Celebrating our Healthcare Support Workers | News

This week we say a huge thank you to all our healthcare support workers (HCSW) as we celebrate them on their national day of recognition. Healthcare Support Worker Day is held annually on 23 November and is led by the Royal College of Nursing. This year’s focus is the celebration of the diversity and skills of HCSWs and to acknowledge their contribution and value to patient care. 

At Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust we have over 650 HCSWs in hospital and community based roles. Our Chief Nurse Jo Mountjoy says they are the heartbeat of compassionate care:

“They provide comfort, dignity, and practical support to patients and families during some of their most vulnerable moments. We sometimes underestimate the incredible impact they have, but the feedback we receive speaks volumes. People talk about their kindness, their skill, and the difference they make every single day. Their empathy and professionalism are deeply valued by our community. Thank you.”

Healthcare Support Workers play a vital role in providing excellent care for patients and their responsibilities differ according to their team. They can help with social and physical activities, take observations of patients and work with the full range of patient groups in hospital, people’s own homes or community settings.  

Paul works as an HCSW in our Guildford Ward:

“The NHS represents care, compassion, and teamwork, and being part of that makes me proud. Every day is different, and even small acts, like offering a smile or holding someone’s hand, can mean so much.”

Another of our HCSW colleagues Sandy works in Endoscopy: 

“As an HCSW you are needed everywhere and when people are busy, you need to be able to help them out when they need it most. My piece of advice would be to work around the hospital, get to know other areas and how the hospital works.”

The HCSW role can also lead to a range of career opportunities using the skills they learn in the role as a springboard to further training in other healthcare opportunities such as nursing and midwifery. You can find out more about the role by following our Day in the Life of a HCSW here and see current vacancies on our website.