The Carer Digital - Issue #49

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 49

Care Residents “Barred from the Voting Booth”

Care home residents are being “effectively barred” from voting in person in the UK’s local elections by government guidance that requires them to self-isolate for 14 days after leaving the home, says care group The National care Forum (NCF) Elections will be held across England, Scotland and Wales this May with 48 million people eligible to vote to elect almost 5,000 positions of power. As the country gears up to polling day on Thursday 6th May, however, care residents will see access to the voting booth is restricted under current government guidance.

The guidance states that this is to ensure that residents who may become

unknowingly infected do not pass coronavirus to other residents and staff.

This means that care home residents are currently are unable to leave their care home to exercise their inalienable right to vote in person, since if they do head out to the voting booth, they will find themselves facing 14 days of isolation on their return. In a country that prides itself on being the cornerstone of democracy, to exclude around half a million people from being able to vote the way they want to is unthinkable.

(CONTINUED ON PAGE 3...)

PAGE 2 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 49

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

The law of unintended consequence is defined as “Actions of people—and especially of government—which always have effects that are unanticipated or unintended.”

Last week we reported challenge over the government guidance which prohibited residents over working age from leaving care homes for trips which can be seen at https://tinyurl.com/h4we9ubp The guidance issued on 8 March prevented visits out of care homes by residents aged over 65 and required those who are permitted to leave to self-isolate for 14 days on their return.

It was/is an appallingly thought-out policy which rightly drew a backlash from families and the wider public. What was strikingly obvious how did nobody see it coming? It smacked of complete crisis management which is something we have seen all too often.

The policy inevitably brought a legal challenge from campaign group John’s Campaign and the ban on over 65’s taking trips out was in the face of said challenge abandoned.

(See page 5.)

However, the 14-day self-isolation guidance for residents to remain in their rooms is still in place. The legal firm Leigh Day representing the campaign group rightly said at the time: “It cannot be right that every time a resident leaves their care home, regardless of the nature of the outing, regardless of who they are seeing, regardless of the precautions being taken and whether or not they have been vaccinated, that they then be required to self-isolate for 14 days on their return”.

So, it will come as a surprise to absolutely nobody that the current government guidance compromises the rights of residents to vote in local elections, and this would, of course, be the same if we are having a general election.

Under our human rights laws, voting is a right, not a privilege, although the cynic in me would say that some people see it as such.

According to United Nations human rights commission people have the right to take part in the conduct of public affairs, including the right to vote and to stand for election, which they say is at the core of democratic governments based on the will of the people.

Genuine elections are thus a necessary and fundamental component of an environment that protects and promotes human rights.

The right to vote and be elected in genuine, periodic elections is intrinsically linked to a number of other human rights, the enjoyment of which is crucial to a meaningful electoral process. These prerequisite rights include the right to freedom from discrimination, the right to freedom of opinion and expression, the right to freedom of association and of peaceful assembly, and the right to freedom of movement.

Note the term above - Freedom from discrimination!

To enforce a 14 day lockdown on a particular segment of society exercising their right to vote is prejudicial (I’m not a legal expert but that is my humble opinion)!

Editor

Peter Adams

I suspect this may very well lead to a further legal challenge unless the government adopts a sensible approach.

I have always said that the government has found itself in a rock and a hard place and finds itself in the court of public opinion every day of the week.

After the catastrophic policy of releasing Covid infected patients back into care homes it has had to adopt a very careful policy to ensure safety.

However, this is wrong will lead to further confrontation with the sector, residents, residents families.

The government must as a matter of urgency re-examine this policy and come up with a sensible solution, and that will mean lifting the ban or investing heavily in assisting care homes and residents in enabling their votes to be cast with confidence!

Don't forget our latest “Unsung Hero Award”.

A small token on our part to reward somebody who has gone that extra mile in in the residential and nursing care sector.

While mainstream media sometimes it would seem “relishes” the opportunity to dwell on negative news surrounding care homes, we have always done the opposite! And it is an absolute travesty that these feelgood stories and initiatives never seem to make mainstream news.

We last did an award before Christmas, which received, we are delighted to say, a phenomenal response, with some of the most wonderful, delightful, inspiring nominations for staff working in numerous roles within the sector who had gone that little bit more (often a lot more) in their daily duties which can sometimes go unnoticed. So much so in fact that we tagged on an extra couple of runner-up prizes!

We only opened for nominations last week and already are receiving nominees throughout the UK we are absolutely thrilled to say!

So, once again a luxury hamper will be delivered directly to a “UNSUNG HERO” at their care home, nominations are open until April 30 so please get nominating with a small paragraph of what your nominee has done and why you think they are worthy of recognition nominate@thecareruk.com 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

PUBLISHED BY RBC Publishing Ltd Roddis House, Old Christchurch Rd, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 1LG

TELEPHONE:

01202 552343 (6 lines)

Fax: 01202 552666 Email: sales@thecareruk.com

WEBSITE: www.thecareruk.com EDITOR Peter Adams SALES EXECUTIVES Sylvia Mawson David Bartlett Guy Stephenson TYPESETTING & DESIGN Matthew Noades PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Shelly Roche Published by

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 49 | PAGE 3

Care Residents “Barred from the Voting Booth” (...CONTINUED FROM FRONT COVER) Vic Rayner, CEO of the National Care Forum (NCF) said: “The whole experience of voting for the majority of people living in care homes will have been in person, often for many years at the same polling station, going through the motions in a way that is both familiar and a connection to wider society. Getting the vote is a rite of passage. Losing the right to vote in person is a national scandal.”

As politicians (both local and national) across England, Scotland and Wales take up the campaign trail again this week, there are a group of constituents who will be feeling that their voices and opinions are less valid and less valuable than the rest of the population.

It could be argued that care home residents can register to vote by post, or to have a proxy to vote for them. However, that is, and should be, a choice. It should not be because other opportunities to exercise their democratic right has been removed by the government.

Rayner said: “As soon as it became apparent that everyone would not be able to share full access to the voting options, then the elections should have been paused, or we should have found a way where the opportunities for all to vote were equalised. This could have been achieved by introducing postal voting for all, or if that was not possible,

then having a concerted targeted deliberate campaign that ensured that each and every individual effectively barred from voting in person on the day, was made fully aware of the options available to them for post and proxy and enabled to exercise their choices in a meaningful way.

A previous version of the Department of Health & Social Care (DHSC) guidance published on March 8, restricted trips out of care homes to residents of working age, however these restrictions were subsequently dropped earlier this month following a legal challenge by the group John’s Campaign, which argued that the Government was acting unlawfully by imposing a blanket ban regardless of the health of the individual.

The group said that it wants to see the 14-day self-isolation requirement amended.

Co-founder Julia Jones said she is “personally ashamed to live in a country that treats a section of its population in this way”, adding: “On the one hand the Government trumpets the success of the vaccination programme at reducing the risk of serious illness or death from Covid; on the other it cannot permit a trip to the supposedly Covid-secure environment of a polling station.”

A Government spokesman said: “Any visit in or out of a care home

Key Message On Astrazeneca Vaccine Is Benefits Outweigh Potential Risks

Responding to the scientific briefing on the AstraZeneca vaccine, Ruth Rankine, director of the NHS Confederation’s PCN Network, said: “The key message to take away from both the EU and the UK regulators is that the benefits of the AstraZeneca vaccine still outweigh any potential

risks and we hope the public will be reassured that a thorough review has been undertaken and the necessary precautions taken.

“Our members have not reported a significant impact on numbers turning up for their vaccination, and we hope that by clarifying the recommendations and their basis, today’s announcement will be helpful in boosting people’s vaccine confidence. As Prof Van Tam pointed out, vaccination is one of our strongest tools in the fight against COVID-19, and it is vital that the programme continues at pace. We will therefore need ongoing clarity on supplies, whoever the manufacturer.

“It will be for the Government, along with the regulators, to continue to move with the evidence and communicate this clearly. We now await the additional information that will be shared with healthcare professionals and with the public.”

brings some risk of infection, and our priority must always be to manage to transmission and keep vulnerable residents safe.

“Everyone who is eligible to vote will have the opportunity to do so in these elections. People can apply for a postal vote by April 20 or a proxy vote by April 27.”

Rayner concludes: “If there was ever a model of engagement that could have prepared us for how to behave whilst social distancing, then casting your vote would be it. Yet even with all these precautions in place it is not allowed for those from a care home. The restrictions on those in care homes need to be changed. It cannot and should not be acceptable for the rest of the population to be out enjoying pub lunches, get together in gardens, attending weddings and funerals, shopping, even enjoying a trip around the zoo – when those of all ages who live in care homes cannot even travel 5 minutes down the road to the local polling station without then spending the next fourteen days isolating in their room. This is not a situation that any of the candidates for election should stand quietly by and accept. The 6th May needs to become a turning point not just for the electoral chances for thousands of candidates across Britain, but a turning point for each and every care home resident where we enable them all to once again become fully functioning citizens of our society.”

PAGE 4 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 49

Why Uniform Policy Should Be Treated As A Separate Entity

By Philippa Shirtcliffe, Head of Care Quality, QCS (www.qcs.co.uk) When the Coronavirus pandemic is finally contained, Monday, 12th, April 2021 may or may not prove to be a fundamental turning point. While I don’t wish to get too carried away, a worldclass vaccination programme has enabled some people to meet in pub gardens, visit hairdressers and search out bargains in high street clothes shops. Some of our newly won freedoms also extend to care homes, where care home residents in England are allowed to receive visits from two visitors. The relaxation in the rules has meant that for the first time some service users have been able to meet grandchildren who were born in the lockdown for the first time.

While variants from Brazil, South Africa and other parts of the world could still throw us of course – it certainly feels that the UK is breaking new ground. That said, maintaining robust Infection, Prevention and Control measures – not just in the care sector – but throughout society is absolutely vital if we are to avoid another lockdown. The truth is that even a vaccination programme is not enough to keep this insidious and deadly virus at bay. If you want proof, you only have to look at Chile. Despite vaccinating 37 percent of its population, Chile, has had to re-introduce stringent Covid restrictions after the number of new cases rose dramatically.

In previous articles, I have written about the importance of infection, prevention and control measures, and throughout the pandemic, QCS, the organisation I work for, has been providing the latest IPC content, guidance and standards to the care sector. Many reading this piece will have used our policies and procedures, which are constantly updated, and so will be familiar with best practice in this area.

But today, I want to spend some time looking at important area in the IPC debate, which is sometimes overlooked – and that is the need to make uniform and workwear an integral part of an IPC programme. To achieve this, the best providers create a uniform policy. QCS has developed several policies and procedures – some of which are linked to HR - and others that tie into Health & Safety. QCS also works very closely with Napthens H&S to ensure that the latest Health and Safety protocols are embedded in all its policies.

So, what are the Health & Safety issues that providers need to address? Let me begin by quoting the Royal College of Nurses. Its Uniform and Workwear guidance document says that workwear “must allow mobility and comfort, whilst being able to withstand decontamination”.

In this respect, uniforms must be much more robust than leisure clothes. They must be able to cope with be being constantly washed at temperatures exceeding 60 degrees celsius without shrinking or spoiling.

It is also important that staff responsible for purchasing carefully research the materials used before buying a consignment of uniform. When I previously was involved in buying uniforms, we tried before we bought.

We wore uniforms, not just to see if they were comfortable, but to check they conformed to H&S standards.

There is nothing more effective than taking this approach, as it quickly highlights problems with zips, collars and sleeves.

It's also a good idea to road-test uniforms for materials that could potentially bring care workers out in a rash. At the same time, those responsible for buying uniforms should find out if staff are allergic to any materials that could be used in uniforms. Finally, and this may seem an obvious point, but as a rule of thumb, managers responsible for purchasing should buy more uniforms than are actually required.

But care providers must also factor in uniform design too in the policies and procedures that they create.

It's important too that protocol is constantly updated. During the pandemic, for example, it has become customary for care professionals to wear PPE on top of their uniforms. In the early days of the crisis – particularly in the summer months – the combination of wearing full PPE and uniform, meant that many providers often finished shifts drenched in sweat. Outstanding providers, who have developed H&S policies in place, will have seen this – not as a challenge - but as an opportunity to purchase more light weight, but equally hard-wearing uniforms - for their staff.

Outstanding workwear and uniform policy must also take into account the setting and environment that a care professional is working in. If, for example, care staff experience challenging behaviour from service users on a regular basis, the uniform policies also need to be factored into the myriad of policies that front-line managers use to safeguard both staff and service user. Uniforms may be different in design to those in other settings. Essentially, ties, a lanyard or even a front pocket might be removed from workwear on health, safety and personal security grounds.

Those responsible for writing uniform policy must take care to think about every employee. It’s really important to note that not everyone working in the care sector is a frontline carer. Take those who work in logistics in care homes, for instance. The uniform requirements are very different. If a person is lifting boxes all day in a care home, for instance, the number one priority – in addition to conforming to IPC standards – is that they can carry out their work in reasonable comfort.

Chris Walker is head of Napthens Health & Safety team. He specialises in manual handling training and adds, “Policy makers need to carefully consider whether uniforms compromise movement. This may not seem a big issue, but if a person’s trousers are too tight, they won’t be able to pick up a box correctly.

Wearing ill-fitting uniforms means there is more of a risk that the person tasked with lifting will use their back to pick up a box rather than their knees. So, something as simple as supplying staff with the correct fitting uniform can really make a difference in limiting manual handling type injuries. That said, ensuring a comfortable dress code alone is only part of the solution. Manual handling training should always be undertaken.”

This example, and the others that I have mentioned in this piece, demonstrate that uniform protocols should never be treated as a separate entity. They are intrinsically linked to a vast array of policies and need to be considered holistically.

To find out more about QCS, contact our compliance advisors on 0333-405-3333 or email sales@qcs.co.uk.

Welcome for New Care Home Changes Long-awaited changes which give more freedom to residents in care and nursing homes have been welcomed as “steps towards normality”.

The Government has said care home residents can now leave their homes for trips out provided they spend 14 days in isolation on their return.

And from Monday the number of visitors they can have will double to two and in addition they will be able to have small children visit too.

Provider organisation the Independent Care Group (ICG) said the changes were welcome but called on the Government to moderate its demand for 14 days’ isolation.

ICG Chair Mike Padgham: “These changes will bring great benefits to people in care and nursing homes and to their families. They are wel-

come steps towards normality and provided they are handled with care will bring a lot of pleasure.

“But I do believe the need for 14 days’ isolation in all cases after a trip out is excessive.

“Yes, if a group of people are mixing with others during an outing, then some form of isolation might be necessary to mitigate any risk of Covid-19 being spread in a home of vulnerable people.

“But where a group of people go out together, in a minibus for example, don’t mix with anyone other than each other, who they live with all day every day, then it does seem to me that isolation, particularly for such a long period, might be unnecessary.

“I think the Government should give homes the flexibility to judge each case on its merits and decide what level of isolation is needed

following a trip out, otherwise there is a risk that it might not be worth doing.”

The ICG was also conscious that the overall risk from Covid-19 had not gone away.

“Of course, in all of these things we must proceed with care, follow all the guidance on masks, social distancing, PPE and good hygiene,” Mr Padgham added.

“All relaxation of restrictions does bring with it risk, but we have to balance that risk with the benefits these changes can bring. Our message is: ‘proceed with caution’ adhere to the guidance and let’s enjoy a little freedom but still keep each other safe.”

Entries Open for NACC Care Chef of the Year 2021 Competition The National Association of Care Catering (NACC) has officially launched its search for the best chef working in the care sector. The NACC Care Chef of the Year 2021 competition opened for entries.

All chefs and cooks working across the care sector1 can enter the prestigious culinary competition that recognises, showcases and celebrates their talent and sector-specific knowledge and skills.

The entry brochure can be downloaded at www.thenacc.co.uk/events/care-chef-2021 and the deadline for entries is Friday 30 April 2021.

The NACC is also delighted to announce that Unilever Food Solutions is the new main sponsor of the competition. The Worshipful Company of Cooks remains an event sponsor, continuing its support of 11 years.

Focusing on the importance of food, nutrition and positive mealtime experiences as part of quality care, entrants are challenged to create an appealing and delicious two-course menu (main and dessert) appropriate for people in a care setting. The combined food cost for both courses should be no more than £2.25 per head based on three portions and it must be nutritionally balanced. The menu must also feature a product from Unilever Food Solutions’ sectorrelevant portfolio.

All paper entries will be judged by a central judging panel and successful chefs will be invited to compete

at the regional heats in June 20213. Here they will have 90 minutes to produce their dishes and demonstrate their skill set and knowledge under the watchful eyes of the competition judges. The judges will be looking for clear nutritional understanding of the foods they are using and how they benefit the needs of their clientele, plus culinary flair through flavours, menu balance, execution, presentation, and, of course, hygiene best practice.

The two highest-scoring competitors from each regional heat will secure a coveted place in the national final on Wednesday 6 October 20213 at Stratford-upon-Avon College.

Sue Cawthray, National Chair of the NACC, said: “This fantastic competition is so important to our work that raises awareness of the value of the care catering sector and the profile of the incredibly talented, knowledgeable and dedicated chefs within it. This has never been so important. It has been a challenging year for everyone, especially those on the frontline. As well as propelling the importance of the care sector to the forefront of consciousness, the pandemic has put a much-needed spotlight on the vital link between good food and nutrition and good care and wellbeing. It is important that we keep the momentum around this conversation and that’s exactly what our competition can do, whilst also celebrating care chefs and giving them the opportunities to develop both professionally and personally."

For more information on the NACC Care Chef of the Year 2021 competition and to download an entry form visit www.thenacc.co.uk/events/care-chef-2021 Dates are subject to change in line with Government Covid-19 guidance on events.

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 49 | PAGE 5

Restrictions on Over-65s Care Home Resident Trips Dropped Controversial restrictions preventing people in residential care over the age of 65 from taking trips outside the home have been dropped from Government guidance being pursued with legal action from campaigners.

John’s Campaign, which campaigns for relatives to have better access to their loved ones while they are in care, launched a legal challenge last week over a previous rule which limited visits out to those residents of working age, requires those who are permitted to leave to self isolate for 14 days upon their return.

Branding the rule “discriminatory”, it contended that by imposing a blanket ban regardless of the health of the individual the Government was acting unlawfully.

However in the “visits out of care homes” guidance on the Government’s website, that was updated on Wednesday April 14, there is now no reference to an age restriction.

The updated guidance, which comes into effect from 12 April, is understood to not have been related to the campaign.

The fresh guidance, however, still requires care home residents who are permitted to leave to self-isolate for 14 days after their return.

John’s Campaign said it would “continue to press” DHSC to lift the rules on self-isolation.

“I find myself amazed at the government’s callous acknowledgement that obliging people to self-isolate for 14 days after a trip out will deter people from leaving the ‘homes’ where they have been stranded for over a year,” added co-founder Julia Jones “There is no logic to this – care staff come in and out every day with no restriction on their community interactions.”

Tessa Gregory, partner of law firm Leigh Day, which is representing John’s Campaign, added: “It cannot be right that every time a resident leaves their care home, regardless of the nature of the outing, regardless of who they are seeing, regardless of the precautions being taken and whether or not they have been vaccinated, that they then be required to self-isolate for 14 days on their return.

“The government needs to urgently act and amend the guidance to enable care homes to take a more nuanced, sensible approach on much needed visits out.”

Operation of the Adult Social Care Market Care England has called for a spotlight on outcomes rather than processes in the way in which care is commissioned.

Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England, says: “With the Public Accounts Committee’s great standing and reputation for holding bodies to account we hope that this inquiry will encourage a change in commissioning processes in order to support provider sustainability. The COVID-19 pandemic has accentuated the importance of creating markets that support rather than undermine the adult social care sector’s development”.

In its submission to the Public Accounts Committee’s inquiry into the operation of the adult social care market, Care England sought to stress that a new reality has been imposed upon the adult social care sector as a result of COVID-19. Existing funds and commissioning models have however thus far proved incapable of responding to this new reality. Thus, a commissioning system needs to be created that is responsive to

the needs of the sector, both in terms of Continuing Healthcare and local authority funded rates.

The Public Accounts Committee’s inquiry will examine how adult social care is currently provided and structured; DHSC’s effectiveness in overseeing the market and holding providers to account; and its understanding of future demand, costs and alternative delivery models; the impact of COVID-19 on the market and the sector’s financial sustainability. https://committees.parliament.uk/work/1135/adult-social-care-markets/ Martin Green continues: “We need a new vision for adult social care, one that focuses on moving from a crisis orientated system to one that is asset based and maintains choice, autonomy and control for people as much as possible. It must also deliver services that are connected to the heart of local communities. For too long, adult social care commissioning has, in many parts of England, served to merely undermine provider sustainability.”

INNOV VAT AT I O N - S U P P O R T - Q U A L I T Y - C H O I C E - V VA ALUE Elderly and and Disabled Disabled People Protecting Protecting Elderly People ffrom rom Fall Fall Related Related Hip Hip Injuries Injuries Tested, validated, proven effective, user friendly and affordable protection for vulnerable people at risk of fall related injuries.

Helping H elping you you ttoo care care

Win Ltd Win Health Health Medical Medical Ltd Unit 6LS Unit 1, 1, Oxnam Oxnam Road Road Ind TD8 6 LS Ind Est, Est, Jedburgh, Jedburgh, Roxburghshire.

Roxburghshire. TD8 TTel: el: 01835 01835 864866 864866 Fax: Fax: 01835 01835 268136 268136

IS IISO SO 14001 11400 14 140 4001

Certificate Certificat Certifica Certific Certifi Certif Certi Cert Cer C ertificate No. No No. EM2000999 EM200099 EM20009 EM2000 EM200 EM20 EM2 EM EM2000999

EEmail: mail: iinfo@win-health.com nfo@win-health.com Website: www.win-health.com W ebsite: w ww.win-health.com

PAGE 6 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 49

Legal Issues For Care Home Owners Arising From Covid-19 Vaccinations

By Nicola Wainwright, Partner, and Kate Martin, Associate, JMW Solicitors LLP (www.jmw.co.uk)

cination is no different to any other form of medical treatment.

Therefore, when it comes to vaccinating residents properly informed consent must be sought and given.

Where a resident does not have capacity and so the Mental Capacity Act 2005 applies a ‘best interests’ decision about vaccination will need to be made on their behalf, involving them as much as possible. If agreement cannot be reached then the Court should be asked to make the decision as a matter of urgency.

The Court of Protection has recently heard three cases arising from the issue of vaccination against Covid-19. In each case a relative of a care home resident, who lacked capacity, objected to them receiving the vaccine.1 In all three cases the Court of Protection ruled that it was in those residents’ best interests to be given the vaccine.

Whilst Covid-19 vaccinations offer hope to vulnerable care home residents, their availability also raises a number of legal issues for care home owners, including issues of consent to vaccination and the issue of “no jab, no job” highlighted recently in the media.

Legally whether an individual (resident or member of staff) has the Covid-19 vaccination is a matter of personal choice and the provisions of the Human Rights Act, Mental Capacity Act and employment law must be borne in mind.

The European and English Courts have made clear that Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights requires that a person’s autonomy to choose medical treatment should be protected and a vac-

However, the Court confirmed that each decision is person and fact specific. It should not be presumed that vaccination is in a resident’s best interests. That decision should be made according to what that individual would have decided if they had capacity. As the Court put it, it is the resident’s “voice that requires to be heard and which should never be conflated or confused with the voices of others...”.

this rule requires careful management and care home owners need to be alive to the risks vs. benefits of placing a blanket requirement on having the Covid-19 vaccine.

From a basic legal position, employers do have the ability to make the Covid-19 vaccination a contractual obligation for new employees, however, it is not as straightforward for existing members of staff.

Whilst there will be a number of compelling reasons to require that all employees who are in roles that involve the provision of care for vulnerable members of society have the Covid-19 vaccine, it is important for an employer to be considerate in its approach, and communication, on this subject and understand the legal risks of such requirement.

A care home owner does have the ability to ask existing employees to have the Covid-19 vaccine, having established a) that it is reasonable to do so; and b) express consent has been obtained from the employee.

However, it is unlikely to be justifiable to put this in place as a mandatory obligation.

It would be sensible to document, from a health and safety perspective, why such requirement is justified in the circumstances. If an existing employee was then to refuse the Covid-19 vaccine, again, a health and safety assessment should be carried out in order to assess what risks this would pose in the workplace.

The Court noted that younger care home residents did not face the same level of risk as the elderly. The news that the Astra-Zeneca (and possibly other) vaccines could be linked blood clots emphasises that a different assessment of risks and benefits are needed for younger residents.

There could be a number of reasons why an employee might not have had the vaccine, for example, not being able to have had the vaccine due to age, medical grounds or for religious belief reasons.

When it comes to staff and vaccination, the “no jab, no job” requirement poses a number of legal and moral questions for an employer who is putting in place this specific type of policy. The introduction of

We would recommend that legal advice is sought in this specific situation, before any definitive action is taken, in order to mitigate the associated legal risks, for example, discrimination and human rights issues.

A Lifetime Of Caring For Others: Lorraine 40 Years with OSJCT

A work experience placement turned into a lifetime of dedication for Senior Carer Lorraine Pocock who has just celebrated 40 years with The Orders of St John Care Trust (OSJCT).

Lorraine joins a prestigious group of just thirteen current colleagues at OSJCT with more than 40 years’ employment at Trust homes. She was inspired to work in care having spent time chatting to care home residents as a young child.

Lorraine, who lives in Pewsey, Wiltshire, has spent her whole career caring for elderly residents in OSJCT care homes. She first worked at Coombe End Court, which at that time run by the Council, on a placement whilst at school. Having impressed the Matron there, she was invited to apply for a vacancy, and started work as a carer in September 1980, aged 18.

Lorraine said: “I absolutely love spending time with our residents, learning about their life experiences and doing the little things to put a smile on their face. When mentoring others, I always encourage them to spend time with residents to get to know them and find little ways to make them more relaxed and comfortable.

“Working with teams at OSJCT has been wonderful, and training at the Trust is second to none.”

Lorraine received a 40 Years Long Service Award at a celebration event held at Marden Court, Calne. She was presented with flowers by resident Margaret, received gifts and a certificate from Home Manager Amy Thorne, and was congratulated by Chief Executive Dan Hayes who joined by video call.

Dan added: “Lorraine is a fantastic colleague, a compassionate Care Leader and is always supportive of our homes. In the last 40 years she’s worked with many residents and new care team members sharing her

experience and warmth with all.”

Lorraine stayed at Coombe End Court for 26 years, where she progressed to Head of Care and ran a Dementia Unit. She worked at Anzac care home in Devizes before it was replaced by the new Hayward Care Centre in 2014, when she moved to Marden Court.

In 2013 Lorraine was honoured with a Bronze Medal of Merit, awarded by the British Association of The Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Malta for her hard work and dedication to caring for residents residing within OSJCT homes.

Increased contact between carers and relatives of residents is one of the big changes which Lorraine has embraced during her career. She said: “One lady who lived with dementia told me that she saw angels in the falling snow. I shared that with her daughter, who treasured that special memory.”

Another fond memory for Lorraine, was taking residents out for a drive in her own time and inviting one resident who had no family home for Christmas. This wouldn’t happen now, due to regulations, more focus on entertainment in care homes, and liaising with relatives about visits.

In 2015 Lorraine officially retired from her role as Head of Care, but with her love for working with the elderly, she has worked every month since on a sessional basis. This means that she can spend more time with her two grandsons, and still support Marden Court.

Marden Court Home Manager, Amy Thorne, said: “Lorraine has been a huge support, stepping in when needed, whether as a Carer or Care Leader, sometimes at short notice. She has also been a wonderful confidant to me. Lorraine is an absolute pleasure to work with.”

Hertfordshire Care Home Relaunches Beloved Gardening Club A Hertfordshire care home has relaunched its Gardening Club in a bid to reunite its green-fingered residents with family and friends as lockdown restrictions continue to ease.

While the new Government rules this week permit two people per resident for indoor visits in care homes across England, Foxholes Care Home, near Hitchin, has relaunched its Gardening Club to reunite more visitors in the safety of the outdoors, where they will be less restricted with numbers and time spent together.

A green-fingered scheme that promotes exercise, independence and positive wellbeing, the Gardening Club provides residents and their loved ones with a chance to plant, grow and maintain their own miniature gardens in the grounds of Foxholes. And with children under the age of 16 currently unable to visit the home, the club is also a great way for them to still spend valuable time with their grandparents.

The warmer weather will also see the resumption of the chef’s garden, where Foxholes’ head chef, Manuel Tovar Angulo, will grow his own veg-

etables for seasonal recipes.

Neil Gandecha, Estate Manager at Foxholes, said: “The Gardening Club is one of our biggest activities at Foxholes. Residents get to spend quality and meaningful time with their family and friends while cultivating their miniature gardens, so relaunching the club at a time when we’re trying to reconnect them with loved ones just makes sense.

“We provide the truggs and the soil, though, what is planted and maintained is completely determined by our residents. We’re also excited to announce that our new outdoor visiting area will be ready by the end of April.”

In other news, all Foxholes residents eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations have now received their second dose, while the majority of the staff have received at least one dose as the roll-out continues.

Neil said: “We’re delighted to have all eligible residents completing both doses of their vaccinations. We’re edging closer to a sense of normality and look to the future with optimism.”

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 49 | PAGE 7

Consultation Launched On Staff Covid-19 Vaccines Care Homes With Older Adult Residents Making vaccines a condition of deployment would help to further protect older people living in care homes, who are among the most vulnerable to Covid-19, with some providers already implementing similar policies.

Experts on the social care working group of SAGE advise 80% of staff and 90% of residents need to be vaccinated to provide a minimum level of protection against outbreaks of COVID-19. Only 53% of older adult homes in England are currently meeting this threshold.

This means nearly half of all care homes with older adult residents, home to 150,000 vulnerable people, don’t meet SAGE’s recommended vaccination thresholds for care homes and staff.

Currently the staff vaccination rate is below 80% in 89 local authority areas - more than half - and all 32 London boroughs. There are 27 local authority areas with a staff vaccination rate below 70%.

The vaccine has already had a significant impact on reducing hospitalisations and deaths, with more than 10,000 lives saved between December and March but as we progress through the roadmap and restrictions begin to ease, it is vital we continue to protect those who are most vulnerable to the virus.

A five-week consultation will be launched today looking at requiring care home providers, caring for older adults, to deploy only those workers who have received their Covid-19 vaccination to further protect residents who are among the most vulnerable to Covid-19, and staff.

Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said: “Older people living in care homes are most at risk of suffering serious consequences of Covid-19 and we have seen the grave effects the virus has had on this group.

“Making vaccines a condition of deployment is something many care homes have called for, to help them provide greater protection for staff and residents in older people’s care homes and so save lives.

“The vaccine is already preventing deaths and is our route out of this pandemic. We have a duty of care to those most vulnerable to COVID19, so it is right we consider all options to keep people safe.”

This will not include those who can provide evidence of a medical exemption from Covid-19 vaccination.

With some providers already implementing similar policies, the consultation will help inform decision-making around how the change could be implemented and whether respondents think it will be beneficial.

The consultation will seek views on the proposal, it’s scope, any potential impact it could have on staffing and safety as well as how it is

All eligible care homes have been visited and vaccines offered to staff and residents, with the vast majority of homes having now had repeat visits.

When people are called to get the vaccine, they should get their jab.

Vaccines are the best way out of this pandemic and provide strong protection against Covid-19.

All the approved vaccines are safe, effective and have already saved thousands of lives.

There has already been a significant impact of the vaccination programme on reducing hospitalisations and deaths, with more than 10,000 lives saved by vaccinations between December and March.

Last week, the JCVI advised that it is preferable for adults aged under 30 with no underlying conditions to be offered an alternative to the AstraZeneca vaccine where available.

The MHRA – the UK’s independent regulator – and the JCVI have said the benefits of the vaccine far outweigh the risks for the vast majority of adults. implemented and who could be exempt.

Staff, providers, stakeholders, residents and their families are being urged to take part to have their views heard with a final decision expected this summer.

Chair of the Adult Social Care Covid-19 Taskforce, David Pearson said: “I would like to thank all our social care workers for providing care and support during the last very difficult year, for having the vaccine and supporting people who have social care services to be vaccinated.

“It is absolutely vital those who have not yet taken the opportunity to have their vaccine do so to keep themselves and those they care for safe.”

NHS England has been running a minimum four-visit schedule for each older adult care home and with hundreds of vaccination centres across the country to make vaccinations as easy as possible.

Vaccination is a safe and effective way of protecting people from infectious disease. Vaccines help prevent the most serious symptoms and there is growing evidence the vaccine also reduces transmission, making having a vaccine even more important.

This will build on the successful rollout of priority vaccinations in care homes with more than 40 million vaccinations given.

Taking up the Covid-19 vaccine will protect those who work in care homes, their colleagues, residents and provide reassurance to their families.

Requiring care home providers, caring for older adults, to deploy only those workers who have received their Covid-19 vaccination will increase uptake in these areas and assist in helping all care providers reach the required rate of uptake to keep people safe and save lives.

We continue to do all we can to protect care homes, including spending £1.35 billion on infection and prevention control and offering priority vaccines, free PPE and rapid testing.

Barchester Healthcare chief executive Dr Pete Calveley said: “Barchester believes the vaccination programme has transformed the outlook for the vulnerable residents in older people care homes, a significant proportion of whom will not acquire full immunity despite being vaccinated.

“We have not lightly introduced our vaccine policy, but we take the view that providing safe care for those we care for is our paramount obligation.

“As the Chief Medical Officer has said, it is a professional duty for care home staff to accept the vaccine unless there is a medical reason they should not.

“As time has progressed, the safety, efficacy and transmission-reduction evidence has become ever stronger, which supports our initial view.

“For those reasons we support the proposal by the DHSC to open a consultation on this important matter and strongly encourage other providers to support this proposal.”

TO O FE OFFE ER BETTER BET E TER TO OFFER VALUE V ALUE AND AND CHOICE. CHOICE. $V D OHDGLQJ VXSSOLHU WR WKH 1+6 DQG &DUH +RPHV ZH R΍HU D FRPSOHWH $V D OHDGLQJ VXSSOLHU WR WKH 1+6 DQG &DUH +RPHV ZH R΍HU D FRPSOHWH UDQJH RI SURGXFWV WR PDQDJH EODGGHU ZHDNQHVV DQG ORVV RI XULQH UDQJH RI SURGXFWV WR PDQDJH EODGGHU ZHDNQHVV DQG ORVV RI XULQH

01536 0 1536 3 269744 26974 4 | LG GLUHFW FRP | OLOOHKHDOWKFDUH FRP | RQWH[ FRP | LG GLUHFW FRP | OLOOHKHDOWKFDUH FRP | RQWH[ FRP

PAGE 8 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 49

One Year On From Lockdown: The Evolution of the Care Sector

ONE year ago, the UK was plunged into its first nationwide lockdown and, as coronavirus cases surged across the country, care homes closed their doors to visitors. For Nottinghamshire’s specialist dementia care group, Church Farm Care, this meant establishing brand-new ways of working to ensure the safety of the people living and working with them.

In addition to closing doors to visitors and investing in more PPE, both changes that are public knowledge, there have been many more internal adaptations to ways of working that people aren’t necessarily aware of when it comes to way the group has navigated the pandemic.

Helen Walton, head of operations, said: “The past year has had a tremendous impact on ways of working in the care sector. Before

COVID-19, certain team members would regularly move around our four homes, however, this was something we immediately stopped when the severity of the pandemic became apparent, meaning that each home had its own team. Then even within that team, there are dedicated ‘households’ caring for different groups of residents to minimise the risk of transmitting the virus.”

These immediate changes paid dividends at the height of the pandemic last April, when the team at Church Farm’s West Bridgford home, Skylarks, successfully managed to contain an outbreak and, ultimately, save lives.

There were 13 family members at the home who tested positive for COVID-19 but made a full recovery thanks to the hard work of carers and staff - led by head of nursing, Maria Spollin. However, it’s not just people’s physical wellbeing that has been a top priority.

Maria said: “In times of pressure people pull together, and our team has gone above and beyond in that respect. However, we’ve seen a significant increase to our existing wellbeing offering during the pandemic, to ensure everyone feels valued and can continue to deliver excellent care to the people who live with us. The last year has shown just how important those connections with other people and our hobbies are now that they’ve been taken away from us.”

While in-person visits have been strictly prohibited, use of video conferencing software such as Zoom and Teams has skyrocketed, as relatives strived to maintain a connection with family members living in homes. However, before the pandemic, this was something that had

never had to be considered and, therefore, wasn’t in place. Now it’s firmly entrenched in every home’s day-to-day activity.

Patrick Atkinson, director, said: “Going virtual has broadened people’s ideas about how they can connect and allowed family members who live all over the UK - and indeed the world - the opportunity to stay connected with their loved ones in a way they couldn’t before.

“From one-to-one calls through to group meetings, it’s been a real lifeline for the people who live with us and has left us asking ourselves why we didn’t think of this before. It’s undoubtedly something that will remain part of our processes forever as we navigate our way out of the pandemic.”

At the moment, care home residents in England can only nominate one person to visit indoors. However, from 12 April 2021, they will be able to receive two, as Covid-19 restrictions continue to be cautiously eased. All visitors will have to wear appropriate PPE and provide a negative lateral flow test result to ensure the safety of themselves and those living and working across Church Farm Care’s four homes..

For more information, please visit www.churchfarmcare.co.uk.

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

Writ W rittee TThhe Storryy Of Youurr Life TToodaayyy!!

With Remiin niscence Jou urn rnal Game

https://surrvey.ap app/f/3aw w0 f

CARD GAME

We’re confident you can tell your story as a silver senior with this already made journal. This journal Will help you build a legacy through VIDEO, PRINT AND ONLINE PUBLISHING. The Pack includes a 120 paged journal, 40 cardboard game, a timer, two reusable maze games including a water marker. Playing the 40 cards prompts seniors to write in their life journal. includes:, Moviefy 360 Website, 20 pictures flipbook photo album, 10 minute video, Life story flipbook with 4 paged Quiz.

J OURNAL

GOLDPACK

PREMIUM PAC CK K 360w 0 ebs b ite

Visit https://story tellingforsilverseniors.com Email: info@story tellingforsilverseniors.com Call Jean On +44 791 630 6888 today

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 49 | PAGE 9

Doors Open Once Again To Reunite Families Green-fingered care home resident Bettie, 96, says she is “overjoyed” after receiving family visits following many months of lockdown.

With the recent relaxing of lockdown restrictions, perhaps nobody is looking forward to resuming contact with loves ones more than thousands of care home residents up and down the country.

Many older people been locked down in their homes and shielding for many months before, meaning that social contact has been extremely limited over the past year. The mental health repercussions of being cut off from their family and friends has been devastating for some.

However, the benefits of reconnecting again are just as clear. At Abbeyfield House in Bramhall, resident Bettie Lovell, 96, has recently been able to hold hands with her daughter Pamela after many months apart.

As a mother of four, with nine grandchildren and ten great-grandchil-

dren, Bettie says the separation from her family has been “terrible”.

“I have missed them so much,” she said. “We’ve been talking on the phone and video-calls but it’s not the same.

“I’m overjoyed that Pamela is able to come and visit me again, and hopefully my other children, who live further away, will be able to make the trip soon, since we are now allowed more than one visitor.”

Bettie has also been a keen fundraiser all her life. Starting off raising funds for the blind from a young age, her achievements since have included raising the funds to establish a bowls club on the South Coast, which she secured through fundraising events and local media campaigning, and helping to set up a school for disabled children in South Africa.

“I’m eager to explore the local community in Bramhall when lockdown is over,” she said, “and I look forward to seeing which charitable organisations could benefit from my help and experience.”

Moderna Jabs Mark New Milestone In NHS Vaccination Programme The first Moderna jabs will be delivered in England as the NHS vaccination programme reaches another milestone.

More than 20 sites, including Reading’s Madejski Stadium and the Sheffield Arena, will initially use the newest vaccine, as the NHS continues to expand the vaccination programme.

For those aged 18-29 who are eligible for a jab, the Moderna vaccine provides another alternative to the AstraZeneca vaccine, in line with updated MHRA guidance last week.

More than 27 million people in England have now received their first jab, with more than 6.1 million second jabs also being given.

NHS medical director Professor Stephen Powis said: “The Moderna rollout marks another milestone in the vaccination programme.

“We now have a third jab in our armoury and NHS staff will be using it at more than 20 sites from this week, with more coming online as supplies expand.

“England’s vaccination programme is our hope at the end of a year like no other, so please do come forward and get your jab when you’re invited.

“It is safe, quick and effective – it will protect you and your loved ones.”

Moderna can be stored for 30 days at normal fridge temperatures, but should it need to be stored for longer it can last for six months at -20C.

Along with Pfizer, it will be used by the NHS for some of the appointments rearranged for under 30s who were due to receive the AstraZeneca jab.

During April the NHS is focusing on second doses, but appointments are still available for those in the initial cohorts who have not yet been protected.

People who had their first jab at a vaccination centre or pharmacy-led service should already have a date for their second while those jabbed by a GP will be called back.

Anyone aged 50 and over can still arrange their jab, as well as people who are clinically vulnerable or a health and care worker, who should contact their GP for an appointment.

The NHS is also inviting those eligible for a jab by letter and text, with some GPs also calling unvaccinated patients personally to encourage uptake.

Doctors, nurses and other health care professionals are delivering the life-saving jab at more than 1,600 sites ranging from cathedrals, mosques and temples to racecourses, sports stadiums, cinemas and museums, with 21 offering the Moderna jab this week.

The NHS made history when 90-year-old Maggie Keenan was the first recipient in the world outside a clinical trial of a Pfizer vaccine at Coventry Hospital on 8 December 2020.

Brian Pinker, 82, was the first person to be vaccinated with the new Oxford/AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine on 4 January 2021 by the NHS in Oxford, where the jab was created.

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 49 | PAGE 11

New Tools To Prevent, Reduce and Manage Stress In The Workplace The Health and Safety Executive is urging employers to review the stress-causing factors in their workplaces and the work that their employees do.

Stress, depression or anxiety account for 51% of all work-related ill health cases and 55% of all working days lost due to work-related ill health. Stress impacts on all sectors and businesses of all sizes and employers have a legal duty to protect employees from stress at work by doing a risk assessment and acting on it.

Evidence shows that there are six key factors which, if not properly managed, are associated with poor health, lower productivity and increased accident and sickness absence rates.

The six key factors are: • Demands: workload, work patterns and the work environment • Control: how much say the person has in the way they do their work • Support: encouragement, sponsorship and resources available to workers • Relationships: promoting positive working to avoid conflict and dealing with unacceptable behaviour • Role: whether people understand their role within the organisation and whether the organisation ensures that they do not have conflicting roles • Change: how change (large or small) is managed and communicated.

Rob Vondy, Head of Stress and Mental Health Policy at HSE, says: “It’s well known that stress can make you ill. We know that work-related stress depression and anxiety has increased in recent years, and the last year has presented new challenges that have never been faced before, and which may affect the workplaces of the UK for some time to come.

“Good communication is vital as stress affects people differently – what stresses one person may not affect another. If you don’t understand the problem or its extent, tackling it will be more difficult. Factors like skills and experience, age or disability may all affect whether an employee can cope. People feel stress when they can’t cope with the pressures or demands put on them, either in work or other outside issues. Start talking to your colleagues about any issues now – the earlier a problem is tackled the less impact it will have.

“Employers should match demands to employees’ skills and knowledge. Recognising the signs of stress will help employers to take steps to prevent, reduce and manage stress in the workplace. Healthy and safe work and workplaces are good for business and good for workers.”

HSE has a range of practical support and guidance available including risk assessment templates, a talking toolkit to help start conversations, workbooks, posters, a new mobile app and a new automated stress indicator tool (SIT). For more information see the stress section at www.hse.gov.uk

Are YOU The Carer’s Next Unsung Hero?

Once again we here at The Carer are looking for an Unsung Hero!

A super deluxe luxury hamper will be the prize for the lucky winner!!

Since the beginning of the Covid crisis we have been inundated with absolutely wonderful, uplifting and heartwarming stories from residential and nursing care homes around the country. It is always a delight to publish them! Fundraising, engaging with local schools and communities, baking, candlemaking, knitting, poetry, recitals, fancy dress, Chinese New Year – you name it we and have been receiving fun stories!

Behind the scenes we have also received stories of the dedication commitment and devotion staff have shown in particular during these testing times.

However, this the hard work and dedication that those working in the sector often in extremely challenging situa-

tions can go unnoticed!

In previous years we have sought to redress that by inviting residential and nursing care homes to nominate somebody in their home who they believe is that “Unsung Hero”.

Every care home will have somebody who goes that extra mile, and often receives little recognise or reward. Since we launched our Unsung Hero award we have always had a phenomenal response, with some absolutely heartwarming and uplifting stories.

Your Unsung Hero can be from any department, frontline care, laundry, maintenance, kitchen, administration – we will leave that up to you.

We will be drawing a winner on April 30, so please get your nomination with a short paragraph on what your nominee has done to deserve recognition and please send to:nominate@thecareruk.com

Martyn Davies, our last Unsung Hero

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 49 | PAGE 13

Sunrise Senior Living UK and Gracewell Healthcare’s Care Homes to ‘Travel The World’ as Part of New Campaign Residents and team members at Sunrise Senior Living UK and Gracewell Healthcare’s 46 care homes are setting sail on a 12-week journey visiting new countries from the comfort of their care homes.

The ‘Around the World in 12 Weeks’ initiative will see Sunrise and Gracewell’s care homes celebrating each country they visit by organising various activities and events. These are set to include language lessons, virtual tours of famous landmarks, enjoying local music, and experiencing each country’s culinary delights as prepared by each care home’s dining team.

Every week will also culminate in a ‘Celebration Day’ where the care homes will come together to celebrate and immerse themselves within each country’s culture.

Starting on 12th April in France, Sunrise and Gracewell’s care homes will go on to visit countries such as Italy, South Africa, Mexico, China and India.

The extensive travel itinerary has been launched as part of Sunrise and Gracewell’s #NewDawnNewDay campaign to encourage those who may be considering moving into a care home to take the step with a sense of reassurance in this new chapter of their lives.

The campaign, which comes as the country gradually emerges into a new

dawn after COVID-19, also aims to reveal the meaningful lives led by care home residents and encapsulate their dreams and ambitions for the months ahead. Sunrise and Gracewell also hopes that #NewDawnNewDay will inspire people to join the care sector to pursue rewarding and fulfilling careers.

Speaking of the campaign, Dr Natalie-Jane Macdonald, the UK CEO of Sunrise and Gracewell, said: “Our team members and residents are delighted to embark on an ambitious journey around the world where they will be able to experience the cultural joys from many wonderful countries. All set within the comfort and safety of each of our care homes, this initiative hopes to demonstrate the purposeful lives that our residents live on a daily basis and the creative talent on offer by our team members.

“We don’t believe moving into a care home should be an end, but rather a new beginning where every resident can live a life of purpose and selfworth. And, rooted in our #NewDawnNewDay campaign, this forward-looking initiative will act as a fitting reminder for why our care homes are wonderful places to live and work for so many, particularly as we begin to look beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Government Hits Vaccination Target ALL adults over 50, the clinically vulnerable and health and social care workers have now been offered a life-saving covid jab, as the government prepares to move into the next phase of the Covid19 vaccination programme.

The target was reached ahead of schedule, with the government having pledged to offer a first dose to priority cohorts 1-9 by 15 April.

Nearly 40 million vaccines have now been given in total, with adults under 50 expected to begin to be invited in the coming days.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: ‘We have now passed another hugely significant milestone in our vaccine programme by offering jabs to everyone in the nine highest risk groups.

‘That means more than 32million people have been given the precious protection vaccines provide against Covid 19.’

‘I want to thank everyone involved in the vaccine rollout which has already saved many thousands of

lives.

‘We will now move forward with completing essential second doses and making progress towards our target of offering all adults a vaccine by the end of July.’

The JCVI are expected to publish their final advice on how the government should vaccinate those aged under 50.

This advice will pave the way for the next phase of the vaccination programme, which is expected to begin this week.

NHS organisations in the four nations, in collaboration with devolved administrations, will decide how to operationalise the JCVI advice.

It is thought that people in England in their late 40s will be the first to be invited to book their jabs.

Over 7 million second doses have now been given – with a record 475,230 given on Saturday – and we remain on track to offer a first vaccine to all adults by 31 July.

Freephone: 0800 917 7943 www.euroservice-uk.com sales@euroservice-uk.com Manufactured in the UK

H.W. PICKRELL

Celebrating 40 years of trolleys!

Providing practical and stylish trolleys to suit your needs.

Watch your resident’s eyes light up when the beautiful tea trolley arrives..! Or even the drinks trolley for an afternoon tipple?

Euroservice trolleys are an attractive and practical alternative to clinical aluminium trolleys given that antibacterial spray can be used freely to sanitise them.

Visit the website at euroservice-uk.com to see the full range.

NEW & USED ACCESSIBLE TRANSPORT AT AFFORDABLE PRICES • We specialise in the sale and purchase of quality used wheelchair accessible vehicles and ambulances.

• They can be bought as seen or refurbished and sign-written to your own requirements.

• Fully serviced, new mot & warranty • Engineers inspection supplied if required.

• Free delivery service available Moreover, when not in use the attractive trolleys can be used as a vending trolley, selling personal care products to residents or snacks/pastries to visitors.

Your lovely trolley could do so much for you and your residents!

Get in touch with our friendly, experienced sales team who will be happy to help!

www.euroservice-uk.com

• All buses comply with new legislation • Lease hire and purchase available • Always large stock of accessible vehicles

Tel: 01268 521033 Mobile: 07860 894331 Email: sales@hwpickrell.co.uk Gardiners Lane North, Crays Hills, Billericay, Essex CM11 2XE All current stock available to view at www.hwpickrell.co.uk

PAGE 14 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 49

Wake Up to the Reality of the Sleep-In Shifts Ruling

By Lucy Law, senior HR manager at Hugh Jones Solicitors (www.hughjonessolicitors.co.uk) “The truth is, there’s no real winner here. The ruling has settled a long-standing legal debate, but it raises concerns for both parties. The cost to the care sector for backpay liabilities was estimated to be as great as £400 million, potentially threatening the viability of many care providers so for employers, the initial response was likely one of relief. If the ruling had been different, it would have pushed a sector which is already underfunded to breaking point and some providers could have gone bust. That said, there are anxieties around the possible reactions of local authority commissioners which could see funding reduced, and therefore the pay of staff affected.

“Care workers are naturally nervous about the potential for change.

Traditionally, most will have received a flat rate payment for each sleepin shift which was topped up when they were awake and providing care or support. They will have a built up custom and practice of pay which, over time, will have become a basis for their lifestyle and expenditure. A sudden – possibly drastic – drop in wages could be devastating.

“Care providers must take responsibility to understand the true meaning of a sleep-in shift and appreciate how widely the role varies for each individual. Respecting this difference is key in any decisions based on this ruling, it means being transparent about the level of care that the sleep-in shift worker provides against an individuals’ care and support

Last month saw the end of a longrunning UNISON-backed case taken on behalf of care worker Clare Tomlinson-Blake against her former employer Mencap. Ms TomlinsonBlake argued that every hour of her sleep-in shifts should be paid at the rate of National Minimum Wage.

The Supreme Court ruled that for the purposes of the National Minimum Wage, the number of hours worked excludes the hours workers are permitted to sleep unless they are awake for the purpose of working. The ruling applies across England and Wales for all staff doing sleep-in shifts in the care sector, and potentially similar sleep-in shifts in other sectors.

The landmark appeal will have a major effect on both staff and employers but what’s the true impact? Here, Lucy Law, senior HR manager at Hugh Jones Solicitors, delves a little deeper into the decision.

needs. What really matters is that clients receive the quality care they deserve. Any decisions that could generate low morale among care workers, affect staff retention and therefore impact the level of service provided, must be avoided.

“When it comes to direct employment, situations are reviewed individually. One size does not fit all and in spite of the ruling, the same basic employment principles and good practice apply in the interests of being fair and reasonable to employees. This approach ultimately lends to the retention of long-standing, trusted support staff and the security and continuity of support for clients who have built trusting relationships that, where financially viable, should be retained.

“There are so many variants in the case of sleep-in shifts, so I’d urge any employer to err on the side of caution prior to any engagement in reduction of wages based on the ruling alone. Preparation is key, as a change to terms without agreement still remains a high risk procedure that could result in a claim at tribunal.

“The ruling has very much called into question the human element of human resources and morally, employers must seriously consider whether a reduction in pay can be justified as fair and reasonable in both consultation and practice.”

How One Care Home Manager Has Brought Joy To Elderly Residents During Lockdown A care home manager who has dedicated more than half her life to social care, has been named a Healthcare Hero in a nationwide search celebrating key workers.

Danielle Bullent from Gorleston-on-Sea near Great Yarmouth has been awarded the accolade in Quinyx’s inaugural Workforce Heroes Awards. She was nominated by her colleagues from Laurel Lodge residential home in Norwich and her former manager from Park House in Great Yarmouth.

The 35-year-old mum-of-two began working in the care industry as a care assistant, aged just 17. Steadily progressing up the career ladder, in October 2019 she accepted the role of manager with the Black Swan Care Group home, after completing an NVQ in Leadership and Management.

After only 12 weeks in the new position, the coronavirus pandemic hit. Danielle recalls how the past year has been challenging but how she is extremely proud of keeping the care home COVID-free, while prioritising residents’ mental health and wellbeing and maintaining a positive environment for all.

Describing work as “her passion”, she explains: “I was new to the role and there were many different protocols and procedures to implement around infection control, PPE and safeguarding residents because of the virus outbreak – so it was a lot to get my head around at the start!

“There were some real lows – residents missed their families, and

the team was faced with significant additional pressure. But looking back they did, and are still doing, a tremendous job. I couldn’t be prouder.”

To keep spirits high amongst her workforce of 39, Danielle introduced regular group chats for her team on WhatsApp so everyone could air their thoughts and feelings, while being commended on their achievements. The team could also take advantage of pizza treats and sweet baskets, for when they worked late or needed a little pick-me-up. The addition of a ‘You Matter’ display, which featured helpful local information and support services and a breakdown of the ‘who’s who’ of the head office team, proved particularly popular with Danielle’s colleagues.

Making this difficult time a little easier to bear for the 30 residents and their families, Danielle organised daily Zoom chats between loved ones and ensured the weekly schedule of activities included something for everyone, from cooking or dancing to a music session. A former majorette, she put on a baton twirl show for residents and hand-delivered them all biscuits and a rose on Valentine’s Day. Danielle’s idea of a wishing tree, for the community to share their hopes and aspirations, resulted in one palliative care resident getting a signed Wolves shirt that he had always longed for and signed autographs from his favourite players. And at the end of last year, memory books were created for the families of those who had sadly passed away. The keepsakes featured images of the resident along with mes-

sages and memories from the care home team.

Another initiative, which made national news in October 2020, was a surprise anniversary celebration for Derek and Phyllis Mapes. The couple, both aged 90, were unable to celebrate their 66th wedding anniversary as they had been apart for eight months because of lockdown. After Derek joined Phyllis at Laurel Lodge in the autumn, Danielle and the team organised a special meal with entertainment, to commemorate the occasion.

Although this past year has been mentally and physically tough for Danielle and has meant her willingly clocking up 60+ hour weeks, she has focused on keeping herself and her family, sons Jay (17) and Harry (11) plus husband Remi, healthy.

Losing a stone since November, after she took up running to help manage her stress levels, Danielle concludes: “When I started the new manager job the weight crept on as I was grabbing convenient foods and snacks when I could. I started to feel sluggish and it was making me feel a bit low, so I began making healthy food with the family and now run about five miles, three times a week. I feel great for it.”

Daniel Holmberg, Country Manager for workforce management solution Quinyx UK was one of the judges for the Workforce Heroes Awards. He adds: “We had some really strong entries for the accolade of Healthcare Hero – it is so hard to pick just one winner when there’s so many fantastic examples of people going over and above at work.

“What really stood out from Danielle’s entry was that she’d been nominated several times by her team and she is so passionate about making sure everyone is happy and healthy – both physically and mentally. She faced the pandemic head on – leading by example, making her a very deserved winner.”

Celebrating the hard work and dedication of frontline workers who really excelled in 2020, Quinyx launched the Workforce Heroes UK search in early 2021 to find the Retail, Healthcare and Logistics Heroes.

Introducing Panodyne Covid-19 Rapid Test Kits You Can Trust The Panodyne range of rapid test kits is designed for visitors and staff screening in the workplace, public and private settings, including care homes, schools, places of worship or entertainment venues:

ANTIGEN TEST For rapid detection of Covid-19 infection.

SALIVA TEST A non-invasive and user-friendly rapid test to minimise discomfort, easier for vulnerable and disabled people to use.

ANTIGEN & INFLUENZA FLU VIRUS TEST For regular testing during the winter months.

NEUTRALISING ANTIBODY TEST For effective evaluation of the body’s immune response to the vaccine.

ANTIBODY TEST Measures the protection provided by antibodies post infection.

All tests are CE certified for use under supervision of trained staff, company nurse and occupational health personnel.

Contact sales at info@multibrands.eu.com Tel: 01274 307310 Visit: https://panodyne.eu.com/test-kits/

PAGE 16 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 49

Covid Vaccination and the Care Sector

By Liam Entwistle, employment law specialist and chairman at Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie LLP (www.wjm.co.uk)

The UK’s COVID-19 vaccination drive has been in the spotlight since the rollout began in December 2020. Many frontline workers and carers are currently going through the process of receiving both doses of the vaccine, however, there is has been concern about anti-vaccination information and the effects it may be having on some workplaces. This is a particular concern in relation to care home employees.

A UK care home provider recently revealed it had made coronavirus vaccination compulsory for new employees, and declared existing staff would face dismissal if they refused to be vaccinated. This has raised questions around whether an employer can legally introduce this kind of rule.

Having a workplace vaccination policy isn’t necessarily wrong, if there is a genuine occupational requirement. The starting point for an employer is to ask themselves if staff must be vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to carry out their particular job. If the answer is yes, then the key step is the implementation of any vaccination policy.

Employers must follow a fair, reasonable and thought-out implementation procedure. If an employer dismisses a staff member on the spot for refusing the vaccine, it could be an unfair dismissal as there was no clear process or balanced approach. The best way to start is by notifying your workforce they will have to be vaccinated within a certain time period, and ask those who may have objections to come forward. If you do receive objections, listen to the reasoning. A person may not wish to receive the vaccine due to a philosophical or religious belief system. Meanwhile, there are those who may not be able to receive it due to a disability. Therefore, insisting that these groups

receive the vaccine could lead to a discrimination claim.

If staff cite a reason which appears to be inspired by unsubstantiated anti-vaccination information, share the information that you are relying on with them and give them the opportunity to understand the basis for your decision. If you’ve given them time to consider their decision, taking into account the information you provided, and they don’t change their mind, then a dismissal could be within the band of reasonable responses, and therefore fair.

It’s worth noting this is not a blanket rule for employers, as processes will differ depending on the workplace. As an employer, you must be able to prove your workforce could not continue to work in the absence of a vaccine. That is why there is no ‘one size fits all’ vaccination policy.

If an employer moves too quickly, doesn’t give staff members a chance to share their concerns, and doesn’t try to educate those who are against vaccination before making any decisions, they could be entering into the realms of unfair dismissal. Introducing knee-jerk ‘no jab no job’ rules will almost certainly end in claims.

Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie LLP are able to advise on a wide range of employment law matters. If you’re concerned about your workplace’s policy on Covid-19 vaccinations, whether as an employer or employee, call 0141 248 3434 or email employment@wjm.co.uk or visit www.wjm.co.uk

Ontex Launches Ambitious New Environmental Campaign Together Towards 2030 Ontex, the leading, global provider of continence care products has launched an ambitious new environmental policy to become a carbon neutral operation by 2030 with zero waste to landfill in the same year.

With a company ethos is to make a difference by building a world where everyone has access to affordable, personal hygiene products, sustainability is a fundamental part of the strategy moving forwards.

To achieve this ambitious goal the company has set out an upscaled sustainability strategy with three clear goals: 1. Recycling and recycled packaging - 100% of all packaging will be recyclable by 2030 and they will increase renewable and recycled plastic in their plastic packaging.

2. Zero production to waste - By 2030 all Ontex production sites will have zero waste to landfill and they will be in a position to turn waste into resources.

3. Circular solutions - Circularity will be a prime design consideration for

to:

absorbent hygiene products.

To become a carbon neutral operation, the company has committed

1. Reducing emissions – working to reduce direct and indirect emissions using science-based targets aligned with the reductions called for by climate scientists.

2. 100% renewable electricity – aiming to source 100% renewable electricity in their own operations by 2030. In 2019, 70% of the electricity purchased was renewable.

3. Climate resilience – This can be supported by methods such as carbon sinks, which are natural or artificial deposits that absorb and store carbon from the atmosphere and reduce greenhouse effects.

This is an area where the company believes it can have the greatest influence and also address reforestation.

For further information visit https://ontex.com/sustainability or watch this short YouTube video www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yet8qnUYSI&feature=emb_logo

Leaving a Legacy: Cambridgeshire Care and Rehab Community Pays Tribute to Pair of Long-Serving Employees Set to Retire as “Institutions” Staff and residents at a Cambridgeshire care and rehab community are paying tribute to two employees described as “institutions” as they plan to retire after 20 years of combined service.

Askham Village Community, near Doddington, is preparing to bid farewell to two of its longest serving and dedicated members of staff, Isaac and Nikki Ajibade, who have each spent more than ten years building a legacy at the family-run community.

Isaac, currently Askham’s longest serving Lead Nurse, who specialises in long-term degenerative conditions of young people, and his wife Nikki, a specialist nurse in dementia care, have helped completely transform the care offered at Askham Village Community, becoming an integral part of its culture in the process and regarded as extended members of the family.

Isaac joined Askham in 2012, with his current role seeing him manage Askham Place, one of the five independent care units that make up Askham. When he first joined, there were only three units, but in his time there the care community has continued to expand its offering, broadening its expertise to cater for ever more resident and patient needs.

Nikki, a nurse at Askham House, which specialises in dementia, has left just as big an impact on the vulnerable people she cares for, being recognised as a driver in providing excellent care and for empowering fellow colleagues to reach their full potential.

Speaking of the couple’s remarkable service, Aliyyah-Begum Nasser, Director at Askham, said: “Isaac and Nikki are Askham institutions. They have been with us for many years and to be honest I can’t imagine Askham without them. Their legacy will be here for years to come.

“Ever since they first started with us, they have always been part of the life and soul of Askham. I have so many fond memories, particularly when we would celebrate the diversity at Askham through international days and Isaac would always come in his native Nigerian attire, much to the delight of the residents. As Lead Nurse of Askham Place for almost

a decade, he has witnessed the many high and lows of working in social care, but has always remained focussed on providing the very best care for his residents.”

She continued: “Nikki is just as dedicated to her dementia residents in Askham House and her personality shines through in all she does. Just like a proud motherly figure, she runs a tight ship but always makes sure everyone is smiling. Most recently, during the height of the COVID19 pandemic, she has been what can only be described as a true soldier; motivating her team and ensuring residents were comfortable amidst incredibly trying circumstances.

“On behalf of everyone associated with Askham, we can’t thank both of them enough for all the vulnerable people they have provided excellent care for, and the countless staff they have empowered and led and

supported over their years here.”

The couple, who married in 1979 having met at the school of nursing in Nigeria in 1976, have three adult children, who work in the US, Ghana and Nigeria respectively. Last Christmas, their children and grandchildren visited Askham during a holiday to the UK, much to the enjoyment of residents and staff – a testament to how much they are perceived as extended members of the Askham family.

Set to retire at the end of April, the pair, who have lived and worked in the UK for 19 years, have exciting plans to open a care home in Nigeria founded on the same model as Askham. The building for the home, which will cater for 18 residents, is already built, and will provide nursing and dementia care, with future plans to provide neuro care too.

Talking about the timing of the couple’s move, Isaac, 55, said: “In life, we are in stages. The main thing is to move when you are strong, and when you can go out and about and do the things you want to. We feel we have achieved three quarters of what we want in life! My children are grown and I’m happy they’re all in good places, so the next thing is to go and enjoy the latter part of our lives where we can do good and rewarding work that brings us joy.

“We will be using Askham as a source of inspiration for our approach – with a key focus being on the real sense of togetherness we feel here.

Askham’s owners care for the place, for the staff, for the residents and it’s this we want to emulate ourselves in Nigeria. To care for people, you need to be compassionate. People need help and I’m always very happy when I’m helping people.”

Aliyyah concluded: “They’re so dedicated to our residents, and we know they will apply that same dedication to their endeavours in Nigeria. We’re all excited to see it come to fruition and will be doing all we can to support it from afar and we wish them all the very best.”

For more information on Askham Village Community, visit https://askhamvillagecommunity.com/.

PAGE 18 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 49

Carer Heather Celebrates 30 Years Of Putting Residents’ Needs First A dedicated healthcare assistant has notched up a remarkable 30 years’ service at the same Lymington care home, including eleven years working on night shifts.

When ex-hairdresser Heather Annear joined Colten Care’s Court Lodge in the spring of 1991, she had no idea how long she would stay.

“I never imagined I would still be working here 30 years later,” said the 62-year-old grandmother. “A friend suggested I apply but at one o’clock in the morning on my first night shift I remember asking myself, ‘What are you doing here? You should be at home tucked up in bed’.”

As it turned out, working three nights a week was convenient for Heather. It meant she could spend more of the daytime with her son Matthew, three, and daughter Laura, six.

Husband Roger would leave for his job as a panel beater and sprayer in the morning just after Heather got home from her shift.

“It was an ideal arrangement when the children were small,” she explained. “It was easier than me working during the day. Regular night shifts do affect your body clock but if you can have a rest day and avoid too many shifts in a row you can get used to it.”

Heather spent her first five years at Court Lodge working nights on a 24-hours-a-week contract. She then switched to day shifts as the children got older, maintaining that arrangement for the next 19 years.

Six years ago, she returned to nights so she could help look after her two grandchildren, Laura’s son Elliott and daughter Esme, at convenient times during the day.

Heather, who was born and bred in Lymington, says she has enjoyed great camaraderie with colleagues over the years, adding: “Court Lodge is a family-orientated place. Staff tend to stay a long time and everyone looks after one another. The night staff are a tight bunch. You spend 12 hours together on a shift and become like a family. You’re always there for each other, happy to swap shifts and provide holiday cover.”

In spring 1991, the Channel Tunnel was still under construction, scientist Tim Berners-Lee had just launched the first web browser, rock star Freddie Mercury was still alive and the Gulf War had just ended.

Asked if the role of healthcare assistant had changed over the 30 years since then, Heather said: “Technology and training have improved. For example, when I started we had a pump-activated mechanical hoist to lift people but you still needed two staff to use it. You just had to build up your muscles. Now, there is more advanced equipment for everything and you are better trained for moving and handling, so it’s less physically demanding. However, the focus of the job remains the same. It’s all about caring for our residents and making sure their needs always come first.”

Colleagues from both day and night shifts marked Heather’s 30-year anniversary with a surprise celebration.

Court Lodge Home Manager Rebecca Hannam said: “We told her there was an all-hands staff meeting in the lounge but when she walked in we met her with a party. There was a beautiful cake made by our chef Hannah Clark, glasses of bubbly, flowers and cards. It was a great opportunity to recognise Heather’s enormous contribution to the home and reminisce about years gone by.”

Heather said: “The fact everyone made the effort to come in and get together as a surprise was so lovely. It really means a lot to me. It shows you are appreciated.”

Heather has no plans to retire and her advice to anyone thinking of a career in care is to go for it.

“I love working at Court Lodge,” she said. “You can help people so much by making life more comfortable for them. They rely on you so much, you become a friend as well as a carer.”

Autism Charity Autistica Launches Research Fund to Revolutionise Social Care for Autistic Adults in the UK UK autism research charity, Autistica, with its partners The CareTech Charitable Foundation have launched the Social Care Action Fund to find evidence-based improvements to the social care provision for autistic adults.

The research supported by the Social Care Action Fund aims to identify ways to ensure autistic people are at the heart of decisions about their care, and that services are personalised, safe and effective.

“Rory is in supported living, but we are still very involved with his care because of the disjointed nature of the services provided by different organisations and agencies. When there is continuity and he has carers who are well-trained, caring and who understand his needs, it makes a world of difference to him, and to us.” - Sue, mother to Rory.

Over three years, the Social Care Action Fund will proceed in two annual stages: 1. Autistica will run an annual call for Grant Development Awards designed to provide researchers with seed funding to develop their proposals for further funding, totaling up to £100,000 in funding.

2. Autistica will support the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) annual Research for Social Care Call by providing a total of up to £500,000 in additional top-up funding to up to five social care research studies focused on autistic adults.

Following the NIHR’s own criteria, the research studies funded as part of this programme will focus on one of the below areas: Social care needs and relevant outcomes (which could be quality of life, social or health care related, as appropriate to the study or its population) Developing a more robust evidence base for current ways of working Developing and evaluating new ways of delivering social care Secondary data analysis, record linkage and reviews Research methods development Care users’ and carers’ circumstances and needs Those who deliver social care, including unpaid carers and the staff and professionals involved in the delivery of social care (e.g., social work-

ers) The NIHR runs a £3m annual call for social care research applications, with each successful project awarded up to £350,000. The Social Care Action Fund will leverage this annual call at 3.5:1, potentially providing additional funding of up to £100,000 to up to five autism-related research studies if they are deemed fundable by the NIHR peer review process.

Autistica staff members will help researchers develop their ideas and studies with seed funding and will support them to involve autistic people in their research.

In addition, The CareTech Charitable Foundation, along with their donation of £160,000 supporting the fund, will provide researchers with care sector expertise and insights through CareTech staff involvement, workshop site visits to CareTech locations, recruitment of participants for studies, and will help ensure the Social Care Action Fund has a tangible impact on social care practice.

"CareTech Foundation is thrilled and honoured to contribute to the

Social Care Action Fund and to be able to lend our expertise to the chosen research projects. Implementation of the chosen research projects into real world social care situations will be and essential part of ensuring the impact of the research on social care policies and practices for autistic adults across the UK" Jonathan Freeman, CEO, CareTech Charitable Foundation Autistic adults across the UK are being left behind, and current research does not provide long-term solutions. The Social Care Action Fund will change that.

Research shows that autistic people often face poor mental and physical health throughout their lives, much higher rates of early death, one of the highest rates of unemployment in society and limited social inclusion, but despite often having a high level of support needs, in particular autistic people who also have a learning disability, there has been a historic under investment in autism social care research.

Overall, too few funders support social care research leading to few researchers focusing on it, and so we have very little high-quality evidence about how best to support autistic adults to live happy, fulfilling and autonomous lives .

The Social Care Action Fund supported by Autistica’s reputation and track record for funding research that leads to tangible outcomes, paired with the NIHR’s robust and world-leading peer review process, will ensure only the highest quality projects most likely to have a practical impact are funded as part of the Social Care Action Fund.

"Autistic people face substantial inequalities in terms of their life expectancy, health and well-being. For many autistic people highquality social care support is key to alleviating these inequalities, we must base this support on a solid evidence base that shows the care provided is not only safe but also that it actually improves lives. Yet barely any high-quality evidence like this exists, it is time to change this and the Social Care Action Fund is a fantastic step in the right direction.” - Dr Lorcan Kenny, Head of Research, Autistica.

Proposals for funding are now being accepted by the fund.

MAG Appointed as Exclusive UK Distributor of Ozone Generators Proven to Inactivate Covid–19

One of the UK’s leading suppliers of commercial laundry solutions, MAG Laundry Equipment, has been appointed as the exclusive UK distributor of Ozone generators, parts and technical support.

MAG was chosen for the role by the global manufacturer, Ecozone Technologies Ltd, after it was impressed by the firm’s industry experience and extensive customer network, as well as its proven success in introducing Ecozone’s Super ActiveO™ product.

As the exclusive UK distributor, MAG will now be tasked with expanding Ecozone’s footprint within the UK, by providing sanitation and odour removal solutions to new and existing clients. Alongside this, MAG will extend its technical support and maintenance capabilities for the thousands of Ecozone products already operating within the UK. Proven to inactivate Covid-19, salmonella, norovirus and other harmful pathogens, Ozone is highly effective and safe to control. Its benefits include the removal of odours, viruses and bacteria.

MAG’s Sales Director, Kieron Kendell, said: “We’re very happy to establish the collaboration between Ecozone Technologies and MAG to become the official, exclusive distrib-

utor for the UK and Ireland. Although the pandemic has been a challenging time for many businesses, awareness is at an all-time high for clean air and surfaces in every room. Adding Ecozone’s product portfolio to our catalogue is a fantastic opportunity as they are considered the very best Ozone generators on the market.”

With cycle times as short as 15 minutes, Ecozone’s products are an excellent choice for hotels, care homes, sport centres, pubs and restaurants, schools, caravan parks, offices and the food processing industry.

Uri Bustan, CEO of Ecozone Technologies, said: “We see Great Britain as a key European market for our premium Ozone product line and for this reason we chose to partner with MAG, as we believe that the collaboration between our companies creates a perfect platform to enhance Ecozone’s brand presence in the UK and to have MAG’s support team serve our loyal and existing users.”

Trade distribution opportunities are available for the Ozone generators, for more information, please contact Kieron Kendall, MAG Ozone Limited, on 01422 244733 or sales@magozone.com.

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 49 | PAGE 19

Scotland’s Health Secretary Admits Covid Care Home ‘Mistake’ Scotland’s health secretary admitted the Scottish government failed to take the right precautions when moving elderly patients from hospitals into care homes during the pandemic.

Jeane Freeman said the Scottish Government had failed to properly understand the needs of the social care sector, and that its mistakes created “a real problem” for elderly residents and staff in care homes.

Her admission on the BBC podcast, Political Thinking with Nick Robinson came as Scotland’s COVID-19-related deaths exceeded 100,000.

Of that number, a third of the deaths occurred in care homes.

In the first wave of the pandemic, more than 1,300 elderly people were discharged from hospitals to care homes in Scotland before a testing regime was in place.

Ms Freeman said: “I think our failures were not understanding the social care sector well enough.

“So we didn’t respond quickly enough to what was needed in our care homes, but also in social care in the community.”

She said that the thinking behind moving patients from hospitals to care homes had been about freeing up beds for COVID patients.

“Remember, the early predictions about the number of people going into hospital were terrifying actually.But we didn’t take the right precautions to make sure that older people leaving hospital going into care homes were as safe as they could be and that was a mistake.”

“Now, I might argue we couldn’t do anything other

than we did and all the rest of it.

But it still created a real problem for those older people and for the others who lived in care homes and for the staff who worked in care homes.” She said.

Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross said that this decision had “cost many vulnerable people their lives”.

He said: “For almost a year, grieving families have been left without answers about what happened to their loved ones.

“It’s a disgrace that the SNP covered up their mistake for so long. Their report on care home deaths was delayed and when it was finally published, they tried to spin it.

“The transfer of COVID-positive patients didn’t just cause a ‘real problem’, as Jeane Freeman states, it cost many vulnerable people their lives.”

Scottish Labour’s deputy leader and health spokesperson Jackie Baillie said: “These admissions will offer no comfort to the families of those who needlessly lost loved ones due to the Scottish Government’s errors.”

An SNP spokesperson said: “The Scottish Government commissioned extensive work to review the links between hospital discharges and the impact of covid in our care homes and we have acknowledged that mistakes were made.

“The First Minister has committed to establishing a public inquiry into the handling of Covid, in which the voices of families would be heard, by the end of the year and we hope other governments across the UK will come together to support such an inquiry on a four nations basis.”

TO TO ADVERTISE ADVERTISE IN IN THE THE CARER, CARER, PLEASE PLEASE CALL CALL OUR OUR SALES SALES TEAM TEAM ON ON 01202 552333

Why choose SANOZONE? ■ SanOzone generates Ozone and completes a deep and accurate sanitation cycle ■ Ozone sanitisation is cheaper and faster than alternatives like fogging ■ Swiftly cleans and sanitises rooms of all sizes, removing harmful microorganisms ■ Reaches every corner of location, acting more rapidly than other disinfecting agents ■ Machine generates ozone from the air, which decomposes to oxygen after use

SANOZONE CLEANS INDOOR SPACES OF ALL SIZES FOR COVID SAFETY Ozone sanitising is the most effective way to deep clean residential environments of all sizes and it is easier, quicker, and more cost-effective than manual cleaning or fogging.

Once in position, an easy-to-use key-pad enables the operator to set the optimal ozone concentration for the size of the room.

The system then automatically converts the ambient air into ozone that fills the room, sanitising floors, walls, ceilings, surfaces and equipment.

The complete sanitisation of an average sized room will take approximately two hours. This includes the production of ozone, maintaining the required concentration for total cleaning and then returning the room to its usual habitation state.

SanOZone is one of the most versatile and efficient sanitisation systems available to healthcare, commercial property owners and facilities management companies. It offers many benefits over manual cleaning and we believe that it is three times quicker and more efficient than alternatives like fogging.

THE MAIN BENEFITS OF SANOZONE ARE: • Highly efficient in the fight against Covid viruses • Effective against the majority of microorganisms tested • Requires only low volumes of ozone to kill bacteria, fungus, parasites and viruses • A standalone system that eliminates the need for chemical substances • More cost-effective than traditional cleaning operations or materials • Automatic cleaning cycle; easy to move from room to room SanOZone units are fully mobile, easy to programme for hourly or daily cleaning and have acoustic and visual warning indicators for safe operation. As it creates its own ozone, no chemicals or additional cleaning products are required. There are no ongoing costs.

SanOZone Easybox systems are available from Barbel now, with prices starting from £1,750 ex VAT for the Easybox 5

For more information, contact Barbel on 01629 705110, email info@barbel.net or visit the website at www.barbel.net

PAGE 20 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 49

Staff Personal Attack Alarms

By Richard Gibson, Technical Director, Pinpoint Ltd (www.pinpoint.ltd.uk).

2) Where attack is imminent or in progress; the staff member needs to be able to summon the emergency response team without delay.

RADIO

A personal protection alarm is, more than, ever an essential bodyworn item these days for most nurses and care-workers.

But if you’re specifying or purchasing a personal alarm system for a hospital or nursing home you need to be aware of the different technologies available, and how well each performs before making your technology and supplier choice.

The laws of physics give us just three possibilities for ‘wire-free’ communication: light, sound and radio. Within these classifications there are myriad technologies. But only two that are currently used for personal attack alarm systems: Infrared and triangulated radio.

REQUIREMENT The ability for an endangered staff member to summon help is critical in two scenarios: 1) A situation is evolving either between the staff member or a patient and another patient or a member of the public. Experience shows that the appearance of another staff member is frequently enough to diffuse a potentially aggressive situation. A method to secretly and silently summon assistance is needed.

One of the great advantages of radio is that it goes through buildings quite well. But when it comes to being able to tell the location of the device, it’s a real problem!

Of course, there is a technological solution – it’s called triangulation.

As the name might suggest, the signal from the body-worn transmitter needs to be received by three receivers. By calculating the difference in time that each of three receivers received the signal, a processor can calculate the coordinates of the body-worn transmitter and decide which room the ‘situation’ is in.

At least that’s the way it works in two dimensions. However, most buildings are two floors or more, and so the signal also needs to be detected by further receivers on the adjacent floor so the system can calculate which floor the problem is on.

And the situation is made worse by modern building materials, particularly metal foil-backed insulation and plaster boards that can cause signals to be reflected – giving the possibility of a false location being calculated.

lem since the crash team would be alerted to both corridor and ‘attack room’. They can instantly see that the event isn’t in the corridor and so just enter the indicated room.

RELIABLE COMMUNICATION Systems using the Ethernet LAN have the possibility that a call for assistance service messages could get delayed as they contend with other traffic on a sometimes slow network. Systems that rely on any form of centralised processing are again at risk of failures of entire segments and sometimes the entire system.

The most reliable systems are totally distributed. No device is dependent on any other device to raise the alarm. Instead, each receiver broadcasts its alert message over the alarm network to every other device.

With dedicated cabling, to avoid critical messages getting lost on a shared network, and a ‘ring’ network so that even if a cable is cut, the signals still have a pathway around the other side of the ring, this approach of absolute simplicity achieves a timescale from activation on the person-worn alarm transmitter to activation of all alert devices within just 85 milliseconds.

INFRARED Walls, ceilings, floors and doors block Infrared so, in effect each room becomes a ‘sealed box’. When a receiver detects an alarm signal, we know precisely which room the attack is in. Nothing needs to be calculated.

When the ‘call for help’ signal is detected by a detector in a specific room it simply broadcasts a message around the dedicated network “Attack in room 17.” This sets off visual displays, over door alarm lights, PC screens, Smartphone Apps, sirens and any integrated 3rd party systems - according to the pre-programmed mandate.

It would be wrong of me to claim infrared has no negatives. Whilst the infrared signal is contained within the room by walls and doors, if there is a glass wall to the corridor the signal can leak through and activate a receiver in the corridor. In practice, this has never been a prob-

Couple Reunite to Celebrate 35th Wedding Anniversary Fred and Linda Smith were determined to be together to celebrate their 35th wedding anniversary after living separately in care homes in Spain and the UK Fred, 91, and Linda Smith, 70, moved to Andalucía in Spain in 2000 and enjoyed many years together living in Linda’s beloved Mojácar, where many years earlier, before she had met and married Fred, Linda had run a bar and had a huge circle of friends.

Unfortunately, Fred’s health meant that he had to go into a care home in Spain and Linda had to make some big decisions about their future. Linda moved back to the UK in December 2020 and moved into a care home but the home she had chosen was not able to give Fred the medical support he needed. Linda hadn’t seen Fred since September 2020 and lockdown hadn’t been helping his condition so Linda needed to quickly find a suitable home where they could be together once again.

The Edensor Care Centre in Clacton on Sea offered Linda and Fred all they needed as a couple with expert nursing care for Fred and lots of activities for the couple to enjoy and on 21 February Fred travelled over from Spain and moved into Edensor. This popular care home didn’t have immediate availabili-

ty for Linda, so she had to wait until 28 February to join her husband. Pandemic quarantine protocols meant that they both had to self-isolate and couldn’t see each other immediately but they were both overjoyed to be under the same roof once again.

Linda Smith, said, “It is so lovely to be living together once again with Fred, instead of being thousands of miles apart. It was amazing to be able to spend our 35th wedding anniversary together and we are looking forward to being able to go out together when restrictions allow and for Fred and I to be able to see the rest of his family.”

Muhammed Neeliyath, Manager, Edensor Care Centre, said, “The Edensor team was delighted to be able to offer Fred and Linda a home together, that could provide Fred with the nursing care he requires. It was wonderful that they were able to reunite for their 35th wedding anniversary and the team and the residents thoroughly enjoyed celebrating this important milestone with them.”

To find out more about the Edensor Care Centre visit www.diagramafoundation.org.uk/senior-dementia-care/edensorcarehomeclacton

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 goodquality 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

DO YOU KNOW THE CARER’S NEXT UNSUNG HERO? Regular readers will know we here at the Carer have been awarding an Unsung Hero each Summer and Christmas since 2016!

Now, in these unprecedented and testing times we are Say hello looking for another to some Unsung Hero! previous (How we wish we could winners! reward you all!)

Care Home urst of Cloverfield Marion Brockleh

Debbie Day of Cedars Care Home

A Super Deluxe Luxury Hamper for the lucky winner! ro r last Unsung He Martyn Davies, ou

Tina Higginson of Sam brook care home

A no-frills, no glitz or glamour competition - all we ask is for you to send us a paragraph or two nominating your Unsung Hero from any department with a brief description of how they've gone that extra mile and deserve to be recognised.

✓ Do you know our next Unsung Hero?

Email your nomination to us by April 30th 2021 at

nominate@thecareruk.com

PAGE 22 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 49

Technology in the Care Sector Director of care Keith Crowhurst is a registered nurse specialising in clinical care. With over 20 years’ experience in the care home setting, he's previously worked in the NHS, private sector and education, and is an important part of the British Home Senior Management Team for more than six years. (www.britishhome.org.uk)

HOW TECHNOLOGY IS HELPING A 160-YEAR-OLD CHARITY MAINTAIN ITS PERSONAL TOUCH AND REHABILITATION OFFERING DESPITE LOCKDOWN It has been an incredibly hard year for the staff, residents and families at British Home, but as the end of lockdown approaches this summer, and we welcome the return of family visits into our Streatham home, it’s important to reflect on how we survived lockdown, and look forward to the future of our care sector.

Digital has been an incredibly valuable tool in helping the team at British Home continue to provide care for up to 80 residents at any time, boost our staff efficiency, and keep families and friends in close contact with loved ones. Personal visits become unfortunately off the cards during lockdown, so virtual visiting through online services, even when residents are non-verbal or non-responsive, have been key to enabling contact between partners, parents, friends and family; something that simply wouldn't have happened without digital tools.

Our residents love community visits, which have included sessions with curators from the British Museum, concerts given by local choirs, weekly visits from Pets as Therapy, flower arranging sessions, art clubs, and quiz nights. During lockdown, we have had to transfer this to online group activities, games, TV and music streaming for individuals and small groups keep everyone active and stimulated. Yes, they are not the same as being able to bond in person, but they have been so valuable during this hard time.

This year as we hit our 160th anniversary, we have just announced fundraising plans for a HighDependency unit for people with more complex and more demanding conditions. This, despite being tech based, will help us provide personalised one-to-one care, therapy and activities facilitated by highly-skilled staff and the most up-to-date equipment, including the use of digital technology to organise personal sensory diets and bespoke playlists, as well as specialised programme equipment and lighting.

We're also seeing so many therapies improved by digital and technology, such as kinetic exercise games, and packages like Eyegaze and Predictable allow residents to find their voice and communicate, another key to providing rehabilitation, independence, and hope for anyone affected by neuro-disability.

It’s important we embrace technology and not shy away from it. This very technology has helped us evolved from a ‘Home for the incurables’ to a ‘Rehabilitation center’ offering hope to not only our residents and their families, but also our amazing staff.

Three specific ways in which we have seen technology boost the level of care and support for the people who need it at British Home include:

1. Communication Specifically, communication aids. These are key in supporting people who would otherwise not be able to communicate at all. However, these aid can also support and make life easier for those people who can communicate but may require some assistance. Some of the equipment fitted involves adapted keyboards, use of tablets, and a piece of technology called Eye Gaze, which is a way of accessing a computer aid using a mouse controlled with the eyes. Residents can select an item on a screen by dwelling, blinking or clicking on it with a switch. The Eye Gaze systems work by having lights and cameras that pick up light reflections from the pupil and translate the eye movement into mouse cursor movements.

This is incredibly helpful for residents with a range of conditions, and generally people who have limited limb movement and cannot always communicate verbally. British Home has used it with our residents with spinal injuries, multiple sclerosis and one resident with motor neurone disease which was more challenging due to his uncontrolled movements, but it enabled him to communicate right up until the end of his life. Eye Gaze links with a piece of software which enables residents to use their eyes as a mouse to scroll and clock on letters and phrases, which is then 'spoken' by the software.

This is a continuation of work that British Home is already doing and will vary on an individual by individual basis. In fact, there have been a number of instances where residents who had previously not been considered likely to improve in their conditions, have shown huge progress, owing to a personalised approach, or therapy offered by the Home and tailored to the resident. The technology that our team adopts plays a big part in this, and is enlisted to complement the therapies offered to give residents the best chance of rehabilitation, pain relief and reablement.

2. Smart sensory rooms All of the HDU rooms, which are used in supporting the rehabilitation of some of our residents, will have sensory facilities such as lighting and sounds, alongside individualised sensory support. For example, often when people are in a minimally conscious state, they cannot communicate whether they are too hot, or too cold. Special sensors will monitor the temperature of residents, and will alert carers for the need for changes to be made, which makes a big difference to residents' comfort and wellbeing.

Control of all systems in the room will be via tablet. Where a resident is able, this will mean that they can either use touch or voice to activate TV, internet, radio, sensory equipment, temperature controls (etc) and even use smart TV to ‘visit’ friends and family,or engage with community activities online.

3. Protection against injury from falls Injury from falling is a risk and there are obviously issues when someone cannot call or notify of their need for help. British Home is piloting a system in two rooms where sensors are installed. The sensors do an initial sweep using radiowaves of the room to set up where items are normally positioned and where the resident is likely to be for long periods. Once running if there is evidence that the resident has fallen and can’t get up then nursing staff are immediately alerted both at their workstation and through phone app.

I have been working with British Home for more than six years and the innovation in this sector forever amazes me. I look forward to what the future of care holds, and the difference a bit of hope can make for anyone affected by neuro-disabilities.

Research Shows End of Life Care Not Seen as Essential in Pandemic

A new report published shows how palliative and end of life care in the UK was compromised by shortages of PPE, essential medicines, and equipment, because these services were not seen as ‘frontline NHS’ in the pandemic.

Better End of Life – a collaboration between Marie Curie, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, King’s College London Cicely Saunders Institute, and the University of Cambridge – is a new research programme that will examine evidence on the current state of dying, death and bereavement across the four nations of the UK and propose a policy agenda aimed at helping to ensure that everyone has the best possible end of life experience.

The report, which launches the programme, is the first comprehensive review of dying, death and bereavement during Covid-19 and highlights valuable lessons for the long-term future of palliative and end of life care and bereavement support in the UK. Co-researcher Professor Fliss Murtagh, Professor of Palliative Care, Hull York Medical School, and Associate Director of the Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, University of Hull, said: “While hospital and care homes deaths have increased during the pandemic waves, home deaths have increased throughout all of the last twelve months, even between the waves. Home-based services have therefore had to provide more support for people dying at home and their families, over the last year.”

Professor Katherine Sleeman from King’s College London and lead researcher on the report, said: “The Covid-19 pandemic accelerated the need for palliative and end of life care in the UK. However, the experiences of those affected by dying, death and bereavement – whether as a result of Covid-19 or other conditions – have had little scrutiny to date. It is essential that we learn from the achievements and weaknesses in care that the pandemic has exposed, to improve future provision of palliative, end of life and bereavement care.”

The report says more needs to be done to understand the care people did and didn’t receive, to ensure that the whole system is ready for the increased number of people dying in the future, which is projected to be 100,000 more people a year across the UK in 20 years.2 In 2020, the number of people who died was just over 695,000 – an increase of 91,000 on the previous five-year average (604,000).

There has also been a large increase in deaths at home – the overwhelming majority of which were from causes other than Covid-19.

Experts warn that the last year has been a stress-test for community-based palliative care, in homes and care homes.

Dr Stephen Barclay, a GP and Consultant in Palliative Care from the Department of Public Health and Primary Care at the University of Cambridge, and co-researcher, said:“General Practitioners, Community Nurses and Care Home staff have all been at the front line of end of life care during the pandemic. There is a pressing need for their central role in caring for people at the end of their lives to be recognised, supported and adequately resourced.”

The Better End of Life 2021 report contains unpublished UK data from CovPall – a study of the role and response of palliative care and hospice services to the Covid-19 pandemic – it shows that palliative care teams in all settings were stretched to and beyond capacity, but proved a vital component to the emergency pandemic response.3 However, too often, the ability of palliative care services to provide vital care and support was undermined by failing to be treated as a frontline NHS service.

Professor Sleeman said: “The data show that hospice and palliative care teams had problems accessing supplies, partly because they felt they were not recognised as part of NHS supply chains.”

Primary care services also delivered more palliative and end of life care, with GPs and district nurses increasing their support for people dying at home.

However, community and home-based care was particularly stretched, meaning people may not have been able to access the support they needed. At the same time, slogans such as ‘stay at home, protect the NHS’ may have discouraged people with life-limiting illnesses to seek hospital care when they needed it.

The researchers highlight that societal preferences and expectations for death and dying may have permanently changed, and if so, that new models of delivering palliative and end of life care in the community would be needed to reduce pressures on the NHS and ensure dying people are supported to die well at home.

Attention is also needed to ensuring carers and family members do not become overwhelmed, as many have done during the pandemic.

Greater support for those affected by bereavement and complicated grief during the pandemic is also urgently needed.

Dr Barclay said: “Bereavement has been a much more difficult expe-

rience for people during the pandemic, whether loved ones died from COVID-19, died from non-COVID conditions, or were bereaved before the pandemic. There is pressing need to develop bereavement support to address this ‘tsunami of grief’.”

Alongside the Better End of Life report, a new survey of bereaved carers, by Marie Curie and conducted in partnership with data and insights provider Dynata, showed that three quarters of people who died at home during the pandemic may not have got all the health and social care they needed.

Carers also shared that they took on more emotional burdens when caring for their dying loved one, yet three out of four of all respondents felt they were not offered all the care and support they needed as carers.

In light of today’s report, end of life charity Marie Curie is calling for a long-term settlement to ensure end of life care is sustainably funded, with a particular emphasis on ensuring people dying at home, and their carers, always receive the support they need.

Marie Curie Chief Executive Matthew Reed, said: “Many people will not be able to forget the deaths we have experienced this last year, but it is crucial that the lessons learned during the pandemic are applied to policy and practice in ways that help ensure that, in future, everyone has the best possible end of life care and experience.

“Palliative and end of life care must be an essential part of the health and social care system and not a forgotten after-thought. Hospitals and care homes have rightly had a focus in the pandemic but the Better End of Life 2021 Research Report shows us that many in our society fall through the cracks when they need support at the end of life.

“How the dying spend their final days lives on in the memory of the people who love them. It is true that most people would choose to die at home, but no one should be allowed to die in pain and without the essential care they need. Today, we are calling for a long-term settlement to make sure end of life care is sustainably funded, with a particular emphasis on ensuring people dying at home always receive the support they need.

“The Better End of Life research programme has never been more needed. In the coming years it will help national and local decisionmakers across the UK have the evidence they need to improve end of life experience for all.”

PAGE 24 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 49

Over a Third of Care Home Managers ‘Leaving Care,’ Survey Reveals 35% of care home managers surveyed by Florence say they are “considering leaving care and looking to career change,” after a year of working through the Covid-19 pandemic.

Overwhelmed and burnt out In what one care manager described as “The most horrific, traumatising situation I have ever been in,” the toll of a year working on the pandemic’s frontline is starkly revealed by the survey – with 50% reporting they are ‘overwhelmed and overworked’, 18% ‘completely burnt out’, and 63% saying they have had inadequate mental health support at work.

This is compounded by a feeling of being “forgotten” in comparison to the NHS and “unsupported” by the government’s changing guidelines.

“We have been left to fend for ourselves and are not valued at all,” one respondent from the north west said, on condition of anonymity.

UK care homes have been brutally affected by the pandemic, with 28,904 resident deaths caused by Covid-19 since March last year.

Care managers have carried the trauma of this experience and their personal safety fears alongside leadership responsibilities that many find to be an overwhelming load – 51% say they now spend 10+ hours

more a week on Covid-related tasks on top of daily work.

These include running weekly testing of all staff and residents, managing safe virtual and in-person visitation for residents, and juggling the staff rota through sickness absence and vacancies.

30% unvaccinated care home staff The availability of Covid vaccines has opened up another unique difficulty for care home managers – vaccine refusal among staff.

99% of managers reported having had their first vaccine dose, with the other 1% booked in and awaiting the dose.

In contract, 30% of those managers reported having staff who hadn’t had a vaccine dose, with the majority (93%) citing staff vaccine refusal.

This supports recent reports of only 76.6% of care home staff having been vaccinated, compared to 98% of the NHS. With Covid vaccination currently not enforceable for care workers under UK law (unlike Italy, where a bill has just passed), the results reveal an uneasy tension between managers’ need to protect their home, and the lack of legal backup to enforce vaccination. 45% of managers with staff who refused vaccination said they provided educational material to help convince them, one of the only further actions available

to them.

Lasting effects With over a third of care home managers considering leaving and changing careers, and a further 20% reporting they are looking at other roles in care, the data points to a potential leadership exodus after a year of pandemic-related trauma.

This will add to adult social care’s 122,000 vacancy staffing gap, equivalent to 8% of available roles, which is likely to widen further after the continued failings social care staff have faced during the pandemic.

Dr. Charles Armitage, Florence founder, said: “We must value and protect our social care workers at all costs, but a year on from ‘clapping for our carers’, they feel forgotten. Sadly this is also being borne out in the government’s response – there is still an 11bn funding gap to close.’

‘There is now an even greater danger of an exodus of trusted, experienced and dedicated leaders from care. We urge the government to widen provisions for mental health and financial support for all social care staff.”

New Online Gallery Showcases Work of Artistic Care Home Residents Artistic care home residents have spoken of their pride at having their paintings featured in an online exhibition.

The showcase at the Pendine Park care organisation features the work of their residents at their homes in Wrexham and Caernarfon and will open on April 15, the anniversary of the birth of Leonardo da Vinci in1452 which also marks World Art Day. The art classes are organised by artist-in-residence Sarah Edwards who last year celebrated her 25th anniversary of working with Pendine.

She helps residents find their creative streak and produce intricate works of art such as animal portraits and landscape paintings.

Sarah has been so impressed by the quality of artwork achieved by dozens of residents over the years that she is to showcase more than 100 of the best works in Pendine Park’s online Retrospective Art Gallery.

Among those beaming with pride was Mark Cartwright, a resident of the Penybryn care home in Wrexham.

He has found attending the art class to be one of the highlights of his time at Pendine Park. Mark, 58, said: “I have been at Pendine Park for about 13 years and have been coming along to the art class for a long time.

“It is something I enjoy doing. I look forward to the classes.

“In my time going to the art class I’ve done lots and lots of things.

Sarah is always suggesting things we can do.”

Sarah said: “Leonardo da Vinci is somebody we look up to in the art world. He is admired as being one of the greats,” said Sarah.

“It seemed a nice idea to launch our art gallery on this particular date, to remember da Vinci and also because it is World Art Day. “We have certainly seen at Pendine Park how much artistic talent there is, from both our past and present residents.

“Hopefully, our art gallery will give people an idea of the sort of things we do here, as well as the quality of work produced by residents at our homes in Wrexham and Caernarfon.”

Sarah has long promoted the benefits of residents engaging with art, with all participants given advice and support to enable their creative juices to flow – no matter what condition or disability they may have.

“People forget that you can build skills when you come to a care home and there’s a chance to embrace new talents and creativity,” said Sarah.

“A lot of the residents have no history of doing artwork. But they have come along to the art class and realised just how good their work can be.

Open Your Fire Doors to Residents When someone is no longer able to live alone their self-esteem can be severely affected and can sometimes lead to depression too. This is turn can have a negative impact on general health and happiness. Promoting independence within your care setting can have a massive impact on someone’s happiness, health and wellbeing.

Care facility providers for the elderly have to make some incredibly important decisions to ensure that residents are safe and often make decisions on behalf of residents too. Providing a care setting that ticks all the right boxes to offer independent living can sometimes feel like a bit of a juggling act. On the

one hand you must adhere to fire safety legislation and on the other hand heavy fire doors that close automatically when opened, hinder your goals of promoting the highest levels of independence for your residents. Finding a solution that achieves both of these goals is not as hard as you may think.

Fitting battery-operated door retainers, such as Dorgard, Dorgard SmartSound and Freedor SmartSound could not be easier and they provide you with a legal solution to holding your fire doors open. Easily installed by your own handyman they can be fitted to existing fire doors.

These devices ‘listen’ for the sound of your fire alarm and on hearing it

“For example, we have had residents with a range of complex conditions and disabilities attending the art class. They have demonstrated how creative they are, producing really impressive works of art.

“It has never been the case in the class of everybody doing the same thing. Instead, it is about working to whatever their individual strengths are.”

Pendine Park is believed to have been the first care home in Wales to employ an artist in residence, when Sarah was appointed in 1995.

She has been in the role ever since, building close working relationships with residents and supporting the development of successful enrichment programmes.

The care organisation’s commitment to the arts has been reflected in it winning a number of coveted awards, including being named Business of the Year at the Arts and Business Cymru Awards in 2015.

Sarah said the emphasis during classes has been on helping all residents achieve the best they can and having fun, whether they be a modern-day Michelangelo or have never dabbled with a paintbrush before.

“Everybody’s contribution is appreciated at Pendine Park,” said Sarah. “Somebody may produce what to many eyes is a scribble, but it is valued because I’ve seen the effort they have put into it.

“All the residents get the chance to be creative. It’s more about the fun of the process than the end result.

“What we do here reflects the importance of having access to the arts, which I believe is integral to quality of life and well-being.

“The works selected for the art gallery will include some by our current residents, as well as remembering past residents who made a big contribution when they were here.”

will automatically activate and allow your heavy fire door to close, preventing the spread of fire.

Heavy fire doors can pose a problem for frail and less mobile residents, as they try and negate heavy fire doors just to move from one room to another. By fitting a fire door retainer, your fire doors will open with ease or be held in the open position to make corridors and rooms easily accessible, even for those who are wheelchair users or who use walking aids.

To ensure that you can fit the right fire door retainer for your setting Dorgard have a range of products to chose from. For quieter areas, such as bedrooms or snugs Dorgard is ideal and for areas that are a little noisier, such as recreation rooms or dining rooms the Dorgard SmartSound is ideal and Freedor SmartSound offers the ability for a fire door to behave in the same way as a normal door, and can be pushed open with ease or will stay open at any angle.

Open your fire doors to your residents to give them their independence back. If you would like to discuss your needs further with our knowledgeable customer care team please call 0800 612 6287 or visit www.safelincs.co.uk/dorgards.

PAGE 26 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 49

HYGIENE & INFECTION CONTROL 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, choosing 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 alcoholbased products, CleanRite is non-flammable.

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

Care Home Industry Facing Customer Exodus Due To Infection Fears As care homes continue to contend with the ongoing challenges of COVID-19, new research reveals that care homes across the country are facing millions more in lost revenues due to customer fears around infection risk.

According to the nationally-representative survey into 2,000 members of the public, more than one in three Brits (34.5%) are less likely to trust care homes with their loved ones’ care due to fears around infection.

The findings also revealed that the overwhelming majority of the public (80.5%) would be reassured by visible proof that a care home takes cleanliness and infection control seriously. Significantly, 10.7% would be less likely to use a care home that did not have this proof, and 6% would no longer use a care home that could not prove that they adhered to the highest standards of hygiene and infection control.

The research was carried out by infection control specialist JLA, a trusted partner to thousands of care homes across the UK, as part of its “Infection Insights” campaign to improve industry standards, customer reassurance and peace of mind across the care sector.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, it was revealed that the events of 2020 have prompted a nationwide change in attitudes towards hygiene and infection control, with 77% of the public holding greater concerns in this area than a year previously – attributing this change directly to COVID-19.

Concerningly, over a fifth (20.4%) of the public also currently hold a poor opinion of hygiene and infection control in care homes, and do not believe standards are currently at the levels required. Just under a third

(30.1%) of Brits feel confident that care homes are clean and sanitised, and a further 10.7% reported that they believed standards are “excellent”.

According to the research, 87.6% of Brits now deem it important that a business has a good reputation for hygiene and infection control, and 58.1% of these proclaim a positive standing for hygiene “extremely important”. This indicates that hygiene ratings – traditionally a significant indicator of quality for many care home customers – have also become more important than ever before in the eyes of the public.

Ben Gujral, CEO at JLA, commented: “The events of the past year have laid bare the need for care homes to do everything they can to reassure anxious residents over the coming weeks, with major growth opportunities in store for those that do invest what is needed now.

“Expectations of the businesses customers will trust their money – and their loved ones’ health – with are virtually unrecognisable from even a year ago and, at a time where care homes need the continued loyalty of their customers more than ever before, it is crucial that they action all possible infection control measures to put the public’s minds at ease.

“Care homes that take the time to do this now will reap the benefits over the coming months, providing reassurance to those who need it, and ensuring the loyalty of customers both old and new for years to come.”

For more information about JLA, the research findings and for products which can help with infection control, please visit: https://jla.com/knowledge/icir-2021-care

ASAP Innovations Ensures Medi-Inn’s PPE Supply to UK Healthcare Sector is Maintained Throughout Pandemic Certified PPE manufacturer and leading supplier of medical and hygiene consumables join forces to ensure the UK healthcare sector continues to have access to certified PPE Following an unreliable and sporadic PPE supply during the beginning of the pandemic, supplier of medical and hygiene consumables, Medi-Inn partnered with ASAP Innovations, a leading manufacturer of medical PPE for the healthcare industries, to ensure dependable and trustworthy supply of critical equipment.

Throughout 2020, Medi-Inn – which manufactures and distributes medical and hygiene products to the UK healthcare sector – saw its supplies of medical gloves became sporadic and unreliable due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Many central governments were buying PPE directly from manufacturers and as a result, manufacturing companies were bypassing distribution companies, even suppliers they had worked with for years. At the same time, demand continued to increase throughout the summer of last year and Medi-Inn was in need of a reliable and certified PPE provider that could ensure it was able to keep serving its customers at this difficult time.

Wayne Dobson, Managing Director, Medi-Inn explains, “In 2020 we were approached by ASAP Innovations as it was seeking a glove distributor in the medical field. While the brand was fairly new to us, we were familiar with its impressive presence in Asia and everything we had heard about the manufacturer was very positive. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect as a partnership with ASAP Innovations meant we were able to continue supplying certified and high-quality PPE to

our loyal and longstanding customer base, at a time when they needed our supplies the most.

“ASAP Innovations’ packaging stands out from other products on the market and it also incorporates a grading system so that the different glove types are easily identifiable, which – as far as we are aware – is fairly unique. In fact, this design feature of the products is something we leverage in our marketing activities as the colour coding certainly increases brand awareness. We have been particularly impressed with ASAP Innovations’ development initiatives and are looking forward to supplying its soon-to-be launched vitrile gloves and children’s face masks.

“Despite the challenging circumstances we find ourselves in, the support levels we have received from ASAP Innovations has been second to none which has made our partnership run that extra bit smoother.

PPE is the sort of product where customers would complain if they had

problems with the quality of the products and seeing as we have had no complaints about ASAP Innovations products, we have the reassurance that our customers are more than satisfied with its products.

“When ASAP agreed to fulfil our requirement for the rest of 2020 and up until October 2021 we were delighted, and I believe this is just the beginning of a long-term relationship where MediInn can help establish the brand in the medical and hygiene sector in the UK. We are excited for what’s to come from our partnership with ASAP Innovations and we look forward to expanding business with the manufacturer in the months ahead,” Wayne concludes.

Sean Keller, Managing Director, ASAP Innovations adds: “We are delighted to have entered a partnership with a highly regarded supplier of medical and hygiene consumables to the UK healthcare sector. It goes without saying that healthcare workers have gone above and beyond to serve the public throughout what has been a very challenging year and we are very glad we have been able to continue supplying PPE to the people that need it the most, through our trusted partner, Medi-Inn. This is just the beginning of our partnership and we are thrilled to be able to continue providing certified PPE to the UK’s healthcare sector.”

For further information, visit Medi-Inn at www.medi-inn.co.uk and ASAP Innovations at www.whyasapco.uk

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 49 | PAGE 27

HYGIENE & INFECTION CONTROL GermErase Launches to Give Confidence to UK Businesses and Hospitals, With Efficacy Against SARS-Cov-2 First British commercial product to be tested on live SARS-Cov-2, the virus causing COVID-19 Multi-surface protector kills up to 99.9999% of pathogens in under 30 seconds and provides a protective barrier for up to 48 hours British scientific breakthrough can turn the tide against hospital infections and superbugs, while supporting vaccines in the fight against COVID-19 and saving the NHS billions GermErase, a new brand at the frontline of protecting against COVID19, infections and superbugs, has today launched its first product range.

Available as a cleaning spray and a hand spray with wipes, with aerosols and hand wash to follow, GermErase is a unique formulation that kills up to 99.9999% of pathogens, including the virus that causes COVID-19, in under 30 seconds – faster and more effective than the next best product. It bonds to surfaces to provide total protection without any reduction in performance for up to 48 hours and remains effective for 28 days.

GermErase has been tested to global standards in independent facilities at the University of Southampton, including on live strains of SARSCov-2. The British business has invested £1m in testing the product.

As 99.9% water, GermErase is safe and has low toxicity, meaning it does not irritate skin in the way alcohol gels can and, unlike alcohol gels, is not flammable. It uses common ingredients that have already been approved for medical and cleaning purposes and is ready to distribute at scale across the country via specialist cleaning supplier, Denis Rawlins Ltd. Professor Bill Keevil, Professor of Environmental Healthcare at the University of Southampton, comments, “An invention like this does not come across your desk very often. We have found that GermErase demonstrates remarkable breadth of efficacy against bacteria and viruses, speed of kill, residual efficacy and shows no evidence of antimicrobial resistance.”

GermErase is more effective than alcohol gel and, alongside vaccines, can help to turn the tide against COVID-19 and a broad spectrum of other dangerous pathogens. While alcohol gels and sanitisers – products recommended by the World Health Organisation – are dependent on concentration levels and a lengthy period of application, GermErase is easy to use and completely kills the virus within seconds with a simple spray.

The products can be used by medical professionals in hospitals but are also quick and easy to use by private sector businesses – giving employers and employees the confidence to return to work safely and unlock the economic recovery in the UK. GermErase will launch a consumer product range for the general public in Spring 2021.

The urgency of antibiotic resistance is well known among the medical community and increasingly by wider society. GermErase provides a defence by preventing infection, instead of relying on the development of new cures and antibiotics.

Inspired by the most human of stories, GermErase was invented by Rob Scoones, a former retail business owner. After losing someone very close to him, Rob dedicated his life to eradicating the superbug crisis in our hospitals and worldwide. Through the relentless pursuit of this vision, Rob developed the GermErase product, combining common ingredients in a way that has delivered remarkable efficacy against all known pathogens, including SARS-Cov-2.

It has been estimated that a 10% reduction in infections and superbugs in hospitals would save the NHS £1bn annually. GermErase can kill and protect against all known infections and superbugs and is available to use throughout healthcare facilities immediately.

Matthew Higdon, Chairman of GermErase, comments, “Our intention is for GermErase to become the first line of defence against infection for hospitals, businesses and families across the country. This product will allow us to get our freedom back and live with peace of mind that we are protected against pathogens like Coronavirus. Our ambition is for this British breakthrough to represent a landmark moment in the fightback against COVID-19, infections and superbugs.”

GermErase is the new British brand at the frontline of protection the fightback against coronavirus, infections and superbugs. It provides a new multi-surface protector proven to kill the virus that causes COVID-19 within 30 seconds and provides protection for 48 hours.

Clinically proven to be more effective than alcohol gel or existing disinfectant, GermErase products are the breakthrough Britain needs to get back to work, turn the tide against the Coronavirus in healthcare and save the NHS billions of pounds handling infections and superbugs.

Regular Cleaning Plays a Vital Role In Limiting the Transmission of Covid-19 In 2020, TCFM completed over 500 nationwide Covid-19 decontamination and electrostatic sprays, in 4-hour response times National Coverage Over the last six months we have completed specialist Covid-19 cleans across a dynamic, nationwide portfolio of sites for clients in a variety of industries, ranging from retail, distribution to corporate.

All calls for our Covid-19 cleaning solution have been attended to within 24 hours. Our electrostatic sprays kill Coronavirus on contact and offer up to 4 weeks protection from pathogens, providing you with: • A safe working environment • Employees which feel valued

• Credibility with your clients • Peace of mind TCFM is proactively working with a diverse portfolio of national customers to keep their sites safe including: Tesco, Yodel, Makro, RS Components, Travis Perkins, Wincanton and many others across a range of industries including distribution, retail, telecommunications and finance.

TCFM’s national coverage is key to responding promptly to calls for the Covid-19 decontamination solution, which mitigates disruption to BAU at even their most remote sites.

See the advert below for further details.

In 2020, TC Facilities Management (TCFM) completed over 500 nationwide Covid-19 decontamination and electrostatic sprays, in 4-hour response times.

As we enter Lockdown 3.0, TCFM is continuing to keep their customers’ sites safe across the UK with their Covid-19 decontamination solution.

The electrostatic spraying technology that TCFM offers provides 360° coverage to the premises, in contrast to traditional fogging methods which only protect surfaces. Environmentally f riendly, human and food-safe chemicals kill Coronavirus on con-tact, offering up to 4 weeks’ protection f rom pathogens.

This solution provides TCFM’s customers with: A safe working environment;

Credibility with their clients;

Employees who feel valued;

Peace of mind.

Working tto Working o Minimise Disruption A Across cross a National Portfolio P ortf tfolio olio TCFM is proactively working with a diverse portfolio of national customers to keep their sites safe including: Tesco, Yodel, Makro, RS range of industries including distribution, retail, telecommunications and finance.

TCFM’s national coverage is key to responding promptly to calls for the Covid-19 decontamination solution, which mitigates disruption to BAU at even their most remote sites.

Ho How wT TCFM CFM C Can an Suppor Supportt You You Thr Through ough Th The e Developing Developing C Covid-19 ovid-19 Cr Crisis isis TCFM is committed to supporting customers across the country to safeguard sites against Coronavirus as the situation continues to develop.

To ensure they can deliver a solution tailored to the requirements of your premises, TCFM offers a f ree site visit and quote for their Covid-19 decontamination solu-tion and a certificate on completion.

As many of your colleagues will be site-based, this will give them the peace of mind that you are committed to safeguarding their health and safety.

This identifies TCFM as a trusted partner in the fight against Coronavirus.

Haris Niksic, TCFM’s Head of Specialist Services, comments: “Our specialist service colleagues wor work extremely hard to prevent disruption to your your business while safeguar saf eguarding a saf safe e wor working environment for for your colleagues and customers.”

To book your free site assessment & Covid-19 quote please visit: https://tcfm.online/return-to-work-safely-with-covid19-decontamination-cleans/ or contact Nicola Heywood directly on: 07920 539 265

PAGE 28 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 49

HYGIENE & INFECTION CONTROL 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 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.

Safe Infection Control Solution Gives Day Centre Residents Increased Reassurance Award-winning First City Nursing, provider of nursing care that is rated outstanding by the Care Quality Commission, was swift to develop a robust Covid-prevention protocol prior to re-opening its day-centres following the first lockdown of the current pandemic. Central to this protocol is MicroSafe® disinfectant, a new arrival in the UK, making First City Nursing one of the pioneers to adopt this 100% toxin-free, highly effective disinfectant and one that sets the gold standard in safe sanitisation.

Covid-19 has forced us to look at infection control in a new way; none more so than in the care home and day-centre setting. There is mounting concern that many commonly used disinfectants may not be up to the job of dealing with a pandemic; contact time may be too long, efficacy questionable with often a moderate pathogen control and many include chemicals that could be harmful to health and the environment, especially when used with the frequency required to prevent spread of the virus.

The vaccination programme has brought down levels of the virus substantially and in turn a reduction in cases; but with the opening of care homes to one visitor per resident from the 8th March, there is still a risk that residents could be exposed to a new variant which may be resistant to vaccines.

Following the first lockdown, First City Nursing needed a disinfectant

that was effective, safe and easy to use around elderly and vulnerable residents in their care, particularly in day-centres where they gather for meals and socialising. It also needed to be kind to the environment and able to be stored safely. The day-centre environment, with a number of residents coming and going, could be a breeding ground for viruses and bacteria as well as contributing to the spread of Covid-19, therefore infection management is a top priority for First City Nursing.

“The day-centres are essential to the residents’ mental as well as physical well-being and it is important that they feel safe, especially within the current climate. We are careful to disinfect everything that is touched by staff and residents right down to their bingo chips, cutlery and handrails so we have a handy spray for intermittent treatment between fumigation sessions before and after new groups enter the centres. It is super easy and time saving; we simply spray and leave it to dry naturally within about a minute. We will be relying on MicroSafe to help us reopen the day centres as soon as possible post lockdown” says Kerry Harris, Community Living Manager.

MicroSafe is 99.9999% (Log 6) effective in killing viruses, bacteria and other pathogens within a contact time of 30 seconds, and has a proven track record of combatting epidemics around the world (MERS, SARS,

Ebola) as well SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in Australia and the Middle East. Purazine introduced MicroSafe to the UK in 2020 in direct response to the pandemic.

The result of 20 years’ research, the patented and internationally approved Microcyn® technology that makes MicroSafe so unique, uses an electrochemical process to produce Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl) similar to the natural HOCl produced by the human immune system to fight pathogens. This process results in a pH balanced disinfectant, that is free of harmful chemicals. MicroSafe can be ‘fogged’ as a fine mist to ensure that no surface is left un-sanitised. Historically, HOCl disinfectants’ shelf life was very limited but uniquely, MicroSafe remains shelf-stable for two years, needing no special storage, handling or disposal and is kind to the environment.

Dr Hugh Martin, recent former Head of Agricultural Science at RAU and consultant with HOCl Trust said: “With this level of efficacy, contact time, shelf life and being non-corrosive, MicroSafe sets the gold standard in disinfectants making it ideal for use in clinical and care home settings as well as for general disinfection application.”

Dr David Cox of Purazine who distributes MicroSafe in the UK says; “It is clear, with new variants still being discovered, that we are going to have to learn to co-exist with Covid-19 and other viruses in the future but it is vital that our solution to the virus does not cause additional problems.

Increasingly, care homes are using MicroSafe as they have embraced the importance of putting measures in place to prevent Covid-19 that are free of harmful chemicals, efficient and easy to use, and most importantly limit the interruption in the vital care they provide for their residents.”

To book your Covid prevention protocol consultation please email staysafe@purazine.co.uk or telephone 03300 880660 or visit www.purazine.co.uk

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 49 | PAGE 29

HYGIENE & INFECTION CONTROL React-Air Pathogen Neutralisers

React-Air pathogen neutralisers have helped to ensure the safety of patients, visitors and staff in Britain’s care homes since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic in Britain.

Designed for use in virtually any indoor environment, the React-Air range utilises the power of UVC, HEPA 13 and activated carbon filtration to clean air and surfaces, killing viruses such as Covid-19, norovirus, flu and the common cold. Manufactured in the UK it is the only system of its kind and has already been successfully utilised in the fight against coronavirus in many care homes across the country.

There are 4 products in the React-Air range including

the React-Air X - a portable air sanitiser designed for use in hospital and care environments. Using a unique UV-C light array, powerful fans drive the airflow through the decontamination chamber, neutralising bacteria, viruses, pollen and odours, delivering clean and sterile air to a room. It can be used whilst people remain in the room and generates no harmful gasses, and at a fraction of the price of leading portable ozone generators.

When used in conjunction with normal cleaning techniques, it is highly effective in the fight against bacteria and viruses.

Deborah Blick of Parmenter Care said, “We realised it was a way of keeping our rrsidents, staff and visitors safe, primarily during the pandemic but going forward when this does pass. It won't just be Covid it can deal with, but other pathogens - flu, norovirus and many others.”

For further information, see the advert on this page or contact the Reaction Group Limited: www.reaction-grp.com or Tel: 0203 885 2299

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 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

PAGE 26 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 49

HYGIENE & INFECTION CONTROL

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 49 | PAGE 31

CATERING FOR CARE Made For You Softer Foods For Dysphagia Made For You Softer Foods is a softer foods range of frozen ready meals. We offer a wide range of dishes, that are beautifully shaped and made with quality ingredients to provide a nutritious and satisfying meal, suitable for people who experience chewing or swallowing difficulties known as dysphagia.

The Made For You range includes 80 dishes to choose from including chicken, beef, lamb, fish and vegetarian recipes. We also offer a tasty selection of lighter bites, desserts, and breakfast

options as well as mini meals for those with smaller appetites.

All our meals have been prepared in line with the IDDSI Framework.

• Delicious softer foods frozen ready meals • 80 dishes to choose from • IDDSI compliant • Suitable for a Level 4 Puréed, Level 5 Minced & Moist, Level 6 Soft & Bite-Sized diet.

• No contracts – secure online or telephone ordering process • Clear and easy to use cooking instructions on every sleeve To find out more about Made For You and our softer foods range at www.itsmadeforyou.co.uk

®

Radnor to Launch First Vitamin D Spring Water Drink in Tetra Pak Packages Wales’ leading family owned branded soft drinks company is launching a new product to help customers to get their daily vitamin D dose.

Radnor Vits, which will launch on March 1st, is the first vitamin D flavoured spring water in Tetra Pak® packages. Designed to be strawfree, you can drink it straight from the pack.

Public Health England and NICE advise that 10 micrograms of vitamin D are needed every day for healthy bones and muscles. Everyone is advised to take a vitamin D supplement between October and March, when the sun is too low in the sky for our bodies to naturally make vitamin D from sunlight.

Vits is a low-calorie sugar-free drink which is also suitable for Vegetarians and Vegans. It comes in two flavours: Lemon & Lime and Apple & Raspberry.

Radnor is targeting listings in supermarkets and health stores as well as care homes and hospitals.

Vits is also available to buy as a three-pack from Radnor’s own online shop and also from Amazon.

Radnor Vits’ benefits include: Vitamin D – Contributes to the maintenance of normal muscle function, cell division, teeth and bones.

Copper - Contributes to the maintenance of normal connective tissues.

Folic Acid - Helps make healthy red blood cells

Selenium - Contributes to the maintenance of normal hair, nails, immune system, and thyroid function.

Zinc – Contributes to metabolism, brain function and normal.

William Watkins, Owner and Managing Director of Radnor, said: “When we heard that 20 per cent of the British population is deficient in vitamin D, and that this is a growing problem thanks to Lockdown and people staying indoors, we decided to create a new daily drink to help tackle the problem.

“Radnor Vits is the first functional drink of its kind in Tetra Pak® packages and, as well as providing your daily dose of vitamin D, it also contains other vital vitamins and minerals to help support a balanced diet.

“Our new drink, designed as your once-a-day vitamin and minerals boost, increases your daily intake of vitamin D and other recommended vitamins and minerals up to 200%.”

Over the past 12 months, there have been reports about vitamin D potentially reducing the risk of coronavirus and the Government is keeping a close eye on the results of trials currently underway.

Trade samples are available on request by emailing sales@radnorhills.co.uk Radnor’s online shop https://www.radnorhills.co.uk/shop/ Radnor’s Amazon shop https://www.amazon.co.uk/Radnor-Hills/s?k=Radnor+Hills

Planning Your Catering Budgets with allmanhall Alain Bremond-Torrent mused, “Sardines or not sardines, that is the question.”

Or indeed, some salmon, but what should it all cost?

In the face of unprecedented and extraordinary cost pressures, planning your budgets for the coming year is challenging. allmanhall (www.allmanhall.co.uk) can help.

Covid-19 has brought enormous pressure, with operational compliance costs and additional PPE taking their toll. Then there is Brexit – although a trade agreement has been struck, food costs are rising. All exacerbated by escalating business rates.

Food and catering related costs are a significant element of any care home or group’s budget. Scrutiny of key areas will enable planning and ensure good due diligence.

You may not have benchmarked your suppliers’ pricing for months if not years. How do your suppliers compare? Recipes should be accurately costed and areas for greater efficiencies and savings identified.

These unprecedented times present an opportunity - now may be the time to challenge long established ‘norms’, rethinking and reviewing your budgets for the better.

Contact independent food procurement specialists, allmanhall to arrange your free of charge benchmark via www.allmanhall.co.uk See the advert on the facing page for details.

DISCOVER THE NEW MATCHING TOOL THAT WILL SHOW YOU WHICH BOUILLON IS BEST FOR YOUR NEEDS When it comes to creating great dishes for residents living in care settings, a quality base is key. With a good bouillon or stock at the base, chefs can transform everyday favourites into rich, flavoursome dishes.

Knorr® Professional is the UK’s number one brand for bouillons in foodservice*. They’re passionate about providing chefs in the care sector with the building blocks to creating dishes which make mealtimes memorable. They believe that, when it comes to choosing a bouillon, getting the right format for your needs is fundamental. Their range includes Powders, Jellies, Cubes and Pastes – which are also available in a Rich and Roast formats for an even stronger flavour. But how you use each of these formats will depend on a number of factors.

If you’re not sure which bouillon is right for your menu, then why not try Knorr® Professional’s new online matching tool. By answering just a few simple questions, the tool will help you discover the right bouillon for you in less than a minute.

Visit ufs.com/knorrprofessional to find out more

*Aggregated UK wholesaler value sales 52 w/e 21st August 2020

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 49 | PAGE 35

LAUNDRY SOLUTIONS

Laundry is Critical as Covid-19 Survives on Healthcare Uniforms for Up To 3 Days As reported below, scientists at the De Montford University have been conducting an in-depth study of viruses with similar structures and survival patterns to Covid-19. The research was led by a team of microbiologist and virologist experts who monitored the stability of virus traces over 72 hours and evaluated different infection control methods. The results strongly reinforce the need for all healthcare workers’ uniforms to be washed on-site and using appropriate commercial or industrial washing machines.

The University discovered that the virus can survive on polyester for 72 hours, on cotton for 24 hour and on poly-cotton for 6 hours. The scientists contaminated various textiles with virus traces and analysed different wash methods, using varying temperatures with both domestic and commercial/ industrial laundry machines.

The results demonstrated that domestic machines did not fully remove the virus from contaminated textiles and that the water dilution and agitation was insufficient as a means of infection control. Their findings concluded that it necessitated detergent and a temperature of at least 67C for the virus to be efficiently killed.

Encouragingly, the research showed that the virus did not transmit to other items within the wash load. However, traces can transfer from uniforms to other surfaces and consequently it is crucial that uniforms do not leave the healthcare environment

and are processed in laundry machines that will reach the requisite high temperatures to ensure that there is no onward transmission. Dr Laird, Microbiologist and Head of Infectious Disease Research Group, is quoted on the University’s website as saying, Our findings show that three of the most commonly used textiles in healthcare pose a risk of transmission of the virus. If nurses and healthcare workers take their uniforms home, they could be leaving traces of virus on other surfaces.

Forbes Professional provides healthcare compliant commercial laundry equipment to the NHS, care homes and private hospitals across the UK. As proud partners of Miele, we offer premium laundry solutions that adhere to WRAS and CQC guidelines whilst enabling both sluice and thermal disinfection. Our commercial washers hold validated temperatures of 71°C for 3 minutes and 83°C for 15 minutes, killing viruses and bacteria in adherence with the most stringent hygiene requirements.

With our Complete Care solution, all laundry equipment is supported by our multi award-winning service support, with no repair or replacement bills for the life of the contract.

Forbes Professional Telephone 0345 070 2335 info@forbes-professional.co.uk www.forbespro.co.uk

Infection Control and Laundry Cash’s Labels- “The Name Study Published Behind the Name” In a study looking at how coronavirus behaves on three fabrics commonly used in the healthcare industry, scientists at De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) have warned tthat traces can remain infectious for up to three days.

Led by microbiologist Dr Katie Laird, virologist Dr Maitreyi Shivkumar and postdoctoral researcher Dr Lucy Owen, the research involved adding droplets of a model coronavirus called HCoV-OC43 – which has a very similar structure and survival pattern to that of SARS-CoV-2, which causes Covid-19 – to polyester, polycotton and 100% cotton.

The results showed that polyester poses the highest risk for transmission of the virus, with infectious virus still present after three days that could transfer to other surfaces. On 100% cotton, the virus lasted for 24 hours, while on polycotton, the virus only survived for six hours.

“When the pandemic first started, there was very little understanding of how long coronavirus could survive on textiles,” said Dr Katie Laird, Head of the Infectious Disease Research Group at DMU. “Our findings show that three of the most commonly used textiles in healthcare pose a risk for transmission of the virus. If nurses and healthcare workers take their uniforms home, they could be leaving traces of the virus on other surfaces.”

In response, she advised the government that all healthcare uniforms should be laundered in hospitals to commercial standards or by an industrial laundry.

She has since co-published an updated, fully comprehensive literature review which evaluates the risk of textiles in the transmission of disease, highlighting the need to for infection control procedures when handling contaminated healthcare textiles.

“After the literature review, the next stage of our work was to evaluate the infection control risk of washing healthcare uniforms contaminated with coronavirus,” she continued. “Once we had determined the survival rate of coronavirus on each of the textiles, we turned our attention to identifying the most reliable wash method for removing the virus.”

Using 100% cotton, the most commonly used healthcare textile, the scientists conducted a number of tests using different water temperatures and wash methods, including domestic washing machines, industrial washing machines, on-premise hospital washing machines, and an ozone (a highly reactive gas) wash system.

The results showed that the agitation and dilution effect of the water in all of the washing machines tested was enough to remove the virus.

However, when the team soiled the textiles with an artificial saliva containing the virus (to mimic the risk of spread from an infected person’s mouth), they found that domestic washing machines did not fully remove the virus and some traces survived.

It was only when they added a detergent and increased the water temperature that the virus was completely eliminated. Investigating the tolerance of the virus to heat alone, findings showed that coronavirus was stable in water up to 60°C, but was inactivated at 67°C.

Next, the team looked at the risk of cross contamination, placing clean items of clothing in the same wash as those with traces of the virus. They found all wash systems removed the virus and there was no risk of the other items being contaminated.

Dr Laird explained: “While we can see from the research that washing these materials at a high temperature, even in a domestic washing machine, does remove the virus, it does not eliminate the risk of the contaminated clothing leaving traces of coronavirus on other surfaces in the home or car before they are washed.

“We now know that the virus can survive for up to 72 hours on some textiles and that it can transfer to other surfaces too.

“This research has reinforced my recommendation that all healthcare uniforms should be washed on site at hospitals or at an industrial laundry. These wash methods are regulated and nurses and healthcare workers do not have to worry about potentially taking the virus home.”

With the support of the UK Textiles Trade Association, Dr Laird, Dr Shivkumar and Dr Owen have since shared their findings with industry experts across the UK, USA and Europe.

“The response has been very positive,” said Dr Laird. “Textile and laundry associations around the world are now implementing our key messages in their guidance for healthcare laundering, to prevent further transmission of coronavirus.”

David Stevens, CEO of Textiles Services Association UK, the trade association for the textile care services industry, said: “Going into a pandemic situation, we had the basic understanding that textiles were not among the top transmission media for coronaviruses.

“However, we really had a lack of information about the stability of these viruses in different fabric types and in different wash programmes. This resulted in several misinformation floating around and excessive recommendations for washing.

“We have considered in detail the methodologies and research practices used by Dr Laird and her team and find this research to be reliable, repeatable and reproducible. The conclusion of this work completed

by DMU reinforces the vital role of contamination controls – whether it is domestic or industrial settings.”

To further the research, the team is also working on a project in collaboration with DMU’s Psychology team and University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, surveying nurses and healthcare workers about their knowledge and attitudes towards washing their uniforms during the Covid-19 pandemic.

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 protection 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.

PAGE 36 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 49

MEDICATION MANAGEMENT

Omnicell's eMAR Solution Helping Care Homes to Manage Their COVID-19 Vaccination Programmes As the COVID-19 vaccination programme is being rolled out across the UK, Omnicell’s eMAR solution has recently been enhanced to help support care homes to manage recording of the medication in terms of timings, dosage as well as the type of vaccination used.

As with any other medication, this vaccine needs to be managed and administered safely. New features to the eMAR care home solution have been introduced to ensure that staff can easily record the type of vaccine, when it was administered and whether it was the first or second injection.

As with all medication, residents have the right to refuse and should that be the case, the Omnicell eMAR solution also captures this information too.

The Omnicell eMAR system automates the entire medication management and administration process for each care home resident, ensuring they receive their right medication at the right time. Now, care home management and staff can have the COVID-19 vaccine status of each resident at the touch of their fingertips as part of the eMAR Reporting Suite.

The eMAR system gathers information, provides prompts and accurate instructions for staff and managers in real time at the touch of a button.

Each individual medication is identified through a barcode, normally applied in pharmacy, which can then be tracked at all stages from check in at the care home through to administration to a resident. It provides an invaluable medicines history for each patient and includes a simple alert and verification system to minimise the risk of medication errors in the home.

Residents in care homes take an average of 7.2 medicines per day. With each additional medicine comes an increased risk of errors in prescription, monitoring, dispensing or administration, adverse drug reactions, impaired medicines adherence which can lead to compromised quality of life for

patients. CQC’s annual state of care report found that safety was the biggest concern with one of the main contributing factors being poor medicines management.1 Recently, Omnicell UK, the market leader in medication and supplies automation, and Nourish Care, a leading electronic care planning provider, came together to provide a new integration that gives care staff greater visibility of a patient’s medication regime as part of their overall care plan.

Managing and monitoring resident’s medication regimes effectively can significantly impact the delivery and quality of care. Historically care plan-

ning and medication administration systems have been managed completely separately. This can potentially contribute to failings in support of residents’ care. The new integration means that Omnicell eMAR can now share data related to medication with the Nourish Care system, giving greater insight and driving best practice into the safety and individual care of each resident in the home.

Heather Bethune, Care Home Manager at Abbeyfield House Care Home, comments; "The new COVID-19 recording feature has been a huge help for our care home. All of the vaccine information is recorded in one place and it's presented alongside all the medication that we've administered - where it should be, so it's great to have a simple overview of everything that’s medication related. We can record the type of vaccine that resident has been given and the date they were administered it, this allows us to know when the second vaccination is required for each resident. The system allows you to input information retrospectively which is a great help when we have new residents join the home who have already had the vaccine.

It's a really simple and easy to use system that is helping us to manage the COVID-19 virus.”

Cyrus Hodivala, Medicines Adherence Sales Director at Omnicell UK & Ireland, comments; “Here at Omnicell we are constantly looking at new ways to respond to our clients needs with innovative solutions. And as such, we are pleased to announce the new features and enhancements to our eMAR solution which will help support care homes to manage their COVID-19 vaccination programmes. We anticipate that this will help to drive much needed times efficiencies for staff during this difficult time, as well as ensure patient safety within the care sector.”

For further information contact www.omnicell.co.uk/products/emar

ATLAS eMAR - The Only Proven eMar for Care Homes in the UK ATLAS eMAR is the only independently evaluated medication administration system that has been shown to eradicate 21 out of 23 medication error types, save 65 staff hours per month on medication, representing over £1500 savings per month and improve accountability by reducing missing entries by 85%.

There are four unique features of ATLAS eMAR: 1. Use of barcode validation to ensure all the rights of medicine administration are checked. This feature eradicates most common medication errors.

2. Automatic two-way link between the pharmacy and care home. This ensures that the pharmacy is aware of therapy changes made at the home and can sort out discrepancies with prescriptions before they become errors. The pharmacy can also see all prescription requests and the actual stock counts of each medicine at the care home. This leads to efficiencies in ordering, booking in and returning of medicines.

3. The data from ATLAS eMAR on medication administrations can now be viewed on most e-care planning platforms through our open API. This means that all aspects of resident care including medications can now be viewed in one place.

4. ATLAS eMAR can now be used on any suitable android device. This means that if you already have an android device for e-care plans, then you can run ATLAS eMAR on it, making it a very cost effective option.

ATLAS eMAR has a national network of enabled pharmacies and can work with any pharmacy, as long as they agree to support the care home with the technology.

The implementation is detailed and fully supported. Training is via on-line elearning and webinars. Over 95% of care homes who implemented ATLAS eMAR indicated that they would never go back to their traditional medication system.

Visit www.atlasemar.com or see the advert on page 44 for further details.

®

Well Pharmacy Partners with PainChek to Promote Person-Centred Care Well Pharmacy, the UK’s largest independent pharmacy chain, is pleased to announce a partnership with PainChek®, the world’s first AI-powered pain assessment tool to help people who are unable to verbalise if they have pain, such as those living with dementia.

Sadly, pain often goes un-detected and under-treated in people with communication difficulties from medical conditions. The Well Care Home Services Team are actively signposting more than 350 care homes across the UK to use PainChek® as an effective solution to help measure pain in residents and promote the highest standards of care in residential homes.

This secure medical device is simple and straightforward to use via mobile or tablet. It uses artificial intelligence (facial detection and analysis technology) and smart automation to detect and score pain in real time allowing informed clinical decisions around appropriate and effective pain management to be made.

This partnership further highlights how Well Pharmacy are committed to offering a local community service with a real focus on person-centred care, quality and safety.

Tandeep Gill, Care Home Business Lead at Well Pharmacy said: “Well Pharmacy is delighted to partner with PainChek®. At Well we strive to offer an outstanding local service to care homes and their residents. PainChek® uses innovative technology to help residents who are not able to communicate for themselves to identify

the presence of pain.

“We’re delighted that through this partnership we are able to pass on an exclusive discount to benefit our care homes customers across the UK, so they can help improve the quality of life for their residents and offer person-centred care.”

Pete Shergill, PainChek® UK&I Country Director said: “About half of people living with dementia suffer from pain, but they are often unable to verbalise they have pain, and sadly, it goes unmanaged and untreated.

“Ensuring residents’ pain is assessed effectively is critical for care home operators, healthcare professionals and carers but it can be challenging.

Therefore, we are really pleased that Well Pharmacy is partnering with us to promote and deliver a quick and easy-to-use solution that will allow carers and healthcare professionals to measure pain in residents, document checks and make informed clinical decisions for effective pain management.

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

For more information, about Well Pharmacy’s Care Home Service please visit www.well.co.uk/carehomes For more information about PainChek® email: info@painchek.com or visit: https://painchek.com/uk/

PAGE 38 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 49

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES Antimicrobial Contract Fabrics Adaptawear Iona Nightie: Full Opening-Back Nightie for Added Reassurance Skopos has recently launched a new sub-brand, Skopos Pro-tect Plus, as a marker for all Skopos products offered with an antimicrobial finish. Skopos has been offering antimicrobial fabrics for over 15 years, however the new sub-brand helps to clearly identify this offer to our customers, at a time where extra reassurance within contract interiors has never been more relevant. Within Pro-tect Plus Skopos customers have a choice of fabrics for different end uses; Antimicrobial drapery fabrics, Antimicrobial woven upholstery fabrics, Antimicrobial faux leather and vinyls. The upholstery fabrics offer includes luxury velvet, printed fabrics,

vinyls and a large range of woven collections, mostly waterproof, soil and stain resist, perfect for caring interiors.

Many of our drapery and bedding fabrics can be finished with an antimicrobial treatment, so please ask. Choices include print base-cloths, plain and woven designs. All Skopos fabrics are flame retardant and tested to the high standards required for contract interiors.

Skopos antimicrobial fabrics have bacteriostatic, viralreducing and anti-fungal properties.

Free samples of our fabrics are available online or via our customer services team: sales@skopos.co.uk. www.skoposfabrics.com

CareZips Dignity Trousers ™

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

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.

Write Your Life Story!

With Reminiscence Journal Game Imagine you’re playing a board game with your family and carers as you write the story of your life. You can do this Our mission is to help the silver seniors to become more creative in the using use of their imagination. To help them stay focused with their memory activity. To help them interact and avoid the feeling of loneliness and aloneness. To Help the seniors Preserve their stories through Print, video and Online publishing, keep record of their oral history with legacy building for future generations. To continue in making the life of the silver seniors relevant to the society. To help in bring out the hidden skills the Silver seniors may never know or recognize they possess.

The Pack includes a 120 paged journal, 40 cardboard game, a timer, two reusable maze games including a water marker. Playing the 40 cards prompts seniors to write in their life journal. includes:, Moviefy 360 Website, 20 pictures flipbook photo album, 10 minute video, Life story flipbook with 4 paged Quiz.

Visit https://storytellingforsilverseniors.com or Email: info@storytellingforsilverseniors.com Call Jean On +44 791 630 6888 today

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

Care Homes Pilot Diagnostic Telemedicine Developed by GPs video consultation platform allows clinicians and their patients to communicate easily, discuss test results and agree next steps.

The Hub reduces the need for clinicians to visit care homes and the need for residents to visit healthcare settings. In addition to improving patient safety, associated costs such as PPE and travel time and mileage are minimised.

Trudy Harrison MP, Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Prime Minister and MP for Copeland (including Millom), said: “I’m delighted that some care home residents in my constituency will be among the first to benefit from remote diagnostics consultations with their GPs. Tools such as Teki-Hub have the potential not only to reduce infection risk during a pandemic Pathfinders Specialist and Complex Care centre for but also to help deliver care to more patients more physical health needs in Nottinghamshire and quickly and it’s great to see more organisations triKirksanton Care Home in Millom, Cumbria, are the lat- alling these new innovations.” est care homes to trial an innovative telemedicine unit To date Teki-Hub has been used to conduct which allows GPs to complete detailed assessments approximately 180 remote consultations. Initial evaluaon patients remotely – saving time and improving tion by NHS Arden & GEM CSU shows clinicians have patient safety during the coronavirus pandemic. been very satisfied with the quality of the audio and The Teki-Hub telemedicine solution, developed by images, and ease of system use, with an average satpioneering GPs Dr Stephen Katebe and Dr Omobolaji isfaction score of 4.7 out of 5. Over 90% of patients Iji, is already providing a solution to the additional risks who have responded to a post-consultation survey of in-person consultations during the COVID-19 panrated the overall treatment experience as excellent. demic in 18 care homes in England and Scotland,.

Initial trials also indicate that use of Teki-Hub can Unlike standard video consultations, the Teki-Hub reduce the need for ambulance callouts and emerunit includes high quality diagnostic equipment, gency hospital admissions. enabling GPs and other clinicians to undertake virtual Dr Stephen Katebe, co-founder of Tekihealth care home rounds, and respond to emergencies Solutions, said: “As GPs ourselves, we fully understand quickly, safely and efficiently. Teki-Hub can use WiFi, the barriers to providing swift and comprehensive care mobile or satellite networks to connect reliably to GP to care home residents – particularly during COVID-19. practices, community services or hospitals, with care With Teki-Hub installed, clinicians can see up to six home staff administering tests as directed by the clini- patients an hour, with no lost time spent travelling, cian. and without the additional risks currently associated The equipment includes a no-touch infrared basal with in-person consultations. We’ve seen a significant thermometer, and set of digital stethoscope, otoscope increase in demand for pilots as NHS organisations and tongue depressor attachments, allowing GPs to look to enhance the quality and safety of care, particconduct thorough assessments of a patient’s respiraularly during the pandemic.” tory, ear nose and throat, and heart health. The in-built Visit www.tekihealth.com or @tekihealth

Why Specify a 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.

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 49 | PAGE 39

TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE 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

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 49 | PAGE 41

TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE Imagine a Piece of Equipment for Your Care Home CARE VISION That Can Enhance the Experience of Your Residents Mentally, Physically and Also Emotionally Inspired Inspirations have been working directly with care homes in developing their interactive touch screen activity tables over the last few years, to provide a range of screen sizes and units to suit every care setting.

Just think of a giant Android tablet built into a solid oak surround, on a base that houses a large battery to allow you to use it all day long and smooth running wheels for easy movement between rooms in your care home.

"This amazing bit of technology is making a huge difference to our residents" Melanie Dawson Manager, The Lawns at Heritage Manor ' The screen is 5mm tempered glass for your residents safety and sealed against fluid ingress meaning a spill of a cup of tea won't ruin your equipment. It also means an easy clean solution to stop cross contamination using any normal surface cleaner.

How to enhance your residents experience Mentally - Brain training apps, memory apps, quizzes, board games, reasoning challenges.

Physically - Exercise for the elderly online classes, hand eye coordination, increased movement to move hands around a large screen.

Emotionally- Reminiscence tours on Google Earth, past and present clips on YouTube of hobbies or interests, religious services and Group ZOOM calls to loved ones who cant get to visit in your residents person!

"We use it daily and would not be without it now, even the residents find it easy and fun to use. Thank you!" Sandie Evans, Registered Manager, Oakland's Care Home, Crickhowell All tables are made to order, if you'd like to enquire on a price guide and time scales for deliveries, just visit their website www.inspiredinspirations.com or scan the QR code on the right.

"We've noticed that quieter residents who didn't interact too much with others have suddenly been more active and more vocal." Lindsey Davies, Home Manager,Cwrt Enfys See the advert on page 10.

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 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 functional-

ity 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-tostrength 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 or see the advert below for further details.

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 42 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 49

NURSE CALL AND FALLS PREVENTION Lotus Care Technology The New MPCSA11 from Medpage The NurseAlert pressure mat has been one of the most successful floor pressure mats due to it being non slip and carpeted which makes it feel very natural under a residents foot.

Lotus Care Technology Ltd have many other fall saving devices that can give you peace of mind whilst caring for this at risk of falls.

Having many years of experience in

fitting and maintaining Nurse Call Systems helps the guys at Lotus Care Technology understand that every home is different and has different needs. They can specify not only the best system for the environmental factors in the home but also take into consideration the best products that will make your carers and nurses jobs that little bit easier.

Visit lctuk.com for details.

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 2.

Fall Savers - Affordable Fall Monitoring Solutions Fall Savers®, are an experienced market leading healthcare provider of resident safety solutions for over 15 years.

FALL SAVERS ® WIRELESS MONITOR Eliminate all cables with our new generation falls management solutions!

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 The TreadNought® Floor Sensor Pad is built to last with a durable construction that far out lasts the competition. Our antibacterial 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

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 49 | PAGE 43

NURSE CALL AND FALLS PREVENTION

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 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 fieldbased 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.

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

www.nursecallsystems.co.uk

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 49 | PAGE 45

TRAINING & PROFESSIONAL SERVICES What the Pandemic Has Taught Us About Skills, Knowledge, and Skills Gaps in Health and Social Care Confidence Delivered Online

By Nicole Bewley, Learning Curve Group (www.lcgonline.co.uk/carermag-skillsguarantee) It has been highlighted in recent years that the skills gaps within health and social care are set to be at an all time high with increasing numbers of vacancies across the sector. Nicole Bewley, Director of Skills at one of the largest providers of health and social care training, Learning Curve Group, explores the true impact that Covid-19 has had on the sector and ways that employers can adapt.

I don’t think anyone can argue that the work of those across the health and social care sector has never been more appreciated. As Covid-19 has devastated care staff in many ways, it has also increased solidarity as our care workers across the country faced the crisis head on.

For many years, health and social care has been tarnished as low skilled and low paid. Although care workers have not been afraid to show the harsh realities of Covid, with long shifts wearing PPE and losing patients and residents who haven’t seen their families in months, clapping for carers and praise for key workers has arguably glamorised the sector. University applications to study nursing were reported to be at a record high in February, increasing by almost a third. The work that carers have been doing for centuries has been under the microscope for all to see, and whilst the sector is incredibly rewarding, I think it would be wrong to suggest that it isn’t equally hard, both physically and mentally.

The Government launched a recruitment campaign to encourage people to re-skill and join the health and social care sector. Many sectors have been particularly hard hit from the pandemic; hospitality, aviation, travel and tourism, and it’s likely that they’ll take significantly longer to recover as we work through the easing of restrictions. With an aging workforce, and skills gaps left by brexit, if we don’t act now to fill vacancies, the sector is really going to struggle in the next few years.

As vacancies are left unfilled and we see an increasing strain on services as people are living longer, Skills for Care have estimated a need for 650,000 to 950,000 new adult social care jobs by 2035.

Employers across the sector need to look at how they are going to bridge the gap, and upskilling and reskilling is going to be key.

Supporting individuals to transition into the sector would support the recruitment drive, however, a holistic approach to their training to ensure they have the right skills and knowledge for the job is vitally important.

The government has announced a range of incentives for employers looking to support their staff with high quality training, and the Lifetime Skills Guarantee could be a lifeline for care providers looking for free training. Aimed at levelling up adults without an existing level three qualification, the Lifetime Skills Guarantee initiative from the government offers funding for a range of health and social care courses to individuals looking to progress their knowledge over and above the already free Level 2 qualifications.

This is extremely welcome news from the government, as it means that employers in the care sector can really focus on upskilling any staff who aren’t already qualified to level three, and also recruit new members of staff who might not have any care experience, but want to get into the sector, narrowing skills gaps and providing better overall care.

See the advert on the facing page for details.

With COVID-19 restrictions gradually easing and staff/employers looking ahead to a safer and more normal future, the Laser Learning team are proud to have supported both the large numbers of furloughed staff, as well as those in Care Homes and the NHS, who bravely worked on the frontline during the lockdown.

Through the Laser Care Certificate course and Skills For Care endorsed CPD short courses, we are continuing to deliver skills, knowledge, and confidence online, to the sector which was undoubtedly affected the most during this pandemic.

The Laser Care Certificate course provides knowledge to cover every standard included in the official Skills for Care specification. Every lesson includes bespoke video tutorials specifically for the Care Certificate course, as well as reading materials and good practice examples.

Furthermore, a mandatory quiz at the end of each lesson (which requires a 100% pass mark) ensures both competence and confidence. Managers are able to create their own accounts to enrol staff on the course

and track their progress.

All of the content is accessible remotely via computer, smartphone or tablet, enabling care professionals to make progress towards the certificate in a way that suits their circumstances.

Additionally, Laser delivers CPD short courses to help the ongoing development of skills and expertise of both furloughed staff, who had the silver lining of time on their side, as well as those working through the pandemic amidst concerns of job security. Two courses in particular – ‘Causes and Spread of Infection’ and ‘Infection Control and Prevention’ – were especially popular during this period. Unlimited use subscriptions are available at affordable rates, for organisations wishing to take advantage of a large number of short courses.

Whether you are an owner, manager or independent learner, please don't hesitate to get in touch for a free demo of the Care Certificate course platform, and/or the CPD short course offering.

The Laser Learning team can be contacted on info@lasersys.co.uk or +44 (0)1753 584 112.

Engage With Your Residents - In-House Practical Training Workshop Scripts Bring About Happy Days Happy Days Dementia Activities & Design has created a new range of engagement training scripts for residential care and dementia homes. The workshops are designed to be presented in-house, saving time and costs.

Easy to follow training scripts are practical in nature and help care teams engage with elderly and people living with dementia. Through activity, discussions, role-play and practise with nostalgic materials, carers can feel more equipped to engage and enrich social care.

Packages include demonstration materials to use during your workshop. Training Scripts and engagement materials can be created to suit your organisation, care team requirements and resident interests.

Ideal for home care services too - Help your carers engage and create meaningful

moments during visits.

With Covid19’s restrictions and safety procedures, it makes sense to train your care teams on site. ‘Bringing your care teams together can build carer confidence, boost morale and uplift mood. If a carer feels good, this will reflect on the the person being cared for’ says Gillian Hesketh, MD of Happy Days Dementia Activities & Design.

Passionate about helping people living with dementia to live well, Happy Days also supplies nostalgic displays, reminiscence baskets, conversation prompts and more - See The Carer front page or Shop Online: www.dementiaworkshop.co.uk - We accept NHS purchase order numbers and care home accounts. Phone Gillian direct on: 07971-953620 or see the advert on page 1.

PAGE 46 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 49

TRAINING & PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Looking For Finance For Your Business?

Find Out What Your Main Options Are! “Many smaller businesses rely on established relationships when considering finance options” – this is a direct quote from a recent report from the British Business Bank, which states that 75% of SMEs only considered one finance provider in the last year.

That is great if you have a relationship with a lender who can provide your business with the right finance – but not so useful if you don’t.

Many small businesses are not always aware of the different options that could be available to them, and therefore can miss out on finding the right finance – simply because of this information gap.

The commercial finance market is extensive, and some products are not always easy to understand, but knowing what type of products are available is a first step to accessing them. We set out some of the key options below: Working Capital Loans: You have heard the saying – “Cash is King”. A

By Johan Da Silva, ASC Finance for Business (www.asc.co.uk) business needs working capital to operate, whether it is for growth, or simply to pay for stock, wages, or other expenses. Working Capital Loans advantage is that they can be drawn down quickly. are useful when looking to improve immediate cash flow and can be proInvoice Discounting: Invoice discounting is a specific type of finance vided on a secured or unsecured basis. which helps businesses with their cashflow. The business effectively sells Secured or Unsecured Business Loans: A secured loan will have your an invoice to the lender, to get their payment up front. The lender is then property (or building, equipment, or anything high value) as a security in repaid once the business receives their income from their customer. This case you are not able to keep up with the repayments. Unsecured loans form of finance can be particularly useful for businesses whose clients are similar but riskier for the lender as there is nothing to back up your loan have long payment terms. repayments. Many business loans are unsecured, but to ask for higher Asset Finance: Helps businesses acquire an asset and spread the cost amounts it is generally required to have a ‘security’. over time. Asset finance can also free up valuable working capital.

Overdrafts: Some lenders can provide a business with an overdraft facilPeer-2-Peer: P2P Finance is a newer way of raising capital. Instead of ity. The limit is often reviewed every year and it has a pre-agreed interest borrowing money form a single lender, the business effectively takes out rate. Businesses will be charged only on the amount they use. multiple small loans from lots of individuals – the provider simply ties all Commercial Mortgages: A commercial mortgage is similar to any other the loans together. It is a way of accessing finance without the need of mortgage but targeted to commercial purposes. It can be possible to a traditional bank. secure lower interest rates as lenders are keen on the security provided by There are many options available to small businesses, but it is important commercial property. to know which ones are right for you. Applying for finance can be really Bridging Loans: A bridging loan is a form of short-term finance where confusing and this is why it is important to have someone you trust working the borrower is awaiting future income (e.g. from the sale of a property, or on your side. Having a broker can help you navigate the process more easa long-term loan), but wants to access finance quickly and therefore needs ily, and there are different hurdles that having a broker can help you overto “bridge” the gap. Bridging loans can be quite expensive, but the key come.

Workers Added To Shortage Occupation List

By Kashif Majeed, Director at Aston Brooke Solicitors (www.astonbrooke.co.uk) The Social Care Sector has long called for senior care workers among other key roles to be added to the Shortage Occupation List. Aston Brooke Solicitors has worked with Care England to ensure that the Migration Advisory Committee’s recommendations are adopted by the Government.

Initially, the Secretary of State refused to add the role of senior care workers to the shortage occupation list and she was faced with widespread criticism from the sector.

This prompted calls from the sector to legal challenge the decision.

This recent announcement means that the Government has finally recognised the voice of the sector and this important change builds on the government’s delivery of the new points-based immigration system introduced in January 2021.

Minister for Future Borders and Immigration Kevin Foster said: “Every year we welcome healthcare workers from across the world to our United Kingdom, with many having played a key role on the frontline of the NHS during the recent pandemic. This latest set of changes, combined with our Health and Care Visa, will ensure they can easily get the immigration status they deserve.”

Professor Martin Green OBE said: “I am pleased that the Government has acknowledged the challenges of recruiting senior care workers and residential day managers, this is something we have long called for with our partner law firm Aston Brooke Solicitors. We hope that this is the

start of a process towards the creation of a migration system which supports rather than undermines the development of the adult social care workforce”.

Kashif Majeed, Director at Aston Brooke Solicitors welcomed the announcement and said: “The addition of the senior carer position to the shortage occupation list means care providers are now able to recruit suitable candidates outside of the UK on a minimum annual salary of £20,480. Prior to this announcement, the minimum annual salary payable for this role would be £25,600, which is unsustainable in the sector.”

As part of the points-based immigration system, people applying to come to the UK through the skilled worker route must reach 70 ‘points’ to be eligible for a work visa.

A job on the Shortage Occupation List is worth 20 points. Combined with the mandatory criteria – having an acceptable standard of English, an offer from a licensed sponsor and the required skill level, which are worth 50 points – will ensure people in these roles reach the 70 points necessary.

For any further queries or to make an application for a sponsor licence, please contact Mr Kashif Majeed on km@astonbrooke.co.uk See the advert on page 17 for details.

Workshops & Webinars: Empowering Social Care with the Tools To Be Outstanding Meaningful Care Matters is a leading care and organisational development group that specialises in helping health and social care providers to access a variety of support services.

The group helps to facilitate the creation, reinvigoration and sustainable implementation of person-centred care cultures where people matter, feelings matter, and we are ‘Free to be Me’.

Currently, care providers can make use of the group’s range educational and innovative online tools, including:

• Finding ways of balancing infection control and quality of life • Enhancing individual problem solving and communication skills in a safe environment What does the course involve?

• Six 60-minute zoom sessions over a six-week period with teams of 8 to 10 participants • Specific resources and tools from Meaningful Care Matters to support learning and outcomes • Wellness and mindfulness support with tools from The Coach Approach

BACK TO PERSON CENTRED CARE – THE IMPORTANCE OF SELFCARE

These webinar sessions offer support materials on 5 key topics unique to each home The weekly group support sessions can accommodate teams of up to ten. A facilitator will oversee the live discussion, exploring the impacts COVID-19 and other lifestyle factors that can result in decreased resilience and compassion fatigue.

Based on 5 sessions over 5 weeks, the forums cover ideas, strategies, and support mechanisms for how to achieve a meaningful connection.

The group sessions are split into two parts: 1. Connections Matter A 40-minute session where five key challenges unique to each home are reviewed, before looking at how they have impacted the team and how members can make positive changes to improve their well-being.

2. A Practical Approach A 20-minute session where practical implications are explored before looking at how to support the learnings from the aspect of the live webinar.

For more information on these online training sessions and other services Meaningful Care Matters provides, please visit www.meaningfulcarematters.com/

This online workshop will focus on the compassion fatigue that has become prevalent with frontline teams in this COVID pandemic.

The course is all about person centredness and coming back to the heart and soul of what care culture is about. Achieved through an action learning process, participants can: • Reflect - consider the feelings and emotions as well as the practical implications of operating in a person-centred way • Recharge - look at strategies that will energise and maintain mindfulness and well-being to help support individuals and teams • Regenerate – refresh the passion, vision, and structure of a personcentred approach in a tangible, practical and meaningful way Key outcomes include • Renewing the care team by bringing members together and having space to reflect on the emotional impact of working in the climate of COVID-19 • Building an emotionally intelligent and self-aware leadership team that has the confidence and clarity it needs to support person-centred approaches in challenging times • Establishing resilient and reflective care teams

ACTION LEARNING TO IMPROVE PERSON CENTRED CARE THROUGH MINDFULNESS