Ten Primary Care Practice Assistants have just graduated with a New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Level 4) - Primary Care Practice Assistance through a new apprenticeship programme; the result of a collaboration between Careerforce, UCOL and THINK Hauora.

The initiative was designed to support care assistants working in Primary Care (GP practices) to upskill, providing standardised training and a recognised qualification while in work. 

THINK Hauora Chief Executive Officer Amarjit Maxwell says that the qualification and skills gained during the programme enables Primary Care Practice Assistants to support nurses and doctors to work more often at the top of their scope.

“Our healthcare system is under pressure. We have incredible staff already working in primary care in support roles, such as healthcare assistants or receptionists, that are interested in developing their skills to provide more support. This qualification recognises that prior experience and minimises the time they have to spend out of work by enabling work-based learning.”

Graduate Shiloh Graham from Best Care (Whakapai Hauora) started as a Receptionist at the practice. She says this course has given her the opportunity to advance her career into the medical profession.
 
“Historically, practice assistants have often been trained on the job, which has been great, but it means that there is a significant variation in the skills and experience across practices.

“This programme means I am now qualified to take blood pressure readings, blood samples, urine tests, setting up intravenous lines, removing stitches, and carrying out an ECG. This works alongside other tasks like stocking cupboards and treatment rooms and sterilising surfaces; anything that helps the practice run more smoothly.”

 

From a clinical perspective, Dr Paul Cooper, Medical Advisor Acute Care for THINK Hauora, says that the graduation of the first cohort is an exciting milestone.

“Winter is here, and knowing that we have more qualified hands on deck, with people that already know our clinical teams and patients, is really worth celebrating. I know I speak for many clinicians when I say that Primary Care Assistants are really important members of the healthcare team.
 
"They support both patients and healthcare workers, enabling more rapid and efficient patient assessment and treatment."

The ten graduates of the programme are currently employed by The Palms Medical Centre, Kauri Healthcare, Cook Street Health Centre, Best Care (Whakapai Hauora), Victoria Medical Centre, Ōtaki Medical Centre and Levin Family Health.

For more information on the New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Level 4) - Primary Care Practice Assistance, please visit the UCOL website.

ENDS