The author of this essay is a Health Care Assistant (HCA) student who is on work experience in a short stay hospital. For the purpose of this essay the HCA will discuss the skills that are needed in assisting a patient with a bed bath. The HCA will place emphasis on making sure that the patient’s privacy and dignity is maintained throughout the process of the bed bath. The HCA will also highlight the importance of the promotion of independence, communication with the patient and safety of the patient