PEOPLE needing care are receiving better services because of a pilot programme that changed the way health and social care staff in west Wales are trained, a report has said.

The pilot project, run by Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire local authorities working with Hywel Dda University Health Board and Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW), has been highlighted by the Social Care Institute for Excellence.

An evaluation of the project said that the joint model of health and social care induction training created positive changes in practice and better outcomes for people who use care and support services.

The councils, health board and HEIW worked together on the pilot between 2019 and 2021.

Over 160 members of staff completed the programme - 120 of them also successfully completing a Level 2 Health and Social Care qualification.

The Social Care Institute for Excellence found the pilot increased learners’ confidence and competence, and supported workforce recruitment and retention.

It also said that effective joint working between health and social care was essential to the pilot’s success.

Jonathan Griffiths, Chair of the Regional Workforce Programme Board, said: “The joint induction pilot has shown some excellent outcomes in ensuring that our health and care staff are supported to provide a high standard of care.

“The roll out of the programme will be taken forward as one of our priorities for west Wales through our regional workforce programme board.”

The Social Care Institute for Excellence said it would look to build on the good work and positive outcomes of the pilot.

Mandy Rayani, Director of Nursing, Quality and Patient Experience at Hywel Dda University Health Board, added: “I’m delighted that the pilot has proven to be a success.”