placed in Burton Queen’s Hospital and had the wonderful opportunity to be appointed
Students from left to right: Pte Nagarkoti, Pte Rai, Pte Madigan, Pte Joseph, Pte Dixon, Pte Thapa, Pte Uzoma.
We bravely climbed the winding stairs to the upper walkway, so we were in and above the treetops
in the respiratory department. I observed a bronchoscopy, CT scan and a chest drain insertion. This experience motivated me to become a better HCA professional. I even had the opportunity to do last offices, something that was a little bit overwhelming, however, the staff in respiratory ward were incredibly professional as they guided me through step by step.
We also developed our skills to communicate with patients, their families, and other healthcare professionals. These skills were vital for providing compassionate care, building trust, and creating a supportive environment for patients. It educates us on professional conduct, patient rights, confidentiality, and the importance of maintaining ethical standards in our practice.
The 20-week HCA course is an excellent opportunity for us to make a difference in healthcare. With comprehensive training in healthcare knowledge, practical experience, and interpersonal skills, we all were well- prepared to contribute to patient care in various healthcare settings. This course offers a pathway to different Joint Hospital Group for fulfilling our career, creating a positive impact on both patients’ lives and the healthcare industry.
We would all like to thank our course instructors, as without their experience, patience and guidance, we wouldn’t have enjoyed the course as much as we did.