Ward managers' perceptions of the role of healthcare assistants.

While unqualified nurses form an integral part of the UK's healthcare system, accounting for a large percentage of the workforce, there is limited evidence to identify the actual role of the healthcare assistant. This study explored hospital ward managers' views on the current and potential expansion of the healthcare assistant's role. A confidential survey was sent to all ward managers (n = 35) in one large acute hospital trust. A response rate of 94% (n = 33) was obtained. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and open-ended questions were analysed for emerging themes. The results indicated that healthcare assistants are undertaking a wide diversity of procedures raging from general tidying to carrying out complex clinical procedures. Additionally, 82% (n = 27) of the managers reported that the healthcare assistant's role could be expanded, although concerns were raised regarding additional training and supervision.