The Carer Digital - Issue #62

T H E P U B L I C AT I O N F O R N U R S I N G A N D R E S I D E N T I A L C A R E H O M E S

W W W. T H E C A R E R U K . C O M

The Carer Digital

THECARERUK

THECARERUK

Issue 62

Providers Mourn Those Lost To The Pandemic

YEARS of neglect and under-funding meant the care of older and vulnerable people was in crisis when the pandemic struck and tragedy was inevitable, care providers said today.

Representative body the Independent Care Group (ICG) said providers mourned every single Covid-19 death and sent their condolences to everyone who had lost loved ones.

The priority now was to force the Government into setting a deadline for getting the sector the reform it needs to ensure it is not left in crisis and vulnerable again.

The ICG said social care was virtually ignored at the start of the pandemic and providers were left unable to get proper tests, personal protective equipment,

and the right guidance.

The ICG was commenting after the sector’s watchdog, the Care Quality Commission (CQC), published a list of how many people have died from Covid-19 in each individual care and nursing home across the country.\ ICG Chair Mike Padgham said: “Behind these statistics are stories of personal tragedy and we must never forget that. Every Covid-19 death is the sad loss of a much-loved husband or wife, parent or grand-parent, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, or friend.

“As care providers today, we mourn each and every one of them."

(CONTINUED ON PAGE 3...)

PAGE 2 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 62

EDITOR'S VIEWPOINT Welcome to the latest edition of The Carer Digital!

The news story that the government’s mandatory vaccination policy in care homes will put up to 40,000 jobs at risk will I suspect come as a surprise to nobody. (See the full story on page 7.)

According to a report by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) the implications of the policy will have a far-reaching effect.

According to their own figures, 7% of the 570,000 staff working in CQC registered care homes may refuse to take up the vaccine before the end of the Editor government's period of grace in November.

A cost to the sector of £100 million.

We have echoed the thoughts of many industry leaders who believed that forced vaccinations is not the correct approach, educate and persuade as opposed to coercion.

We have often highlighted beyond going staffing crisis in the care sector, and the government own research reveals that their policy is going to exasperate that.

If the government’s own figures prove to be correct (and I suspect they probably will) another issue will be the intolerable burden left on staff who have been vaccinated who are having to cover the workload of the 40,000 who have left.

Once again the government needs to look long and hard at this policy.

Recruitment and retention has always been an issue, and this policy will deter many people from considering the sector as a career.

I am sure readers like me have been following the recent “ping-demic”. The rise in the number of people being told to self isolate by the NH S test and trace app.

So what exactly is the issue? Well, apparently between the first and seven of July 520,194 people in England received an alert telling them to self isolate for 10 days, which was considerably up on the week before.

This, of course, is having a severe impact on a number of industries.

Fortunately, and credit where it's due, the government moved to act quickly by announcing that double vaccinated frontline staff who have been pinged could avoid self isolation providing they had a negative polymerase chain reaction test and had daily negative lateral flow tests for at least seven days.

I note that the governments long awaited and much delayed social care reform plans have been pushed back yet again. The DHSC had been set to release proposals for how to reform social care this year, with reports in the media suggesting but they would be released before the summer parliamentary recess begins

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Peter Adams

WEBSITE: www.thecareruk.com EDITOR Peter Adams SALES EXECUTIVES at the end of the month.

Again it will come as no surprise to hear that this it's now been pushed back until after the recess, and possibly may be pushed back even further.

I am sure readers do not need reminding the Prime Minister said when he entered Downing Street - that reform the social care has been a challenge for many years and that he remained committed to coming up with a long term solution.

There is speculation but the government is considering a National Insurance increase, which would seem to place an unnecessarily unfair burden on younger and lower paid workers.

This issue has always been a can that successive governments have kicked down the road. The Prime Minister made a clear commitment when he entered Downing Street, and yes, he has had a lot to contend with since his premiership began, but a promise is a promise and the sector is crying out for leadership under direction!

Once again we have called on some of the industry’s “leading lights” for insight, advice guidance and best practice, and are always delighted to print the many “uplifting stories” we receive from care homes and staff around the country so please do keep them coming!

I can always be contacted at editor@thecareruk.com

Sylvia Mawson David Bartlett Guy Stephenson TYPESETTING & DESIGN Matthew Noades PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Shelly Roche Published by

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 62 | PAGE 3

Providers Mourn Those Lost To The Pandemic (CONTINUED FROM FRONT COVER...)

“All care and nursing homes that have lost residents to Covid-19 have been left changed, shell-shocked and exhausted after shedding blood, sweat and tears to the task of keeping residents and staff as safe as they possibly could in the face of a cruel, indiscriminate and unprecedented pandemic.

“If it were not for the close partnership working with North Yorkshire County Council, City of York Council and the local Clinical Commissioning Groups, the figures would have been much worse. In many cases the local authorities were in front of government thinking and acted in a supportive way from the start of the pandemic. The ICG worked very closely with these organisations and relationships have been strengthened accordingly.

“This is also a perfect moment to thank the amazing social care staff across the country who have performed miracles to keep care and nursing home residents and people being cared for in their own home as safe as possible. They have been magnificent. We thank them and owe them a huge debt of gratitude.

“The reasons that social care settings were so vulnerable to Covid-19

are many.

“Government after government, of all political party, have failed to tackle the social care issue. Instead, a generation of neglect of the sector – which has seen £8bn cut from social care budgets since 2010, some 1.5m people living without the care they need and 120,000 vacancies in the sector – left it on its knees, with providers already closing or on the brink of survival.

“Against this backdrop, the pandemic struck, and social care providers were hit by a brutal virus they were ill-prepared for.

“As the Government struggled to cope it concentrated its efforts on the NHS and social care was virtually abandoned. Poor access to proper testing, poor supply of the right type of personal protective equipment (PPE) and a lack of clear guidance from the Government compounded an already dreadful situation.

“At the same time, as wards overflowed, hospitals were discharging patients into care homes without tests, taking the virus into those care settings and causing many of the deaths we are seeing listed today.

“It was a perfect storm – a storm that has not abated since.

“The Government hasn’t got everything right but to be fair, this pandemic was unprecedented and any administration would struggle, as

they have all over the world. Many things our Government has got right, including the rollout of the vaccine, which has been exceptional.”

Mr Padgham said the priority now was to give social care the reform it needed to ensure social care was not left in such crisis again.

“We know that Covid-19 hasn’t gone away yet and we are still working hard to keep our care and nursing home safe by keeping all of our restrictions in place. Those homes are safe and we want to get that message across,” he added.

“Many care providers are facing an existential battle to survive.

Already on their knees before the pandemic they have been battered

by Covid-19, left physically and emotionally exhausted and financially crippled. Rising costs due to the pandemic and the failure of occupancy rates to recover means a real struggle.

“That means we must now have the reform of social care that we have been promised for a generation.

“Social care needs better funding – whether through taxation or National Insurance – to create a sector that can cope with rising demand, recover after Covid-19 and properly reward and recognise the staff who have performed miracles this past 16 months.”

Surrey Maritime Charity Welcomes Royal Patron Banstead-based maritime charity The Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society welcomed its Royal Patron HRH Princess Anne to meet staff, residents and tenants at the Society’s Belvedere House care home and see first-hand the Home’s latest modernisation plan.

Princess Royal is inspiring to us all – it’s fantastic for the Society to have such a knowledgeable Patron who always takes the time to have meaningful conversations with us.”

Commander Brian Boxall-Hunt, CEO at The Royal Alfred Seafarers’

The Surrey-based care home operator and charity has provided housing, residential and nursing care to former seafarers, their widows and dependants since 1865 and is incorporated under Royal Charter with HRH The Princess Royal as its patron.

Society, said: “We were honoured to be able to host our Patron HRH The Princess Royal at the Home once again and show how we are looking to the future and continuing to invest to make the Society a place to support and provide for former seafarers and their depend-

After a trying year for staff and residents due to Covid-19 restrictions, the Home is now looking to the future by undergoing a programme of modernisation including creating en-suite wet rooms for residents, enlarging bedrooms and building a new lounge for the Home.

HRH The Princess Royal viewed the new rooms, surveyed the architecture plans and spent quality time with staff members, residents, and tenants for the first time in-person since the Covid-19 pandemic; including tenant of five years Anne Macleod-Carey. Anne is a former WRNS visual signaller (1943 – 1945) and MN Union Castle 3rd Officer who joined the WRNS at the age of 17 in the midst of the Second World War. She now lives at the Society’s Weston Acres sheltered

ents for many years to come.

“It has been a difficult year for everyone, especially those who work in the care sector, and the family and friends of residents who have given up so much to keep their loved ones safe. In line with national guidelines and to maintain the strict standards of safety in the Home, it housing facility.

On meeting HRH, Anne said: “After a difficult and quite sombre year for all, it was fantastic to have everyone come together to welcome the Society’s wonderful Patron, HRH The Princess Royal – a definite highlight of my time here at Weston Acres. I have such a passion for the sea and, as Chief Commandant of Women in the Royal Navy, The

was wonderful to be able to host a small event and celebrate the hard work of all the team at the Society.

“I would like to thank HRH The Princess Royal for her patronage and continuing support of the Society, and all our staff who continue to offer the very best care for the residents who call Belvedere House home.”

PAGE 4 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 62

How To Plan A Holiday For Your Service Users?

By Barry Price of QCS (www.qcs.co.uk) When the marketing team approached me to write an article on supported holidays, naturally I jumped at the chance.

But it was only when I sat down to write the piece that I began to realise the enormity of the task that I was faced with. In a time of COVID, how do you write a meaningful and helpful guide to holidays in a thousand words when the wants, needs and capabilities of service users are so vastly different? What is right for one person may not be right for another. The key point, therefore, is always to take a person-centred approach. The best services know what drives, excites and inspires the people they support, and budget permitting, they will do their level best to give them their dream break.

That said, having accumulated nearly two decades of experience in accompanying and supporting service users on holiday, managing expectations within person-centred framework is crucial. So too is care planning. QCS, the leading provider of content, policies and standards, has created several policies including supporting independence with holidays, Social life stories, policies regarding Accessible information standards and Care and Risk Assessment planning documents.

When considering the options, it's absolutely imperative that you involve the service user. After all, it's their holiday, not yours. In discussing options, I would recommend taking a look at a ‘Rough Guide to Accessible Britain’, which is published by ‘Motability’, the leading car scheme for disabled people.

FIRST STEPS After establishing the basics – such as where they want to go, what do they want to do and how long they want to be away from home, the next step would to discuss the level of the support they would need with a senior manager to enable the service user to really get the most out of their holiday. The mind-set should be one of never accepting “no”, but instead always asking “How”.

Take a person with complex needs, who requires round the clock supervision, for instance. They may need two members of staff to accompany them on their break. Imagine, for example, that you are supporting a person with a brain injury, who has a severe form of epilepsy. It might be that that person needs to be monitored throughout the night.

Therefore, you need to budget for two members of staff to provide support.

Of course, the sad reality is that the more support that a person requires, often the more expensive the break. I think that this is where outstanding planning and diligent research comes into its own, however.

If the person you are supporting has brain injury or is autistic, there are often grants that can be applied for. Secondly, if you know where to look, there are some wonderful discounts available that can massively reduce the cost of a break. When I used to accompany service users on holiday, for instance, the support team found the Sun newspaper’s £9.50 holiday offer to be a godsend. Okay – while we rarely got a break for a tenner, collecting the vouchers each day, enabled a service user to enjoy a holiday at a UK Holiday Park at a hugely subsidised rate.

PLANNING A FOREIGN TRIP AFTER COVID But, what if you encounter a service user who wants to visit to the Maasai Mara game park in Kenya or perhaps take a trip to Graceland, the home of Elvis, in Memphis, Tennessee? Whenever service users came to me with such requests, while managing their expectations, I would always try my best to do as much as I could to try and make their dream a reality. How? Well, I would involve their loved ones at an early stage and try to work with them to establish if such a trip was possible from a cost perspective. It might be that they could help contribute to financing the holiday.

Sometimes too, service users – particularly those with brain injuries have received compensation for their injury and future care needs. If this is the case, then cost may not be a barrier. Instead, the greatest obstacles lie in the planning, which needs to be meticulous. If, for example, a person wanted to visit a Kenyan or a Tanzanian national park, what vaccines would they need to have? Is it safe for them to have the vaccines? Are they comfortable taking anti-malaria tablets? In addition to delays and stolen luggage, does holiday insurance provide comprehensive medical expenses cover? Does it include sickness and emergency contingency plans – in case the service user needs to be flown home at short notice? Wherever the destination – whether it's local, national or international – care workers should always carry an emergency grab bag, a communication passport and a hospital traffic light document.

LOCATION AND DISTANCE That said, with the world still gripped by COVID, it is likely that longhaul holidays won't become a possibility for service users for some time. Even if they do, most people – particularly those with complex needs – prefer will look to holiday in the UK. For disabled people and those with learning disabilities, autism, and dementia, location and distance are very important factors to consider. How far away is the hotel or holiday park, for example? What time of year is best to go? For instance, a person with learning disabilities may be extremely uncomfortable in crowds or around children. So, it may be best to schedule the break outside of the school holidays. Another obstacle is planning the route. As anyone who supports disabled people will know, it can be

challenging to find service stations en-route that meet their needs.

However, the ‘Changing Places’ website contains a comprehensive list of accessible amenities.

MANAGING EXPECTATIONS, OVER-EXCITEMENT AND ANXIETY There’s also the question of when you tell a service user where and when they are going. Earlier in the piece, I wrote that service users should be heavily involved in the planning stage wherever possible.

However, there is always an exception to the rule, and it does not mean that in not involving the you are being any less person-centred in your approach. Take a person with severe learning disabilities who is fascinated with animals. If you were to tell him or her that you are scheduling a trip to London Zoo or Longleat Safari Park in a fortnight’s time, they may not be able to think about anything else and they could become very anxious.

Equally, on the flipside, there are some service users, who not only need to be heavily involved in the planning process, but need to be suitably mentally prepared to go somewhere different that breaks their routine. Take an autistic person for example. They are likely to much more comfortable if they know what they will be doing each day. The Autism Friendly Caravan is one such company that really understands the sometime complex and varying needs that an autistic person might have, due to the fact that the owner’s son is autistic. They understand the inherent value of picture book and story books, for instance, to prepare a person for a caravan holiday. Whenever I accompanied people with learning disabilities or autism on holidays – whether they were hotel or caravan based – I would call the manager and ask them to send me photos of the grounds, of the room that the person would be staying in and the communal areas. I would then make a story book and show it to the person every day up until the holiday. That I found was the best way to mentally prepare a person for a change of schedule.

Finally, it’s important to recognise the fact that not everyone wants to go on a holiday. Some service users want to sleep in their own bed every night. Sometimes, carefully selecting several day trips over the course of a week or a fortnight might prove to be the best option.

Whatever you and your service users decide to do this summer, from everyone at QCS, have fun!

To find out more about QCS, contact our compliance advisors on 0333-4053333 or email sales@qcs.co.uk?

Alternatively, if you're seeking a new challenge, QCS is hiring. For a list of current vacancies, click here https://www.qcs.co.uk/current-opportunities/

Heightened Profile Of Care Sector Has Increased Demand For UK Care Businesses Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has today released its mid-year review of the care business property market, which analyses the market in 2021 so far, gives an outlook for the remainder of the year, and shares views from its latest operator sentiment survey.

the forward-looking demographic demand drivers and the structural undersupply of future-proof care beds in the UK. Development activity in 2021 remains very strong thanks to the high demand from a range of institutional, sector specialist and overseas investors for new build care homes let on long-term leases to good quality operator

The Road to Recovery

covenants.

After a challenging time for the care sector, which was exacerbated by a second wave of the virus Christie & Co notes promising signs of recovery.

Thanks, in part, to the success of the vaccine rollout in the UK, the rate of COVID-19 infection levels and deaths within care homes has dramatically decreased, enabling homes to accept new admissions.

Similarly, relatives and prospective residents are now more confident of moving into a care setting due to reductions in self isolation and the fact that regular family visits are now much easier to achieve.

Average occupancy is showing signs of improvement, but overall increases are slow and many providers are focussed on maximising income from local authority or CCG funded clients with complex needs.

Christie & Co conducted a survey of care operator market sentiment across the UK, and reports that 45 per cent of respondents said their occupancy has recovered, yet 39 per cent said their occupancy levels were below 80 per cent which shows that there is a still a way to go before the sector returns to pre-pandemic levels.

Transaction Market Supply & Demand Demand for care homes remains strong across all buyer groups as it was pre-pandemic, but the second wave of the virus delayed some care homes coming to the market as owners grappled with COVID-19 outbreaks and occupancy challenges.

The strength of buyer demand, coupled with a relative shortage of stock, means that pricing is holding up well, with multiple offers being

As with the going concern market, a relative shortage of opportunities has resulted in strong interest and a compression of yields for such forward funding opportunities. Christie & Co expects this trend to continue as new capital enters the market with many investors actively targeting healthcare due to its strong needs-driven underpin and operational real estate exposure.

Pricing & Funding routinely received. There is improving appetite across the market spectrum, with the top end of the market fuelled by strong investor interest which is cascading through the rest of the market.

20 per cent of sentiment survey respondents said they are looking to sell their business in 2021, whilst 29 per cent are looking to buy, which highlights ongoing operator confidence in the sector.

Market Activity & Investment Appetite After a pause last year, investment activity has kicked-off with increased institutional interest in the sector as well as strong interest in the UK care sector from overseas capital, with European consolidators becoming increasingly active in the UK market.

Specialist markets remain strong as they have been relatively unaffected by the pandemic and the secure income streams continue to appeal to private equity groups and infrastructure funds.

The development market continued largely unabated through 2020 as developers and operators took a longer-term view off the back of

Multiples and pricing for care businesses have remained largely unaffected by the pandemic, however operational challenges have impacted many operators’ financial performance.

45 per cent of sentiment survey respondents believe values would increase during 2021, with 33 per cent expecting little improvement.

Lenders are closely monitoring occupancy levels and supporting operational performance across their client groups with indications that many providers fared better than expected.

Richard Lunn, Managing Director at Christie & Co, comments, “The pandemic has thrown a spotlight on the industry and, in many respects, has shown the importance of care provision in the UK. As a result, we have seen an increase in the demand for homes from providers looking to grow their portfolios.”

To read the full mid-year review, click here: https://www.christie.com/news-resources/publications/july2021/care-mid-year-review-2021/

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 62 | PAGE 5

Frontline NHS and Social Care Staff Can Attend Work Rather Than Self-Isolate In Exceptional Circumstances Double vaccinated frontline NHS and social care staff in England who have been told to self-isolate will be permitted to attend work in exceptional circumstances and where additional safety measures can be upheld. This will include staff who have been contacted as a close contact of a case of COVID-19 by NHS Test and Trace, or advised to self-isolate by the NHS Covid-19 app.

This measure is being introduced to alleviate pressure on NHS and social care services and will be contingent on staff members only working after having a negative PCR test and daily negative lateral flow tests.

The government is clear the change applies only to frontline NHS and social care staff where their absence may lead to a significant risk of harm.

The decision to allow NHS and social care staff to attend work after being told to self-isolate should be made on a case-by-case basis, and only after a risk assessment by the organisation’s management.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid said: As we learn to live with this virus, it’s important that we ensure frontline staff can keep providing the best possible care and support to people up and down the country.

“The government has backed healthcare services at every turn through this global pandemic and these new rules will fortify our collective defences against this awful virus, by allowing fully vaccinated frontline NHS and social care staff to continue to work when needed.”

Careful consideration should be given by local NHS and social care organisations to the risk of onward transmission compared to the risk to delivery of critical services. Staff who are permitted to attend work will remain under a legal duty to self-isolate as a close contact but will be considered to have a ‘reasonable excuse’ under the Self-Isolation regulations to leave self-isolation to attend work where their absence could result in harm. They will continue to receive self-isolation reminders.

UK Health Security Agency Chief Executive, Jenny Harries, said: “With the number of cases continuing to rise, it is imperative that we do everything we can to manage this virus and support our NHS and social care services under the strain of increased demand and sustained pressure.

“We have provided specific guidance to NHS and social care settings for circumstances where there is a significant risk to health or safety resulting from staff absence or a critical service cannot run.

“This measure only applies to double vaccinated staff, who will only be able to attend work after testing negative on PCR and daily lateral

flow tests, and following a risk assessment and the supervision of the health service.”

In order to mitigate the increased risk associated with attending work, the following mitigations must be implemented: • The staff member should be fully vaccinated, defined as having received both doses of an MHRA approved vaccination, with 14 days having elapsed since the final dose.

• The staff member should undertake a PCR test and should self-isolate until they receive the result. They should only attend work if this result is negative.

• They should undertake daily LFD tests prior to starting work each day.

Test results should be reported to NHS Test and Trace via the web portal and to their duty manager. Any staff member who has a positive LFD test during this period should not attend work and should arrange a PCR test as soon as possible.

• If the staff member develops any COVID symptoms, they should stay at home and immediately arrange a PCR test.

• Staff working during this 10-day period should comply with all relevant infection control precautions and PPE should be properly worn throughout the day. Any breaches should be reported immediately to their line manager.

• The staff member should not work with clinically extremely vulnerable patients or residents, as determined by the organisation.

Couple At Bernard Sunley Care Home Celebrate Their Sapphire 65th Wedding Anniversary As well as receiving a congratulatory card from Her Majesty The Queen, who is the Royal Patron of the charity, the care team at Bernard Sunley made sure John and Pam celebrated their Sapphire Anniversary in style. They transformed the care home’s bright conservatory into a romantic, private restaurant, just for two and decorated the venue with special, personalised Sapphire Anniversary balloons, gifts and cards, and Bernard Sunley’s chef prepared a delicious anniversary meal which the couple thoroughly enjoyed.

Speaking on their landmark anniversary about how they first met, John said: “When we were young, Pam and I belonged to the same tennis club and met when she accidently hit me with a tennis ball. Pam was very apologetic, but the wayward tennis ball got us talking and the rest is history.” John continues “We have so many beautiful memories but starting and growing our family are by far our happiest. We have

three wonderful sons, seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren who give us so much joy and always bring a smile to our faces.”

Andy Cumper, the Manager at Bernard Sunley said: “John and Pam are a lovely couple. When Pam became a resident, John visited his wife all the time. On many occasions, they would have lunch together and John would often stay all day joining in our activities with Pam. “When John became ill himself and was in need of a care home, it was an obvious choice for their family of where John would come. It is a pleasure to be able to help John and Pam celebrate their milestone anniversary and to continue to support them both in enjoying their life together.”

When asked what their secret to a long and happy marriage is, both Pam and John agreed the key is having a great sense of humour. John concluded: “We are still as happy together as they day we met and the day we got married. Pam was, and still is, very good looking and all the boys on the school bus fancied her, but I won her heart.

PAGE 6 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 62

It’s #Nottoomuchtomask; Campaign To “Keep Protecting Ourselves And Each Other” Launched As the final coronavirus restrictions across England are lifted and the legal requirements to wear a face mask and social distance come to an end, leading healthcare organisations, charities, unions and medical professionals have joined forces to support the public to make sensible choices that can keep themselves and others safe from infection.

Launching a new campaign #NotTooMuchToMask, the group, led by the NHS Confederation, alongside a host of other organisations are encouraging everyone to keep protecting themselves and each other from catching or passing on coronavirus at a time when cases are soaring, and hospitalisations are also rising.

Supporters include the Academy of Royal Medical Colleges, NHS Providers, the British Medical Association, the Patients Association, and the Richmond Group of Charities, cancer charities, Unison and other membership bodies. Well-known TV doctor, Dr Sarah Jarvis, has also thrown her weight behind the campaign.

While the vaccination programme has been a phenomenal success and has helped to reduce the link between infection, ill health and death from the disease, the campaign is warning that as COVID-19 has not been eradicated and that with over a third of the adult population either not vaccinated or having only had one dose, it is too early for the public to let down its guard. Millions of people are still very vulnerable to catching the infection as well as passing it on to others.

As the highly transmissible Delta variant continues to sweep across the country at pace, and with health and social care secretary Sajid Javid warning that we could see 100,000 confirmed cases a day in the weeks to come, the organisations have joined forces to encourage and support the public to continue to make sensible choices to help stop the virus from spreading.

Matthew Taylor, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, said: “We know the vast majority of the public want to continue to do all they can to protect their fellow citizens from the danger of catching or passing on COVID-19 even after the government has lifted the final restrictions in England.

“As the threat of coronavirus remains, it is not too much to ask of people to continue making sensible and cautious choices on how they go about their lives if it can keep themselves and those around them safe and we are keen to show that we support and stand in solidarity with them.”

Through the NHS Confederation’s #NotTooMuchToMask campaign, the organisations are calling on the public to sign up to five key pledges to keep themselves and others safe this summer. These are to continue: 1.

Wearing a face mask or covering, including where not wearing one could make someone feel unsafe.

2.

Doing what they can to keep indoor spaces well-ventilated and opting for meeting outdoors, where possible.

3.

Cleaning their hands regularly, including before and after social con-

“Wearing masks doesn’t stop anyone from living their lives. But it can help prevent infection spread and limit pressure on the NHS. So, think of NHS staff next week, and mask up in enclosed or crowded spaces.”

Neil Tester, director of The Richmond Group of national charities, said: “When the COVID-19 pandemic hit and the first restrictions came in, the whole country came together to support each other and our key workers.

“Now as the legal requirements come to an end, we can again show our strength and solidarity by adopting the five pledges in this vital campaign. In doing so we can help continue to protect each other, our communities and our vital frontline services as much as we can and get through this pandemic together.”

Dr Crystal Oldman CBE, chief executive of the Queen’s Nursing Institute, said: “Community nurses and their colleagues are caring for some of the most vulnerable people in society in their own homes and tact with those outside their household.

Getting tested, supporting contact-tracing measures and self-isolat4. ing, when required.

Making sure they get both doses of the coronavirus vaccine and that 5. they encourage people they know to do the same.

Dr Sarah Jarvis, said: “At the start of the pandemic, we had no idea that COVID-19 could be transmitted so effectively through aerosol spread – just breathing out. At the time, I was sceptical about face coverings on the basis of the evidence. But as the science has progressed, it has become increasingly clear that face coverings can greatly reduce the risk of passing the virus on to others.

“I agree with the NHS Confederation that it is not too much to ask to encourage and support the public to continue to make sensible choices to help stop the virus from spreading.”

Professor Helen Stokes-Lampard, chair of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, said: “It really isn’t too much to ask. We all have a duty to protect each other from the virus and so wearing a mask, following social distancing guidance and continuing basic hygiene measures are just a minor inconvenience and that’s all they are for the vast majority.

But we also know those measures can have a major impact when it comes to reducing the spread of the disease and ultimately saving lives.”

UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea, said: “Rising infections mean more people are falling ill and will need NHS care. Hospital admissions are already back to where they were last autumn.

“NHS staff have been through the mill this past 16 months. The thought of having to go through a third wave will prove too much for many.

communities, including care homes.

“The Queen’s Nursing Institute fully supports this campaign and its vital message about the continued need for essential infection control measures. These pledges will help us all to protect public health and prevent more people from becoming seriously ill.”

Lynda Thomas, chief executive at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “We know many people living with cancer are desperately worried about how they will stay safe, with restrictions lifting while cases are increasing. The person next to you on the bus may be someone with a health condition, like cancer, which could put them at more risk of COVID-19. Continuing to wear a mask and observe social distancing in your community can help others feel at ease and could protect them from serious illness.”

Dr Habib Naqvi, director of the NHS Race and Health Observatory, said: “As COVID-19 infections continue to rise, masks can help protect you and others. We are still in a pandemic and need to think collectively in terms of safety and responsibility, rather than individual freedoms.

“Not taking that responsibility seriously can have wider implications, giving the virus an opportunity to retighten its grip and place lives at unnecessary risk.

“Not wearing a mask in crowded public places could ultimately lead to avoidable consequences which impact the well-being of loved ones, family, friends and colleagues.”

It’s #NotTooMuchToMask.

UK To Roll Out Biggest Flu Programme In History For Winter 2021 Free seasonal flu vaccine to be made available for over 35 million people this year – the biggest flu vaccination programme in UK history School programme expanded to provide vaccine to all secondary school pupils up to Year 11 Expanded programme follows record 19 million seasonal flu jabs administered in winter 2020 Millions more people could benefit from a free flu vaccine this year, as the Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid announces the most comprehensive flu vaccination programme in UK history today (17th July).

From September 2021, providers will offer the flu vaccine to over 35 million people during the upcoming winter season, including all secondary school students up to Year 11 for the first time. This builds on the success of last year’s expanded flu programme, which saw a record number of people get their jab.

Last year, 4 in 5 (80.9%) people aged 65 and over in England received their flu vaccine – exceeding the World Health Organization uptake ambition of 75%.

Working with the NHS, the government is preparing to deliver the expanded flu programme alongside any booster programme for COVID-19 vaccines as part of wider autumn and winter planning, which centres around protecting as many lives as possible.

During the 2021/22 season, which starts in September, the flu jab will be available to: •all children aged two and three on 31 August 2021 •all children in primary school and all children in school Years 7 to 11 in secondary school •those aged six months to under 50 years in clinical risk groups •pregnant women •those aged 50 years and over •unpaid carers •close contacts of immunocompromised individuals •frontline health and adult social care staff.

Health and Social Care Secretary, Sajid Javid, said:

“Flu can be a serious illness and we want to build a wall of protection by immunising a record number of people.

“With the nation getting closer to normal life, we must learn to live with COVID-19 alongside other viruses and we’re offering the free flu jab to millions more people to help keep them safe this winter.

“The phenomenal scale of the COVID-19 vaccination programme is a clear demonstration of the positive impact vaccination can make and I encourage all those eligible to get their flu jab when called forward.”

The enlarged flu drive will build on last year’s expanded flu programme, where flu vaccinations opened up to 50 to 64-year-olds and year 7 pupils for the first time, with the aim of offering protection to as many eligible people as possible.

For frontline healthcare workers and two and three-year olds, the highest ever recorded levels of flu vaccine uptake were also achieved last year. This year, all frontline health and social care workers will be offered the flu vaccination again to ensure they, and the people they care for, are protected.

Eligible groups are urged to get their free vaccine every year and to protect themselves and the most vulnerable people in society ahead of the winter.

millions of people most vulnerable to COVID-19 continue to have the protection they need ahead of the winter and against new variants – will be informed by the JCVI’s final advice expected later this summer based on the very latest scientific data.

The Department of Health and Social Care, NHS England and Improvement, and Public Health England have today issued the 2021/22 annual flu letter to providers, setting out plans for this year’s expanded programme. This blueprint will ensure GP practices, pharmacies and school-based providers are mobilised to begin administering flu vaccines from September.

Dr Yvonne Doyle, Medical Director at Public Health England, said: “The flu vaccine is safe, effective and protects millions of people each year from what can be a devastating illness.

“Last winter, flu activity was extremely low, but this is no reason for complacency as it means less people have built up a defence against the virus. Combined with the likelihood that COVID-19 will still be circulating, this makes the coming flu season highly unpredictable.

“We will be preparing for a challenging winter by expanding our world-leading flu vaccination programme to over 35 million people, saving more lives and limiting the impact on the NHS and social care.”

Dr Nikita Kanani, NHS medical director for primary care, said: “NHS staff across England vaccinated record numbers of people against flu last year – a potentially fatal illness – and they continue to pull out all the stops to deliver the biggest and most successful NHS Covid-19 vaccination programme in health history, protecting their patients and communities.

As a result of non-pharmaceutical interventions in place for COVID19 – such as mask-wearing, physical and social distancing, and restricted international travel – flu levels were lower than expected across the world in 2020/21. It is possible there will be higher levels of flu this winter, with more of the population susceptible given the low levels last season. The flu vaccine offers the best available protection against the virus and the public can reduce the spread of flu and other winter bugs by regularly washing hands, throwing away used tissues and practising good hygiene.

“Getting your free flu vaccine if you are eligible as well as keeping up good habits like regularly washing your hands could help save your life, so please do come forward when you are invited to give you and your loved ones vital protection this winter.”

Alongside this flu drive, the government is preparing for a booster programme of COVID-19 vaccines and the Joint Committee on Vaccination (JCVI) and Immunisation has published interim advice on who would be prioritised for a possible third vaccine from September 2021. The booster programme – which would be designed to ensure

The childhood flu programme aims to protect children and contain the spread of the virus to babies and vulnerable adults they may be in contact with. The nasal spray vaccine is offered to 2 and 3-year-olds and children in primary school and Year 7 and, for the first time this year, secondary school aged children up to Year 11.

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 62 | PAGE 7

Mandatory Vaccine Policy May Put 40,000 Jobs At Risk says Report The government’s mandatory Covid vaccination policy in adult social care could lead to the loss of an estimated 40,000 staff with a replacement costs of £2,500 each to care homes in England, according to a Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) impact assessment.

The impact statement sets out the analysis which has been conducted on the requirement for all those working in a care home registered by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to be vaccinated, covering estimates of the potential size of the workforce who may not have met the requirement by the end of the grace period, the potential scale of exemptions, and assumptions made around the cost of replacing workers, and will form the basis of a more detailed impact assessment which will be submitted to the Regulatory Policy Committee (RPC) for their scrutiny and published in due course.

The study estimates seven per cent of the around 570,000 staff working in Care Quality Commission-registered care homes may refuse to take up the vaccine before the end of the ‘no jab, no job’ grace peri-

od.

From October, anyone working in a CQC-registered care home in England must have had two Covid-19 vaccines unless they have a medical exemption.

The DHSC estimates the loss of 40,000 English care home staff would hit the sector with a one-off cost of £100m.

“This may place a temporary increased strain on those workers already vaccinated, until replacement workers are recruited,” the report states, adding that potential unquantified costs may include a temporary loss of job for those who may leave the workforce due to the policy. This may place a temporary increased strain on those workers already vaccinated, until replacement workers are recruited. There is also an unquantified risk that some care homes who have higher levels of vaccine hesitancy amongst staff will find it more difficult or costly to replace workers. This risk may be focused in certain areas or regions, as the uptake of vaccinations in the local labour market will vary and partly

determine the available supply of and demand for new workers.

However, there may also be unquantified benefits which the report says are fairly substantial and long lasting. These include the benefits to workers and residents from reduced illness. This will avoid loss productivity due to absences caused by COVID-19 among staff and maximise protection for those most clinically vulnerable. Care users will also benefit from a reduction in the currently unequal level of risk across care homes which will help to ensure that care users are not unequally impacted by the threat of the virus or the impact of staff absences.The policy was supported by MPs in a Commons vote that passed by 319 votes to 246.

The mandatory vaccine regulations will also apply to auxiliary care workers, tradesmen, hairdressers and others who need to enter a home to do other work unless they have a medical exemption.

Health Leaders Divided On Changes To Self-Isolation Rules For NHS Staff

The Department of Health and Social Care has announced that double vaccinated frontline NHS and social care staff in England who have been told to self-isolate will be permitted to attend work in exceptional circumstances and where additional safety measures can be upheld.

In response, Danny Mortimer, chief executive of NHS Employers and deputy chief executive of the NHS Confederation, said: “The NHS needs all the support it can get over the summer as it responds to the dual challenge of rising cases of coronavirus alongside rising demand for its broader services. However, health leaders are divided on this particular issue of whether their staff who are double jabbed should be allowed to swap the need for self-isolation with increased testing.

“On the one hand, they are worried about their capacity to support patients safely and quickly, particularly given that many staff will already be away for parts of summer as they take overdue annual leave that is owed to them but on the other hand, the last thing they would want to do is expose their patients and colleagues to an increased risk of catching the virus, so the need for local review and discretion here is important.

“Despite the success of the ongoing vaccination programme, the pandemic still presents a very real risk to the nation and so, while the Government seeks to give the NHS more fire power to respond to its various challenges with this new measure, there are things all of us can do to keep ourselves and those around us safe.

“This is why the NHS Confederation has launched a new campaign called #NotTooMuchToMask alongside a range of other bodies to help the public continue to make sensible choices and give confidence to those who already intend to act in this way now that the national restrictions have lifted.”

PAGE 8 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 62

Compulsory Covid-19 Vaccinations For Care Home Workers

By Jacqui Atkinson, Partner and Head of Employment Healthcare at Browne Jacobson (www.brownejacobson.com)

Following consultation issued in April 2021, the Government announced in June this year its decision to press ahead with compulsory Covid-19 vaccinations for those working within CQC-regulated care homes. New legislation is being prepared to facilitate this, which, if Parliamentary approval is given, will allow for a 16-week “grace-period” for care home workers to be fully vaccinated (i.e. receive two doses of one of a Covid-19 vaccine).

WHO WILL BE COVERED? The proposal goes significantly beyond those employed directly by care homes – it will cover agency workers, volunteers and anyone coming into the care home to do other work – such as healthcare workers, beauticians, tradespeople and CQC inspectors – unless one of the exemptions apply (see below). It will also go beyond the original proposal during consultation of applying to care homes with at least one resident over the age of 65; all CQC-regulated care homes in England which provide accommodation for persons requiring nursing or personal care will now be in scope, regardless of the age demographic of their residents.

The background to the consultation and its focus on care homes followed advice from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) Social Care Working Group on the particular impact on care homes of the pandemic due to the combination of the closed environment and the increased risks of severe outcomes from Covid-19. Concern has also been raised that, although the majority of the care workforce have been vaccinated, there remain pockets of lower vaccination intake, such as in London.

However, in the Government’s response to the consultation, it is made clear that the proposal of compulsory Covid-19 vaccines in care homes is “the first instance”; further consultation is to be launched to cover expanding the proposals wider still to extend to other health and social care settings (including the NHS), and to the number of vaccinations in scope (for example, whether a flu vaccine should be required). We are also expecting the Government shortly to commence consultation on mandatory Covid 19 vaccinations for all patient facing health and care staff.

EXEMPTIONS Exemptions are proposed to apply to: Those who have medical exemptions (more on this below); Residents; Friends and family of residents who are visiting; Those entering to assist in an emergency, or to provide urgent maintenance work; and Those under 18.

When assessing whether a medical exemption will apply, the current proposal is that this should be determined by reference to the COVID-19: the green book, chapter 14a. This contains very few medical exemptions – largely related to those who have had an allergic reaction to a previous dose of the vaccine, or any of the vaccine components. There may also be timing issues for when a vaccine should be taken by some individuals with other medical conditions. However, it does not include any medical exemption for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. It also does not include any medical exemption for those who assert that their mental health would be affected by a requirement to be vaccinated – such as those who are needle-phobic.

Of note is that there are also no proposed exemptions for those who object to vaccinations for religious reasons; this was raised during the consultation process but the Government has rejected this, concluding that to do so would cause difficulties in implementation and undermine what the proposal is trying to achieve.

• • • • •

INFORMATION AND ENCOURAGEMENT Compulsory vaccination is an emotive topic in an already difficult environment. The pandemic has shown clear disagreements between those who feel that society should take steps to protect its most vulnerable, and those who believe that personal freedoms are paramount. Given the serious health implications of Covid-

19 already experienced within the care sector, a blanket vaccination-refusal simply because someone believes it is their right to object may carry little sympathy. However, even amongst those who believe some steps are warranted, there are disagreements about the extent or reasonableness of those steps. This is particularly the case with this proposal, given the impact that it could have on an individual’s livelihood and career. The proposal is likely to cause considerable concern for some workers who want to continue to work within the care sector but have significant concerns, fears or beliefs which mean they are opposed to vaccination in general, or to this vaccination in particular.

For the care sector already facing recruitment challenges, compulsory vaccinations are likely to increase these challenges – potentially making roles within care homes unattractive to new recruits who are vaccineopposed. Concerns have been raised that existing workers will “vote with their feet”, with the GMB union commenting that based on a survey of around 1,000 carers, over a third would quit if compulsory vaccinations were introduced. In the intervening period before any legislation is introduced, best practice would still therefore be for employers to try to capture the hearts and minds of the workforce by encouraging workers to seek vaccination, and provide them with the facts to attempt to address any misunderstandings or misconceptions published in February of this year before the compulsory vaccination consultation.

PRACTICAL STEPS TO CONSIDER Care homes will also need to take steps to understand the impact that these proposals will have on their own particular workforce so that plans can be made to address any potential staffing or resourcing issues.

For those reliant on agency workers, this would also include consideration of where the responsibility will lie for checking and maintaining vaccination-status records (albeit that the forthcoming legislation may be prescriptive about this). Care homes are likely to need to review internal policies to ensure that these address common issues that are likely to arise such as: • how time off for vaccination appointments will be dealt with; • what sick pay arrangements will be in place for adverse vaccine reactions; • whether adverse vaccine reaction absences will count for the purposes of absence management procedures; • how any delays in being able to secure (or attend) a vaccine appointment will be dealt with (including any impact on pay); • how data relating to vaccination-status and any medical exemptions will be used and secured; and • what process will be followed for those who refuse to be vaccinated without an applicable medical exemption.

Care homes will also need to review their recruitment process for new starters to ensure employment contracts and offer letters appropriately deal with vaccination requirements and status.

Although the proposals currently relate to two doses of the vaccination, employers will need to ensure that they remain up to date with legal requirements - such as whether requirements extend to annual or booster vaccinations, and/or to vaccines for other medical conditions such as flu.

POTENTIAL RISK AREAS As set out above, the current proposed exemptions to the requirement for compulsory Covid-19 vaccinations do not extend to objections on the grounds of religion or belief. If the proposals go ahead, employers may find themselves on the receiving end of grievances (or claims of discrimination) from affected employees. Whilst ultimately an employer is highly likely to have objective justification for requiring vaccinations in care home settings, dealing with internal complaints or claims will impact both on management time, and employee relations. An early provision of factual information about the benefits of vaccination may also help to reduce the number of complaints which are not based on religious grounds but rather due to an employee’s fears about vaccination.

Employers may also face unfair dismissal claims from those who resign as a result, or who are ultimately dismissed. Defences available to employers are likely to depend on precisely how the proposed legislation is drafted – for example, the wording may be drafted with an express statutory prohibition on employers allowing unvaccinated workers (without a medical exemption) to work on care home sites after the grace period (as is currently indicated). This would give employers a clear potentially fair reason for dismissal (statutory restriction and/or some other substantial reason), albeit that consideration would have to be given to potential redeployment, if available, together with a fair procedure followed. If the drafting is more “aspirational” in nature to try to reduce the numbers of unvaccinated workers but without an absolute prohibition, or a wider range of exemptions are introduced, employers would be faced with a much harder balancing act attempting to deal with different competing interests.

Game, Set And Match’ To Bella As Dorset Care Home Serves Tennis Joy Forget Wimbledon, the place to be for enthralling racket and ball action this summer is clearly a Bournemouth care home.

Eight tennis-loving residents at Colten Care’s Avon Cliff competed in their own in-house version of the iconic tournament, including mixed doubles matches and a grand final involving the best two players.

The home’s lounge was converted into a playing court complete with net while competitors sought to win over their opponents using badminton rackets and balloons. Everyone playing received a miniature trophy to thank them for taking part.

The final, between residents Bella Kier and Sylvia Williams, was a closely fought affair which went to three match points before Bella eventually broke serve and won.

The delighted champion was then presented with a winner’s trophy, flowers, chocolates and champagne.

She said: “I thoroughly enjoyed the game. I was surprised I had the stamina to win and I’m over the moon, very happy.”

And gracious runner-up Sylvia said: “A big congratulations to Bella. It was a pleasure to compete against such a confident player.”

full games and proper scoring.

“Well done to all competitors and hearty congratulations to Bella for triumphing in the end.”

Such is the degree of interest in tennis among Avon Cliff residents, Colten Care agreed an innovative tie-up with Bournemouth’s West Hants Club three years ago.

Under the partnership, residents at Avon Cliff and Colten’s Outstanding-rated Ferndown home Amberwood House were given opportunities to watch live matches in return for Colten supporting the club’s youth academy.

The West Hants was the club where the first ‘open era’ tennis tournament was staged in April 1968, widely seen as an early step on the Sharon Surgeon, Avon Cliff Companionship Team Leader, said: “We’ve all had a lot of fun with our tennis tournament.

“Everyone was clearly inspired by the Wimbledon finals, insisting on

way to today’s global professional sport.

Sharon added: “We aim to be as responsive as possible to our residents’ wishes. Many of them have a lifelong love of tennis and we’re delighted to help them continue their interest in any way we can.”

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 62 | PAGE 9

We Can’t Level Up This Country Without Levelling Up Social Care The Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) has published its Spring Survey 2021(formerly the Budget Survey), which describes the financial and operating state of adult social care services in England.

Commenting on today’s publication, Dr Rhidian Hughes, Chief Executive of the Voluntary Organisations Disability Group (VODG) said: “Society works when we invest in social care to support individuals and communities. The ADASS Spring Survey makes a grim assessment: people’s needs are not being met, and current funding levels indicate the situation will not improve any time soon.

“We know that the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has had a significant impact on social care provision and that central government funding has not helped to meet the associated increased costs of funding care and support, all of which has been compounded by long-standing underinvestment in the sector.

“What this year’s survey report also brings to light, however, is the impact on care and support for working age adults and the high-level of concern among Directors about funding increasingly complex care and support for working age disabled people. Throughout the pandemic,

required to live full and independent lives.

“As an infrastructure body of more than 100 voluntary sector organisations supporting disabled people across England, we are concerned that the survey found a significant number of Directors are not planning to increase funding to voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) providers, again seemingly as a result of funding pressures.

“In its Spring Survey, ADASS rightly highlights the vital contribution VCSE organisations make to communities, particularly in keys areas such as prevention and delivering services to working age adults. We know for example that VODG members often go above and beyond to provide vital care and support to disabled people in the community yet local authority commissioning now seems to be set on a trajectory of the fastest race to the bottom when it comes to funding, and in turn VODG has repeatedly called for a more inclusive response from the government, one that prioritises working age disabled people alongside older people. This report further demonstrates how services for disabled people are at risk of being underfunded and consequently disabled people and their families not receiving the vital care and support

quality. This is simply unacceptable.

“In recent weeks there has been much mention of an impending plan for social care reform. Government must make good. It must heed these findings and make a choice – we can’t level up this country without levelling up social care.”

Liverpool Care Home Staff Take Part In Immersive Experience To Understand What It’s Like To Live With Dementia Brook View, an Exemplar Health Care home in Liverpool, recently held a training day which welcomed colleagues aboard a ‘Dementia Bus’, to learn more about what it’s like to live with dementia.

lenges people who live with dementia face, day to day. Colleagues found the experience very thought provoking; I would recommend it to anyone working or living with someone with dementia.

The initiative, which was held in partnership with dementia specialists, Dementia Experience Bus, gave colleagues the opportunity to experience the challenges someone living with dementia may typically face, by completing a series of simple, daily tasks.

“The team were given woollen mittens, specialist shoes, headphones and glasses blacked out with black tape, to replicate common symptoms of dementia such as impaired hearing and pins and needles. They were also asked to do a series of tasks like writing a shopping list, use a small bathroom and kitchen facility.

Colleagues working at Brook View, who support adults living with a range of complex and high acuity needs, including dementia, took part in a series of 15-minute sessions – testing both their physical and sensory reactions through various tasks.

“Colleagues realised that things that seem simple for us and we take for granted, are much harder for someone living with dementia. As a result, the team is now more mindful of things like lighting, sound and personal space.”

Sharon Mcloughlin, Brook View’s Home Manager, said: “The virtual dementia bus has helped the team gain invaluable insight into what chal-

Following the success of the Dementia Bus, the home is planning on holding a follow up training session later this summer.

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 62 | PAGE 11

Elder Research Finds 63% Of Families Uncomfortable With An Unvaccinated Carer

63% of customers would feel uncomfortable being looked after by an unvaccinated carer, or having an unvaccinated carer look after a loved one, according to a recent customer survey by live-in care agency Elder.

arrangements amid the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. In many

cases, families were looking to move loved ones back home from residential care, given the risk of transmission. With new concerns over

The survey follows months of Government debate on mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations for care home employees. New legislation is now expected to roll out in October – giving all staff working at CQC registered care homes 16 weeks to get the vaccine. Failure to do so may result in staff being withdrawn from face-to-face caring duties.

staffing levels in care homes, enquiries are once again expected to rise.

According to the Office of National Statistics, by 11th March 2021, 90.2% of adults in England aged 70 years and over had received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. However, to protect those who are still vulnerable, vaccinations among all eligible age groups are an important

In response, over 71,000 health and social care professionals have signed a petition to parliament, stating they should be given the right to exercise free will in regards to vaccinations, and that being unable to refuse for fear of discriminatory action is unjust.

step in controlling infection.

Helene Cross, Head of Care at Elder said, ‘Social care workers are more likely to be exposed to the virus, and unfortunately, being healthy doesn’t reduce the risk of catching it and passing it on to others. It’s

Whilst many care homes are reporting a positive uptake in vaccinations, some are warning that the UK could now be heading towards a mass exodus of staff.

important to remember that you can have COVID-19 without symptoms – and therefore still feel well, which of course increases the potential of

Elder saw a significant rise in customer enquiries into Live-in care

passing it on to friends, families, and the people in your care.’

Funding The National Living Wage: Care England Gives Evidence To The Low Pay Commission Care England has given oral evidence to the Low Pay Commission (LPC) regarding the implementation of the National Living Wage and other minimum wage rates in the adult social care sector. This follows our earlier written submission to the LPC and roundtable with Care England’s HR Group and LPC Commissioners.

Both our submission and oral evidence was informed by the daily conversations that Care England has with its members regarding the adverse implications of the systemic underfunding we see in the sector, in particular: •How the National Living Wage and other minimum wage rate

increases are rarely accounted for in the fee uplifts given by local authorities in England.

•Good and fair wages remain a lynchpin in the future sustainability of the adult social care sector and workforce.

•The nuanced nature of the adult social care sector and the fact that, in many parts, it is unable to set the prices that it charges for admissions. Something that is completely unlike many other sectors.

•The Covid-19 pandemic has damaged the financial sustainability of an already unstable sector. In particular, the interaction between occupancy rates and base costs.

Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England, says: “For too long, the National Living Wage and other wage rates have been increased annually, however, the Government has failed to account for such increases in its funding for the sector. Care England sincerely hopes that the Government finally delivers on its promise of

a fair funding model for adult social care.”

Given the sector’s contribution both in this pandemic and more broadly, it is surely incumbent upon the Government to implement a funding system that allows the National Living Wage and other wage rates to be implemented in a sustainable fashion that at the same time ensures the financial sustainability of adult social care providers.

Therefore, we would implore the Government to listen to the Low Pay Commission’s own guidance and recognise its own role and responsibility ‘in the sectors which Government itself funds – social care and childcare – sufficient funding is necessary to meet the cost of the rising NLW.’ Going forward, Care England will continue to work with the Low Pay Commission to ensure that the sector’s voice is heard in the recommendations that it gives annually to the Government. We thank the Low Pay Commission for its ongoing engagement with the adult social care sector.

PAGE 12 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 62

Health And Social Care Workers Averaged 86-Hour Weeks Through Pandemic Workforce management app, Deputy, has released its Shiftwork Economy Report, revealing the reality of shift work during the pandemic.

The report, which provides analysis of 11.5 million shifts worked by more than 350,000 UK shift workers, proves the burden placed on key workers in the health and social care sector.

Staff in the sector worked an average of 86-hours per week between January 2019 and May 2021, fuelled by overtime and dual-shifts in 24hour periods, as well as overnight stays in care home settings through lockdowns.

The data backs up the findings of last month’s Health and Social Care Committee report, where MPs warned NHS and care staff in England are so burnt out that it has become an “emergency” and risks the future of the health service.

“Our data shows unhealthy work patterns placing individuals at risk of burnout, physical injury, mental and other health issues,” said David Kelly, General Manager for EMEA at Deputy. “These findings prove how

• Average monthly hours worked by all of these age groups are not yet back down to pre-Covid levels.

health and care workers have been expected to go above and beyond from the very beginning of the pandemic. The hours being worked are not only unsustainable but highlight the lack of protection in place for shift workers in the UK.” Former Minister for Care Services Phil Hope, Chair of the Future Social Care Coalition, said: “This report shows the urgent need for investment in the social care sector, to deliver workforce reform and fair pay and working conditions. It cannot be right that people in social care positions are so vastly overworked and underpaid despite their heroic efforts during the pandemic.

Liam Palmer is Registered Home Manager for Valley Court Care Home in Birmingham. He is an expert on residential care, regularly hosting a podcast on care quality and having written three books on the subject.

“It is time for the government to respect, reward and regulate, to support all those working on the ‘forgotten frontline’ by bringing forward as a matter of urgency a Social Care People Plan to mirror the NHS People Plan. It has never been clearer that the 1.5 million workers in the care sector deserve parity with the 1.5million employed in the NHS. They warrant and deserve a fair deal.”

“As a well established care home we always go above and beyond for our residents, but the past 16 months have been exceptionally demanding for our staff team,” said Liam. “In the midst of the pandemic we invested in technology to make everything run more smoothly, so our team has clarity and reassurance about when they’ll be working.

However we know that this is not the case for everybody. Recruiting carers to fill the growing demand across social care continues to be challenging especially with recent developments including Brexit. There are major challenges around the longer-term risk to staffing that need to be addressed nationally.”

The Shiftwork Economy Report looked at 2.75 million shifts worked by more than 52,000 health and social care workers and found: • As the pandemic struck (March 2020), Baby Boomers (57-75 year olds) working in the sector experienced a 72% increase in the hours they worked.

• Workers from Generation X (41-56 year olds) experienced a 64% increase in hours at that time.

• Millennial (24-40 year olds) and Generation Z (under 24s) health and social care workers also saw their hours increase by 28% and by 15%.

David Kelly added: “Deputy’s data, showing hours scheduled and worked, is useful in understanding how sectors with a significant shift worker employee base have been performing and are likely to perform in the future. The UK government is failing to address the needs of critical sectors and their shift workers. We urge policy-makers and employers to use the truth of this data to their advantage, to secure a sustainable key workforce going forward.”

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THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 62 | PAGE 13

Age UK Comments on Health and Care Fund Proposals According to media reports the Government is considering creating a ring-fenced Health and Care Fund to help fund pandemic recovery work in the NHS initially, and social care reform in later years. It is also suggested that this Fund will be paid for by raising the level of National Insurance.

Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK said: "At Age UK we have no problem with the idea of a special, ring fenced Health and Care Fund, provided there is enough money in it to give both sets of services what they need now, and as long as the way the money is raised is fair.

"The notion that this Fund may be used initially to support the NHS in reducing its long waiting lists, and only later on to help pay for social care reform, is completely unacceptable. It implies that all the Government has in mind for social care is the creation of a cap on care bills, since it would take several years before anyone reaches such a cap and money would need to paid out from the Fund. However, sky high care bills for a minority are only one of the problems social care faces today, and after 40,000 deaths in care homes the pandemic has demonstrated it's not the most important one.

"Establishing a strong and sustainable system which allows people of all ages to get good care, if and when they need it, is what the Government's ambition should be, and while a cap on high bills can play a part in this it cannot deliver it all. Social care also needs two major cash injections upfront: the first to arrest the dangerous level of attrition in the care workforce, due to poverty pay and low morale as a result of the lack of a career structure; and the second into councils' budgets so everyone who is part of the shrivelled, Statefunded scheme gets a decent service too.

"Capping high care bills alone would not go anywhere like far enough to meet the Prime Minister's promise to 'fix social care, once and for all', and would leave everyone who needs care, and who tries to provide it, in

the same miserable situation they find themselves in today. At the moment, finding and keeping good care is a total lottery for older people and their families, which a cap on bills would do nothing to help. Nor would it persuade more care staff to stay, rather than ditching their jobs to earn more at the supermarket down the road. The Government has to do more if its reforms are to be worthy of the name."

"In the end it's up to the Government to decide how to pay for a Health and Care Fund, but what matters most from Age UK's point of view is that there's enough in it to make the difference we all need to see, both for the NHS and for social care. Any of us can develop a social care need at any time in our lives - it isn't only the preserve of older people, since a car accident could leave us disabled in our twenties, as might a disease like Multiple Sclerosis in our forties or fifites. Nor should we forget the growing numbers of profoundly disabled young people who live into adulthood and who need care and support, and those with mental ill health too.

"In other words, we all stand to gain from a solid and reliable social care system, which would also provide us with reassurance that if we do develop care needs in later life we won't be left struggling alone to cope, like far too many older people today. It follows that we should all play a part in funding it, according to our means. At Age UK we strongly oppose suggestions that older people should bear the total financial burden of creating better care, but it does seem right that they should make a contribution to it, at least over the next five years as a Health and Care Fund builds up. Today's older people are entitled to expect that the Government's care reforms will improve their experience of care now, and this means the Government must do more than merely establish a cap, which will only benefit other people in years to come.

"If older people are to be asked to contribute it should be in a way that's in accordance with their means, that's demonstrably fair, and that fits best with their personal circumstances. Some might be able to pay through their income but for others a small charge on their estate, after their death, might work better. Those without much money at all ought to be exempt.

"It shouldn't be beyond the wit of the Government to come up with a fair, flexible funding scheme - but it has to be able to generate enough cash to create a decent social care system which can benefit us all."

Royal Star & Garter Wins £1,000 Movement for Good Award Royal Star & Garter has won a £1,000 Movement for Good award from Ecclesiastical Insurance Group thanks to nominations from the public.

The veterans’ charity is one of 500 winners in Ecclesiastical's Movement for Good awards, which is giving £1 million to charities this summer.

Royal Star & Garter provides loving, compassionate care to veterans and their partners living with disability or dementia at Homes in Solihull, Surbiton and High Wycombe.

The award will support the physical and emotional well-being of residents at all three Homes through Royal Star & Garter’s extensive programme of therapies and activities.

Members of the public were invited to nominate causes close to their hearts, with 500 gifts of £1,000 available for donation. Over 13,000 charities were nominated by more than 210,000 members of the public.

Royal Star & Garter’s Senior Community Fundraiser, Lauren Baker,

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said: “We’re grateful to everyone who voted for Royal Star & Garter in the Movement for Good awards, and to Ecclesiastical Insurance Group. The £1,000 will help us continue providing our exceptional and award-winning care to veterans and their partners.”

Mark Hews, Group Chief Executive of Ecclesiastical Insurance Group, said: “We would like to thank every single person who took the time to nominate a good cause as part of our Movement for Good awards. Ecclesiastical, the fourth largest corporate donor in the UK, is a unique financial services group. We are owned by a charity which means all available profits can be given to the good causes that are so important to our customers. As a company whose purpose is to contribute to the greater good of society, charitable giving is at the heart of our business. We know that £1,000 can make a huge difference to the incredible work that charities do and we’re looking forward to seeing how this financial boost will change lives for the better.”

Keeping The Brain Active May Help Prevent Dementia, Study Suggests Researchers in the US have found that keeping up reading, writing and play games in later life could delay the onset of dementia by up to five years, according to a study published in The scientific journal Neurology.

The Chicago based team asked study volunteers about their activities in 7 questions. The questions were: 1.About how much time do you spend reading each day?

2.In the last year, how often did you visit a library?

3.Thinking of the last year, how often do you read newspapers?

4.During the last year, how often did you read magazines?

5.During the past year, how often did you read books.

6.During the past year, how often did you write letters.

7.During the past year, how often did you play games like checkers or other board games, cards, puzzles?

The researchers then studied to see which research volunteers went on to develop dementia.

Out of the 457 people who were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, the researchers found that people with the highest levels of activity, on average, developed dementia at age 94. The people with the lowest brain activity levels, developed dementia at age 89.

Dr Katy Stubbs from Alzheimer’s Research UK said: “Dementia isn’t an inevitable part of ageing and evi-

dence suggests that keeping the brain active throughout life may help boost cognitive reserve, a kind of resilience that allows our brains to resist damage for longer as we age.

“This research supports the established ‘use it or lose it’ idea, and results suggest that keeping the brain active could help delay the onset of dementia.

However, the research relied on study volunteers reporting their own activity levels at the start of the study and this isn’t always a reliable way of establishing people’s real behaviour. The participants were predominantly white and well-educated, and further studies will need to explore whether this relationship is true for other, more diverse populations.

“Research shows 40% of dementia risk may be within our power to change, with evidence suggesting that eating a balanced diet, staying physically and mentally active, keeping blood pressure and cholesterol in check and not smoking are all ways to keep our brains healthy. It’s never too early to start thinking about your brain health but research suggests that making positive changes in your forties and fifties may be particularly important.”

PAGE 14 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 62

Full Extent of Covid-19 Deaths in English Care Homes to Be Revealed by Care Quality Commission

By Mei-Ling Huang is a partner in Royds Withy King’s health and social care team (www.roydswithyking.com) Today, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) will release full data on Covid-related deaths notified to them between 10 April 2020 and 31 March 2021. Ahead of this announcement, care providers and managers should be preparing to provide the full picture in a respectful, considered way.

All English care homes who submitted a notification of at least one Covid-related death will be included in the data, and this includes deaths where Covid-19 was a suspected cause. Covidrelated deaths that occurred in hospital will be included in the figures for a care home if the person was ordinarily a resident there.

Families, residents and staff are likely to be distressed all over again when this story hits the media, so providers should display as much clarity and transparency as possible when they receive press enquiries.

Providers began receiving emails from CQC on 9 July informing them how many deaths would be included in the data for individual homes, breaking them down by quarter. There currently is no way for providers to challenge inaccurate numbers, but CQC have created a dedicated email address so that any providers wishing to report a discrepancy can put this to CQC in writing. (This puts their side of the story on record, should there be any issues in regard to an insurance renewal or need to explain the discrepancy in response to external enquiries.)

If a care home was a designated setting or subject to any other special circumstances which made it susceptible to naturally higher numbers, providers should explain this and write to those concerned, ideally before the data is released.

Many people will have forgotten how desperate things were in the spring of 2020. At the time, many people were discharged from hospital without being tested. The Government advised that it was safe for people to be discharged into care homes. By the time the wearing of masks was recommended, the whole country was experiencing a PPE shortage. There was no vaccine and little understanding of the disease. Providers may need to remind people of those circumstances diplomatically and explain what they were facing in a way that facilitates understanding but does not come across as an excuse.

As difficult as it is, transparency around this data is key and will foster trust and a culture of responsibility.

Discussions of this information may cause residents, their families and care home staff to experience feelings of grief all over again.

Providers should send a letter to residents and families so they can hear this news from the home before it hits the papers and social media. Furthermore, information for the press, politicians and other stakeholders should be prepared in advance so providers can deal with questions in a considered and measured way.

Providers should also provide their manager with written information in case they receive queries. There are excellent sector specialist public relations consultants available if they need help articulating a response.

Not only should staff be pre-warned about what is happening, they should be advised to avoid engaging with queries from the press and others. Questions will be answered but the burden of providing a response should not fall to them. Management should ensure there are support mechanisms in place should any feelings of grief amongst staff be reignited and be ready to direct employees to necessary resources.

Providers need to engage with residents and families, protect their staff, and ready themselves for media enquiries. It is difficult to deal with a situation like this but the past can’t be changed so transparency is key now.

Although only recent history, many will have forgotten (or tried to forget) how little information there was at the start of the pandemic and the PPE shortages that took place. These wider issues should be remembered when reading the data release, rather than finger pointing at individual providers.

Anchor Hanover Successfully Issues Landmark Inaugural Sustainability Bond Anchor Hanover Group, England’s largest not-for-profit provider of housing and care for older people, has successfully issued its first sustainability bond, raising £350m. The transaction attracted strong engagement from investors with the issue being more than two times oversubscribed, with a spread of 0.93% and an all-in coupon of 2%.

Anchor Hanover supports more than 65,000 people in later life in retirement housing and residential care homes at almost 1,700 locations across England. The refinancing has provided increased financial resilience, strengthened liquidity and new funding to build thousands of additional homes for later living. Anchor Hanover will use the investment as part of its commitment to deliver 5,700 new sustainable homes over the next 10 years and expand its care home portfolio, alongside ongoing investment in its existing services.

Building on the organisation’s strong focus on sustainability, it is committed to achieving a minimum Energy Performance Certificate rating of B or above for every new home developed and all new homes will have access to sustainable, renewable energy sources.

The successful bond issue follows a ground-breaking £300m unsecured sustainability-linked revolving credit facility and a £350m unsecured bridging loan alongside a first-for-the-sector sustainability-linked hedging transaction.

The bridging loan has been refinanced by the public bond.

As part of its refinancing, Anchor Hanover has secured a long-term A+ credit rating from S&P Global Ratings. This is one of the highest in the sector, reflecting the quality of management and underlying operational and financial strength.

Centrus acted as sole financial advisor to Anchor Hanover, supporting the development of the refinancing strategy as well as its structuring and implementation. The bookrunners were Barclays, NAB, MUFG and Santander.

Sarah Jones, Chief Financial Officer, Anchor Hanover: “We have ambitious plans to meet the increasing needs of older people in a sustainable way. This very successful issue means we can continue to evolve our housing and care offer so more people can have a home where they love living in later life.”

Phil Jenkins, Managing Director, Centrus Financial: “Centrus is fully committed to sustainability and ESG, so we are thrilled at the immense investor demand for Anchor Hanover’s debut sustainability bond issue reflecting its position as one of the best rated organisations in the housing sector. This successful deal is the culmination of the innovative refinancing of Anchor Hanover’s treasury portfolio. We are delighted to have worked closely with Anchor Hanover, who are pioneering leaders in the housing and care for older people.”

Open Study College Announces 39% Increase In Students Aged 60 And Over

Leading distance learning provider Open Study College has revealed a significant shift in its demographic, with a 39% increase in new student enrolments from those aged 60 and over.

The statistic is based on figures comparing 2018 enrolments with those in 2020 during the global pandemic.

As part of research undertaken by Open Study College, there are a number of reasons people typically choose to follow the distance learning route including: those who are unable to physically attend a college or university due to suffering with mental or physical health; caring for family and home responsibilities whilst learning; individuals looking to upskill; or students that need to learn new skills and gain necessary

qualifications for a new or change in career.

More recently however, a pattern has emerged as a significant number of older students have joined Open Study College purely because they want to keep on learning in their later years about subjects that are of interest to them, providing purpose and keeping their minds active.

John, 74, from South Gloucestershire said: “It's important to keep the intellect alive in later years and completing a course and receiving the accreditation acts as a tremendous boost to one's mental health.”

Marilyn, 70, from Truro said: “I am 70 going on 29 years old. Physically I am doomed but will not be mentally. This is my tenth course with Open Study College, and I hope there will be more. To retirees thinking about taking a course online I would say ‘go for it’.”

Linda, 75, from Worcestershire said: “I am enjoying the course at Open Study College and I’m lucky to have been able to choose, for the first time, what it is I study.”

CEO of Open Study College, Samantha Rutter, said: “Learning new skills shouldn't stop when retirement starts. We couldn’t be prouder of all the students in the Open Study College family, and those that are continuing to study and excite their minds well into their years of retirement really help solidify our ethos of making education accessible to all.

“It’s interesting to see how life-changing events such as the global pandemic can contribute to how people chose to spend their free time, and in our research it’s clear that some of our older students are keen to keep on learning about subject matters that really interests them or was once integral to their careers and lives.

“This increase in older generations studying proves that learning is more accessible than ever before. We work incredibly hard to ensure that we adapt our courses for the young and young at heart. Many of

our courses come with the option of studying online or via a paperbased study pack where course materials are sent to your home. We know that this is often a preferred method of studying with our more mature learners.

"Our student support team and personal tutors are also on hand to guide students through their course, and for those with additional needs we can provide our materials in larger fonts or on coloured paper where required. Making learning more accessible is always going to be one of our top priorities and we hope to see more retirees benefit from learning with us.”

To find out more or to register for a course visit www.openstudycollege.com or follow Open Study College on Facebook, Instagram, twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.

PAGE 16 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 62

Cutting Costs and Improving Sustainability in the Care Sector

Philip Simpson, commercial director at ReFood, discusses the escalating issue of food waste in the care sector and explains why reduction, redistribution and recycling should be key considerations.

Every year, 10 million tonnes of food is wasted across the UK – almost 40% of our national waste mountain. From by-products arising during the food manufacturing process and accidental damage during transport, to spoiled produce at supermarkets, plate scrapings from restaurants and binned leftovers in the home, the issue is prevalent right across the food supply chain.

On a smaller scale, the UK’s care sector is also a key contributor.

Indeed, recent statistics show that up to 40% of all food served in the average care home is often wasted. While this understandably comprises meal preparation waste (peelings, cores, gristle, shells, etc), the vast majority is perfectly edible plate scrapings and spoiled produce.

Home managers suggest the key challenges are sub-standard inventory processes, varying portion sizes and needing to offer a wide variety of meals to satisfy resident preferences. This makes planning and budgeting a hugely difficult task, with food costs placing high up the balance

sheet.

Alongside the financial implications of buying such huge volumes of food in the first place, it’s also important to question what happens to the resulting waste. Unfortunately, the unpleasant truth is that most is simply thrown away.

But with landfill sites bursting at the seams, general waste disposal methods can’t be seen as a viable long-term solution. Alongside capacity issues, research shows that the greenhouse gases released by food left to rot in landfill are even more damaging to the environment than CO2. What’s more, with every tonne of waste bearing a landfill tax figure in excess of £96 per tonne, the costs of disposing of excess food are eye-wateringly expensive.

So, with budgets tight and waste management costs increasing, food waste is fast becoming a critical issue for the care sector – both in terms of financial and environmental implications. Embracing innovative waste reduction tactics and looking towards alternative disposal methods must therefore be key areas of consideration.

To help home managers reduce unnecessary waste, I’ve put together a few simple tips to help revitalise processes and rethink approaches:

1. CREATE AN INVENTORY To effectively plan meals, having an accurate inventory of the food entering and leaving your kitchen is paramount. Without reliable stock checking, you’ll find yourself over-ordering and generating unnecessary waste. The best place to start is by creating a database of your ingredients, detailing their use-by dates and creating a first in, first out system.

This can be used to guide your meal planning activity and will help you know exactly what to buy and when to place your next order.

What’s more, you won’t be left with either spoiled produce or more food than necessary.

2. THINK CAREFULLY ABOUT PORTION SIZES It’s important to remember that every gram of food scraped off residents’ plates costs you twice – firstly in terms of the money wasted to purchase, secondly in terms of the cost of disposal. Any way to reduce waste will therefore have a direct impact on the bottom line.

One solution could be to offer two different portion sizes. Giving din-

ers the choice of a larger or smaller meal (depending on their appetite) will not only help you reduce waste, but can also make them feel more involved in their meals.

3. USE YOUR LEFTOVERS Don’t underestimate the value in leftover food. Alongside freezing what you don’t need, ask your kitchen staff to think about innovative ways to repurpose their leftovers, as well as using preparation waste (peelings, fats, etc) in stocks and soups.

This will help your food go further and ensure that edible produce isn’t simply binned. Remember, being creative with your leftovers can create healthy, nutritious meals that residents will enjoy.

4. REDISTRIBUTE WHAT YOU CAN’T USE Granted, this won’t help you cut costs, but redistribution schemes are a great solution for edible produce that would otherwise be wasted.

There are a whole host of charities that will share your surplus with those in need, rather than being unnecessarily wasted.

Donating food to redistribution causes can get you out of a sticky situation, but is also a great way to give back to the local community.

But while the tips above will help to curb overspending and reduce edible food waste, it’s important to consider the unavoidable fraction (bones, gristle, spoiled produce, etc) – which, while often falling under the radar, comprises some 30% of total food waste figures.

Almost impossible to eliminate, care homes need a clever solution to manage this fraction – after all, sending it to landfill proves a huge financial drain. While not the silver bullet solution, food waste recycling provides an efficient alternative.

A simple process, whereby food waste is degraded in the absence of oxygen (anaerobic digestion, or AD), food waste recycling captures the natural biogas and uses it to create renewable energy. The residual material, a liquid ‘digestate’, can be used as a biofertiliser to aid crop growth. Nothing is wasted.

My advice to care homes is simple – reduce waste wherever possible, harness redistribution schemes where you can and recycle the unavoidable fraction. Landfill shouldn’t be a consideration; the environmental and financial implications simply don’t add up.

Vulnerable People At Risk Due To Growing Number Of Care Workers Self-Isolating The increasing number of care workers selfisolating is potentially more of a danger to vulnerable people in Wales than the Covid-19 virus, a social care leader has warned.

According to Keri Llewellyn, the vice chair of Care Forum Wales, they were getting reports of care homes and domiciliary care companies where 40 per cent of the staff were at having to quarantine at home.

As a result, a growing number of providers were struggling to give the required level of care – and the situation was only going to get worse with Covid cases skyrocketing.

Social services departments were being affected by the same problem which meant that there were no staff reinforcements from there available.

Although, thankfully, the number of people falling seriously ill and needing hospital treatment was falling, Care Forum Wales was concerned that some care home residents and people receiving care in their own homes could be at risk.

They were by definition in fragile health and often needed a high level of care.

The situation was already having a knock-on impact on the NHS because the reduced capacity of domiciliary care companies and care homes was making it increasingly difficult to discharge hospital patients back into the community.

The Welsh Government has announced that from August 7 fully-vaccinated people will not need to selfisolate if they come in close contact with someone who has tested positive.

Care Forum Wales say they are looking forward to discussing with the Welsh Government what this means for social care and any additional measures for staff working in health and care settings.

Ms Llewellyn, who is also managing director of home care provider All-Care which works across South

Wales, said: “I’m up to 40 per cent of staff not working at any given time at the moment, which is huge.

“Clearly, we’re in the third wave and the infection rate is rising but it’s not got the same feel because it’s not as bad and the hospitals are not as affected, but capacity has gone right through the floor.

“We can’t carry on providing the same service to everyone in the community while we’ve got that many staff off.

“They can’t get people out of hospital clearly, so there’s already a backlog to free up hospitals because they can’t move them on to having care because nobody has the capacity.

“We’re facing a perfect storm. As well as the increasing number of people self-isolating.

“Over the past year or so child care has often been provided by partners on furlough but with people back in work that’s not an option either.”

The concern was echoed by Care Forum Wales chief executive Mary Wimbury who said: “Everybody is seeing increased pressure.

“Even though at the height of the pandemic things were very much worse in terms of severe illness, because we are opening up many more people are putting themselves in situations where they’re potentially being exposed to Covid and they’re having to self-isolate.

“As a result the number of people self-isolating is also on a steep upward curve.

“Schools are now open and we know lots of infections are coming through them which means that parents have to self-isolate.

“Even if the child is a contact and not actually infected it can still take some of the workforce out because of child care issues.

“As part of the easing of restrictions, the Welsh Government have said that people who are fully vaccinated will not need to self-isolate if they are a close contact of someone who has tested positive from August 7 onwards.

“The vast majority of social care staff are fully vaccinated as are the people receiving care.

“We’ve got some positive data on vaccinated people reducing transmission but if you’re caring for vulnerable people the risk is still there, even though it’s reduced.

New Transparent Face Mask Shields Your Smile, Without Hiding It! Newly launched Smile Shield has a transparent panel to aid communication, whilst offering medical grade protection, and meeting all elements of the government’s Transparent Face Mask Specification. Smile Shield has also over 98% bacterial filtration efficiency, is breathable, splash proof and hypoallergenic.

It is a British invention, created by two founders Jennifer and Lisa, who also own TAD medical, known for its range of medical supplies, already widely used by hospitals, educational facilities and the emergency Services.

Jennifer Soboslay, Founder of Smile Shield comments: “Visual facial expression is a huge benefit to many industries, as communication is so important to us all, especially a smile, which can change the sentiment of the information being shared or be

encouraging without words. The Smile Shield allows lip reading, visible facial expressions, and a clearer understanding and connection between people to take place.”

The Smile Shield™ can also be used as a surgical mask. The clear front panel makes the mouth visible, which is especially important for those caring for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, have a learning disability, or suffer with autism or dementia.

Soboslay, adds: “We saw a gap in the market for a medical grade mask with a clear panel, that can be used by healthcare providers.”

Hypoallergenic and latex free, the Smile Shield mask is comfortable to wear and offers over 98% Bacterial Filtration Efficiency. For more information about Smile Shield, please visit: www.smileshieldmask.com.

PAGE 18 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 62

Why Infection Control Is More Important Than Ever Luiza Jipa, Deputy Clinical Manager at specialist maritime charity the Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society, discusses the importance of infection control in delivering high-quality nursing care.

Everyone working in the health and care sector has a responsibility to minimise the risk of infection, and this past year has shown the power and importance of infection control in all environments, especially in care homes.

Here at Belvedere House, the specialist maritime care home run by the Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society, we have always had our own infection prevention control (IPC) lead, as well as a dedicated trainer, who ensure all staff are regularly trained and up-todate with the latest IPC guidelines, which are reviewed regularly.

This meant the Royal Alfred already had well-established IPC measures in place to identify, reduce and eliminate risks of new infections, even before the Covid-19 pandemic, but we were able to adjust and mould these in line with the rapidly-changing government guidelines as the situation progressed. Our pandemic contingency plan, which we established very early last year as soon as the Covid-19 risk became apparent, is also continually reviewed and updated in line with the latest guidance and advice.

A key part of our IPC measures has been ensuring readily-available PPE for all staff, a strong supply of

temperature testing equipment, and access to regular testing in line with government advice. We have, of course, always run a tight ship when it comes to housekeeping and cleanliness, but the pandemic gave us an opportunity to review and increase our programme of cleaning, including focusing on key points of potential transmission, such as door handles and light switches.

But whilst cleaning and ensuring a steady supply-chain are perhaps obvious things to consider in managing infection control, it’s also important to train and support your staff in making responsible decisions. This is why we invest heavily in training, as well as providing support and guidance to help staff identify potential risks and reduce contact and limit the risk of infection. At the beginning of the pandemic, this included limiting the number of staff using communal space, minimising office meetings and non-essential visits to the Home, advising staff not to car share, and encouraging breaks to be taken separately.

As a Society we are incredibly proud of our strong staff retention rate, and this has been invaluable in our infection control management. By ensuring all our staff are familiar with the Society’s training, regulations and residents’ needs, we have been able to minimise the associated risks that come with using new, unfamiliar or untrained staff, and have been able to support our team in continuing to deliver the highest quality of care for residents, even in these challenging times. This also includes providing mental health training and support for our workforce to help them through the situation and manage the wider impact of the pandemic.

To find out more about the work of The Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society visit the charity’s website (www.royalalfredseafarers.co.uk). To keep up to date with the latest news from the Society, follow and like the official Society Twitter (@RAseafarers) and Facebook pages.

New Care UK Home Welcomes First Resident In Style The team at an all-new local care home has welcomed its first resident, 94-year-old Graham.

The former nuclear power station design engineer was welcomed by the team at Care UK’s newest home, Ancasta Grove and given a celebratory ride in a 1952 MG YA vintage car to mark the occasion.

Graham said: “I had a wonderful day moving in – the car drive was splendid.”

Raymond Arnold, Home Manager at Ancasta Grove, said: “We are thrilled to have opened our doors to the first resident at Ancasta Grove. We’ve had the pleasure of welcoming Graham and spent time getting to know him and his interests. As an engineer who is proud of his career designing and building nuclear power stations, our lifestyle team has developed a programme of activities to enhance Graham’s time with us.

“We’re also looking forward to visiting museums and galleries, including the Aylesford Steam Railway, when we are able, and we’ve also discovered

that some of the team have an interest in classic vehicles. I feel an Ancasta Grove car show may be on the cards.”

The brand-new luxury care home in Sarisbury Green which opened this month has its own café and bar, cinema, and hair and beauty salon which residents can use whenever they wish. Its landscaped gardens are perfect for a stroll, growing fruit and vegetables, or simply for sitting and enjoying the Hampshire sunshine.

A full range of relaxing coffee mornings and breakfast clubs will be provided for residents and activities such as painting, poetry, quizzes and games will be a daily feature. Music will play a big part of life at Ancasta Grove with a selection of guitars and other instruments to strum or fully learn to play. New residents will also receive a handmade welcome card specially designed by children at Woodland Early Learning nursery.

BEIC Chairman Has Appetite for Big Year for Lion Eggs The British Egg Industry Council has announced that Andrew Joret has been reelected Chairman of the BEIC, supported by: Elwyn Griffiths, BEIC Deputy Chairman; Duncan Priestner and James Baxter, joint BEIC Vice-Chairmen; Jeffrey Vergerson, BEIC Treasurer; with Mark Williams continuing his role as BEIC Chief Executive and Secretary.

Welcoming his reappointment, Andrew Joret reflected on the positive state of the industry and his hopes for the future: “While the pandemic saw a sharp rise in egg consumption with around 8bn* eggs sold at retail last year, an increase of more than 1bn on pre-pandemic levels, there has been consistent long-term growth for more than a decade. Overall, the industry remains in a good place and perfectly positioned to capitalise on growing consumer

appreciation of the health benefits of eggs, as well as their convenience.

“In addition, Lion recognition has increased beyond 80% in the last year and the British Lion Egg Processors petition, calling on retailers to use British eggs for British produced food, has had a fantastic response, with more than 30,000 signatures. We hope the success of our petition prompts a positive change from retailers to better support British farming.

“I’m proud to continue in my position as Chairman, alongside a hugely talented executive team led by Mark Williams, and together we look forward to not only satisfying British consumers’ great appetite for eggs, but also maintaining the exemplary standards, trust and recognition of the Lion.”

Ex-BSO Leader Brendan Enjoys ‘Great Pleasure’ Of Care Home Concert year and it was a wonderful season.

It’s not every day you have the chance to see and hear professional orchestral players performing live in your own garden.

But that’s exactly what residents at Colten Care’s Outstanding-rated Canford Chase in Poole were able to do thanks to a visit by musicians from the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO).

“David Oistrakh, one of the greatest violinists ever, played Shostakovich’s violin concerto and Rostropovich the cellist also played.

It was a huge honour for me to be celebrating that wonderful time with them.

And for the performers, there was added incentive to shine as the audience of residents included Brendan O’Brien, a former BSO leader and principal violinist who spent 29 years with the orchestra until his retirement in 2011.

“Now, to be here as an old man, living in this nursing home which I like very much, it was a great pleasure for me to meet some of the present-day members of the orchestra and enjoy their playing. It would be great to enjoy a repeat of the experience.”

French horn and piano player Kevin Pritchard and violinist Jennifer Curiel delighted the spectators with a varied, one-hour set that featured pieces by Puccini, Gershwin, Scott Joplin and Debussy.

Canford Chase Companionship Team Leader Julie Wathen said: “The musicians wove a magical spell over our garden, with 17 residents watching the performance in hushed silence, their faces a picture of peace and contentment. There was complete stillness as everyone listened in awe to the beautiful music.

There were tunes from musicals including Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music and even a classical take on Abba’s Thank You for the Music.

The afternoon concert took place with performers and audience seated in separate, suitably distanced gazebos.

Team members at the Western Road home expressed thanks to neighbouring builders who downed tools for the duration to ensure there was no noise disturbance.

In addition, the timing was perfect as planned maintenance work inside the home meant power was briefly shut off but with residents gathered in the garden to hear the music, no-one was affected.

Brendan, who was married to the Irish violinist Anita Dunkerley, was first appointed leader of the BSO in 1968.

He said: “When I started with them, they were celebrating their 75th

“There was obvious pride in Brendan as he spoke with Jenni and Kevin afterwards and I overheard Edna, another of our residents, say to the musicians that she found the performance ‘absolutely charming’.

“With our power briefly off for maintenance work, it could have been quite chaotic for the residents, but the garden became an oasis of peace for them. Thank you BSO.”

0203 011 4070 | enquiries@thepolicycompany.co.uk

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PAGE 20 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 62

How One Care Worker’s Dual Role is Supporting Residents at the Lawn Care Home in Hampshire At the Alton-based care home The Lawn, run by charity Friends of the Elderly, Camilla Coulston’s dual role as both Activities Co-ordinator and Dementia Champion has helped her provide exceptional care for residents with a range of needs.

Camilla had always wanted to work in care. Talking about her background, she said: “I come from a family of women who have, for many generations, cared for children. As much as I tried to follow in their footsteps, I felt that my heart was somewhere else. Whilst I was figuring out what it was, I started to work for my local village shop and noticed the high demographic of older people, I began to get to know them, talk to them every day, visit them and even have tea.

“It was then I knew I wanted to spend my life working with older people.

People with stories, wisdom and knowledge that I am yet to attain.”

Two years ago, Camilla saw an advertisement for an Activities Co-ordinator at Friends of the Elderly and instantly knew it was the role for her. As soon as she started, she bonded with residents and helped to engage them in a range of activities, often using resident’s own interests to inspire her activity timetable.

“It was great to see what a young face can do for an older person, and how my generation is capable of sparking joy - and here I am over two years later, loving every day.”

As part of Friends of the Elderly’s commitment to embed a dementia friendly culture across the entire organisation, they offer a unique Dementia Champion training programme. Last year, Camilla was delighted to be offered training and to take on the additional role of The Lawn’s Dementia Champion, alongside her existing role of Activities Co-ordinator.

“No two days are the same, anything is possible and that’s the best part about the job,” Camilla shared.

“Since my training as a Dementia Champion, I have been able to better

understand what goes on in the mind of somebody living with dementia and therefore I am now able to serve them better as both their Activities Co-ordinator and Dementia Champion.

“For my residents who are living with dementia, each morning I start the day by checking with the Night Team to ensure everyone has had a good night. This helps to focus my day. Then, I do a lap around the home to see who is up or awake and say good morning. This helps to build a stable rap-

port as the biggest thing you need as a Dementia Champion - and Activities Co-ordinator - is the residents’ trust.”

Camilla continued: “I feel like I have been educated beyond my expectations on how to work effectively and inspirationally with people living with dementia. The training I have received has been incomparable.”

Not only has Camilla excelled at her dual role at The Lawn care home, but she has done this during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Alina Gutu, The Lawn’s Manager said: “During the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, Camilla continued to motivate and inspire our residents, saying it was a great time for them to embrace the quiet and calm from the inside of the care home’s walls and encouraged pampering, trying out new hairstyles and even changing their bedrooms around.

“Camilla also arranged for a “Vaccination Celebration” where she threw a big evening party for the residents to celebrate us all getting our first dose of the vaccine, with test tube drinks, a giant cardboard thermometer and a cake that looked like a vaccine. It was a great night that everyone really enjoyed.”

Camilla always goes above and beyond for her residents. One such example is of a resident who is obsessed with Aldershot Football Club. He wanted to go to one last game but, unfortunately it wasn’t an option.

Camilla got in touch with the Team and brought them to The Lawn. The resident was thrilled, he met the Team Manager and even got his own football shirt with his name on.

Camilla concluded: “My favourite thing about being at The Lawn is the staff and the residents that I work with. I am so lucky to have such an amazing group of people who get to be in my life every day. When people ask me what it is like to work here, I always tell them I am not working, I am hanging out with my 26 grandparents!”

New Research Into Treatment And Diagnosis Of Long Covid Every adult in the UK has been offered a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine – hitting the Prime Minister’s target ahead of schedule.

A total of 81,959,398 doses have been administered in the UK, with 46,227,101 people receiving a first dose (87.8%) and 35,732,297 people receiving both doses (67.8 %).

The Prime Minister set targets to offer a vaccine to all adults in the UK and to vaccinate two in three adults with both doses by 19 July – and both have now been achieved ahead of the government cautiously proceeding with step 4 of the roadmap tomorrow (Monday 19 July).

All adults in the UK are able to get their second doses after eight weeks. This will mean every adult has the chance to have both doses by mid-September.

People are urged to get their first and second doses as soon as possible to protect themselves and the people around them. Double vaccinated people will be able to return to doing the things they have missed, such as going on holiday and attending event which require the NHS Covid Pass.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “Barely 8 months since the first vaccine was given, reaching these targets is another extraordinary achievement.

“Thank you again to everyone coming forward, and to those helping others to get jabbed. You are the reason we are able to cautiously ease restrictions next week, and return closer towards normal life.

“Now let’s finish the job. If you’re over 18, book both your jabs today.”

Data from Public Health England (PHE) shows COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective against hospitalisation from the Delta (B.1.617.2) variant. The analysis shows the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is 96% effective and the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine is 92% effective against hospitalisation after two doses.

Further analysis from PHE and the University of Cambridge also suggests vaccines have so far prevented an estimated 11.8 million infections and almost 37,000 deaths in England alone.

Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: “The fact we have hit another vaccine target early is testament to the sheer dedication of NHS teams and local volunteers in every corner of the UK who are at the centre of the phenomenal rollout of the life-saving vaccines.

“Our world-leading vaccination programme is helping to build up a strong defence around our population, saving tens of thousands of lives and preventing millions of infections to allow us to cautiously progress through the roadmap.

“Please come forward for your vaccines if you haven’t already – it’s the best way to protect you, your family and your community from COVID-19 and to help us all return closer towards normal life.”

Vaccines Minister Nadhim Zahawi said: “Another brilliant achievement – thank you to everybody who has got their jabs so far and the NHS for their brilliant efforts to vaccinate as many people as possible.

“As we start to cautiously ease restrictions, I implore every adult, no matter your age, background or occupation, to get your vaccine as soon as possible.”

People who have been vaccinated with both doses will not have to quarantine on their return to England from an amber list country – with the exception of France – from 19 July, providing they received their second jab at least 14 days prior.

From 16 August, double vaccinated people will also no longer be legally required to self-isolate if they are identified as a close contact

of a positive COVID-19 case.

The test, trace and isolate system will remain a vital tool to reduce transmission. The legal requirement for contacts of confirmed cases to self-isolate will continue until 16 August, helping to slow the rise in cases that we’re expecting to see as we unlock, and in turn help to protect the NHS. After the 16 August, positive cases and all adults who have not received two vaccine doses will still be legally required to isolate, further controlling transmission.

Guidance has been set out on how to stay safe, including wearing a face covering in enclosed and crowded spaces and keeping spaces well ventilated.

The UK government secured early access to more than 500 million doses of the most promising COVID-19 vaccines on behalf of the entire UK, crown dependencies and overseas territories. The UK’s medicine’s regulator, the MHRA, was the first in the world to approve the Pfizer/BioNTech and Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccines, allowing the rapid deployment of vaccines across the country and ensuring the UK has one of the fastest vaccination programmes in the world.

Vaccinated people are far less likely to get COVID-19 with symptoms and even more unlikely to get serious cases of COVID-19, to be admitted to hospital, or to die from it and there is growing evidence that they are less likely to pass the virus to others.

YouGov polling also shows the UK continues to top the list of nations where people are willing to have a COVID-19 vaccine or have already been vaccinated and ONS data published on 2 July shows that more than 9 in 10 (96%) adults reported positive sentiment towards the vaccine.

Vaccines are available free of charge and from thousands of vaccine centres, GP practices and pharmacies. Around 98% of people live within 10 miles of a vaccination centre in England and vaccinations are taking place at sites including mosques, community centres and football stadiums.

Well Pharmacy Partners with The Access Group to Support the Delivery of Outstanding Care Well Pharmacy, the UK’s largest independent pharmacy chain, is delighted to announce a new partnership with The Access Group, the largest provider of software to UK care and nursing homes, designed to support the delivery of outstanding care.

This partnership will highlight Access’ innovative Medication Management solution, which has already been successfully implemented in a number of care homes serviced by Well Pharmacy.

Access Medication Management is the UK’s most widely used eMAR system and is proven to reduce medication errors and make manual time-consuming processes like ordering medication and stock checking much more accurate and efficient.

Cited in CQC reports as helping clients achieve ‘Good’ to ‘Outstanding’ ratings, Medication Management is a quick and efficient way to introduce technology and help ensure residents safety.

Access Medication Management offers everything care home organisations need to support patient safety including all equipment, installation, training and technical support. They also provide the full range of solutions needed for care homes to transition to fully digital care provision.

Key benefits of Access’ Medication Management solution: Access’ market leading electronic care planning system gives care and nursing homes a unified record of both medication and care notes/activities.

Full integration with Well Pharmacy making data transfer more efficient and improving communication between the local pharmacy and home.

Reduction in medication errors using pro-active alerts, alarms and best practice workflows to make sure medication compliance and safety for residents.

Greater visibility and compliance - provides all staff and management with a clear picture of medication administration.

Ben Smith, Care Homes Sales Manager for Well Pharmacy said: “We are pleased to highlight Access’ Medication Management solution to over 350 care homes we serve across the UK. At Well Pharmacy we are always looking for new ways to help and support our care home customers. Patient and resident safety is our number one priority and we’re pleased to be working with The Access Group offer new solutions to give residents the best possible care.”

Steve Sawyer, Managing Director, Access Group’s Health and Social Care Division said: “At Access, we pride ourselves on supporting care staff to provide the highest quality of care to their residents. Access Medication Management reduces the risk of medication errors, while giving everyone in a care home more time back to interact with residents or focus on work that will improve care, capacity, and occupancy at their homes. We're proud to be working with one of the largest pharmacy chains in the UK, who share our vision of using software in health and social care, to better manage all medication processes, encouraging fellow organisations so that this becomes a standard way of working across all UK care homes.”

For more information, about Well Pharmacy’s Care Home Service please contact: carehomes@well.co.uk For more information about Access’ Medication Management software visit: www.theaccessgroup.com/health-social-care/care-management-software/medication-management/

PAGE 22 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 62

Almost 100% Of People Tested Positive For Antibodies Following Second Vaccine Dose ed uptake in people reporting Black ethnicity; and

Imperial College London and Ipsos MORI have today published their latest antibody surveillance report showing, almost 100% of people tested positive for antibodies 14 days after their second dose of the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccine.

• people who had previous COVID-19 were 40% less likely to be vaccinated than those with no history of COVID-19.

Professor Paul Elliott, director of the REACT programme from Imperial’s School of Public Health, said:

Over 207,337 participants tested themselves at home using a finger prick test between 12 and 25 May 2021, tracking COVID-19 antibodies across England following either natural infection or vaccination.

“Antibodies play an important role in protecting against future illness, which is why our REACT programme has been tracking coronavirus antibodies in the population since early on in the pandemic. So it’s very encouraging to see a greater than 4-fold increase in antibody prevalence since our last findings in January, highlighting the impact of the vaccination programme. More importantly, our findings also reinforce the need to get fully vaccinated to protect yourself and those around you.”

Following one dose of either vaccine, the proportion of people testing positive for antibodies peaked at 4-5 weeks after first dose and then started to decline before rising substantially in those who had a second dose. The findings emphasise the need for everyone to get both doses of the vaccine to receive the best chance of protection against this disease as restrictions are lifted.

Over 90% of people aged over 65 tested positive for antibodies, rising to 95% in those aged over 75 with 36% of 18-24 year olds testing positive.

At the time of the report, a quarter of respondents aged 18-24 said they had received one or two jabs compared to 99% of those aged over 75.

The government’s vaccination programme has ramped up significantly since this report took place. Over half of young people aged 18 to 24 in England have now received a first dose, just a few weeks after the programme was opened to this age group, and second doses have been accelerated for all over 18s by reducing the dosing interval from 12 weeks to 8 weeks. The government is on track to offer every adult a first dose of the vaccine by 19 July and has already given two doses to two thirds of all adults.

Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: “Every vaccine is another brick in our wall of protection and I’m incredibly pleased that the latest data from REACT shows almost 100% of people tested positive for antibodies after their second dose of the vaccine.

“This is a testament to the very high level of protection the vaccine provides – with 46,000 hospitalisations prevented and 30,000 lives saved.

“I urge everyone to come forward for the vaccine, regardless of your race, religion or background. It could save your life and protect your loved ones, and getting the second jab will help us all return to doing the things we love.”

Vaccines Minister Nadhim Zahawi said: “It is incredibly reassuring to see nearly every single person who took part in the REACT study developed detectable antibodies following two doses of the vaccine. It goes to show once again how two doses are vital for the best possible protection.

“Our vaccination programme is working and is severely weakening

the link between cases, hospitalisations and deaths. We are continuing to make strong progress in boosting uptake for people living in deprived areas, as well as black and minority ethnic communities by working closely with faith and local leaders.

“As we lift restrictions next week, I urge anyone who has yet to be vaccinated to get both jabs to protect yourselves and your loved ones.

Vaccines are safe and have so far prevented around 8 million infections, over 46,000 hospitalisations and around 30,000 deaths.”

Professor Helen Ward, Professor of Public Health at Imperial College London, said: “Results of this very large study show the substantial impact of the vaccination programme on antibody positivity in adults. However, coverage of vaccines is uneven with people in some groups and areas less likely to have been vaccinated. It is concerning that people on low incomes, in deprived areas, some minority ethnic groups and in some public facing occupations such as hospitality, may remain relatively unprotected from future spread. We need to continue and intensify efforts to reach these groups with vaccination, and to ensure other protective measures are in place.”

Other findings from the study show: • prevalence of antibodies was 30% lower in men than women. This is in part due to uptake of the vaccine as 75% of women had received at least one vaccine dose compared to 70% of men. Women also showed a higher antibody positivity after a single dose of vaccine in comparison to men; • people in most deprived areas were least likely to have had a vaccine; • there was higher vaccine uptake in the highest income households; • those who work in retail, hospitality, and personal care such as hairdressing were 20 – 30% less likely to have been vaccinated than other workers; • compared to participants reporting white ethnicity, there was a 14% higher vaccine uptake in those reporting Asian ethnicity, and a 60% lower report-

• The government is expanding its community champions scheme so that communities have trusted local leaders who can help answer questions about the vaccine and work with the NHS and public health teams to support local communities. £23 million funding has been allocated to 60 councils and voluntary groups across England to expand work to support those most at risk from COVID-19 and boost vaccine take up. Community leaders are being urged to make clear an NHS number is not needed to get a jab and that there are a large number of vaccination sites spread right across the country that people can go to. Over 98% of the UK population now lives within 10 miles of a vaccination site.

•The government also accepted the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) guidance encouraging local flexibility in delivering vaccines to groups with lower uptake, including those not registered with a GP surgery. As such, local systems should have a plan in place for full coverage of all health inclusion groups, for example people not registered with a GP, people experiencing homelessness, refugees, asylum seekers, people with addictions, and people who frequently attend A&E. It is also working with community leaders and charities to deliver popup vaccination sites, including at places of worship or sports grounds, to encourage vaccine uptake.

Recognising that accessibility can be a factor in vaccine uptake, the NHS is also supporting the work of local vaccination services – such as a mobile facility for people who cannot leave their home – to ensure that people with either seen or unseen disabilities can access a vaccine safely and easily when it is their turn.

We are also taking steps to promote vaccine uptake among those caring for some of the most vulnerable in our society, including health and social care staff, and continue to monitor how effective these measures are.

CaterCloud to Host FREE Natasha's Law 'Labelnar' - A Webinar with a Difference!

CaterCloud’s resident allergen and nutritional expert Rob Henry FIFST ACIEH, will be joined by Julian Edwards FIH FCSI CFSP, Director of Allergen Accreditation, who together, will be hosting the FREE to attend, ‘Labelnar’ focusing entirely on ensuring caterers are labelling compliant for Natasha’s Law. Natasha’s Law, which comes into effect from 1 October 2021, requires all food businesses to provide full ingredient lists and allergen labelling on foods pre-packaged for direct sale (PPDS) on the premises. Never has it been more important for any business involved in the sale of food direct to the consumer to be fully prepared when it comes to allergens, and CaterCloud’s ‘Labelnar’ will be purely focused on equipping caterers with the knowledge they need to ensure they are compliant.

CaterCloud’s FREE TO USE next generation allergen, nutrition, menu planning and costing system will ensure your catering operation is allergen compliant ahead of the upcoming law change and will give you the ability to print Natasha’s Law compliant food labels.

So, what is the difference? Instead of your typical ‘we tell you about the guidance’ webinar, Rob and Julian will be in a fully functional kitchen in their Chef’s whites, ‘a real kitchen with real caterers’, showing you the reality of what PPDS will look like in the workplace. They will be preparing items that will require labels, such as sandwiches, part wrapped items i.e., muffins and labelling them using our CaterCloud system.

It will be a no nonsense, caterer to caterer presentation, a ‘how to PPDS label’ in real life. With so much misinformation out there of late it is time to put the record straight. Additionally, attending the ‘Labelnar’ is Laura Hariana, Brand Manager at Jestic Foodservice Solutions, who is a sufferer of allergies, and will be talking about the importance on hospitality owners getting this labelling correct.

As you know the financial penalties along with the reputational damage that many businesses could suffer due to the law change need to be avoided and we will give you the correct tools and practical advice to avoid this.

Rob Henry FIFST ACIEH, said “This will be a fun and informative way to get a serious message across – with actual products and environment scenarios. Well worth a couple of hours of any caterers time!”.

Julian Edwards FIH FCSI CFSP, commented, “I’ve been on this PPDS journey since well before March 2019 and contributed to consultations on it. Since 2013 we have been standardising allergen labelling on

PPDS and now after a wider hypersensitive consumer consultation - they expressed the need for all ingredients to be listed as people can be allergic to all manner of ingredients, and so we are now entering this new era of transparent information for the safety of customers”.

The ‘Labelnar’ is being held on the 29 July from 10am to 12pm, to register your attendance please visit https://tinyurl.com/jdx65vek or scan the QR Code below:

CaterCloud are also offering another freebie, and for anyone who attends, they will have the option to sign-up for a free one-to-one, half hour guidance session with Rob and Julian.

CaterCloud are proud to be partnered with, accredited by and members of Allergen Accreditation, Anaphylaxis Campaign, Planglow and Daymark.

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 62 | PAGE 23

Thousands of Colleagues Across the UK Celebrate Social Care and NHS Staff at Frontline Workers’ Day

More than 2,000 National Care Group colleagues united in celebrations across England and Wales as part of NHS, Social Care and Frontline Workers’ Day on Monday 5 July.

As one of the UK’s leading providers of care and support services to vulnerable adults, National Care Group used the day as an opportunity to celebrate and recognise the commitment and hard work of its own colleagues after an incredibly challenging year for the sector due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The heroic efforts of health and social care workers throughout the country during the pandemic is what has brought about the inception of NHS, Social Care and Frontline Workers’ Day. The day, which was held for the first time on 5 July as a tribute to the date the NHS was established 73 years prior, included a raising of the flag, two-minute silence, a national toast and national clap.

However, National Care Group went a step further by arranging themed ‘Big Garden Parties’, involving events at 78 of its services.

Activities included a ’Big Garden Party Bake-Off' competition, which had a love heart theme to reflect the tone of the day, and a toast to the

workforce broadcast live over Facebook by the executive team.

Each participating service was also sent a Big Garden Party pack bursting with bunting, balloons, cups and plates to decorate and enhance their celebrations.

Karen Lewis, chief operating officer at National Care Group who led the initiative on behalf of the company, said “We wanted to use Frontline Workers’ Day as a way of honouring our colleagues for the commitment they have shown to the people we support following such an unprecedented year. It’s provided us with the perfect opportunity to shine a spotlight on everyone’s hard work and it’s been fantastic to see so many of our services really getting into the spirit of the day and celebrating together.”

A total of 78 individual parties were held at services across England and Wales, with each venue putting its own spin on the day’s events. At Endurance Care in Worcestershire, registered manager Kelly Smith booked a DJ and ice cream van for party guests, while Regent College based in Stoke-on-Trent brought together more than 100 attendees at their event.

Meanwhile, at Abbeyvale Care Centre in Hartlepool the people they support, many of whom are former textile factory workers, were involved in creating teddy bears made from old blankets. Registered manager Julie Shields, who recently received two accolades at National Care Group’s annual awards, organised a ‘teddy bear factory production line’ prior to the party and the bears were then raffled off at their celebrations to raise money for charity on the day.

Karen added: “We’ve been truly overwhelmed by the number of colleagues and services that got involved in organising garden parties and it’s been wonderful hearing about all the different activities and celebrations that have taken place. At National Care Group, we’re passionate about ensuring that those who work with us, and those who access our services, are able to unlock their potential and feel proud about what they do, which is why days like this are so important as it gives us the opportunity to champion their work and show our appreciation.”

To find out more about National Care Group, please visit: www.nationalcaregroup.com/.

Social Care Figure Remembered At Awards Accolade Named After Covid-19 Victim “We are delighted to be able to launch this annual award in John’s

A leading figure in the North Yorkshire social care sector who was lost to Covid-19 is to have an award presented in his memory.

memory on Wednesday. It will recognise a special contribution to

John Fisher who was founder and Chairman of the Harrogate-based Fisher Care Group died from coronavirus in April last year.

social care. John loved the awards and so it is fitting that through this award he will be a part of them again, every year.

Care provider organisation The Independent Care Group (ICG) is to present an award in his name at the Yorkshire and Humberside Great British Care Awards in York on Wednesday.

“The awards will also give the ICG the opportunity to thank all health and care providers and their staff for all they have achieved over the past 16 months.

The ICG will also use the event to send a message of thanks to all social care providers and their staff for the amazing work they have done during the pandemic.

“This has been a terrible pandemic and has taken a terrible toll, but without the amazing hard work, dedication and determination of those

ICG Chair Mike Padgham said: “John’s loss to Covid-19 was a tragic one, to his family and friends and to everyone who knew him, including those in the social care sector.

“He was a warm, friendly, larger than life character who was great fun to be around and who gave a great deal to the care of people.

“His loss was very deeply felt and I think brought home to us the

working on the frontline in health and social care, it would have been much worse and we owe them all a great debt of gratitude.”

Some 24 awards will be presented, recognising all aspects of the cruel, indiscriminate nature of coronavirus and the terrible toll it was going to take.

care sector, at a special ceremony at the National Railway Museum in York on Wednesday.

New Care Confirms Completion Date For Wilmslow Care Facility Care home operator, New Care, recently broke ground on a stunning, stateof-the-art care facility on Handforth Road in Wilmslow, with practical completion now confirmed for August 2022.

Work is progressing well on site with the foundations firmly in place and brick work underway. Within a year, the Altrincham-based company will transform the 1.14 acre site into an expertly designed, purpose built 63 bed care home, with a value circa £15m.

New Care’s latest care home will be arranged over three floors, featuring fully furnished private bedrooms with en suite wet rooms, elegant communal lounges, stylish dining rooms, spa assisted bathrooms as well as a hair salon and nail bar.

A number of advanced care services have been incorporated into the build,

such as acoustic monitoring and silent call bells, which will further enhance the level of care available.

The care facility will also enjoy beautifully landscaped gardens and grounds, as well as an outdoor terrace to the first floor, ensuring residents live in a desirable, comfortable, safe and secure environment.

Dawn Collett, Commissioning Director at New Care, says: “Work on site is going well and the foundations of the care facility are now in place. Over the course of the next 12 months the development will take shape and we look forward to bringing one of our award-winning care facilities to Wilmslow.

“The design of this care home is specific to this particular site, with the construction team working closely with New Care’s operational team to ensure the facility will work to the benefit of its residents..”

PAGE 24 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 62

LAUNDRY SOLUTIONS Care Home Laundry Equipment MAG Laundry Equipment works with care homes across the UK to provide high quality, affordable washing machines, tumble dryers and ironers.

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Can MAG assist you with any new laundry equipment?

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An Appropriate and Hygienic Warewasher is Central to Care Home‘s Efficiency When choosing a commercial dishwasher for a healthcare environment there are a number of factors to consider including the plumbing and electrical supply, the financial outlay and the physical space available. Most important however are the industry and individual care-home’s specific hygiene requirements.

Forbes Professional always conducts a comprehensive site survey to ensure that the right machines are specified for each site. They are proud partners with Miele, whose commercial dishwashers are fully WRAS compliant and comply with all the necessary industry regulations. For a care environment, Forbes’ latest range of tank dishwashers enable an impressively fast throughput, which is invaluable for a busy kitchen.

However, for some care homes a specialist hygiene dishwasher is required in order to ensure that the highest levels of hygiene are maintained. Miele PG8059 HYGIENE freshwater dishwashers deliver a

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particularly high temperature final rinse that is maintained for 5 minutes to ensure the ultimate hygienic clean.

With a default temperature of 85 C they more than exceed the Department of Health’s recommendations of a two-minute cycle at 82 C. During lockdown, Forbes continued to install and service these machines for a number of NHS hospitals as they meet the most stringent hygiene standards.

Forbes Professional’s experienced account managers provide all the necessary advice to ensure adherence to the relevant operating parameters.

Under their complete care package, clients avoid capital outlay and the fixed monthly payments are entirely deductible pretax profits. Clients also have the peace of mind afforded by a first-class engineer response service, at no extra cost for the duration of the contract.

Contact info@forbes-professional.co.uk 0345 070 2335 or www.forbespro.co.uk

New Girbau Laundry Provides Vital Support to Carers and Residents at Mary Stevens Hospice Refurbishment of the laundry at Mary Stevens Hospice in Stourbridge, West Midlands with new washers and dryers from Girbau UK has a vital, if largely unseen role to play in supporting the well-being of residents with life-limiting illnesses.

“Everyone in the Hospice knows it is like a puzzle, where every single part is vitally important and needs to be pieced together with little effort,” says Gerry Crow, Director of Operations & Support. “Even though the laundry is very much a function hidden away from those we are caring for, without it we would not be able to provide the level of support we do to our patients and their carers.”

Mary Stevens Hospice provides specialist care and support for people who are living with a life-limiting illness, and their families. Care is provided in a 10-bed InPatient Unit and its Day Services Unit. Both offer modern facilities complemented by a warm, friendly and comforting environment.

After visiting the hospice to get a full understanding of its laundry needs Girbau recommended the installation of two HS-6013 washers in combination with two of its energy efficient ED260 dryers.

“We have used Girbau products for many years and have found them to be very reliable,” says Gerry Crow.

“The decision to choose Girbau products again for this refurbishment was taken on cost of ownership, the proven reliability of Girbau equipment and the level of long-term support available directly from Girbau.”

Designed to lower water and energy consumption while boosting productivity, Girbau HS washers feature automatic chemical dosing, high-speed spinning, unmatched durability and a high degree of programmability. Their high spin speed achieves a market-leading centrifugal spin force of up to 400G throughout the spin cycle to leave laundry with residual moisture levels of less than 50%, offering significant energy and cost savings in the subsequent drying process.

Girbau’s premium ED series dryers ensure all items including delicates are dried safely, uniformly, efficiently and cost-effectively. Designed to be more energy efficient than any other conventional dryer, ED Series feature Girbau’s Transflow technology. This is a combination of both radial and axial airflow for maximum efficiency, reduced cycle times and lower energy costs.

Cabinet insulation and a double-glazed door further optimise energy efficiency. The highly reliable and accurate humidity control system on ED dryers automatically senses when clothes are dry and activates the cool down process maximising energy efficiency and assuring textile care.

For more information visit: www.girbau.co.uk

Cash’s Labels- “The Name Behind the Name” At Cash's, we aim to capture, reinforce and communicate our clients’ brand equity through quality and innovation, from design to distribution.

Our product range fully caters for the needs of both small and large retailers and brand owners alike comprising of woven and printed labels, woven badges, care labels, branded and promotional swing tags, garment accessories, packaging and barcoding.

Our ground breaking labelling and security technologies are also able to provide an unrivalled level of protec-

tion to our customers' brand by assisting to combat counterfeiting and grey market activity.

Our industry leading eCommerce system is designed to reduce cost, improve efficiency and streamline supply chain management and will fully protect the integrity and accuracy of critical business data. The order entry process is very simple meaning suppliers and vendors can spend their valuable time on tasks other than ordering apparel labelling and accessories.

See the advert this page for details.

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THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 62 | PAGE 27

HYGIENE & INFECTION CONTROL

Clean Indoor Air for the Safety of Care Home Residents and Staff

By Dr Connor Bryant, co-founder of air purification technology company MedicAir (www.medicair.co.uk)

Following the final stage of England's Covid lockdown roadmap, social distancing and masks will no longer be a legal requirement from 19 July. New care home residents will no longer have to isolate for a 14-day period, provided they have been double vaccinated, and test negative for COVID. Social care minister, Helen Whately, has warned there will still have to be "some precautions" around care homes, although these have not been confirmed.

While the relaxing of rules may be welcome to those who have missed out on spending time with family members looked after by carers, this may be causing alarm to care home professionals still struggling to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

We of course now know that COVID-19 is an airborne virus, which has dramatically increased awareness of air quality, with more than half (54 per cent) of people in the UK now worrying about what is in the air they breathe, rising to 62 per cent for those with respiratory conditions.

Millions of people say they will keep wearing a face covering as a long-term choice to protect their health. Over 9.5 million (17.7 per cent) people plan to always wear a face mask in public places, despite the government’s coronavirus restrictions lifting, according to our research. However, masks being optional does increase the risk of the virus spreading, and limits protection for carers and their patients.

Since the start of the pandemic, 9.8 million people (18.2 per cent) have changed their behaviours and when in buildings always open windows to allow a flow of fresh air and to boost air circulation. The pandemic has made people more conscious of their physical environment, with 56 per cent of people even prepared to avoid enclosed spaces and where there is poor air flow. However, this is not always possible in care homes when security and safety must be taken into consideration.

Additionally, with grass pollen counts at their highest at this time of year, alongside light winds blowing pollen around, many are suffering with severe hay fever, even for those spending most of their time indoors. Pollen can cause asthma symptoms to worsen, which can be especially difficult to deal with alongside long-term respiratory conditions. In fact, allergy sufferers can experience some of the same symptoms as those with COVID or those who have just been vaccinated, which is causing huge levels of anxiety.

Ultimately, by improving air quality, carers and residents will benefit from a reduced risk of airborne viruses both now and in the future. This will also allow peace of mind and in time, more frequent visiting options for those who have spent so long away from their loved ones over lockdown. It will be vital to build trust as we move to a ‘new normal’, with heads of care homes needing to demonstrate their commitment to clean air in the long term.

Protecting Residents From Germs And Viruses And Creating Odour-Free Environments Within care home environments, there is an intense focus on hygiene and cleaning standards to safeguard the health and wellbeing of the residents and mitigate the spread of viruses, bacteria, germs and infectious diseases. For elderly people, the threat of viruses such as COVID-19 poses additional concerns, given that they often have more compromised immune systems.

Despite the necessary measures of routine handwashing, PPE and disposable equipment, the spread of sickness, infection and viruses such as coronavirus and influenza are major concerns in the care home environment.

Between 2nd March and 12the June 2020, there were over 66,000 deaths of care home residents in England and Wales, compared to just under 37,000 deaths in 2019.

Whereas, due to the nature of care home facilities and the residents who occupy them, it is impossible to completely eradicate odours, sickness and the spread of infections and viruses, there is a factor that is often overlooked – indoor air quality.

However, though it may be more difficult to visibly recognise, poor quality indoor air can also have severe and lasting effects on cognition and health. According to studies conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in care homes and other large facilities, indoor levels of pollutants may be more than 100 times higher than pollutants found outdoors.

In the UK, the average person spends the vast majority of their time indoors, but due to restricted mobility or underlying medical conditions, most care home residents spend an even greater proportion of their time

indoors.

Therefore, adding the complementary process of an air purification solution to the hygiene mix is a vital requirement for care homes in maintaining a healthy living space.

99.99% EFFECTIVE AGAINST CORONAVIRUS One solution is the Fellowes AeraMax Pro air purifier, which utilises a unique fourstage filtration system, featuring HEPA filters, to provide maximum protection against harmful airborne contaminants – including being 99.99% effective against Coronavirus 229E. AeraMax Pro air purifiers remove germs and viruses, and eliminate odours, allergens and other irritants from the air, removing up to 99.9% of air contaminants.

AeraMax Pro uses EnviroSmart technology to monitor a room’s air quality and occupancy. It adjusts its performance to optimise effectiveness whilst reducing energy consumption and extending filter life. This is particularly important in the care home environment where occupancy levels may vary greatly in common areas and dining rooms throughout the day.

To learn more about the benefits of improving indoor air quality in the care home environment visit: http://aeramaxpro.com/uk/ *Fellowes AeraMax Pro air purifiers were demonstrated to be effective in reducing aerosolised airborne concentration of Human Coronavirus 229E in a test chamber reaching 99.99% airborne reduction within 1 hour of operation, based on independent laboratory testing.

CleanRite, Proves Efficacy of Hypochlorous Against SARS-CoV-2 to Offer New Generation of Alcohol-Free Sanitisers Launching in the UK CleanRite sanitisers, a new dermatologically advanced solution to keeping surfaces and hands guarded against COVID-19 is launching in the UK in April 2021. CleanRite is a new generation disinfectant range to ensure surfaces, the air in areas such as care homes, as well as hands - are all protected from the SARS-CoV2 virus.

THE ‘WONDER’ OF HYPOCHLOROUS The CleanRite range of sanitising products are Hypochlorous-based (HOCl) which is an anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial solution, proven to kill 99.9% of germs on contact. Specifically, Hypochlorous has been proven effective against SARS-CoV-2 in an independent lab test carried out by Richard Stanton, a Reader in Division of Infection & Immunity at the School of Medicine at Cardiff University. Fully regulated and child-friendly, CleanRite, which dries quickly and leaves no sticky residue, is perfect for use in care homes - as well as being dermatologically tested and suitable for use from birth.

Caroline Fogarty, Managing Director, CF Pharma, said, “In laboratory tests we were able to show that the Hypochlorous ingredient in CleanRite killed the SARS-CoV-2 virus within 30 seconds. Hypochlorous is a ‘wonder’ ingredient because not only is it free of alcohol and harmful chemicals, it is hypoallergenic and skin friendly. It is as natural as water and doesn’t need to be rinsed off. So not only is it people-friendly, but it is planet-friendly too.

“I believe that Hypochlorous is the future of everyday sanitisation. As we learn to live with the need for heightened sanitisation even after lockdown is eased, choos-

ing something that is gentle on your skin, eyes, lungs and even the environment makes CleanRite ideal for long-term usage.”

CLEANRITE – BOTH POWERFUL AND SAFE CleanRite is an alcohol-free hypoallergenic sanitiser. It is highly effective without dehydrating, irritating, stinging or damaging skin or eyes making it perfect for all skin types, including sensitive skin. CleanRite is highly effective on multiple surfaces and equipment including kitchen worktops (since it is food safe). And unlike most alcohol-based products, CleanRite is nonflammable.

Clare Hughes (MPSI BSc PHARM), Founder, CF Pharma said, “The advanced CleanRite formulation based on Hypochlorous, makes this ‘nature’s powerful disinfectant’. Indeed, Hypochlorous, which is produced naturally by the body’s white blood cells to support the human immune system in fighting infection and bacteria, has been used in wound-healing for decades.”

Caroline Fogarty said, “It looks like we are going to be living with the need for increased sanitisation for some considerable time. So being able to offer a sanitisation range that has a skin friendly pH for family use, from birth, makes CleanRite an essential tool for everyone as we navigate the new normal.”

AVAILABILITY CleanRite is manufactured in various sizes from 60ml to 4500ml with convenient 60ml and 150ml finger sprays for travel available, which are for sale on Amazon For further information, to view the full range of products or to place an order for your business, visit CleanRite CF Pharma http://cleanrite.ie

PAGE 28 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 62

HYGIENE & INFECTION CONTROL

Seconds Save Lives: Clean Your Hands Skin and surface hygiene specialist, GOJO Industries-Europe Ltd, supports the WHO’s annual ‘Save Lives: Clean Your Hands’ campaign

Skin health and surface hygiene expert, GOJO Industries-Europe, is proud to be part of the global movement to improve hand hygiene and is once again supporting the World Health Organization’s annual ‘SAVE LIVES: Clean Your Hands’ campaign. Its worldwide advocacy day falls on 5th May, and this year it is focused on achieving appropriate hand hygiene action at the point of care. Its ‘seconds save lives – clean your hands!’ slogan reinforces the message that taking a little extra time to practise hand hygiene makes all the difference.

To achieve this, healthcare workers should have access to good-quality alcohol-based hand rub products, clean water, soap, single-use towels and an adequate number of functioning sinks within patient zones. This enables hand hygiene practise at the five key moments: before touching a patient, before clean/aseptic procedures, after body fluid exposure/risk, after touching a patient, and after touching a patient’s surroundings.

2021 has also been designated the ‘International Year of Health and Care Workers’, so focusing on their protection is just as crucial. The PURELL brand’s focus on ‘formulation without compromise’ means that products in the range have been proven to maintain skin health and have high antimicrobial efficacy. In fact, in scientific tests, PURELL Advanced Hygienic Hand Rub was found to kill 99.99% of the most common germs that may be harmful, including Coronavirus, with a contact time of just 30 seconds.

Chris Wakefield, Managing Director UK & Ireland, GOJO IndustriesEurope Ltd comments, ‘As a founder member of the WHO Private

Organizations for Patient Safety group, we are strong advocates of making hand hygiene second nature to everyone – this past year has shown how this is more important than ever. We hope that this year’s campaign encourages everyone to do their part, as it takes commitment from all for

hand hygiene programmes to be successful.

‘We strongly encourage everyone in the healthcare industry to unite in support of hand hygiene improvement. As well as healthcare workers cleaning their hands, IPC practitioners need to continue mentoring and championing the act, facility managers must ensure that supplies are available at every point of care, and policy makers should invest now to enable hand hygiene for all. Everyone, the general public included, must make clean hands a habit. It protects us all.’

Backed by a wealth of scientific expertise, and specialist formulations, GOJO has the technology and experience to work in partnership with healthcare managers to implement effective hand and surface hygiene regimes, and promote hygienic and compliant hand hygiene behaviour.

Assets, such as posters and product placement guides are available to download from GOJO’s dedicated ‘Hand Hygiene Day’ page at www.gojo.com/WHO-May-5 from mid-April.

Free advocacy toolkits to support the WHO Save Lives: Clean Your Hands campaign are available on the WHO website: http://www.who.int/infection-prevention/campaigns/clean-hands/en/ WHO invites everyone to use the hashtags #CleanYourHands #HandHygiene #InfectionPrevention on social media to ensure Save Lives: Clean Your Hands posts are picked up by the campaign.

For more information, call +44 (0)1908 588444, email infouk@GOJO.com or visit www.GOJO.com

Take Maximum Control of Washroom Hygiene, Efficiency and Sustainability New from Kimberly-Clark Professional is the Scott® ControlTM Mini Twin Centrefeed Toilet Tissue system designed to deliver maximum hygiene, efficiency and sustainability in healthcare and hospital washrooms. Just launched, the new dispenser is the most hygienic in the marketplace1 and is the highest capacity centrefeed toilet tissue system available.

Launched as part of the Kimberly-Clark Professional 360 Hygiene & Protection programme, the new twin system provides the healthcare sector with optimum hygiene, with a one-wipe-clean dispenser that is designed with no shut lines or key holes.

“In the healthcare sector, hygiene plus the safety and wellbeing of staff and patients, is the highest priority as it copes with the ongoing pandemic,” says Richard Millard, EMEA Senior Category Manager, Bath Tissue, Kimberly-Clark Professional.

“The pressure on Healthcare Facility Managers and cleaning staff to deliver hygiene without compromising efficiency is higher than ever. This system is designed to reduce hygiene risks and refill events, enabling cleaning staff to be deployed to other more critical hygiene duties.”

Designed with fully enclosed, protected rolls for touchless dispensing, the new system avoids cross contamination as users only touch the sheet to be used. Controlled single sheet dispensing reduces paper usage for exceptional cost in use and maximum efficiency.

A never-run-out twin design delivers 100% tissue availability and reduces the need for refills for improved efficiency of staff and provides guaranteed dispensing reliability – every time.2 Fewer refills means less chance for cross contamination keeping staff, patients and visitors safe and confident that facilities are well stocked and managed for their comfort and convenience.

The most hygienic and highest capacity toilet tissue system ever from Kimberly-Clark Professional, the Scott® ControlTM Twin Centrefeed Toilet Tissue System is ideal for busy washrooms in high footfall environments. It has 1,666 sheets and a total of 408 metres of tissue per fully loaded dispenser which means it has 82% more metres and 426 more sheets than other twin centrefeed systems.

A full dispenser provides sufficient tissue for a huge 408 visits versus typically just 72 visits with a competitive

single bulk pack folded toilet tissue system. Compared with uncontrolled, toilet tissue systems, the new twin centrefeed dispenser provides up to 378 more visits than a small roll toilet tissue and up to 285 more visits than a 2x200 metre competitive jumbo toilet roll.

“Using a controlled toilet tissue system is the future for delivering maximum efficiency. The wastage generated from jumbo roll and small roll formats makes them not the preferred choice for high traffic environments”, adds Richard Millard.

In today’s world, hospital and healthcare facilities must ensure that heightened hygiene risks are managed with no concessions for efficiencies and sustainability targets. Meeting sustainability KPI’s is crucial for Healthcare Facility Managers with responsible and recycled products increasingly in demand.

Meeting such a demand, the new Scott® Control™ Twin Centrefeed Toilet Tissue is produced from 100% recycled FSC certified fibre, with roll packaging also 30% recycled and 100% recyclable. Additionally, the controlled dispensing of the new system reduces paper use and reduces the need for storage and transportation of supplies.

Washroom waste is avoided with this highest capacity system which has a roll change indicator to alert staff when supply is running low.

Domestic Managers need worry less about the hygiene and maintenance headaches of toilet blockages. The Scott® branded quality toilet tissue has excellent paper disintegration avoiding disruptive blockages.

“The Scott® Control™ range offers a complete washroom solution for the hospital and healthcare sector, delivering increased hygiene without compromising on washroom efficiency or sustainability,” adds Richard Millard. “As with all our washroom systems, the Scott® ControlTM Twin Centrefeed Toilet Tissue system delivers unmatched market leading hygiene and efficiencies, so our customers can provide facilities that support the safety, health and wellbeing of staff, patients and visitors during these challenging times now and uncertain ones ahead.”

To register your interest for a trial or find out more, visit https://home.kcprofessional.com/uk/scottTwin To see the system in action, watch our video here https://youtu.be/D1re4N1Bc_E

Angloplas Dispensers Help Reduce the Risk of Cross Infection Angloplas are a UK manufacturer who specialise in producing dispensers for the health and hygiene industry.

Although these are designed to keep the workplace tidy and uncluttered they are, more importantly, built knowing the control of healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) are a priority for healthcare providers, and who are employing a combination of infection prevention and control strategies, including hand hygiene, cleaning, training and the adoption of new technologies, to tackle the problem.

As a result, a wide range of infection control products and technologies are emerging on the market, including antimicrobial technology.

Angloplas’ range of dispensers are produced in the world’s first proven Antimicrobial PVC with

Haigh Engineering Resident and patient waste is a day to day practical matter that simply cannot become a problem for frontline carers and nursing staff. With the raised awareness of cross infection risks, the proven reliable waste disposal systems from Haigh are recognised more than ever as being a key part of the toolkit for ensuring that human waste is effectively and efficiently removed as a source of risk, day in day out, without the risks and complications of either washing pots or manual bagging waste for collection.

The team from Haigh have been working hard to support this beyond just the manufacture of the Incomaster and Quattro waste disposers here in the UK, but also developing innovative and safe

silver ion technology and which is exclusive to Angloplas. This helps reduce the risk of cross infection by stopping the growth of bacteria and mould and works continuously for the lifetime of the product, reducing levels of bacteria such as MRSA, E Coli, Legionella, Salmonella and mould by up to 99.99%.

For non-clinical environments Angloplas has recently launched its new Budget Range of products which are made to the same exacting standards as the antimicrobial protected ones but with lower price tags.

You can order Angloplas products directly from its website by going to www.angloplas.co.uk and clicking Hospital, Health and Hygiene or by using the Quick Response code.

methods to enhance the servicing provisions that are available to customers. The recently launched allinclusive rental proposition has proven particularly effective and popular with new and existing customers alike, not least as it reduces the operational, maintenance and financing headaches from sites which have more critical matters to address.

For more information about incontinence and bedpan waste disposal please feel free to contact the Haigh team on 01989 763131 or info@haigh.co.uk

Please Please mention mention THE THE CARER CARER when when responding responding to to advertising. advertising.

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 62 | PAGE 29

HYGIENE & INFECTION CONTROL

UK Care Homes Use Groundbreaking Health Technology to Maintain Clean Air and Surfaces Care home owners have been among the first customers to purchase air and surface sterilisation products from Medklinn, the international health technology company, which recently launched in the UK. Following confirmation from scientists from Fujita Health University in Japan, that low concentrations of ozone gas can be used to neutralise coronavirus particles without causing harm to humans, UK care homes have an alternative method to sterilise the air and surfaces in their premises without the use of chemicals.

According to the university research, low-level ozone gas in concentrations of 0.05 to 1.0 parts per million (ppm) could be key to neutralising the spread of coronavirus in healthcare settings such as examination rooms and waiting areas.

Medklinn International, the health technology company that has pioneered research and development into negative ionisation and ozone in the sterilisation process, already provides air and surface sterilisation solutions in ASIA, the USA, Canada, Australia and Germany. Now the business has launched in the UK. Daniel Lu, chief technology and innovation officer of Medklinn International, said: “We are pleased to be bringing our health technology to the UK. The announcement from the team at Fujita Health University in Japan further demonstrates that ozone sterilisation technology is a viable alternative to the use of chemicals for disinfection.”

In addition to the latest breakthrough in neutralising coronavirus particles, Medklinn products are also proven to be effective in: • Killing 99.9% of harmful microorganisms such as viruses and bacteria, mould and fungi by destroying their RNA and DNA structure • Eliminating volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including those with adverse health

effects • Neutralising allergenic organic compounds such as pet dander and the protein in the faeces of dust mites, which are often the cause of allergies Steve Jones, Brand Manager Medklinn UK, said: “We’re really excited to be launching Medklinn UK. Our products are already used by some of the leading global brands in the healthcare, travel and tourism, retail, education, F&B and hospitality sectors, including Hyatt, Mandarin Oriental and Singapore’s Changi Airport. We believe that they will be particularly useful as we make gradual steps towards easing restrictions and reopening the UK following the lockdowns over the past 12 months.”

Medklinn UK offers a consumer range of products suitable for the home and for use in vehicles.

It also offers a range of air and surface sterilisers designed for business use including: • Permanent units for spaces up to 1,000 sq ft such as hotel guest rooms, washrooms, offices and classrooms • Permanent units for large spaces of 3,000 sq ft or more such as hotel corridors, washrooms, restaurants, halls, offices, exhibition centres, supermarkets, food processing and manufacturing plants • Portable units for ad hoc treatments of indoor odours recommended for hotel guest rooms, restaurants and facilities management It will also offer ozone water systems (for washrooms, industrial kitchens, food processing factories) and integrated sterilisation systems (for public washrooms, food processing and F&B outlets and supermarkets).

For further information about Medklinn UK please visit uk.medklinn.com or contact medklinn@tunnelight.net.

Portable, Hospital-Grade Air Purifier Rensair is a specialist in air purification, protecting and enhancing lives through clean air.

Developed to meet the strict standards of Scandinavian hospitals, ours is the only technology recommended by the WHO and UK SAGE committee and is independently validated by several scientific research laboratories.

In the context of the coronavirus pandemic, air purification has never been more important. Our mission is to get organisations back on their feet, destroying a minimum of 99.97% of airborne viruses to ensure clean air for every person.

Rensair collaborates with clients to develop the optimum indoor air quality for meeting care home requirements, as well as government recommendations for miti-

gating the risks of Covid transmission. Taking into account floor plans, existing ventilation systems and occupancy rates, we determine if there is a gap between existing air quality and that recommended by the WHO and UK SAGE Committee. If air quality is lacking, we will recommend a tailor-made configuration based on our portable, hospital-grade air purifier, in tandem with any existing HVAC systems.

Our no-obligation advice is based on verifiable data, research and experience, which is made freely available to ensure that decisions affecting health are wellinformed. www.rensair.com

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To meet such high standards, our unique combination of HEPA and UVC traps and destroys 99.97% of viruses and bacteria, including Coronavirus.

Leaving air that’s as clean as a whistle.

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PAGE 30 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 62

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES Burlington Uniforms Burlington Uniforms are proud to provide healthcare uniforms to a variety of Healthcare professionals.

With our friendly, dedicated Team always ready to help, their combined wealth of knowledge within the Healthcare sector covers everything from your first enquiry right through to managing your account after despatch and beyond.

Supplying high quality garments to our customers is our passion, in an array of colours and sizes, our extensive healthacre ranges can provide everything you need, making us your one stop shop. We can also take care of personalisation through our talented embroidery team, giving you a final look you'll be proud of.

We can cater to the public and private healthcare sectors, so our collection of healthcare uniforms has been expertly designed with all medical settings in mind. Offering comfortable scrubs, dresses, tunics and coordinated trousers, our medical workwear is suited to every area of your industry.

Designed for comfort and flexability, these garments ensure staff enjoy ease of movement and are unrestricted throughout their shifts.

Besides our extensive stock service, our experience in manurfacturing and our wealth of textile expertise allows us to also provide end to end bespoke solutions for our customers, contact us for more details about working with us on bespoke requirements.

Call 08707 300 150 Sales@burlington-uniforms.co.uk www.burlington-uniforms.co.uk See the advert on page 11.

Yeoman Shield Fire Rated Door Edge Protector When specifying for a structure, it’s important to be aware of the level of wear and tear a door can be exposed to in a public building.

Door edges, in particular, can be easily damaged or worn down by regular use – which can then render them non-compliant for fire safety regulations. To ensure that a project remains compliant, an architect can specify durable door edge protectors to add durability and longevity to doors.

Not only will specifying edge protectors increase the longevity of doors, they will enhance the cost efficiency of a project by reducing maintenance demands and the possibility of having to replace unsafe fire doors.

Yeoman Shield fire rated Door Edge Protectors are unique with a 2.0 mm Vinylac outer and a specially formulated 9mm PVCu reinforced core. They are FD30 (1/2 hour) and FD60 (1 hour) rated

with intumescent seals that are in accordance to the fire door’s specification. Fire rated Door Edge Protectors are suitable for commercial applications such as residential blocks, schools and hospitals etc.

Door Edge Protectors can also be specified with different fire seals, from a plain intumescent fire seal to a brush, fire and smoke variant.

Of course, for doors that are non-fire rated in an architect’s project Yeoman Shield also provide quality edge protectors without seals to enhance durability and reduce wear.

Source a full range of door protection panels and kick plates from a single supplier by choosing Yeoman Shield. Our door protection panels and kick plates offer the same lasting durability and quality as our door edge protectors.

Visit www.yeomanshield.com for details.

Mendabath UK uses high quality bath resurfacing and bathroom repair products that are trusted all over the world. Aligned with our expertise, we offer a service that is simply unparalleled in the UK. Our experienced team is comprised of experts that will deliver a service that will exceed your expectations. From minor cosmetic repairs to bringing an old bath back to life, we can restore any suite. We offer resurfacing and repair services for baths, sinks and showers for care homes, private residences and commercial properties across the UK. Commercial bath repairs and resurfacing Discoloured and damaged baths can be resurfaced with a turnaround time of just twenty four hours, keeping lost occupancy days to a minimum.

This is more environmentally friendly than replacing your bath and will save you both time and money.

Slip resistant application We apply slip resistance the day

after the bath or shower tray resurfacing. This works well in busy hotels, where there is a strong duty of care to customers yet time is of the essence. For this process the room will be out of commission for a further twenty four hours while the surface cures and hardens.

Basin repairs and resurfacing We can repair and resurface cracked, stained and chipped basins, making them look new again.

Cosmetic bath and basin repairs Sanitary ware with minor chips and scratches can be cosmetically repaired. Our technicians fade-in each repair so that they are almost invisible to the naked eye.

Shower repairs and shower tray resurfacing We can fully restore any stained and cracked shower tray, giving it a fresh, new look.

See the advert on page 9 or visit www.mendabath.co.uk

CareZips Dignity Trousers Bath Resurfacing and Chip Repair ™

CareZips™ preserve dignity and privacy of people receiving care during diaper changes.

CareZips™ make diaper changes easier and faster, reducing workload, saving efforts, and saving time!

CareZips™ help to deliver better standards of care!

Fitted with unique 3-zip fastening system, the CareZips™ make changing of incontinence diapers more dignified and comfortable for the patients and easier and faster for the carers.

CareZips™ feature 3 strategically positioned zips, 2 of which run from the waist to the knees on both sides of the body. The 3rd zip goes from the inside of one knee up to the crotch and down to the second knee on the inside of the other leg. This zip facilitates total opening of the trousers at the crotch during diaper changes. The 3-zip system ensures fast and easy access to the abdomen and crotch without having to undress the patients or pull their trousers down.

CareZips™ are suitable for men and women. They

are available in 7 sizes for perfect fit. CareZips™ are soft and wrinkle resistant with stretch and give for extra comfort. Practical, durable, washable and noniron, the CareZips™ trousers are the perfect choice for daily use.

Contact Win Health Medical Ltd - 01835 864866 www.win-health.com

Spotta’s Early Warning System Prevents Bed Bug Infestations Smart pest monitoring system marks one year of real-world operations, detecting bed bugs in 94.2% of cases

In its first year of operation, Spotta’s monitoring and detection system identified bed bugs in 94.2% of cases, significantly reducing the number of encounters between bed bugs and residents in multi-room properties.

The ‘always-on’ monitoring service uses advanced recognition technology to identify insects and provide real time alerts. Spotta enables multi-room properties such as sheltered and residential housing accommodation and their pest control partners to identify occurrences of bed bugs and treat the problem early, limiting the damage caused and spread of the pests.

In its first year of real-world deployment in customer properties Spotta serviced over 91,000 room nights. Of

the detections made by Spotta, over half (52.2%) were in rooms with no recent history of bed bugs, proving the system’s effectiveness as an early warning against new infestations. Repeat detections in rooms help property managers assess whether extermination treatments are successful or if further, more extensive treatment is needed.

“For accommodation providers, most of the overall financial impact of bed bugs comes from contact between the occupant and pests, which leads to complaints, disruption and high treatment costs,” says Robert Fryers, co-founder and CEO of Spotta.

During the Bed Pod’s first year, 94.2% of cases were successfully detected by Spotta, with room residents reporting bed bugs accounting for just 3.3% of cases and staff identifying the remaining 2.5%.

Fryers continues: “The first year results of Bed Pod show we have a credible, proven solution with realworld efficacy. This represents a transformative step for pest controllers, accommodation providers and property managers by allowing them to proactively monitor for bed bugs, rather than just reacting when problems are reported.”

Find out more at www.spotta.co See the advert on page 15.

Jolly Trolley Brings Therapeutic Activity and Entertainment to Patients That Are Isolating The Jolly Trolley® is an essential for any care establishment as it promotes social interaction between the service users and their carers. This innovative system is fully mobile and battery operated, allowing residents who may be unable to leave their rooms to also be included with ease.

The Jolly Trolley® comes complete with its own videos, quizzes, karaoke and other content, but personal music, photos and films can then be added from a USB stick to really bring out the magic!

Don’t just take our word for it here are just some testimonials from our very happy Health and Social Care clients:

Chester Park- Megan Allan, Activities “The fact that we can upload what is relevant to the specific Individual is so meaningful for that person and I can assure you we have shed some tears being able to be part of that residents memory journey. It has been an amazing addition to our care home – from staff and residents – thank you.”

Pennine NHS Trust - Beech Ward“we have been able to provide therapeutic activity & entertainment with ease to patients that are isolating” To see what the Jolly Trolley® can do for you, call us for a free demonstration on 0800 093 8499.

See the advert on page 6.

Adaptawear Iona Nightie: Full Opening-Back Nightie Ideal for those bed-ridden, struggling with mobility or needing palliative end of life care - the Iona nightie from adaptawear.com has been specifically designed with these people in mind.

This unique product comes with a fully opening back, shoulder openings on both sides, and easy poppers, which fasten quickly with limited effort. As the nightgown opens up completely flat, it can be put on from a lying or seated position, ensuring less stress for both the wearer and carer. The open back function with a generous overlap also ensures dignity when toileting and a quick drying cotton fabric is

comfortable and practical.

As well as the Iona adapted nightie, Adaptawear have a range of other back opening nighties, including their popular Petal Back range, and also fully front button nightwear. Their men and women's ranges feature a full range of adaptive daywear, including front fastening bras and comfortable cotton underwear; with a customer recently sharing they had ‘regained their independence with such helpful items.’

All items can be found at www.adaptawear.com or call 0800 051 1931 for more info. Don’t forget to use code CR10M at checkout for 10% off your order.

Evaness 100% Biodegradable Consumables Range EVANESS is the only full range of biodegradable products for the care and health sector, from various sizes and strengths of bin liners, to clingfilm and food/freezer bags. EVANESS is a derivative from the word ‘Evanesce” meaning to vanish and the technology used in the biodegradable range is scientifically proven to degrade the material if it gets into the open environment and then facilitate the secondary process of biodegradation, without causing micro-plastics.

New recent additions to the product range include compostable bin liners which are manufactured to EN13432 certification for home and industrial composting, and the UK’s first ANTI-VIRAL Grip Seal bag, which although are non-biodegradable are specifically designed to combat the transmission of viruses and bacteria.

The pandemic brought about many concerns over how to store and handle a range of items, which were handled by many a person to avoid the transfer of viruses

and bacteria. Consumable Supplies created a Grip Seal bag which incorporates an advanced British technology D2P by Symphony Environmental, which provides protection to the surface of the Grip Seal bag against microorganisms or viruses for the lifetime of the bag and offers a 99.9% Anti-Viral reduction after 1 hour of contact.

Although the bag can be used for the storage and handling of any items you wish to protect, such as medicines, PPE equipment, laboratory samples, cash, keys etc, as the product is Food-Safe, it also offers its use to storing food. The initial bag size offered is 150mm x 200mm, so useful for smaller items and can form part of your existing health and hygiene protection routine.

Consumable Supplies strives to offer unique quality environmentally friendlier products at reasonable prices with a great no-quibble customer service. Free delivery on any order.

See the advert on page 21 or visit www.consumablesupplies.co.uk

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 62 | PAGE 31

TECHNOLOGY FOR CARE Digital Tech Holds The Key To ‘Desperately Needed’ Social Care Reform Digital technology must be the foundation for futureproofing the country’s social care system, and the government must modernise its strategy for care provision, and demonstrate it values the work of all NHS, social care, and frontline workers, according to med tech company PainChek speaking on the inaugural NHS, Social Care and Frontline Workers’ Day (5 July 2021).

PainChek – the world’s first artificial intelligence (AI)-powered pain assessment tool for care home professionals – says the government must improve the financial and strategic support available to the social care sector if it is to survive and cope with future demands on resource and facilities, by having the means to utilise the power of technology and innovation to improve the care for people with dementia and those who support them.

Peter Shergill, PainChek® UK&I Country Director, explains: “The social care sector in the UK has been promised reform for many years. It was long overdue before the devastating impacts of a pandemic which has sadly highlighted the lack of funding and strategic support it so deserves from central government. In the Queen’s Speech (11 May 2021), the government’s priority to ‘deliver a recovery from the pandemic’ was confirmed, along with the provision of additional funding to support the NHS, and to bring forward legislation to allow the NHS to ‘innovate and embrace technology.’

“However, we are now hearing of delays to these reforms, with plans unlikely to be announced until the

autumn. This is yet another blow to the underfunded, under-resourced sector.

“The government must share the plans they have for social care as a matter of urgency, and grasp what is the perfect opportunity to relook at how the country’s social care system works, to ensure they have the opportunity to utilise all the tools at our disposal to ensure high quality person-centred care. Technology is an enabler to assist with this- allowing us to work smarter, not harder.”

Pete adds: “In an open letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson sent back in February, PainChek called for the creation of an innovation grant or fund to be used by social care providers to invest in innovation and technology that supports the care of people living with dementia, with a diverse coalition of support from health and social care organisations including National Care Forum and Care England.

“The first ever NHS, Social Care and Frontline Workers’ Day is a chance for all of us to show our gratitude to all the frontline staff who have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to save lives. But the best way to honour and recognise the vital contribution social care professionals working on the frontline have made and continue to make is by the government giving the sector the financial support and investment it so desperately needs to support sustainable development for the sector.

“By harnessing the power of technology, care providers can deliver more efficient and effective care, streamline processes, and ultimately cut costs and save time – allowing overstretched staff to focus on delivering the highest standard of care.”

For further information, visit: https://painchek.com/uk/

The Only Care Home Management Software You Need Our care management system (CMS) helps you to plan and evidence the care that you provide, supporting you to achieve compliance within your business. The emphasis is on care management, recording, and analysis, and it has been designed with the carers and managers of the home in mind.

The result is time saved, admin simplified, and safe and effective delivery of care.

Ablyss Systems have been providing software to the residential care sector for over 15 years. Whether you are a single provider or part of a large group, CMS will provide you with greater control and complete flexibility to help achieve compliance and evidence the care you provide.

With a fully UK based team, our care consultants are always on hand to provide training and answer your questions, whilst our support team will help you to customise the system, set up integrations with other systems, and ensure your software is always up to date.

RESIDENTS Our residents module sits at the heart of the system and helps you to evidence the care you provide.

This module covers many aspects but its main strength is its flexibility.

EMPLOYEES Our employee module allows you to manage absences, training, and supervisions.

Employees can make use of our messaging system, ensuring your staff do not miss critical changes in a resident’s care needs.

CARE MANAGEMENT Our care management module gives you a deeper insight in to your business activities.

By making use of our reporting, shift handover, filtering, and breakdown views, you will find yourself better informed and empowered to evidence your care.

FACILITIES Our facilities management module assists you in organising and planning the physical resources and maintenance tasks required within your facility.

This module covers a broad cross-section of areas, from assets, readings, and repairs, through to Health & Safety and Governance, all managed through an integrated dashboard.

MULTIPLE DEVICES Ablyss CMS includes both our main desktop software and our care recording App. The CMS App can be used on tablets or mobiles to record at point of care.

For a 30 day trial, or a more detailed online demonstration visit www.ablyss.co.uk

PAGE 32 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 62

TECHNOLOGY FOR CARE Check EU Employees Right To Work, Warns Bizimply Care employers will need to keep clear records of their team members’ immigration and right-to-work status as the UK moves into the post-Brexit ‘hostile environment’ from 1 July. Care workforce specialist Bizimply is warning businesses that they need a clear and accessible record of every employee’s status in order to demonstrate compliance with the regulations.

Under UK law, employers face imprisonment and unlimited fines for knowingly employing someone who does not have the right to work in the UK. Conor Shaw, Bizimply CEO, said: “Just as the care sector is bringing its workforce back as the economy reopens, there is a real danger that many businesses now face a significant new challenge as key employees lose the right to work. Of course, there are legal penalties, but with the labour shortage a challenge across the sector, businesses also need to know they have enough trained and experienced staff at all times and at every site.”

A leak of Government figures this week shows that around 130,000 of the 820,000 Europeans resident in the UK have yet to apply for Settled Status, despite the hard cut-off of 30 June as the date to apply.

Without confirmation of settled status, EU, EEA and Swiss living in the UK lose the right to work, as well as access to healthcare and other benefits.

Shaw added: “Although the deadline has been known for some time, the uncertainty over COVID and the challenges of communicating with employees during lockdown means that many businesses may not know the status of every employee.

“That won’t be an excuse when the authorities start asking for proof of right to work. UK politicians haven’t

talked about the ‘hostile environment’ over immigration for no reason. Proof both that employees have the right to work, and that employers have checked and recorded that status will be essential.”

Employers using Bizimply’s suite of workforce management software can easily and confidentially record all the necessary status confirmation and supporting documentation for employees, and make it available to check if required.

Employers can be jailed for five years and pay an unlimited fine if found guilty of employing someone who they know or had ‘reasonable cause to believe’ did not have the right to work in the UK. Details of the Settled Status regulations are at www.gov.uk/eusettledstatus. An employer toolkit is at www.gov.uk/government/collections/eu-settlementscheme-employer-toolkit See the advert this page or visit www.bizimply.com

Nurse Call from Edison Telecom Please Please mention mention THE THE CARER CARER when when responding responding to to advertising. advertising.

We here at Edison Telecom Ltd have been providing specialist solutions to your call system requirements tailor-made to each customers needs for over 25 years, says director Bob Johnson.

Is your current Nurse Call “legacy”, obsolete, so full of software bugs or commercially not viable for your current supplier/maintainer to maintain?

We may have just the part and expertise that you are looking for to give your nurse call a further extension to life, adds Bob, “Edison will treat your nurse call with the same compassion that you give to those in your care. There will come a time when your equipment is beyond repair but Edison are experts in extending the life of obsolete systems.” www.edisontelecom.co.uk

NURSE CALL IT’S NOT OBSOLETE UNTIL THE OPERA LADY SINGS EDISON TELECOM LTD (IN BUSINESS SINCE 1984)

have spares, enhancements and expertise for wired and wireless systems abandoned by the original manufacturer, whoever they are.

Call us on 01252-330220 We can give most systems a new lease of life and maintain them into the future.

www.edisontelecom.co.uk

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 62 | PAGE 33

TECHNOLOGY FOR CARE Make Your Nursecall Data Work For You and Your Residents Using your ‘Call Bell’ data can help improve the care you provide and even aid in getting an “outstanding” CQC rating. Yet, quite often this data is only used to help investigate an incident and ignored for the rest of the time. A lot of care homes still rely on a printer to record event logs making data analysis time consuming and difficult.

KAM Systems Limited have launched their Kloud Care Home data logging service. Kloud can be connected to any existing nursecall system using a Kloud shuttle that has a printer or paging interface.

All events are logged by the Shuttle & synchronised with the Kloud on any internet enabled device. The service then analyses the data into an easy to understand report which can even be automatically emailed to a home manager’s inbox.

The data can include KPI’s such as Average Response Time, Top Five Rooms that ‘call’ the most, Busiest Hours In The Day, No. of Night Checks and much more.

Longer response times during certain hours may indicate that not enough staff are on duty. The data can also show that a resident has started to ‘call’ for help much more than usual and this can be investigated and appropriate measures put in place.

Users can login from any connected device to access the Kloud and create custom reports or investigate a specific incident if required. Care Group administrators have a dashboard of all their care homes in one place making it simple to manage.

Harpal Momi - Managing Director says “When we asked our customers about Nursecall Data logging most of them said that it was too difficult to analyse or they didn’t have the time. We developed Kloud to help them deliver better care based on the data analysis.

The ease in which it can be implemented and the simple subscription model makes it suitable for anyone”.

Contact 0330 321 1040, info@kamsystems.co.uk or visit www.kamsystems.co.uk

Alarm Radio Monitoring Alarm Radio Monitoring (A.R.M) is a UK based manufacturer of wireless Nurse Call and Staff Alarm systems; offering a comprehensive range of Nurse Call, Staff Alarm, Fire Alarm, and Door Access bespoke systems. With over 30 years experience in the design & development of wireless Nurse Call & Staff Alarm systems, A.R.M has established itself as a key player within the wireless solutions market to the public and private healthcare sectors.

Wireless solutions are ideal for environments which do not lend themselves to running cables, for example listed buildings or busy environments. Wireless systems can be fitted while your home remains operational, so you do not have to close rooms off and they offer greater flexibility and ease for future expansion.

Care Homes choose A.R.M nurse call systems because they: • Are quick and simple to install.

• Make it easier for staff to identify the source of calls

because they give full text descriptions.

• Give management the tools they need to monitor and control best practice. The system provides a full audit trail of which buttons are pressed and response times.

• Failsafe eg alerts you in the event of a system fault or batteries are running low.

• Carry a year’s guarantee.

• Are supported 24/7, 365 days a year by specialist engineers over the telephone or online.

No matter how demanding your environment, A.R.M believes everyone – whether you’re a customer in a care home or team member – should be within safe reach.

Whether you need a combination of a Nurse Call, Staff Alarm, Fire Alarm, Door Access system, we have a team to help design a package that will meet your requirements.

For further details call 01568 610 016 or email sales@arm.uk.com

Please Please mention mention THE THE CARER CARER when when responding responding to to advertising. advertising.

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 62 | PAGE 35

TECHNOLOGY FOR CARE Reliant Care Solutions Ltd WHY SHOULD CARE HOMES MOVE FROM PAPER TO ELECTRONIC TIME SHEETS

The industry is under considerable financial pressures. An efficient electronic booking on/off system that will schedule, provide budgets, calculate hours worked, overtime and absence such as sickness and holiday entitlement will save Time and Money.

HOW IS TIME AND MONEY SAVED BY DOING THINGS ELECTRONICALLY?

Collecting payroll information from paper timesheets can be slow, prone to errors, and very labour intensive.

Staff rosters can be produced as far in advance as practical and accurate within budgeted hours. Staff book on and off-duty electronically, thus eliminating any time errors.

Wage queries are virtually eliminated and immediate checks can be made without wading through reams of paper which invariably are inaccurate, misfiled or even 'lost".

THERE ARE MANY SYSTEMS ON THE MARKET WHY FACIAL RECOGNITION IS IMPORTANT AND HOW IT WORKS

Some systems use tokens, which can be lost or left at home, requiring management involvement in the booking on/off procedure. Fingerprint systems can be beaten and Social media is awash with ways to copy fingerprints. Face recognition combined with a staff PIN is simple to use and manage using touch screen technology and web cams. Staff see their image displayed immediately when booking on or off and confirms their identity visually. It provides the best deterrent available as it builds a greater 'image knowledge’ of each employee, a picture is worth a thousand words.

Eliminates 'buddy punching' where employees can book colleagues on/off duty using someone’s tokens, swipe card or even fingerprint.

HOW IS DATA PROTECTED? With the correct security setup computer systems provide more data protection than paper-based records which can be easily removed or stolen. GDPR covers all data including paper records and therefore the chances of infringing the rules and incurring fines is greater with paper.

For further information visit www.rcscare.net or call 03333 444 562.

WristPIT from Pinpoint The WristPIT from Pinpoint,is a bespoke patient call transmitter designed to be worn on the wrist.

This wrist-worn personal infrared transmitter (WristPIT) is easily accessible and allows patients to activate a call for even if they are away from their bed or a fixed call-point.

Pinpoint’s renowned PIT technology (usually worn by staff for personal safety) has, for the first time, been designed around patient use. The WristPIT can withstand showering and brief submersion in water and also incorporates antimicrobial product protection, reducing the ability for bacteria to grow.

According to figures published by the National Reporting and Learning System, around 250,000 incidents where patients required assistance in hospital were reported in 2015/16. In many cases, nursing staff remained unaware that a patient had had a fall for quite some time.

Pressing the clearly labelled call button on the WristPIT notifies the personnel on duty that a patient is requesting help and informs staff exactly where the patient is. The call button is recessed and surrounded by a bump guard to prevent false alarms.

Pinpoint Alarm Systems are installed in thousands of medical facilities throughout the UK and USA. The new WristPIT is backward compatible and easily integrated into existing Pinpoint Systems.

A green LED indicates the WristPIT is ‘activated’ with good battery level. When the battery requires changing, the LED flashes red until the battery is changed and the device has been retested.

In addition to being water-resistant, the WristPIT has been designed to withstand harsh environments and user tampering, meaning suitability for facilities where service users may be at risk of self-harm.

Please Please mention mention THE THE CARER CARER when when responding responding to to advertising. advertising.

PINPOINT WRISTPIT The WristPIT is a wrist worn Personal Infrared Transmitter designed exclusively for patient use.

The latest call button is recessed and surrounded by a bump guard to prevent false alarms. It is also backward compatible, allowing seamless integration into existing Pinpoint Systems.

DID YOU KNOW? Biomaster Technology is incorporated into all surface areas of the product during manufacture, inhibiting the growth of contaminating bacteria 24/7 for the lifetime of the product.

www.pinpointlimited.com

PAGE 36 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 62

TECHNOLOGY FOR CARE Lincolnshire Partnership Examines Resident-Focused Technology In Social Care Serco, a specialist in delivering essential public services and healthcare, has created a new partnership with Lincolnshire County Council (LCC) and the University of Lincoln to investigate how modern and cost-effective technology can be used to improve independent living for vulnerable adults.

The group’s work is focusing on how best to help people who might otherwise need assistive-care or be moved into a care-home. Both these choices are often emotionally distressing for those who want to be independent for longer, and represent a significant financial strain on the care system.

The initial research, titled ‘Social Care Technology Innovation for the Citizens of Lincolnshire,’ began in June and over the coming five months will carefully examine how modern, mainstream technology can be applied in innovative and non-intrusive ways to assist people’s social needs.

The final outcomes and recommendations will be submitted as an indepth report on how services provided through Lincolnshire County Council might be improved. It is envisaged the research will be equally applicable to other local authorities, throughout the UK. Ben Johnson, Serco Head of IT at its Lincoln-based hub, explains: “Serco already works closely with the council to deliver outsourced finance, payroll, contact centre services and IT support.

“The important questions we’ll now be considering are ‘how can mainstream technology support vulnerable adults, particularly those with cognitive challenges such as dementia, and people with disabilities to live independent lives?’ Also ‘how can we ensure people wanting to use this technology are not digitally excluded?’

“As part of this it’s vital that the project works closely with key stakeholders, including the vulnerable adults we are aiming to help, their families, local councillors and central-government grant bodies.”

Dr Salah Al-Majeed, Acting Head of the School of Computer Science at the University of Lincoln, adds: “This is a tremendously exciting project and we hope the end results will mark Lincolnshire out as a national leader in the use of innovative, digital

technology to support and advance independent living for vulnerable adults.

“Our current research is looking at how low-cost consumer technology can provide highly beneficial solutions within a short timescale.

“These developments could, for example, include the use of smartspeakers and digital assistants, wearable technology such as smart watches, cameras and remote sensors.

“We’re also considering how smartphones, tablets and apps, often developed for the general public might be used by people with dementia, as well as how assistive technology devices can help with everyday living, enabling people to carry out day-to-day tasks that enhance their safety, and monitor things like health and cooking, bathing, memory, thinking, leisure and social participation.

“Our work is ultimately about using low-cost technology to prevent,

rather than cure, and allow vulnerable and disabled adults to maintain as high a level of independence as possible.

“This could mean people being able to stay in their own home, using unobtrusive devices they are completely comfortable with. ‘Behind the scenes’ and invisible to the end-user, powerful technology such as ‘big data,’ predictive analysis, Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT) and smart-buildings could be combined to bring real benefits to the citizens of Lincolnshire.”

Councillor Wendy Bowkett, Executive Councillor for Adult Care and Public Health at Lincolnshire County Council, comments: "The focus on low-cost, high quality mainstream technology is vitally important, as is affordability for residents and local authorities in delivering the very best social care provision.

“Social care is a high priority for the county council. Based on current calculations, the county will need an additional 17,000 social care workers over the coming 15 years to adequately provide the necessary services, based on how these are currently delivered.

“It’s vital that we begin exploring new ways of ensuring high quality, cost-efficient support that tips the balance towards prevention, rather than cure.

“Existing technology offers the potential to detect and diagnose early warning signs and proactively alert family members, friends, social care workers or the emergency services, depending on the scenario. We’re very much looking forward to the outcomes of this project which will guide and future-proof emerging plans.”

Serco currently works with a number of local authorities to support various elements of council social care processes, including case management, financial controls and IT support. This initiative marks a valuable expansion of Serco’s activity within the social care and health arena.

For further information: Serco: www.serco.com Lincolnshire County Council: www.lincolnshire.gov.uk The University of Lincoln: www.lincoln.ac.uk/home

Care South Invests In Ground-Breaking Care Planning Technology A not-for-profit charity in the South of England is the latest UK care provider to invest in ground-breaking technology proven to boost operational efficiency, reduce errors and dramatically improve care delivery.

Care South, which provides residential, nursing and dementia care to residents across its 16 care homes, also help people to live independently in their own homes.

Working with service users and their families, Care South tailors personal solutions in which all parties can feel secure and confident, with the dignity of those needing care central to the charity’s goals. To ensure that the highest levels of care are maintained, Care South’s care home portfolio benefits from ongoing investment and in-depth training programmes all year round.

Care South’s latest investment will see staff go paperless, using Person Centred Software’s award-winning Mobile Care Monitoring to evidence and monitor care interactions in real-time, in a move that will also save each carer up to 3 days per month on paperwork.

The gradual rollout will see Care South’s Sussexdown care home receive the software first, with the wider plan being to onboard up to two locations per month until all services are fully equipped with the software.

Using Person Centred Software, Care South will be able to make the

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most of its unrivalled ecosystem of partners, which includes electronic medication management.

Discussing their reasons for adopting Mobile Care Monitoring, Aaron Whitehead, Director of Residential Care at Care South, said: “We first heard about Person Centred Software through word of mouth and, upon doing our research, it seemed the perfect solution for us. Being fully mobile and icon-driven, the software is incredibly easy to use and saves our carers time that had previously been spent completing paperwork.

“We’re delighted with the benefits that the software has delivered people living and working within our homes so far. We look forward to working directly with Person Centred Software as we complete the software roll out over the coming months,” Aaron concluded.

Having launched in Australia in 2018, Ireland in 2019 and the Netherlands in 2021, Person Centred Software’s innovative technology is improving systems used in social care globally and has won numerous prestigious industry accolades. In 2020, Person Centred Software was placed on the Sunday Times Tech Track 100 and top 10 SME in Digital Leaders 100, and the Deloitte Tech Fast 50 list in 2019. Furthermore, its new coronavirus-specific features were recognised at the Health Tech Digital Awards 2020 for Best COVID-19 Software Solution.

For more information about the benefits of moving to a digital care management system, please visit www.personcentredsoftware.com

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THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 62 | PAGE 39

TECHNOLOGY FOR CARE StackCare UK Expands Offering with Launch Of Two New Client-Monitoring Systems – One for Care Homes CARE VISION and One for Home Care Professionals

StackCare UK, the market leading homemonitoring system provider, has expanded its product range with two new systems for the professional care industry - StackCare Pro and StackCare for Carers. Building on the original StackCare @home system that was launched earlier this year, the new systems provide care home managers and professional carers with up to the minute details on their clients’ wellbeing and activity levels, offering unrivalled extra levels of detail and resource to care packages.

Managers and agencies can monitor their clients both centrally, in their office using an online dashboard, and/or through an app on carers’ mobile phones. The systems allow staff to view the status of multiple clients, and, as with StackCare @home, managers and carers can monitor activity levels and data including the number of bathroom visits the client makes, room temperatures and sleep patterns, with alerts sent if a client’s behaviour patterns change.

Door sensors and help buttons are also available as optional add-ons to both systems for clients who would benefit from extra monitoring and /or a direct communication link to their care team.

FLEXIBLE, COMPREHENSIVE CARE SOLUTION

Care Control Systems Care Control Systems Ltd is proud to create the UK's best Care Management Software designed for use within all standard, niche and complex care settings. Care Control has been in constant development since 2010 and was made commercially available in 2016. Since then we have expanded across hundreds of providers within the UK and are well recognised as leaders in our field.

Care Control is used by over 15,000 care professionals daily across the UK in multiple service types ensuring their services have live, up-to-date essential information. Located in Tavistock, Devon our expert team is comprised of numerous industry specialists with many years of direct, hands-on care experience.

This is one of our key USP’s.

Our Managing Director, Matt Luckham started the creation of the original Care Control Software in 2010

Developed in Silicon Valley, and using enhanced AI and machinebased learning, both the StackCare for Carers and StackCare Pro systems use discreet wireless smart motion sensors placed in key locations around the client’s home, or care home room. There are no cameras or microphones, thereby ensuring privacy for clients. A central hub gathers the data from the sensors which is analysed and reported back to the carer / agency. The data is anonymised and held in line with GDPR rules.

The founder of StackCare UK, Noel Verbruggen, commented, “These StackCare systems give care providers an unrivalled resource that brilliantly compliments existing care packages. The cutting edge technology means carers can know that their clients or residents are OK even when they can’t physically be with them.

“We all know that carers often can’t be with their clients for as long as they would like to be, and for busy carers and care homes time pressures are a real issue. It’s here that our smart tech comes into its own. Having instant access to StackCare’s data essentially gives carers an extra pair of hands and gives reassurance to carers, clients and clients’ families”.

StackCare is offering agencies the option to partner with them to promote the use of the system to clients as an addition to the agency’s care package offering.

To learn more about StackCare UK’s solutions visit www.stackcare.co.uk with the aim to provide essential, accurate information for Spring House Care House in Devon. Matt had purchased Spring House in 2010. Matt developed the software and then spent 6 years proving its functionality within Spring House. It soon became apparent the software could add real value to other service providers and after numerous requests we decided to commercialise the software.

In 2016 Care Control Systems Ltd was founded and since then has gone from strength-to-strength with exponential growth.

We now have an exceptional team of more than 20 staff who have over 70 years of direct hands-on care experience between them. On top of this our team of Software Developers are experts in their field and are constantly developing our products to ensure they offer everything our customers expect in what is a particularly complex sector.

2020 has been a record year for Care Control with record numbers of customers choosing us, office expansion, overseas sales and an ever growing team to name just a few things. We are so excited for the future!

Visit www.carecontrolsystems.co.uk

At Care Vision we believe care may never be the same again. Outstanding care truly is at the heart of everything we do, with a clear purpose of Less Admin, More Care.

Growing up and working in a family owned care home, Rishi Jawaheer saw at first hand the main needs in the care sector; to cut down on the burden of manual paperwork while maintaining good practice and to encourage people to become more involved in care.

Using his experience as a registered manager, with some of the smartest minds in tech, Rishi was driven to create Care Vision, an all in one cloudbased care management, system incorporating all your care and admin into one easy to use system.

Presently the care industry has our work cut out to keep in line with statutory and legislative compliance in addition to the essential everyday tasks of looking after our clients.

Care Vision acts as a bridge which uses technology that organises care work, ensures a safer, better and more intimate experience for every member of the community, from administration, the carer to family, friends and the people we care for.

Care Vision provides An easy to use system for carers, managers, relatives; bringing care and admin into one platform; to manage time, attendance, rota, HR, housekeeping, maintenance and much more An E-mar system, fully compliant with NICE, reducing medication errors and keeping people safe An intuative daily notes section that can be completed at the point of service quickly and accurately A pictorial food order system that allows the individual to choose from a menu even if they forgot what a meal looks like Daily reminders in the form of care routines which reminds staff of key aspects of care for the individual

Care Plans / Risk assessments/ Life stories which allows you to customise care plans to specifically suit the person’s needs. Reminding all about one’s history and who Is important in one’s life A family app that allows families to keep track of their loved one’s wellbeing through videos and pictures, which has been essential during the pandemic.

Care Vision gives you the freedom to access it using mobile, tablet, laptop, or pc in real time whilst safely securing and storing data. within the platform.

Built flexibly to adapt to services of any size, large or small, Care Vision’s structured, interactive features engage carers in sharing information with the end-user and their family.

Registered manager and director of Summerhayes Care says “The carers have taken to Care Vision like a duck to water and the information that we are gathering is streets ahead of the previous system we used we are very impressed. They make it easy to understand and nothing is any trouble.

I highly recommend taking a look at this system if you are wanting to meet your quality standards and CQC requirements”.

Nationally our data has shown that working with homes Care Vision can save 2-4 hours every week per carer by reducing tasks that could be better spent with the people we care for.

As both carers and developers, we are unique in our focus on developing software that benefits the care sector.

This allows us to continually develop and update software for our clients.

The Care Vision team would love to talk to you about what the system can do for you, come and join us, we believe the future of Social care is in good hands with “Care vision” Contact us at info@care-vision.co.uk or call 0208 768 9809

PAGE 40 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 62

TECHNOLOGY FOR CARE

A Digital Future of Care in a Post COVID-19 Era The New Year brings good news and light at the end of the COVID-19 tunnel with the roll out of vaccination programs, despite this the UK has been forced into stricter lockdown regulations. Health and care sectors are acutely aware of their responsibilities and the importance to look after technology that is fundamental to caring for the vulnerable and their carers.

Should systems fail, technology suppliers should provide help and assistance remotely with telephone support and using remote diagnostic tools. At Courtney Thorne we find that most issues are resolved over the phone, where this proves difficult and further checks or reconfiguration is necessary this is done by remotely accessing systems and running diagnostics. 95% of the service inquiries we receive are resolved this way reducing the need to physically attend the site.

Inquiries that cannot be rectified remotely will require an engineer to visit. To ensure the safety of residents, staff and the engineers themselves, service providers need to adopt stringent policies with rigorous clarification processes concluding with written

The New MPCSA11 from Medpage Medpage is a family ran company, with a huge heart and resources gathered over our 35- year trading history. The majority of the technologies we design, manufacture and distribute originate from enquiries received from healthcare professionals and personal family care observations. Our product portfolio provides a wide variety of care solutions for epilepsy, dementia, senior care, special needs and sensory loss.

Our latest innovation, currently in use in

several Hospitals, presents an effective fall monitoring, detection and reporting solution.

The MPCSA11 is a complex software driven sensor monitor made to be user and operator friendly. This device has already proven successful in hospital and care home trials by reducing patient falls while also reducing false positives from a safe patient. The device can monitor and interact with up to three sensor products: bed and chair occupancy pressure pads, PIR movement detection sensors and proximity signal products.

In use, a patient or resident rising from their bed would be considered a falls risk, but what if they are simply moving to sit in a chair close to their bed? A standard bed monitor would raise an alarm alerting care staff, who would arrive to find the person safely seated. The MPCSA11 would only generate an alarm if the person was out of their bed or chair for a selectable time duration. Learn more www.easylinkuk.co.uk/mpcsa11 Or see the advert on page 15.

confirmation that there is no COVID-19 on site or where there is, that those suffering are suitably isolated. In the case of Courtney Thorne our process includes asking authorised care home management to fill out a questionnaire prior to our engineer turning up.

We also insist that our staff are regularly checked, including logging daily body temperature. Finally equipping field staff with necessary PPE, making sure it is always used and includes a hand washing regime before, during and after any site visit. Courtney Thorne provides our field-based engineering staff with overalls, gloves, face masks and plenty of hand sanitiser.

By diligently observing these protocols, and despite our staff visiting care homes and hospitals on a daily basis throughout the pandemic, not one of them has developed any COVID-19 symptoms at any time.

For further information visit www.nursecallsystems.co.uk or see the advert on this page.

Andy Bridgewater Expands Alarm Radio Monitoring's Team

Market Leading manufacturer of wireless nurse call and staff alarm systems, Alarm Radio Monitoring Ltd (ARM), has announced the appointment of Andy Bridgewater as its new Head of Sales & Marketing.

Former Royal Engineer with Her Majesty’s forces, Andy joined the business in late April, having over 15 years experience within the sales and engineering industry.

Andy’s appointment to the senior management team comes at an exciting time for ARM with numerous new products and systems being launched throughout the year, none more so than the Bed Angel, an innovative wireless bed occupancy monitor.

Stuart Ibbs, Operations Director for ARM, said: “We are delighted to welcome Andy to lead our sales team during what is an exciting period of growth for the business. With numerous new products entering the market over the coming year, his appointment is a big part of the company’s commitment to provide high quality products to the care and staff alarm industry” “Andy’s drive and passion for team management will strengthen our sales division, he will be crucial in mentoring our sales team to roll out the new products we are due to roll out” Andy’s role as head of Sales & Marketing will see him lead sales growth for ARM as their product range continues to expand throughout the UK. The Bed Angel, new monitoring software and 7’ touchpad display are either currently available or due to enter the market shortly.

Andy commented: “I am delighted to join ARM at such an exciting time as it continues to grow throughout the UK and innovate within the Health Care industry.

He continued : Alarm Radio Monitoring’s focus on people development and working as a team is something I firmly believe in, and I am looking forward to working with the sales team to exceed targets whilst continuing to deliver the outstanding customer service that ARM is renowned for” See the advert on page 31.

www.nursecallsystems.co.uk

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 62 | PAGE 41

TECHNOLOGY FOR CARE How Technology is Transforming The Future of Social Care

by Steve Morgan, Partnership Director, Agilisys (www.agilisys.co.uk)

Chronic underfunding, a workforce crisis, insufficient modernisation and COVID-19 are all testing social care to the limits. There is now, however, an opportunity to reassess, redesign and re-ignite a strategy for lasting, effective change as we emerge from the pandemic.

The social care system is complex and fragmented, with care being provided by around 18,500 organisations throughout the country. Good practice being developed in one part of the care sector is difficult to share. A joined-up view is needed to achieve a clear vision.

By thinking long-term and bringing together the fragmented sector, funding decisions can be made to drive efficiencies and modernise the traditional service, to benefit all.

ADVANCES IN TECHNOLOGY ARE LEADING THE WAY

Demand for care is not going to reduce, so it’s down to critical technologies to transform the future of care:

• Tools for collaboration

There is a growing movement towards a 'delivery ecosystem' of collaboration tools. You can plug a variety of options into one connectivity hub, which enables everything from telehealth and telecare to social inclusion and family contact, without the need to have six or seven different boxes.

• Reduced inbound demand, through automation

There has been a fundamental switch from inbound telephony-based contact services to proactive outbound ones. To make those services more productive, you have to reduce inbound demand.

That is where artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and robotic process automation (RPA) are important. If the repeatable and everyday tasks are automated, staff have more time to make a difference to the peo-

ple they care for.

• Advanced predictive analytics

Data is critical to any strategic, joined-up future of care. Predictive analytics can help understand when somebody is in danger of needing health or residential care, which can dramatically reduce the overall cost of care delivery.

Using data to inform more effective decisions is the way forward and with the use of the Integrated care system (ICS) and how it will bring together data collection and joined-up data usage.

• Data collection at home

Technology can identify when there are issues with damp, carbon dioxide, humidity and temperature. Having knowledge of the environment vulnerable people are living in, can reduce and remove any knock-on effects.

• Social care cost modelling

Social care makes up most of local authority spend. In 2018/19, total expenditure on social care by councils was £22.2bn. Using data to predict outcomes and effective routes, social care cost modelling enables users to take any cohort of children or adults and apply one or more of a huge range of potential scenarios to it. This shows authorities how much social care services are costing them, and what they can do about it.

• Microsoft Viva

The transition to permanent remote working raises a crucial question: how does an organisation create a culture, a sense of belonging, a mission and connection in the absence of a physical presence? Employee Experience platforms such as Viva focus on employee wellbeing to help avoid burnout, highlight efficiency gains, and bring knowledge together in one place.

• Remote working solutions

Providing frontline staff with remote working solutions, encompassing software and client information, allows professionals to spend more time with their clients, speed up data capture, decision-making and reduce transcribing errors.

USER ENGAGEMENT KEY TO SUCCESS

Technology alone will not drive the change. If the purpose of a new app or software is not apparent, then it already presents a cognitive issue to your

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Upgrade your falls programme with the latest technology from Fall Savers®. The NEW Fall Savers® Wireless eliminates the cord between the monitor and sensor pad. This results in less work for nursing staff, improved safety for patients and reduced wear and tear on sensor pads. Wireless advantages include the ability to use one monitor with two sensor pads simultaneously and support for many new wireless devices.

Benefits include:

Safer for patients; less work for staff Bed and chair pads available One monitor works with two sensor pads Integrates with most nurse call systems A variety of options, including: Call button Pager Floor sensor mat Wireless door/window exit alerts

TREADNOUGHT ®FLOOR SENSOR PAD

team. Only by engaging the intended users through a change programme will change have the opportunity to succeed. Stimulate conversations, test ideas and gain buy-in from those who will be using the technology everyday.

HOW CAN WE TAKE ACTION NOW? 1. Plan

Think of every aspect of care delivery. Is it the right thing to do? Is the level of spending correct? What is the value? Do this right and it will drive a fundamental shift in thinking; towards treating the delivery of care like a business.

2. Introduce strategic thinking

Care is one of those few areas in in the 21st century, where there appears to be little strategic thinking around the continual improvement of service delivery. It is time to mirror the NHS and implement a five-year plan.

3. Map opportunities for partnerships

Currently, different bodies deliver assessments dependent on the area.

Far better to bring those together and have them delivered by a single individual who is empowered to operate on behalf of those other organisations.

Joined-up, multi-agency thinking is required.

4. Think prevention, not cure

Preventative investment in social care will deliver benefits to society as more people will stay healthy, happy, and independent for as long as possible.

5. Embrace organisation-wide technology

A recent paper from Socitm showed social workers are more ‘digital ready’ than previously thought. More frontline staff need to be identifying opportunities for digital improvements; not just in service management and client outcomes, but in what the future of social care could be.

By investing in preventative, person-centred approaches, including assetbased solutions to reducing social isolation, shared lives and community agents, outcomes can be improved, and costs reduced.

Technology has a huge potential to support more people to live independently. Data, workforce and true partnerships are critical in delivering care at the right time, making differences for people.

The TreadNought® Floor Sensor Pad is built to last with a durable construction that far out lasts the competition. Our anti-bacterial floor sensor pad is compatible with most nurse call systems or can be used with a portable pager to sound an alert when a person steps on to the sensor pad.

Caregivers typically place the sensor pad at the bedside, in a doorway or other locations to monitor persons at risk for falls or wandering. An optional anti-slip mesh reduces the potential for slippage on hard surface floors.

Features include: Connects directly to most nurse call systems High Quality anti-bacterial Floor Sensor Pad Large Size Pad: Measures (L) 91cm x (H) 61cm Options (sold separately): Anti-slip mesh for hard surface floors See the advert on this page for further details.

PAGE 42 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 62

RECRUITMENT & PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Rethinking Payroll In Health And Social Care To Avoid Staff Payment Challenges

By Abigail Vaughan, Chief Operating Officer, Zellis (www.zellis.com) As a result of COVID-19, care homes have taken the spotlight over the past 18 months. Although restrictions are starting to relax, there is another problem which has been bubbling under the surface for some time - and has worsened as a result of the pandemic - in the form of a payroll crisis.

There is always more to payroll than meets the eye - and care homes are no different. Through our work with many health and social care organisations, we have identified three main challenges.

Low pay risks This will come as no surprise. Frontline workers in health and social care are typically low paid. Long hours, ever-changing shift patterns and overtime routines add complexity to the payroll, especially when it comes to calculating hourly rates and keeping an accurate record of what has been done and when.

Plus, there is a heightened risk of payroll errors inadvertently causing a breach of national minimum wage rules, which can result in reputation issues, hefty penalties and, of course, damage to employee trust and wellbeing.

Monthly payroll cycles You might think it is easy to keep track of working patterns and overtime. Whilst it should be, many care homes are currently operating in monthly payroll cycles and either don’t have a robust system for tracking time and attendance or, if they do, it isn’t used correctly.

The problem with this is that a lot can happen in four weeks, especially in health and social care. Overtime can be offered, promotions can occur, resignations are issued, sickness happens. Essentially, there are lots of factors which can contribute to miscalculations within a payroll cycle. If you have to wait four weeks in order to address an issue or a change then, not only can it be missed, but the latency can have a major impact on budgets and employee wellbeing. There is the option of making corrections mid-payroll cycle, but this is costly in terms of both payment fees and time.

Lack of management oversight Often the payroll is signed off by a Finance Director who is very far removed from the day-to-day operations and running of the care home. Whilst they have clear understanding of the budgets, they aren’t neces-

sarily aware of the intricacies of the payroll - who is doing the work, and when.

For example, at the end of the month they know they normally pay Janet £X per month. But Janet was asked to do X hours of overtime by her manager, and it wasn’t logged in time. The Finance Director doesn’t know to correct this, so Janet is underpaid for the work she has done. As a result, the budget for that month is lost, perhaps never to be rectified or, if it is, taken from the following month’s overtime budget, impacting other members of staffs’ hours.

If there was a strong segregation of duties, then underpayment wouldn’t occur, and the Finance Director would have better control over the overall budget, knowing that back payments weren’t going to be claimed the following month and additional overtime could be offered in the month to come. At the same time, the frontline manager would be assured their staff were being paid correctly and be more confident in ensuring the best level of staff for the budget.

Another major problem in care homes along with underpayment is, in fact, overpayment. Again, this is closely linked to inadequate processes and information not being passed to the payroll team quick enough.

For example, if someone resigns at short notice, which is often the case in such a high turnover industry, and isn’t correctly taken off the system in time, all too often they will still receive a wage for a job they haven’t been doing.

Overpayments are hard to reclaim in any industry and, in the case of care homes, which are often under immense financial pressure, it could be the difference between being able to operate or not.

Rejuvenating payroll Health and social care organisations need to rethink their payroll in order to address these challenges and mitigate the impact of pandemic pressures. We would recommend taking the following steps as a starting point to reduce risk, improve the employee experience, and optimise the pay bill: 1. Putting checks in place, ideally via automated solutions, to reduce the risk of minimum wage underpayment.

2.Join up the payroll and benefits processes to help staff understand the total value of their employment package, including both the base salary and benefits-in-kind available to them.

3.Move from monthly to more frequent pay cycles to reduce under- and overpayments; with the uptake of technology such as Faster Payments, payroll teams can be a lot more flexible in how often and how quickly they pay employees, while also having the ability to instantly correct potential errors.

4.Develop strong internal processes for reporting and segregation of duties in order to improve the overall efficiency of payroll processes and control for management teams.

5.Consider partnering with a specialist who can take care of payroll and compliance, so the business can focus on providing high-quality care.

QCS and OnePlan Announce New Alliance Quality Compliance Systems (QCS), a major provider of content, guidance and support for the health and care sector has selected OnePlan Software (OnePlan), the Domiciliary Care Software solution provider to strengthen the support they are able to provide to Care Providers.

The agreement which was signed today will see both companies share their expertise to provide greater support to frontline care managers.

QCS tailored policies, procedures, best practice content and support compliments OnePlan’s advanced staff rostering, electronic call monitoring software and mobile solution.

Sue Newsome, OnePlan CEO, said, “This is an exciting opportunity for us to work closely with QCS. Over time both companies plan to expand the relationship to take advantage of our respective capabilities and offer clients unparalleled levels of end to end efficiency and support."

Simon Bunegar, QCS Marketing and Sales Director added “We're delighted to have formed a collaborative alliance with OnePlan. the close relationship that both organisations have formed with care providers will mean that, collectively, we can better understand and respond to the myriad of challenges that front-line leaders face.”

To join QCS, contact our compliance advisors on 0333-405-3333 or email sales@qcs.co.uk.

Care Home Finance from Global Business Finance Global assists clients throughout the U.K. who specialise in the healthcare sector to achieve their objectives of purchase, development and refinance.

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Every proposal is individual and deserves to be treated that way, so we hope you will allow us to be of assistance to you and call us to chat through your plans and requirements, I am sure we will be able to tailor a facility to your requirements.

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