Thousands of Healthcare Assistants to lose their title: "It's completely absurd"

The trade union Kommunal has been campaigning for Healthcare Assistants to become a protected professional title for a while. And on July 1 this year it will become a reality in line with a government decision.

In order to be able to use the title of Healthcare Assistant you need a certificate from the National Board of Health and Welfare (Socialstyrelsen). But there is a transitional rule. Those who are permanent staff have ten years to acquire this certificate and may call themselves Healthcare Assistants in the meantime.

However, this does not apply to those who are employed on an hourly basis or have fixed-term employment. After July 1 they may no longer call themselves Healthcare Assistants without proof from the National Board of Health and Welfare. This can lead to a fine. At the same time, they are only able to apply for the certificate from July 1.

The title "Care Worker" (omvårdnadsassisten) will be used in their contract instead. This is the title that the regions and SKR have agreed should apply during this time.

There are 160 fixed-term Healthcare Assistants in Kristianstad.

– One possibility that we are looking into is to offer Healthcare Assistants permanent employment for a limited time before July 1 if appropriate, says Johanna Spånér, HR Manager.

Municipalities and regions are awaiting information from the National Board of Health and Welfare about what is required to obtain the title of Healthcare Assistant.

– We will identify if there is a need for skills development in order to obtain the title of Healthcare Assistant based on the National Board of Health and Welfare’s assessment, says Lise-Lott Hassel.

– In the meantime, we are encouraging employees to gather their educational certificates so that they are ready to be sent off when required.