This qualification has been developed for support services staff working within the health care sector. It offers a formal qualification for people employed in key roles that are critical in ensuring that patients, users and carers experience a quality service.

The award is designed for support workers in the following roles:

• Porters;
• Security staff;
• Housekeepers;
• Laundry workers;
• Caterers;
• Cleaners;
• Health records workers;
• Transportation.

What is covered in the NVQ in Support Services in Health Care?

The course contains 8 units in total

4 core units:

• Foster people’s equality diversity and rights;
• Contribute to the effectiveness of work teams;
• Promote, monitor and maintain Health, safety and Security in the workplace;
• Give customers a positive impression of yourself and your organisation.

4 additional units:

The remaining 4 units are selected from a list of 30 optional units, for example:

• Support and control visitors to services and facilities;
• Transport supplies of physical resources;
• Support the use of information technology;
• Minimise and deal with aggressive behaviour;
• Drive passenger carrying vehicles safely;
• Distribute and despatch mail;
• Collect, transport and dispose of health waste;
• Maintain housekeeping duties;
• Prepare beds and handle linen and bed coverings;
• Clean floors manually;
• Clean items by washing process;
• Maintain hygiene in food storage, preparation and cooking;
• Provide a table or tray service;
• Administer patient appointments;
• Maintain the arrangements of records;
• Provide authorised access to records.