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Programme Aim     

The overall aim of the programme is to provide the learner with the opportunity to acquire the knowledge, skill and competence to work independently and under supervision in a supportive role within the Health Service.

The programme is offered to the learner on a full time basis and has been designed to be sufficiently flexible to enable the learner to take up a position on Health Service Skills in North Connaught College.

Health Service Skills provides students with an opportunity to study on a course that leads directly into employment or Healthcare level 6 in North Connaught College or Higher Education.

This course helps students to develop their interpersonal, caring and practice skills which they can apply to a varied range of client groups in a variety of healthcare settings. Whilst at the same time understanding the importance of maintaining a client’s independence, dignity, respect, self-esteem and choice.

Students will learn a range of theories, current practice guidelines and legal requirements relating to the provision of health care thus allowing them to contribute under supervision to the planning, implementation and evaluation of care to a specified client group.

Students will gain practical experience in the areas of:

  • Care routines
  • Activities of daily living
  • Working as part of a healthcare team

Other areas of study include:

  • Infection Prevention & Control
  • Communications
  • Safety & health at Work

Work experience is also a core feature of the Health Service Skills programme with students spending time in a healthcare setting, enhancing employability.

Students will also have an opportunity to take the following courses:

  • Patient moving and manual handling
  • Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults
  • First Aid

Programme Progression 

This course prepares students for employment in a wide variety of care services such as Nursing Homes, Hospitals, Community Care services, Residential Settings for people with physical and intellectual disabilities, Day Care Centres and Homecare Agencies. Within these services there are many work opportunities for example Health Care Assistant, Multi Task Assistants and Support Worker.

Following on from Health Service Skills level 5 there is direct progression onto Level 6 Health Supervisory Management in North Connaught College. This course prepares you to work in a supervisory role in a range of healthcare services.

Students are also in a position to access third level degree courses in Applied Social Care, Social Care Practice, Social Sciences, Early Childhood Studies and Community Youth Work.

Entry Requirements  

Education: The learner who has either successfully completed a programme leading to a level 4 QQI Certificate OR can demonstrate the levels of knowledge, skill and competence associated with NFQ level 4 will be eligible to apply for entry to this programme.

 Aptitude: Applicants must have a motivation to learn, an interest in the subject and the ability to acquire the knowledge, skills and competencies set out in the course.

Course Content  

Title Award Awarding Body
Infection Prevention and Control (5N3734) QQI
Care Support (5N0758) QQI
Activities of Living Patient Care (5N3707) QQI
Care of the Older Person (5N2706  ) QQI
Care Skills (5N2770) QQI
Safety & Health at Work (5N1794) QQI
Communications (5N0690) QQI
Work Experience (5N1356) QQI

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this programme learners will have the knowledge, skill and competence to work independently and under supervision in a supportive role within the Health Service. The programme provides students with an opportunity to study on a course that leads directly into employment or Healthcare level 6 in North Connaught College or Higher Education.

Further Details    

 Below is a list of each of the modules with a detailed description.

Care Support

The purpose of this module is to enable the learner to explore the roles and responsibilities of a care worker, whilst understanding the importance of multidisciplinary work in the care sector. There is an emphasis on understanding the needs of the clients and how to provide enhanced quality of care. This module is about exploring personal planning and growth as a student HCA through reflection in a caring profession.

Infection Prevention and Control

This module is an essential part of maintaining a safe and hygienic environment for patients, staff and visitors in care settings. To achieve this end the learner will develop an understanding of the principles of infection, the factors that contribute to healthcare associated infections, their prevention and outbreak management. Students will develop knowledge of the standard precautions and practical skills required in IPC some examples are decontaminate equipment, terminal cleaning, management of spillages, safe sharps disposal and management of accidental exposure to blood & bodily fluids.

Activities of Living Patient Care

This module aims to equip the learner with the knowledge, skills & competence to enable him/her to provide individualised holistic care using the activities of living as a framework to guide care practices. As we age we may become less able to perform everyday activities such as washing and eating. In this module students will explore the concept of individualised holistic care and the multiple factors that influence the older person’s ability to perform activities independently. The student will develop the relevant practical skills and appropriate interpersonal skills needed to provide individualised holistic care.

Care of the Older Person

In Care of the Older Person you will develop the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the full and holistic needs of older people in a variety of care contexts and to develop an awareness of the increasing needs of older people in the community today. This will involve learning the role and responsibilities of a healthcare assistant and the importance of effective verbal and no verbal communication. All of these skills are essential to meeting the communication, social, emotional, intellectual and personal needs of an older person.

Care Skills

The aim of this module is to equip the learner with the skills, knowledge and competence to care for clients with differing needs through the use of practical skills in personal care. The student will learn how to respond effectively to clients’ individual needs, with their involvement and their use of choice.  All of these skills will take place in an environment which is safe, healthy and hygienic, maintained for clients by the student in their work-placement.

Communications

This is one of the most important modules, whether in the workplace or in a college environment it is essential to be able to transfer knowledge in a clear and concise way and also to be aware of the different types of communication. The module covers both written and practical aspects of communication and gives learners practice and confidence for public speaking which is very important for the third level where presentations are compulsory.

Safety & Health at Work

The purpose of this module is to equip the learner with the skills to promote and maintain safety and health in a work environment. Create an awareness of safety and health issues in the workplace. Examine the responsibilities and duties of the employer and the employee with regard to health and safety. Develop skills in identify hazards and carry out risk assessment. Familiarise the learner with the relevant national legislation and statutory bodies.

 Work Experience

Students must find work placement in a suitable healthcare setting. Work-experience classes prepare the student to apply for work placement and future work by learning skills a cover letter, CV and interview techniques. Students will also gain an understanding of their own skills and qualities, as well as how document their learning during placement. This is an essential module for anybody wishing to prepare for or return to the workplace.

 Learner Supports and Resources

The following learner supports and resources will be available to the learner participating in this programme, where appropriate:

  • Literacy support
  • Adult and career guidance
  • Access to a fully functioning computer with appropriate software applications
  • Programme specific equipment and facilities
  • Internet access
  • Academic support
  • Reasonable accommodations
  • Advocacy support