The Carer #73 July/August 2024

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VIEWPOINT

A NEW DAWN FOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE

As we usher in a new era with the Labour government a wave of cautious optimism is sweeping through the health and social care sector!

We extend our congratulations to Karin Smyth MP for Bristol South and former NHS organisation manager on her appointment as Minister of State for Health at the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) Additionally we welcome Aberafan Maesteg MP Stephen Kinnock who has joined the DHSC as Minister for Care

This marks the beginning of a new dawn for our sector We acknowledge that the new government "has its work cut out" after years of underfunding by successive administrations However the call for a “new spirit of collaboration” [see front page] is crucial

To tackle the deep-rooted crisis in social care a joint approach between the government and the sector is essential By working together we can meet social care needs boost employment and aid economic growth

The expertise and passion of those within the sector are invaluable assets By collaborating with experienced and qualified individuals and organisations, the government can create a sustainable healthcare system

That said, I believe that a levy of some sort will one day have to be implemented; preparing for our old age care is a necessity

It is refreshing to hear the new Health Secretary Wes Streeting commit to supporting the government’s growth mission by improving the health of the nation getting people back to work and boosting the economy through the UK’s life sciences sector However I suspect he will not have much time to settle into the job and the honeymoon period” comes to an end, before the sector comes knocking demanding answers on what he/they propose for the sector in the long term!

Over the coming months we will be inviting the sector’s leading voices to share their views so please do watch out in forthcoming issues and do sign up for the sector s ONLY weekly digital care title by visiting www thecareruk com

At tHE CARER wE ARE CAlling on ouR REAdERs foR HElp

Since 2004, we have been sending out THE CARER to our readers free of charge Unfortunately changes to mailing processes and surging print costs mean we now need your support to continue These are costs we cannot pass on to valued clients who have supported us for so long We are asking for just a £6 per year contribution toward postage ensuring you will still receive the UK's best care publication directly to your door

While other publishers in this sector have abandoned print, we remain committed to providing you with a print issue For details on how to contribute, please see page 7

Published by

Editor Peter Adams

Sector Calls For “New Spirit of Collaboration”

( CONTINUED FROM FRONT COVER)

ICG Chair Mike Padgham said In just a few days the Government has demonstrated a willingness to take a collaborative approach to issues facing the country – and we believe that is the best way to tackle the challenges facing social care too

Far too often in the past governments have shied away from working with the sector to find solutions with the result that little has been achieved and the crisis in the care of older vulnerable and disabled adults has deepened

“Organisations like ours have a depth of experience and understanding of the social care sector that is freely available to the Government along with our views and practical suggestions on the most important things that can be done to improve social care

“We very much hope the Government will embrace the opportunity to work with the sector to reform social care for the good of millions of people who need it and those who provide it ”

The ICG has written to the new Prime Minister as well as Health

Secretary Wes Streeting and Social Care Minister Stephen Kinnock seeking a meeting to discuss solutions Some 1 6m people currently can t get the care they need and the sector is short of 152 000 staff with demand for services increasing rapidly

The ICG welcomed Mr Streeting’s call for the NHS and social care to be engines of economic growth

ECONOMIC BENEFITS

Mr Padgham added: This echoes our own approach of the past few years

We have long argued that aside from the huge social benefits social care provides it also provides significant economic benefits too

“The sector employs 1 6m people – which is more than the NHS –and contributes £55 7bn to the economy Investing in social care would significantly improve both of those figures Evidence suggests £1 invested in social care brings benefits worth £1 75

“We will need to grow the sector as we will need an extra 440,000 social care workers to meet rising demand for care services, by 2035

“Some 80% of us will need social care in our lifetimes and the number of people with dementia will soon top a million

“At the moment an average of 14 000 people a week can’t leave hospital because there is no social care available for them Switching funds from the NHS to enable social care to meet that demand through homecare or care and nursing home beds will actually save the NHS money and boost the economic contribution the sector makes Everybody wins – especially those people who are crying out for care

TRANSFORM NHS AND SOCIAL CARE

In a speech just 5 days after Labour s election victory newly appointed Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting has committed to supporting the government s growth mission by improving the health of the nation getting people back to work and boosting the economy through the UK’s life sciences sector

Speaking at an event for the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change the Health Secretary said he has asked the Department of Health and Social Care to expand its focus on boosting economic growth a day after the Chancellor set out her mission to fix the economy

“I want to end the begging bowl culture where the Health Secretary only ever goes to the Treasury to ask for more money I want to deliver the Treasury billions of pounds of economic growth

This government’s agenda for health and social care can help drag our economy out of the sluggish productivity and poor growth of recent years

NHS & SOCIAL CARE “BIGGEST EMPLOYERS”

By cutting waiting lists we can get Britain back to health and back to work and by taking bold action on public health we can build the healthy society needed for a healthy economy

The NHS and social care are the biggest employers in most parts of our country They should be engines of economic growth giving opportunities in training and work to local people as well as providing public services

The Health and Social Care Secretary laid out 3 steps to drive this goal:

1 By cutting waiting times and improving public health, the government will support people with their health and speed up their return to work while maintaining the good health of those in work

2 The government will make the UK a life sciences and medical technology powerhouse By ensuring the NHS works hand in hand with life sciences research institutions and medical technology companies the government will drive the development of new treatments and help grow the industries

3 The government will use the NHS and social care s role as local and regional anchor institutions as engines of economic growth, by providing training and job opportunities to local people across the country

URGENT PRIORITY

Care England said the new administration needed to “invest in and reform [adult social care] as an urgent priority”

Professor Martin Green OBE Chief Executive of Care England said: For too long health and social care has been seen as a drain of economic resource but Wes Streeting s commitment to make economic growth a priority for the Department of Health and Social Care is a refreshing reframing of the narrative that so often surrounds our sector As the largest employer in the country our sector already contributes over £60bn to the economy With the right investment a stable and sustainable social care sector can drive economic growth, add significant value to the economy, and provide meaningful employment for people of all ages up and down the country " BRING “REAL CHANGE”

Vic Rayner OBE CEO of National Care Forum said: “We stand ready, as the not-for-profit care and support sector to ensure that the new government is supported to focus on the immediate social care reform

and investment that is needed and that voters have indicated they want to see

The new government now has a once in a generation opportunity to bring real change to the millions of people who depend on social care or struggle to access it, as well as their families, unpaid carers and wider communities We urge the government to seize this opportunity and we reiterate our readiness to support them with the work that will be required to develop and deliver their manifesto commitments

Building a National Care Service and implementing a fair pay agreement for care workers as set out in the Labour manifesto are longterm propositions A dedicated and funded workforce strategy will be essential to make sure care workers are better valued and can pursue the training and development they need for their career choices in care ”

Long-term and sustainable care and support underpins the government s plans for economic growth because social care enables choice and control it supports local economies and employment opportunities and it tackles inequalities

SCALE OF CHALLENGE

Dame Jennifer Dixon Chief Executive of the Health Foundation said

‘We warmly welcome the appointment of Wes Streeting as Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, although no one should underestimate the scale of the challenge he has inherited

We welcome Labour s promise of a clearer national approach to delivering high-quality social care and vital action to improve staff pay and conditions But wider reform of social care entitlements and extra funding is essential and we urge the Secretary of State to set out a clear timetable for delivering this ”

‘Labour has put growth and prosperity at the forefront of its mission, and a thriving economy can only be built on the foundations of a healthy population Rebuilding the nation’s health will require an unprecedented level of cross government action on the wider social economic and environmental factors that shape people s health

We look forward to working with Mr Streeting to improve the nation s health and drive forward urgent improvements in health and care ’

NATIONAL INTEREST

Social Care Institute for Excellence, chief executive Kathryn Smith said: “More people are requesting support, but fewer are getting the help they need With demand increasing local authorities do not have the money to meet it and staff numbers are not keeping pace

She added: A social care system fit for the 21st century is in the national interest and the formidable challenges facing the social care sector cannot be a justification for inaction

“The cornerstone of future policy change ought to be co-producing solutions with people with lived experience, their families and carers, as well as care providers Only an inclusive, collaborative approach will improve the efficacy and sustainability of any policy change ”

The New Government Has Big Plans For Employment Law: Here’s 11 You Need To Look Out For

By Gillian McAteer, director of employment law at

The new Labour Government is set to bring about big changes to employment law as it implements the New Deal for Working People as promised by its manifesto This is set to have a huge impact on life for both employees and employers and it s those that prepare best that will come out on top

Keir Starmer has committed to introducing an Employment Bill within the first 100 days of the new parliament, leaving little time for businesses to get their processes and paperwork in order Step one is knowing what the new government has planned so here are the 11 changes that are likely to have the most impact

1. UNFAIR DISMISSAL RIGHTS FROM DAY ONE

The new government is set to remove the two-year service requirement before employees can claim unfair dismissal, citing people moving jobs as a drag on productivity The plans point out that this will not prevent fair dismissals, and employers will still be able to use probationary periods with fair and transparent rules and processes

It’s a big change and it will mean that’s more important than ever for employers to handle conduct and capability problems correctly from the very start of employment

2 A SINGLE ENFORCEMENT BODY (THE FAIR WORK AGENCY)

There are plans to create a new Single Enforcement Body to enforce employment rights likely to be called the Fair Work Agency to replace the current system widely considered to be ineffective

The new government has promised that the new agency will have “real teeth” to deliver “swifter access to justice” for workers in areas such as holiday and sick pay It will likely include trade union and TUC representation and have strong powers to inspect workplaces and proceedings to enforce employment rights

For all businesses it should be a sign to double-check that both their physical sites and organisational procedures are up to scratch

3 ZERO-HOURS CONTRACTS

One of the most notorious areas of employment law Labour also addressed ‘one-sided flexibility’ in its manifesto and have committed to ensuring that all jobs to provide a baseline level of security and predictability This includes banning zero-hours contracts and mandating that contracts reflect the number of hours people regularly work based on a 12-week reference period

Of course, businesses that rely on seasonal and flexible work will have questions but the government has assured employers that they will still be able to offer fixed-term contracts including for seasonal work However measures to ensure workers get reasonable notice of changes to shifts or working hours and appropriate compensation for cancelled or curtailed shifts will be a significant challenge for businesses that rely on flexibility These employers should start looking now at how they can update operations to accommodate the changes

4 SINGLE STATUS OF WORKER

The government is also addressing the thorny issue of employment status, the ambiguity of which the new government believes has led to the rise of bogus self-employment leaving working people with fewer protections than they deserve

To combat this the government is proposing merging the employee and worker’ categories into a single category of ‘worker’ to differentiate between workers and the genuinely self-employed It’s set to be a massive shift for employers which could impact the ability of businesses to embrace flexible work but businesses should be prepared and work to understand what it would mean for them

5 FLEXIBLE WORKING

This year has already seen significant changes to flexible working rules but the new government are planning to introduce legislation to make flexible working the default from day one for all workers “except where it is not reasonably necessary”

It s not yet clear what how this will be assessed or how these changes work in tandem with the existing legislation, which you can read all about in this guide from Citation

Everyone should be reviewing arrangements to see whether it would be possible to accommodate more flexible working not just to prepare for law changes but because it’s the number one priority for candidates and it ll give them a serious competitive edge in the battle for talent

6 RIGHT TO SWITCH OFF

Following the blurring of the lines between home and work for many employees post-COVID the government is planning to introduce a ‘right to switch off’, which ensures workers aren’t penalised for disconnecting They do recognise that there will be times when employees must be contacted, but this is an opportunity for businesses to review their working practices and areas where work/life balance in fact needs a bit more balance

7 TRIBUNAL TIME LIMITS

There are also plans to increase the time limit for bringing an

employment tribunal claim from three to six months The plans are intended to help those that struggle to make a claim initially, such as those with mental health issues or those wishing to make claims for pregnancy discrimination by providing more time for them to receive advice and support

8 PAY

There are number of changes affecting pay – future National

Minimum Wage levels will be set taking into account the cost of living alongside median wages and economic conditions, and the current age bands will be removed

Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) will be made available to all employees with the removal of the lower earnings limit, and the 3-day waiting period will also be removed meaning that SSP will be payable from the first day of sickness absence For businesses these changes need to be made clear to employees and managers in good time

9. EQUALITY AND HARASSMENT

The new government is set to build on the Worker Protection Act that comes into force on 26th October, requiring employers to take “all” reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment and introduce an obligation to prevent harassment by third parties such as customers and suppliers

They also plan on increasing maternity protections by introducing a measure making it unlawful to dismiss a woman within 6 months of her return from maternity leave There will be more support for people going through the menopause as well as a requirement to address pay gaps related to gender ethnicity and disability 10 FIRE AND REHIRE

The Statutory Code on Dismissal and Re-engagement (fire and rehire) which comes into force on 18 July will be strengthened by the new government who have vowed to effectively ban the practice except in cases where there is no alternative for the business 11. UNIONS

Unions are central to the new government s plans for fairer work and a strong economy and they have committed to several reforms of the framework on collective bargaining There are plans to update the legislation to remove what they see as unnecessary restrictions on trade union activity and simplify the process of balloting to members

There are also a number of other new rules in the plan covering rights to accessing unions their visibility within workplaces and protections for trade union representatives all of which businesses should be aware of and ready to comply with PREPARE, PREPARE, AND PREPARE

The new government has promised its agenda will provide the biggest upgrade in workers’ rights for a generation A thorough understanding of the requirements of the new rules and how to get your business ready will be essential for employers to embrace the potential benefits of these changes and avoid any pitfalls

Gold Care Homes Acquire Further Care Home, Continuing Expansion Plans

Labour Appoints New Health and Social Care Ministers

Staff Members At Derbyshire Home Awarded

For Combined Ser vice Of 35 Years

stars’ I knew the lady who got me the job

“I have seen so many changes in my 20 years and I think the most challenging has got to be during the pandemic but we all got through it and we are all getting back to normal

“It is so nice to be able to have open days, parties and other communal events

“20 years has been a long time but I’ve always enjoyed working here at Maple Leaf

“I have no intention of retiring yet and have no intention of this changing in the near future but will work here until I do finally retire

Wendy added I have always been a domestic assistant at the home and I never would have thought I’d still have been here now the 15 years have flown by I really enjoy engaging with other staff and residents, I’ve always been happy here It s a nice place to work and I can see myself retiring here ”

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Preparing For and Dealing with CQC Inspections Under the New Single Assessment Framework

Healthcare Regulatory partner at HCR law, laura shelton, offers insight into how providers can prepare for and deal with assessments and inspections under the CQC’s new single assessment framework

After a number of delays and teething troubles the CQC s new single assessment framework is now well underway

This new regime has brought dramatic change to the way in which CQC inspects scores and rates service – but keeping on top of the changes has not been easy for providers

This article looks to break down some of the changes explore some of the latest updates from CQC and offer some practical advice on preparing for and dealing with inspections

QUALITY STATEMENTS

One of the main changes under the new framework is that 34 quality statements replace the Key Lines of Enquiry which are used to guide and direct their inspections These Quality Statements identify the different areas considered under each of the five key questions, which have remained the same CQC is not prescriptive about what must be done in order to meet the quality statements; instead it provides the following six evidence categories which it will focus on These are:

• People s experiences

Feedback from staff and leaders

• Feedback from partners

Observation

Processes

Outcomes

Providers should note that at least three of the evidence categories set out above relate to feedback

Therefore the first practical tip to prepare for good outcomes under the new framework is for providers to seriously consider overhauling the way they gather record share and act upon feedback from all stakeholders

Think outside the box on this, gather feedback pro-actively and regularly and ensure you can present it in a meaningful way to the CQC Then ensure you link that good feedback into another of the evidence categories – outcomes Evidence how your care has produced good outcomes perhaps with mini case studies

Infection control – quality statement

The CQC recently announced that historic infection prevention and control ( IPC ) detail is being removed from their website as they are no longer using the same inspection model In new assessments this area will be looked at under its own quality statement

RATINGS AND SCORING

Whilst the CQC s current ratings of Outstanding Good Requires Improvement’ or ‘Inadequate’ remain in place CQC is now using a scoring framework to determine the quality of the service Depending on what it finds a score will be provided for each required evidence category This will be combined with evidence category scores to give a score for the related quality statement Initially they will only publish ratings but in the future they intend to publish specific scores

The scoring system is a big change and it is not entirely straightforward Accordingly, a good way to prepare for inspection is to ensure you are familiar with and understand the scoring system The CQC very recently produced a video on how scoring features in its assessment model which can be accessed here

Our further tips to ensure the best outcomes under the new inspection framework are:

BEFORE THE INSPECTION

Keep up-to-date on the changes to CQC guidance and get familiar with them Examine each quality statement and find evidence in your service to highlight how you meet it For the best ratings include evidence of innovation, continuous improvement and sustainability

Challenge your own systems as part of quality assurance and audit to check for weaknesses against the CQC quality statements Make a plan to address any weaknesses and evidence how you have implemented and embedded it

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As above, feedback is key: gather feedback from all stakeholders, review it and most importantly - act upon it!

• Ensure staff are familiar with what to expect from a CQC inspection

Provide training on how to speak to inspectors and reassure them to be confident about this

DURING THE INSPECTION

• Ask questions offer assistance and request feedback throughout to avoid surprises

Provide outstanding information and ensure you address any immediate compliance issues that arise during the inspection promptly

Request feedback and make notes; it is very easy to forget what has been said under the pressure of inspection

AFTER THE INSPECTION

• Supply any additional evidence that CQC requests promptly and comprehensively

Ask for clarification about issues that you are unclear about

Respond in detail to the draft inspection report This is your one chance to challenge inaccuracies within the report and ratings

You may wish to seek legal advice and assistance with the factual accuracy process We have assisted numerous providers to remove negative language and regulatory breaches from draft report as well as securing improved ratings Bear in mind the deadline set – usually 10 working days – and ensure you seek advice promptly

RE-INSPECTION TIMEFRAMES – WHEN WILL CQC BE BACK?

There was a time when CQC s provider handbooks set out clear timelines under which services could expect to be re-inspected based on their existing rating

As we moved through the pandemic the focus of inspections shifted towards risk-based inspection rather than timetabled ones based on existing ratings At that time the re-inspection timeframes were removed from published CQC guidance

Thus far the roll out of the Single Assessment Framework has not included any detail for providers on inspection frequencies This has been a huge concern for providers especially those rated Requires Improvement’ many of whom have been waiting years to be reinspected

CQC are due to publish detail on this imminently and are currently seeking views on how frequently they will assess providers going forward Providers can, and should, contribute at https://citizenlabco typeform com/to/zuZKrhjw

Time to Act to Save Social Care in England says ADASS

With waiting lists spiralling leaving many of us who are older or disabled without the care we need carers burnt out and staff leaving social care leaders warn “we’ve run out of road to carry on like this as they publish a roadmap to transform adult social care in England

Time to act: a roadmap to reform care and support in England says that there’s a consensus on what sort of care and support system we need but for decades no political or collective will to make it happen

The roadmap proposes how care and support could be transformed in England, focusing on 10 key areas for change: from improving housing options for those of us who are older or disabled tackling the chronic social care staffing issues including pay and conditions to supporting carers and making care more affordable

It charts what needs to be done in the next two years what changes are needed in two to five years and longer term over the next ten years to ensure that everyone who needs care and support, can access it, whoever they are and wherever they live in England The report also includes examples already in train that are improving care and support for people

The report was commissioned by Sarah McClinton departing president of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) and has been developed by social care experts Kate Jopling and Dr Anna Dixon They studied research and thinking about social care reform from the past ten years and synthesised it into a practical action plan for change It s being presented to adult social care leaders at the ADASS Spring seminar today, a conference to discuss the challenges leaders face in the coming year against a backdrop of the biggest crisis social care has ever faced caused by years of under-investment

Sarah McClinton President of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) said: “After decades of false dawns

on reforms and funding never in my professional career have I seen the adult care system so close to breaking point Millions of people are in pain or distress because they aren t getting the care they need and family and friends picking up the pieces are being pushed to the edge We ve been trying to patch-up social care for years but we’ve run out of road We need to act now to save social care We don t expect the Government to wave a magic wand but we do need the political will to invest in a long-term plan to ensure good care is available to everyone, everywhere

And the Government must back local leaders and local people to take charge of fixing care in their communities because they know what s needed What’s impressive in this report is that despite the odds we ve faced – the pandemic the cost-of-living crisis chronic underfunding – local people are showing what’s possible But they need the backing of the whole country to make it happen everywhere ”

The report highlights changes that can be made today at a local level many without the need for huge amounts of money It also showcases innovative programmes around the country already providing solutions to some of the toughest challenges in improving care and support for people

Report author Dr Anna Dixon said The good news is this report shows that when it comes to care and support, we all want the same thing: a fair system that enables everyone to live in the place we call home, with the people and things that we love, in communities where we look out for one another doing what matters to us

Report author Kate Jopling said “We know where we want to get to Now is the time to act; for everyone to take responsibility and have the courage to say care and support is important to them ”

The Role Of Cognitive Assessments To Monitor Cognitive Changes

By Natalie Mackenzie, a Cognitive

Rehabilitation Therapist working with individuals with brain injury

Understanding the intricacies of cognitive function tests can be invaluable for carers looking after individuals with dementia or as their loved ones age These tests provide crucial insights into the cognitive abilities and potential areas of decline in patients enabling more tailored and effective care packages to improve an individuals quality of life

Cognitive assessment tools such as screening tests play a pivotal role in care planning These tools aid in detecting monitoring and managing a patient s cognitive impairment symptoms which enabling healthcare providers to gather longitudinal data as the condition evolves

As part of comprehensive care planning healthcare providers should opt for regular reassessments to track the progression of cognitive decline in patients and residents For individuals already diagnosed with a cognitive disorder, a carefully crafted care plan becomes instrumental in enhancing their quality of life

Collaborating closely with caregivers the plan can incorporate strategies to alleviate symptoms impede disease advancement and outline end-of-life and palliative care arrangements while preserving the patient s autonomy A cognitive care plan is a key component in care planning

The Mini Mental State Exam (MMSE) is a widely used test administered by pencil and paper It assesses various cognitive skills including orientation, concentration, attention, verbal memory, language, naming, and visuospatial skills Often used as a screening tool for moderate to advanced dementia the MMSE provides a snapshot of a patient’s baseline brain functions The MMSE is easily accessible and can be administered within 5-10 minutes during a regular appointment making it a popular choice among clinicians Whilst it excels at detecting advanced cognitive decline it is less effective at identifying mild cognitive impairment

The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is designed to detect early cognitive decline and mild cognitive impairment This test which takes approximately 10-15 minutes includes questions on spatial awareness, naming, short-term memory, language, executive function, and attention and can be administered in various formats including paper-based digital or verbally as sell as offering accessibility options for patients with visual or hearing impairments However, the MoCA may not always detect early signs of cogni-

tive decline requiring patients to be fairly progressed in their condition for accurate results This delay can hinder timely intervention and ongoing monitoring

Neuropsychological testing involves a thorough assessment performed by neuropsychologists or psychologists trained in this specialised field These evaluations are generally appointment-based and can take between 4 to 8 hours

Unlike simpler tests neuropsychological testing is comprehensive aiming to identify not just the presence of cognitive impairment but also its nature and severity This depth of analysis provides a clearer path to diagnosis and treatment The involvement of specialists and the lengthy evaluation process make it expensive Referral times can range from weeks to months delaying early detection and reducing ongoing monitoring possibilities The testing process itself can also be stressful for patients, especially considering travel and long waiting times Moves to digital assessments that are accessible in homes and more cost effective are a more favoured option for ongoing monitoring By incorporating digitised testing into their practice primary care providers can improve the likelihood of early detection of both earlery cognitive impairments as well as monitoring accelerate the diagnostic process and elevate the quality of life for their patients by ensuring timely and appropriate care as the condition advances

Regular cognitive monitoring in care homes is essential for early detection and management of cognitive decline Monitoring allows carers to tailor care plans to each resident s cognitive abilities ensuring they receive the appropriate level of support and intervention Early detection of cognitive issues can lead to more effective treatment options and improved quality of life for residents

Implementing regular cognitive assessments helps in creating a safe and supportive environment It enables carers to identify changes in cognitive function over time allowing for timely adjustments in care strategies This proactive approach not only aids in managing dementia more effectively but also reassures families that their loved ones are receiving the best possible care Cognitive assessment tools not only afford primary care providers additional time and resources but also enable them to offer essential education to patients and carer of loved ones who are dealing with cognitive decline An integral component of this education includes the development of a cognitive care plan

By incorporating these cognitive function tests and prioritising regular monitoring care homes can enhance the quality of life for residents with dementia If you re interested in learning more about implementing these assessments in your care home consider reaching out to our team of experts for guidance and support

What In the World is Happening?

Carers Encouraged To Share Covid-19 Experiences

The Lincolnshire Care Association (LinCA) is joining with the Care Association Alliance to encourage everyone involved with the care sector to share their pandemic stories as part of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry Every Story Matters campaign

The UK Covid-19 Inquiry is the public independent inquiry that is examining the UK s response to and the impact of the pandemic Its Every Story Matters platform is available to everyone to share their experiences anonymously to shape the investigation and help make a difference

The inquiry s public hearings for its investigation into the care sector will begin in summer 2025 Those with involvement in the care sector can share their story any time, but doing so before

Care Group Announces New Acquisition

New Campaign Launches As 1 In 4 CareSeekers Makes Decisions In ‘Crisis Mode’

Figures released by not-for-profit care organisation Greensleeves Care show that a quarter (26%) of us are having to make difficult decisions about care for an older relative or friend at the point of crisis and while feeling ‘lost and confused

Of those with experience making care decisions, 36% wished they d known more about care and 20% would have welcomed more support when making the decisions

This comes as almost a third (29%) of adults in England expect to make or help make a decision about care for an older relative or friend in the next five years Yet nearly a third (31%) feel unprepared to do so and nearly half (49%) confess to having no or little knowledge of key aspects of care like costs

When asked about the key factors in feeling prepared to make care decisions ‘emotional readiness (31%) ranks nearly as high as ‘financial readiness’ (33%) and ‘support from other family members’ (32%) Those factors are closely followed by having information about care options (26%)

The figures also show the process can be extremely difficult, with a fifth (21%) finding having to decide on care for an older relative or friend upsetting and 20% largely avoiding thinking about it A new campaign Get Care Wise, was recently launched to coincide with the start last month's Care Home Open Week The campaign and its key new resource – an easy guide to getting care wise – looks to support individuals and families to start thinking about care early on so they can feel more confident and equipped to make decisions for themselves or their loved ones when the time comes

Paul Newman, Chief Executive of Greensleeves Care, commented

Our new figures confirm that many of us avoid thinking about care until circumstances force us to They also show that, when that point arrives, we often feel thrown in the deep end: needing to understand our options research services and sort funding in a matter of weeks, sometimes days As a result many of the families who contact our care homes do it at a point of crisis and feeling very lost

“At Greensleeves Care we believe everyone should have the chance to feel good about care That feeling starts with being informed and equipped to make those all-important decisions for yourself or on behalf of a loved one Our Get Care Wise campaign and free resources give people an accessible entry point into the world of care, and tools to build up their knowledge and confidence at their own pace and in their own time Vic Rayner OBE CEO National Care Forum commented:

“We welcome Greensleeves Care’s timely Get Care Wise campaign and the important research underpinning it The research shows that many people are making decisions about care when at crisis point, often without the knowledge of how the system and funding works The Get Care Wise Campaign seeks to help individuals and their families navigate what can be confusing and emotional conversations about care early on, so they feel more confident in any decisions they may need to make, and understand how and when to access required levels of care and support long before crisis hits The new guide and other helpful content is available for free on the Greensleeves Care website at www

His Majesty King Charles III Retains Role As Abbeyfield Patron

up his role as Patron of Abbeyfield in 1979 when he was the Prince of Wales Abbeyfield has grown considerably over this time and now provides support and care to over 6 000 older people worldwide delivered by its large network of supported housing schemes care homes and independent living complexes

More recently the organisation in the UK has been represented on the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Housing and Care for Older People and has sponsored the APPG’s latest enquiry into the regeneration of outdated sheltered housing As Prince of Wales, His Majesty visited many Abbeyfield services, always taking the time to speak to residents and to thank staff and volunteers for their incredible efforts He also lent his insignia to the organisation’s Royal Patron s Awards presented annually to a select few staff and volunteers who have made an outstanding contribution to Abbeyfield s work

Abbeyfield England Chair Liz Potter said On behalf of the Board of Trustees and our Member Societies across the UK and around the world I would like to extend my sincere thanks to His Majesty the King for retaining his Patronage of Abbeyfield His Majesty was our Patron for nearly 45 years and has a deep appreciation of our work and the mission of our founder Richard Carr-Gomm I know that he understands the importance of Abbeyfield’s provision of safe, secure and stimulating environments for older people, where they can retain a sense of independence, forge new friendships and remain a part of their community, and we are all immensely grateful for his ongoing support ”

Sustainable Care Homes on the Path to Net Zero

By Amaan Sadiq, Director of Compliance and Auditing, Langdale Care Homes Group

In the face of climate change it is imperative that care homes across the United Kingdom take proactive steps to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future As the demand for elderly care continues to grow, it is crucial that we adopt eco-friendly practices and embrace innovative solutions to minimise our environmental impact I would like to explore the concept of sustainable aging and the initiatives care homes can

also streamlines operations and improves efficiency Furthermore, the implementation of QR codes for Google reviews eliminates the need for hard copy feedback cards further reducing paper waste In addition to digitalisation care homes can adopt eco-friendly practices in their daily operations For instance the use of energy-efficient lighting such as LED bulbs can

a significant impact is in their food service By sourcing ingredients from local suppliers and reducing food waste care homes can minimise their carbon footprint associated with transportation and disposal Implementing composting programmes and recycling initiatives can further reduce waste and contribute to a circular economy

The inception of coding key details through concept machines across care homes is another innovative solution that can contribute to sustainable aging By automating certain processes and reducing the need for manual data entry care homes can improve accuracy and efficiency while reducing their environmental impact

At Langdale Care Homes we have embraced these sustainable practices and have made significant strides towards achieving net zero emissions

As

practices By embracing digitalisation implementing energy-efficient solutions and reducing waste we can create a more sustainable future for our residents and the planet as a whole The path to net zero is not an easy one but it is a necessary journey that we must all embark upon to ensure a brighter future for generations to come As a sector, we have the opportunity to lead by example and demonstrate that sustainable aging is not only possible but also imperative for the well-being of our residents and the environment

Salisbur y Care Home Resident Celebrates 104th Birthday

World War 2 Veteran and Prisoner of War James

Wren, a resident at Old Sarum Manor, recently celebrated his 104th birthday surrounded by loved ones and staff Enjoying a day filled with joy and surprises

The staff transformed the beautiful Sky Bar at Old Sarum Manor creating a festive atmosphere with balloons and birthday decorations A delicious cake, chosen especially by James took centre stage

Adding a heartwarming touch, the Royal Marines in Plymouth sent a personalised video message The Royal Marines band sang Happy Birthday to James a special gesture that acknowledged his service James s life story is one of remarkable resilience

Originally from East Grimstead, he served as a Royal Marine aboard HMS Repulse during World War II When the ship was sunk by Japanese bombers in 1941, James miraculously became one of the few survivors Captured as a prisoner of war James endured harsh conditions for

over three and a half years

Throughout the day, James’s family visited to celebrate James and his wife of 74 years Maragret built a loving family His son Barry travelled all the way from Australia while his daughter Denise resides closer in Salisbury James also has two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren

James expressed his sincere gratitude to the staff at Old Sarum Manor for making his birthday so special He also extended his thanks to his loving family for their unwavering support throughout his life

Emily Luckhurst Old Sarum Manor’s Head of Lifestyle shared: We re always thrilled to celebrate our residents birthdays and make them as special as possible James’s life story is truly remarkable and inspiring and we wanted his birthday celebration to reflect that We’re so happy he enjoyed the day and everyone could get together to celebrate James ”

New Dementia Campaign Launched

Awareness

A new campaign to raise awareness of dementia and offer help for those whose lives have been affected by the condition has launched this month

‘let’s talk dementia’ - www letstalkdementia co uk, which is organised and funded by luye pharma ltd, offers information about the condition as well as resources that individuals community groups and carers can access It covers everything from types of dementia and what the symptoms are through to advice on nutrition staying active and guidance for carers

There are currently more than 944 000 people in the UK who have dementia1 and one in three people will care for someone with the condition at some point in their life 2 By 2040 it is estimated that up to 1 7 million people could be living with dementia in England and Wales 3 The launch of Let s talk Dementia comes following a survey with 1,000 people4, carried out by Luye Pharma Ltd, which showed there is concern about access to dementia information 57% think there is not enough available, while 22% are unsure

Contributing to www letstalkdementia co uk are partners and support groups with expertise in the dementia field They include GP and media medic Dr Rosemary Leonard the movement

and

support group Tide (www tide uk net) which offers support and advice to those caring for someone with dementia

Said Dr Rosemary Leonard who worked with Luye Pharma Ltd as a consultant

How and Why The Care Sector Should Prioritise Cybersecurity

In light of recent cybersecurity breaches the fact that only 70% of CQC registered care provider locations having up-to-date security and protection is alarming Understanding data and cybersecurity is essential to prevent disruption to care provider businesses and the vital services they provide for people Here Alan Stephenson-Brown Managing Director at Evolve Business Group provides essential cybersecurity advice to safeguard providers and their patients

Recent news that several procedures were cancelled or redirected following a cyber-attack which affected major hospitals in London served as a stark reminder of the importance of stringent cybersecurity measures within the healthcare industry

The value of personal identifiable information held by care providers cannot be underestimated or how much or a target it makes this sector to malicious actors who deal in such data on the dark web

The healthcare sector is one of the most targeted industries globally An average organisation faces more than 2,140 cyberattacks per week with the latest incident closely following another high-profile ransomware attack on NHS Dumfries and Galloway in March

Ensuring contingency planning is in place is essential and care providers should urgently take preventative measures to protect patient data By prioritising cybersecurity they can not only protect patient data and ensure patient safety but maintain trust avoid financial and legal repercussions and stay ahead of the evolving threat landscape

There are a number of simple but essential cybersecurity precautions care providers can take to help protect patient data and maintain the integrity of their systems

BECOMING, AND STAYING, CYBER-SECURE

Firstly and as a matter of priority all patient data should be encrypted both when it is stored (at rest) and when it is being transmitted over networks (in transit) to prevent unauthorised access

By Alan Stephenson-Brown, Managing Director at Evolve

Furthermore care providers should deploy firewalls intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS) and anti-malware tools to monitor and protect against malicious activity and ensure all endpoints including computers mobile devices and medical devices are protected with up-to-date anti-virus and anti-malware software

Care providers should also be sure to regularly back up critical data and systems ensuring backups are stored securely and tested periodically for integrity and accessibility I would also recommend storing backups in a secure off-site location to protect against data loss from physical disasters or ransomware attacks

Although it’s often overlooked when thinking about cybersecurity, it’s a good idea to conduct regular cybersecurity training for all employees, emphasising the importance of data protection, how to recognise phishing and other social engineering attacks and the use of strong unique passwords

Effective training also includes running phishing simulations to test and reinforce staff readiness to handle potential cyber threats

But once these precautions are in place, it s important not to assume systems will simply look after themselves Implement continuous monitoring solutions to detect and respond to unusual network activity and potential security incidents in real time Ensuring all software including operating systems and applications is up to date with the latest security patches and regularly updating the firmware and software of connected medical devices to protect against vulnerabilities should be an ongoing process

By performing these checks, as well as regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing, it’s easier to identify and address potential security weaknesses

In the event that a cybersecurity incident does occur be prepared by developing an incident response plan outlining procedures for handling cybersecurity incidents including data breaches and ransomware attacks

By following these cybersecurity tips, care providers can significantly reduce the risk of data breaches, protect patient information and maintain the integrity and availability of their systems

It was interesting to read in the response to recent attacks on the NHS that the health board is urging the public to be alert for any attempts to access their work and personal data But preventative action needs to start within the healthcare system Now is the time for care providers to seriously appraise the systems they have in place to identify any potential vulnerabilities At a time when resources have never been more stretched in this sector the temptation to cut corners is understandable but could prove a costly mistake

Only Fools And Horses Star Opens New Sensor y Room At St Fillans Care Home

Well-known actor and Only Fools and Horses Star, Paul Barber, recently opened a new Sensory Room at St Fillans Care Home alongside the Mayor of Colchester Lesley Scott-Boutell

The sensory room was created to provide a dedicated space where the people living in the care home could rest and relax The room would also provide the lifestyle team with an alternative setting to host activities that benefit from multisensory stimulation and aid in dementia care, as multisensory spaces can support reminiscence therapy Construction of the sensory room began after a generous donation was received from an anonymous benefactor who wanted to support the home to create this new space for the people who live there It was a lovely gesture that has opened new doors for the people who live at St Fillans and the team is forever grateful

The team decided to merge the sensory room with the theme of nature, as people love spending time outside admiring the sights and sounds of wildlife so this space could also serve as a place people could go to get a sense of the outdoors during the colder, wetter months or as an accessible alternative for people with limited mobility

Lifestyle Coordinator Grant who oversaw the project from start to finish wanted to ensure the opening of the ‘Fillans’ Forest’ was memorable so he began to think about who he would like to cut the ribbon and officially open the space

He chose to reach out to Only Fools and Horses star, Paul Barber, as the legendary show is familiar to the people who live and work at St Fillans and is still a show they enjoy watching to this day When Paul s team responded to say he would be happy to attend the opening event and cut the rib-

Baron Medical

bon, Grant was delighted, as he knew how much of a surprise this would be to the people living at St Fillans Grant also reached out to the Mayor of Colchester Lesley Scott-Boutell to see if she would like to join the opening and was delighted when she accepted the invitation

This week, the Fillans Forest was officially opened! Everyone was star-struck when Paul arrived! Paul was a well-known face on television during their younger years, so meeting him in person was a dream come true

Paul took the time to meet everyone who wanted to and spoke about his time on the hit TV series Paul was welcoming and friendly and his presence made the day memorable for all A countdown ensued as Paul and Councillor Lesley cut the ribbon revealing the magical forest sensory room

“I was delighted to accept your kind invitation having grown up in St Mark Drive and knowing the area When I entered the Sensory Room I realised that the team had delivered everything that they aimed to do,” said Councillor Lesley Scott-Boutell

They have brought the outdoors in and there is a feeling of peace when visiting the room I also love the thought that has gone into the design making it inclusive and accessible to all That is a matter close to my heart Huge congratulations to all who played a part in delivering this wonderful facility” continued the Councillor

Paul also shared his views about the sensory room, saying, “This room, is fantastic – I could move in here It is peaceful and lovely with lovely lights and lovely pictures To me it is great and its exactly what people need – security, comfort, and lots of colour ”

Business Group (www

Visiting Rights – An Update on the Law

By Deryn Fisher – Solicitor at Parfitt Cresswell (www parfittcresswell

The importance of contact with families to the well-being of care home residents was highlighted by the restrictions imposed during the Covid pandemic Many providers relaxed these rules as government guidance changed, but others have been slower to react Now new regulations provide for a fundamental standard concerning visiting and accompanying people in care homes hospitals and hospices The Health and Social Care Act

2008 (Regulated Activities) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 apply to all providers of activities regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) This gives you an overview of the law Under Regulation 9A:

Unless exceptional circumstances exist service users must be able to receive visits in a care home, hospital or hospice where their care or treatment involves an overnight stay or the provision of accommodation in those premises

• Service users who are accommodated in a care home must not be discouraged from taking visits out of the care home

• Where a service user attends a hospital or hospice for the provision of care or treatment but does not stay overnight they must be enabled to be accompanied at the hospital or hospice

A registered person (i e a service provider or registered manager) must take certain actions to comply with the provision These include putting in place precautions to enable a service user to receive visits or be accompanied safely and taking their preferences into account

A service user is not required to receive a visit take a visit out of a care home or be accompanied without their consent (or where they do not have capacity to give that consent) where it would not be in their best interest

Service providers should take all action which is necessary and proportionate to meet these provisions, taking into account any care or treatment plan that is in place They should involve the resident and their family or friends in doing this Where the service user lacks capacity, this would mean discussing it with their deputy or anyone appointed under a health and welfare Power of Attorney The rules do not apply if they

would be against the resident s best interests or if it is contrary to any order made by a court or tribunal

As this provision is a fundamental standard of care it will be included in the inspection regime of the CQC who have powers of enforcement under civil law if they find a right has been breached

The regulations apply regardless of whether a resident is paying for their own care or if it is funded by their local authority However, if the care home is funded or partially funded by the NHS or the local authority, then stopping visits to a resident may amount to an actionable breach of their rights under the Human Rights Act 1998 These would include the right to respect for private and family life, the right to life and the right to liberty and security These are not absolute rights and in some circumstances care homes may be justified in refusing and restricting visitors

So when can a visitor be banned? Relying on others to care for a loved one can be difficult and emotive and the pressures of caring for people with complex needs can also be stressful for staff It is therefore understandable that sometimes things go wrong and relationships deteriorate Individual providers should have a policy on visiting available to service users and their families so it is sensible to review this to see what is expected on both sides There should also be clauses written into the contract between the home and resident which include the rules that visitors need to abide by These rules should seek to balance the needs of the care user with other residents and staff working at the home If they are broken the care home may need to put restrictions in place for future visits but a ban should be a last resort

People who are restricted from visiting a service user in a care home are likely to first discuss the issue with the care home manager followed by a formal complaint if necessary If this does not resolve matters they then may

Take their concerns to the adult social services team (if the home is funded by the Local Authority)

Make a complaint to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (if privately funded)

Where a person holds a legal role, such as a Power of Attorney for a service user who lacks

Get in touch if you re experiencing issues and we will help to resolve Parfitt Cresswell offer a

consultation to readers of The Carer

Hinckley Care Home Residents Publish Recipe Book

Residents at HC-One s Hinckley Park Care Home in Hinckley Leicestershire have realised their ambition of a lifetime and published their own cookbook

The cookbook called Park s Pantries features recipes provided by fourteen residents living at Hinckley Park Care Home which provides nursing and residential care It is described as a collection of recipes to warm your soul’ and includes a range of delicious dishes such as ‘Betty C’s Fish Pie’, Christine s Toad in the Hole and Shelley s Sweet N Sour Pork Staff at the care home have also contributed some of their favourite meal options

The book was the brainchild of Hinckley Park s Wellbeing Coordinator Rachael Gilliver who runs her own publishing company alongside her role of helping look after residents living at the care home

Speaking at the launch of Park s Pantries Rachael Gilliver Wellbeing Coordinator at Hinckley Park Care Home, said “Apparently everyone has at least one book in them, and when one of our residents mentioned they would love to have a book published but had no idea how to go about it I and other team members started thinking about helping them making their wish come true

Other residents talked about how much they would like to pass on their recipes and how being published in a book would be leaving a legacy to their children and grandchildren

“Thanks to technology publishing has become a lot easier in recent years Before I started working at Hinckley Park I had worked for a number of traditional publishers and in 2018 I set up Roswell Publishing to help people who wanted to self-publish I was very well placed to help our residents’ wishes come true

As well as being available to buy from Amazon, a copy of ‘Parks Pantries’ will be sent to the British Library for archiving and preservation This will ensure that future generations will have access to the

information and knowledge contained in the cookbook which may otherwise have been lost

Some of the residents whose recipes are featured in Park s Pantries were also at the book s launch and couldn t hide their pleasure and pride in what they had achieved

Hinckley Park Care Home resident Betty Truelove who provided a recipe for Spanish chicken for the cookbook, commented: I never thought that I would see my name in print

Meanwhile, Betty Calnan, resident at Hinckley Park Care Home, whose fish pie recipe is featured in the cookbook stated: “Seeing my name in print makes me feel like I belong in this world and that I’m leaving something behind ”

Resident at Hinckley Park Care Home Barbara Allen whose dessert recipes are included in the cookbook, said:

This book is leaving a legacy behind for future generations of cooks None of us know who s going to be making our dishes in ten, twenty, or even a hundred years from now!”

Resident Shelley Sharland whose recipe for sweet and sour pork appears first in the cookbook collection stated: “It’s out of this world to think that my name is in a book! I never thought that it would happen ” David Minogue Home Manager at Hinckley Park Care Home commented: “We are incredibly proud of our residents for publishing this recipe book it really is quite a remarkable achievement A big well done to Rachael for helping our residents make their dreams come true

The recipes are delicious and very easy to follow and we ve even passed some copies of the book on to our fantastic kitchen team who will be cooking some of the recipes for our residents to sample Everyone is really looking forward to it!

Blueleaf and TENA Partner to Promote Best Practice and Sustainability In Continence Care And Host Bloom and Grow Workshops

Blueleaf Care is promoting best practice in continence care to help care homes deliver better outcomes for residents and help reduce their environmental impact through the choice of products they purchase

During Continence Care Week Blueleaf partnered with global leading continence brand TENA to run Learning Circles for carers across 16 care homes Each of the sessions included discussion on best practice for care home staff with TENA experts explaining the health and sustainability benefits of using the right products for its intended purpose With two out of three people in care homes requiring continence care best practice can deliver the dual benefit of increasing a resident’s quality of life while reducing a care home’s environmental impact

In addition to the education sessions, Blueleaf and TENA are also marked World Continence Week by hosting a series of Bloom & Grow activity workshops for residents providing sunflower seeds for them to sow in pots for their rooms or around the home These sessions were designed to support the care home s commitment to provide social activities, which are beneficial to residents cognitive function; so too is connecting with nature by handling soil watering and tending flowers Ellen Brown, Sales and Marketing Director of Blueleaf Care, says encouraging best practice is a priority for Blueleaf: Well managed continence care improves a resident s

quality of life considerably preventing avoidable accidents which can result in further health complications, but it also helps to improve sustainability in care homes

“With government priorities and CQC regulations steering our industry towards more sustainable practices we ll be doing all that we can support our care home customers Collaboration is going to be key to a safe responsible and sustainable future By running this series of workshops we informed carers on the right products to use for each resident which will in turn reduce waste – and cost – as well as help to preserve the dignity and quality of life of every individual

Richard Barker, Key Account Manager at TENA says World Continence Week provided a platform to break taboos in continence care: “Here at TENA, we re educating care workers that using the right product for each resident is critical In doing so we are helping to prevent leakages and poor skin health while also helping to reduce laundry costs and overall workload for care workers; freeing them up to spend their time caring for residents

“We want to encourage a new way of thinking for care homes and really see the value in use better use less directly helping to reduce costs and reduce the environmental footprint at the same time ”

Collaborative Care: Building Effective Interdisciplinar y Teams

Article by Kristine Chan, Clinical Manager, Langdale Heights

In today's fast-paced healthcare environment, the importance of collaborative care cannot be overstated Effective interdisciplinary teams can transform patient care offering a more holistic approach improved outcomes and a supportive work environment for healthcare professionals

Interdisciplinary teams are composed of professionals from various fields who work together towards a common goal: providing the best possible care for patients These teams often include doctors nurses physiotherapists social workers and other specialists Each member brings a unique perspective and skill set enriching the collective knowledge and expertise of the team

The advantages of interdisciplinary teams are manifold Firstly they promote comprehensive care Different professionals can address various aspects of a patient s health ensuring no stone is left unturned For instance while a doctor may focus on diagnosing and treating a medical condition a physiotherapist can help with mobility issues and a social worker can provide support for emotional and social challenges

Secondly interdisciplinary teams foster better communication When team members regularly share information and insights it reduces the risk of misunderstandings and errors This collaborative approach ensures that everyone is on the same page leading to more coordinated and efficient care Moreover working in a team can enhance job satisfaction and reduce burnout Healthcare professionals often face highpressure situations, and having a supportive team can make a significant difference Sharing the workload and responsibilities not only eases the burden but also creates a sense of togetherness and mutual respect

Creating a successful interdisciplinary team requires careful planning and ongoing effort Several key steps can help build and maintain effective teams For a team to function smoothly it is crucial to have welldefined goals and roles Each team member should understand their responsibilities and how they con-

tribute to the overall objectives Clear guidelines and protocols help in avoiding confusion and overlap of duties

Healthcare is an ever-evolving field and staying updated with the latest advancements is essential

Continuous education and training opportunities for staff can enhance skills and knowledge These programmes not only improve individual competencies but also benefit the team as a whole by bringing new insights and techniques into practice

In this digital age leveraging technology can significantly enhance team collaboration At Langdale Heights we use electronic health records (EHR) and other collaborative tools to streamline communication and information sharing These technologies enable team members to access patient information quickly and efficiently, leading to more coordinated care Acknowledging achievements and learning from challenges are crucial for team development We celebrate our successes no matter how small to boost morale and motivation In addition to our regular reviews that identify areas for improvement and address any issues that may arise we also hold team meetings and conduct thorough handovers These practices ensure that all team members stay abreast of ongoing developments This reflective approach not only helps in fine-tuning our processes but also strengthens our teamwork

While the benefits of interdisciplinary teams are clear there are also challenges that need to be addressed Differences in professional cultures communication styles and work practices can sometimes lead to friction Understanding and respecting the diverse backgrounds and cultures of team members is essential We provide cultural competence training to help our staff appreciate and navigate cultural differences This training fosters a more inclusive and harmonious work environment

Interdisciplinary teams are a cornerstone of modern healthcare offering a more comprehensive and cohesive approach to patient care Embracing collaborative care can lead to remarkable results By establishing clear goals fostering open communication encouraging mutual respect providing continuous training leveraging technology and celebrating successes effective teams that deliver exceptional care can be built

Four Seasons Health Care Group Launches Sale Of 46 Care Homes

“In

“During

Care Show Birmingham Awaits You...

CQC’s New Single Assessment Framework: Preparing for Your Inspection

By Laura Hannah, Partner at Stephensons Solicitors (www

The CQC has now implemented a new single assessment framework for all health and social care providers and it is hoped that this will result in more up-to-date transparent and consistent judgements

The five key questions of safe; effective; caring; responsive and well-led still remain, as well as the ratings of Outstanding Good Requires Improvement and Inadequate However each key question now has a set of quality statements instead of the previous ‘KLOEs’ When assessing a quality statement CQC will focus on up to six evidence categories the number of which varies depending on the type of service and assessment

Another major change is the scoring system which assists CQC in determining the ratings for each key question When assessing evidence CQC will assign a score to each evidence category under a quality statement all of which are then combined to give an overall score The scores for all quality statements are then further combined to create an overall percentage, which is converted into a rating for the key question

HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR CQC INSPECTION

There are a number of steps which you can take to ensure that you are prepared for your next assessment under this new framework: Before an inspection:

1 Familiarise yourself with the CQC’s new assessment framework

It is vital that you understand how CQC s new assessment framework operates particularly the scoring system There are various online resources available including from CQC, however, you should make sure you are always consulting the most up-to-date online guidance and ensure that any printed copies are regularly reviewed as guidance is likely to be updated regularly

A compliance action plan is another tool which could be utilised; this should set out each quality statement within each key question and the available evidence under each evidence category This can be provided to CQC during inspection and can assist in answering the assessor s questions It may also help identify any areas where you may be falling short and help plan any necessary action in advance Documentary evidence is key to any assessment

2 Staff training

An inspection is often a very nerve-racking experience especially for staff who have never faced an inspection before It is important that providers prepare staff on what to expect during an assessment and ensure that they are fully trained on every aspect of the service The inspectors often spend a great deal of time observing and speaking to staff and it is therefore vital that staff feel as comfortable as possible in these situations know how to react and can answer questions confidently

3 Feedback

Over half of CQC s evidence categories relate to feedback and thus providers should consider their processes for obtaining feedback and how they record this, as well as the procedures in place for acting on feedback received and sharing this where necessary Providers should not wait for feedback; a proactive approach is advisable Keeping a detailed record of any feedback received and auditing this regularly will enable providers to identify any potential issues and act on any concerns in a timely way

How this feedback is presented is also important; it needs to be clear, accessible and kept up-to-date, and be compiled from various sources

Providers should also think about any recent examples which evidence this feedback and link this back to any good outcomes achieved for people another CQC evidence category

4 Keep your registration details up-to-date

A minor point but an important one; CQC need to be able to contact you about your assessment and send their draft report It is also important to ensure that your registration remains sufficient for the regulated activities you are undertaking and the services you are providing and

that you are fully complying with any conditions of your registration, otherwise this could lead to unnecessary enforcement action

DURING AND AFTER AN INSPECTION:

It is vital that providers do not presume that CQC will only ask to review a particular document or ask a certain question if they need to It is important that providers ask questions and volunteer evidence throughout an inspection where necessary Requests for information during or after inspection should also be dealt with promptly and comprehensively, with evidence provided in an easily accessible and readable format If information is not immediately available, providers should take all reasonable steps to obtain it and at the very least make its existence known and provide it as soon as practicably possible thereafter Providers should also not be afraid to ask for feedback during an inspection This could enable a provider to immediately address any compliance concerns or provide vital clarification Additionally you should seek clarification on an issue if needed as this will help you to better respond to or address their concern more effectively Finally it is always advisable to take notes during an inspection so you have a record of what has been said in the event that you need to challenge any of CQC s findings

CHALLENGING AN INSPECTION REPORT OR RATING

Following an inspection providers are issued with a draft report which includes the ratings and scores awarded for each quality statement and key question Providers have 10 working days to challenge the factual accuracy and completeness of the evidence within the report

After a report is published providers can request a ratings assurance process review within 15 working days of publication The only ground for requesting a review is that CQC has failed to follow their published processes for scoring an assessment and making rating decisions

Both of these remain important processes and should be utilised if you are not satisfied with CQC s judgments or ratings as these could be used as the basis for enforcement action However it is important that providers have solid grounds for any challenge and any challenge is set out clearly and concisely with supporting evidence to achieve success

Signs Integrated Care Systems Are Making Progress

Greater Local Flexibility Needed To Realise Potential

Two years since integrated care systems (ICSs) were formally created and with the new government confirming it is committed to the current structure of the NHS The King s Fund is calling on national bodies to do more to create an environment in which ICSs can succeed Despite facing staff and budget cuts shortly after their inception researchers at the health and care think tank found that many ICSs are showing signs of progress However in a new report from The King s Fund Realising the potential of integrated care systems the authors warn that incredibly high pressures on health and care services an intense political focus on hitting key national targets such as driving down waiting lists and extremely difficult economic circumstances could derail the improvements ICSs are intended to bring about The King’s Fund argues that for ICSs to reach their full potential the new government and national bodies will need to give them the best possible chance of success by ensuring they are held to account in a way that reinforces local partnership working rather than undermines it and by giving them greater flexibility to use national funding in ways that best meet the needs of local people

ICSs bring together NHS organisations local authorities charities and other partners in an area As well as commissioning local health and care services ICSs were set up to tackle long-standing issues in the health and care system such as workforce shortages in a more joined-up way and to deliver more co-ordinated care for patients across services The 42 ICSs that cover England are responsible for spending over £100bn of NHS funding

The report s authors studied how partner organisations in several

ICSs are working together to tackle workforce challenges such as the recruitment training and retention of health and care staff in their area They found clear signs that progress is being made such as organising local partners around a shared purpose, scaling and spreading success and using resources more effectively But success has been uneven and difficult – with the past two years being among the most challenging in the NHS s history

The authors conclude that ICS progress has been slowed by the need to focus on resolving immediate issues – for example industrial action has meant that NHS trusts have often been focused on maintaining safe staffing levels rather than supporting their ICS to do the transformative work needed to redesign the workforce of the future

ICSs became statutory bodies under the 2022 Health and Care Act although health and care organisations have been taking a more joined-up approach to planning and delivering services for more than a decade The formalisation of ICSs marked a major shift away from the doctrine of competition between different organisations towards collaboration and co-ordination across services

With the public struggling to access timely care and pressure to drive down waiting times, The King’s Fund argues that national leaders should avoid the temptation to undermine local partnership working through heavy-handed top-down performance management The authors call on national bodies to set clear outcomes for ICSs to deliver but to allow flexibility in terms of how those outcomes are achieved

The team behind the study also recommend that politicians and national leaders be realistic about the speed at which ICSs can bring

about improvements to care given the challenging context they are working in

Chris Naylor Senior Fellow at The King’s Fund and lead author of the report said ICSs were born into a storm but despite their rocky start there are now signs of the benefits brought by more collaborative working through these structures The new Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has committed to avoiding imposing further structural changes in the NHS which means the challenge is to make sure ICSs now have the best possible chance of driving improvements for patients

“Central to this is avoiding the temptation to tie their hands with nationally dictated actions; instead ICSs should be held to account for achieving outcomes while allowing them the freedom to achieve those outcomes in the most effective way for their area

“Much of the work that happens within ICSs goes unseen We found that where system working is functioning well changes have been underpinned by the efforts of local leaders to strengthen relationships between their organisations change mindsets and culture to one of collaboration and encourage different behaviour within their system

Those working in health and care systems made clear that the government must return to the recommendations set out in the independent review of ICSs led by the Rt Hon Patricia Hewitt last year such as shifting away from a culture of top-down performance management to one of learning and improvement

Elderly Sell Cakes For Dementia-Friendly Sensor y Garden

Primary School summer fair

Elieen Staniforth 92 Arwel Edwards 76 and Roy Mace 83 manned their cake stall for the afternoon

They also sold handmade greetings cards and dishcloths knitted by the care home s residents Eileen said: “I really enjoyed seeing the children having fun and

stephensons co uk)

Sector Leaders React to ADASS Annual Sur vey

SOCIAL CARE needs emergency action before any cross-party talks or Royal Commissions campaigners have warned and follows reports that the Government wants a Royal Commission on social care to gain cross-party consensus on tackling the crisis

The report released this week by the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) illustrates a number of stark truths about the state of the sector warning that the country was struggling to meet evermore complex demands for care For example the survey reveals a 7 5% increase in the number of people requiring multiple visits from two or more care workers called double handed care since last year now totaling 49 000 people As more care workers are needed to provide care and support to people with complex needs costs to councils are increasing

Directors report that this rise in complex care in part is the result of an ongoing push to discharge people from hospital more rapidly The average size of care packages for people being discharged from hospital has increased in 76% of council areas over the past 12 months This means that many older people and adults with a disability need more support from social care as they are more unwell following their hospital stay

In addition Directors are concerned that increasing numbers of people whose care and support was covered by the NHS (Continuing Healthcare) or jointly funded are now having to seek support from their local council or pay for it themselves There has also been an increase in the number of people receiving publicly funded long-term care among working age and older adults

Directors report that the increase in complex and long-term care in addition to National Living Wage increases and inflationary pressures means almost three-quarters (72%) of councils in England overspent on their adult social care budgets in 2023/24 totalling £586mn nationally They also plan to deliver £903mn in savings to their budgets and a further £905mn of savings next year Yet the real cost of this shift is too many people missing out on low-level early support which enables them to stay living independently at home for longer

The Independent Care Group (ICG) wants to see the new Labour Government tackle the crisis in social care staffing before any other measures

BE BOLD ACT NOW

ICG Chair Mike Padgham said: “We hear today from ADASS that the financial situation in social care is as bad as it has ever been so the need for immediate action has never been greater

We fully understand the desirability of getting cross-party agreement on how to tackle the current situation and the appeal of a Royal Commission – but we would say we need to see an emergency switching of funds from the NHS into social care to tackle chronic unmet needs BEFORE setting out on any long-term investigations and reports

Tony Blair ordered a Royal Commission on Long-term Care in 1997 It took two years to publish its report and nothing came of it Since then we have seen at least eight Green Papers four White Papers and two government-commissioned enquiries and are now meeting our 15th secretary of state for health and our 18th minister for social care in that 27-year period You will understand if we are a little sceptical of any more reports or commissions ”

Mr Padgham said the answer lay in getting more resources to councils to commission more care and to improve pay for those working in the sector

“Everywhere you look there is unmet need and that is only going to get worse with social care deserts cropping up in some parts of the country ” he added

We need to move funding into preventative measures including social care provision which keeps people out of hospitals We can only do that by getting sufficient funding into social care that enables the sector to pay staff properly and tackle the 152 000 staff shortage we currently have

Providing care for people in their own home has been a central plank to all governments policies in recent years but none has tackled a lack of proper funding that would enable that need to be met

As a country we need to be bold and act now so that people can get care at home And we need to support care and nursing homes not only because they provide long-term care when it is desirable but for the vital role they also play in rehabilitation caring for people in the short term so that they can return home – a role that can get overlooked We need to do all that now, not wait until we have the results of a Royal Commission to tell us what we already know ” POSCTOCDE LOTTERY

Vic Rayner OBE CEO of NCF said: “This report shows for the first time how the changing needs of people are impacting on the availability of care and support within communities

People coming forward for assessment for the first time whether from home or hospital have increasingly complex needs and it is crystal clear that local authority budgets have not kept pace meaning many people are not getting the care they need when and where they need it

The concerns being reported by DASSs that an increasing number of people whose care and support should be covered under Continuing Health Care are now requiring local authority funding or being forced to fund their own care is alarming and must be addressed The patchy and inconsistent nature of CHC is creating a postcode lottery putting unnecessary pressure on individuals carers and the system as a whole This research shows that there is clearly a significant gap between the increasingly complex care and support people want in the community and what is actually available – this can’t go on

“It is well understood that effective care provided at the right time can prevent people requiring further emergency care and hospital admission Many of the challenges we are now seeing have their roots in the inaction of previous governments The new government has an opportunity to tackle this urgent crisis head on and change the approach so people are able to live their lives well The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has talked of fixing the broken NHS and we urge him and his department to seize the opportunity to ensure the pressures on social care are front and centre of these plans We want to work together with the new government to help address the immediate priorities and look forward to bringing the combined expertise of our diverse membership to finding solutions to these challenges

THROWS DOWN THE GAUNTLET

Kathryn Smith Chief Executive of the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) responds to the latest annual survey from the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS)

“This report throws down the gauntlet for the new government by setting out the scale of the task at hand The message is clear, the social care system is severely overstretched The combination of budget constraints and rising care complexity from discharged patients means councils are unable to meet their statutory duties The result is unmet or under-met social care needs, especially for local people recovering from a hospital stay

For years the social care sector s interdependence and value to the NHS has been underappreciated Now is the moment for change The Government has an opportunity to flip the script and invest in social care to ave the NHS

Expanding the social care offer through sustained investment in community rehabilitation reablement and intermediate care will prevent the need for longterm care as well as unplanned hospital admissions Greater availability of community prevention and early support services allows the care system both to meet growing demand and to support efforts to reduce NHS waiting lists Getting this investment right will be transformational to the lives of millions of people ”

LACK OF PROVISION

Sarah Walter director of the NHS Confederation’s Integrated Care Systems Network said:“This survey reflects what ICS leaders see in their local areas where the lack of social care provision, funding and workforce continues to put pressure on NHS services, and more importantly mean many people are not receiving the best possible care in the most appropriate setting

“The integrated working between the NHS local authorities and beyond which ICS facilitate and drive is critical for meeting the health needs of the population ICS have an important opportunity to ensure people can receive truly person-centred care in the coming years and that s why it s critical the new government resists the urge to undertake top-down reorganisation of the health service Instead ICS including social care providers must be empowered with resource and political trust to move their work forward

“There’s much to welcome in what the new government has set out in their intended plans for social care – given workforce shortages the measures set out for a National Care Service are welcome including on ensuring standards, which will help to improve care whilst providing a secure and rewarding career for people in our communities

“We look forward to the publication of Skills for Care’s Social Care Workforce Plan and hope the government will give it thoughtful consideration A plan for the social care workforce has been a key call of our members in previous months

CQC Chief Admits ‘We Got Things Wrong’ and Announces More Inspections

The Care Quality Commission’s new chief executive has admitted that the regulator “got things wrong” during the rollout of its new inspection regime and announced an increase in the number of assessments it carries out

Interim CEO Kate Terroni following Ian Trenholm s sudden departure has issued an apology to providers but says that the organisation is determined to put things right

The apology from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) came in the wake of care organisations complaining of a hostile inspection regime and a major new computer system failing to work properly

Ms Terroni said: I want to start with an apology We ve got things wrong in the implementation of our new regulatory approach I know that the changes we ve delivered so far are not what we promised It s made things more difficult than they should be We re not where we want to be and we re determined to put things right

Our purpose and mission remain unchanged We re confident that the strategy we set out in 2021 is the right one It will allow us to be a smarter regulator ultimately to improve the lives of people who use services Colleagues and I recognise though that the challenges in implementing our new assessment approach means that we re not yet delivering this

I know how important it is to the public to providers and the whole health and social care system to really understand the quality of care

This applies across a pathway and in a place as well as within individual services We want our new assessment approach to deliver this but we have more work to do to get there ”

“Technical issues and challenges with the provider portal mean that

some providers are still not able to have a good experience We are also aware many providers have experienced delays in registering with us ”

On top of this the changes in how we manage relationships have left many providers feeling unsupported

Many of the issues we re experiencing now were anticipated and flagged by providers and our own people We didn t listen properly or take on board these concerns and that s why we re where we are now Though there was significant engagement and co-production of the high-level elements of our approach we didn t follow that process into the detail of how we ll assess providers

I know that for some of you we ve lost your trust because of this I m sorry I stepped into the role of Interim Chief Executive at the beginning of this month following Ian Trenholm s resignation With my new role comes my commitment to urgently and rapidly improve how we re using our regulatory approach and to making the changes we need to steer us in the right direction

We want to use the passion and expertise of our people and the willingness of partners providers and people who use services to collaborate with us to get back on track We ll be delivering co-production sessions and regional roadshows to engage on all the below and get your ideas We ll clearly communicate what we re doing and why

“We have 3 urgent and immediate areas of action”

IMPROVE HOW WE’RE USING OUR REGULATORY APPROACH

We’ll increase and improve the support and guidance for providers on our regulatory approach

We’ll increase the number of assessments and inspections we’re doing We’ll share more detail on how we plan to do this soon

We’ve already increased the number of people working in registration and are working to get to any outstanding registration applications as soon as possible You should soon start to see improvements in registration waiting times

FIX AND IMPROVE OUR PROVIDER PORTAL

We ll continue working with providers to identify improvements that can be made to the portal and to design solutions together RETHINK OUR WAYS OF WORKING

We ll be testing a new approach to relationship management that enables a closer and more consistent contact point for providers and we will further develop this in partnership with providers

This is just the start I want to work with people who use services providers and partners to agree more actions and develop solutions together

I have worked in the health and social care sector since my first job as a carer at 18 I ve never lost sight of the need for high-quality person-centred care I m clear that as a regulator we re here on behalf of people using services and it s our role and responsibility to share best practice that is making a difference to people s lives as well as to call out poor-quality care

“We have the strategy great people and honest feedback from partners to enable us to be the strong regulator that people who use health and care need us to be Getting these changes right will help providers deliver better care I hope that you’ll allow us to work with you to rebuild trust to achieve this ”

Building an International Worker Strategy in Care

By Chris Harber, Head of Immigration, Boyes Turner (www boyesturner com)

As recruitment continues to be an overwhelming challenge for care homes international workers remain an essential part of the solution Some scene setting: in 2022 99% of care workers sponsored for work visas in the UK were from non-EU countries The top countries of citizenship for care workers using Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) in 2022 were India (33%) Zimbabwe (16%), Nigeria (15%), and the Philippines (11%)

The staffing crisis in the UK care sector has been attributed to multiple factors including • A lack of long-term workforce planning Brexit leading to a loss of staff coming from the EU

• Concerns over pay and job pressures due to increasing staff shortages

The crisis is particularly acute now due to persistent understaffing across health and social care posing a serious risk to the safety and wellbeing of people who use these essential services STATE OF PLAY IN THE SECTOR

Other contributing factors to the prevailing care crisis include new legislation impacting providers: New rules to cut net migration and tackle visa abuse are now in force as part of the UK government s plan to bring down unsustainable levels of legal migration This means that care workers are restricted from bringing dependant family members with them when they move to the UK and the Home Office is hoping that in making the UK a less attractive destination this way it will lead to a reduction in the number of new care workers arriving in the UK

Care providers in England acting as sponsors for migrants are also required to register with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to crack down on worker exploitation and abuse within the sector and the Home Office has significantly ramped up compliance action against care providers that have a Sponsor Licence

The narrative here is very much ‘be careful what you wished for’ when the Home Office relaxed the rules on recruiting care workers from overseas there was a critical shortage of care workers in the UK however it now very much looks like the Home Office went too fast too soon sponsorship process in the care sector: Sponsorship of workers through the Health and Care Worker visa route can only be undertaken by a business that is genuine and legally operating in the UK The business must apply for a sponsorship licence with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) Once granted the sponsorship licence, the business will need to assign a certificate of sponsorship to each worker they are recruiting As referenced above on increased compliance the whole process is getting more and more difficult For example if a care provider submits a request to increase their allocation of certificate of sponsorship the Home Office will always request a significant amount of supporting evidence to process the request in the past these requests were rare

Eligibility of non-CQC care firms to sponsor migrant workers: Care providers who were sponsoring workers in exclusively non-regulated activities (and therefore not required to be registered with the CQC) before the rules change should be able to continue to sponsor these workers, including for extensions to their visa on those terms But they

ENSURING

There

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Adhere to the Code of Practice for International Recruitment: Providers must familiarise themselves with and ensure they adhere to the Code of Practice for International Recruitment and the requirements of the Health and Care Worker visa

Be aware of your sponsor duties and conduct regular audits The Home Office is performing more audits than ever so it is critical that care providers are confident they will be able to pass an audit Boyes Turner provide bespoke audit & compliance training including mock Home Office audits where we play the role of a compliance officer and assess your compliance with

Delight As Blackpool Home Manager Wins National Award

Home

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Mark Burrow Brandon House

Nigel Cooke, Eastcote Park, Cinnamon Care Collection

Matthew Dodds Foodbuy Group

Adrien Henard Chandler Court Care UK

• Anna Koziarska Auchtercrag Care Home Meallmore Ltd

Darren Nelson Trymview Hall Care UK

• Maks Nikolaev Parvulav, Renaissance Care

Robert Rofe Roswell Court Radish

Samuel Sewell, Wellington Vale Care Home, Cinnamon Care Collection

Carmine Tarquilio, Mardy Park Resource Centre, Monmouthshire County Council Paul Wright Prospect House Mysing

The ninety-minute regional heats focused 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 £4 50 per head based on three portions and it must

Sona raises £22m to help large Social Care organisations access AI-driven WFM

We are excited to announce this new round of investment and how it will impact large Social Care organisations and their employees

Together with my fellow co-founders, Oli Johnson and Ben Dixon, we’d like to thank Felicis who led the financing with participation from Northzone, Google s AI-fund Gradient, SpeedInvest, Antler, BAG Ventures, and the numerous notable angels who participated in the round

When we founded Sona in 2021, we wanted to solve the unique challenges of frontline work with technology that empowers every employee, on every level of a large organisation

Two years later, Sona is doing just that for over 100,000 people We are grateful to the many organisations who have chosen us to support them on their digital journey, including Community Integrated Care, iVolve, Affinity, Yorkshire Care, Greensleeves Care, Cartrefi Cymru, and Livability, helping them deliver almost 5 million seamless shifts We’d also like to thank our partners who share in our vision for an integrated tech landscape for Care, including Nourish, Radar Healthcare, and Lottie

Some of the most talented and motivated people around have joined us to make this possible, and I d like to give a particular shout-out to Hayley Horwood and Richard Upshall Together, they have more than 25 years of experience in the Care sector and their insights have guided us every step of the way

This deep involvement has taught us that the complexity associated with multi-location, 1000+ staff operations is coupled with the pressure and responsibility to provide the best care possible Social Care demands a state-ofthe-art solution, built with the kind of technology that isn’t just the latest right now, but that is flexible enough to continue being state-of-the-art ten years from now and later into the future

The financing is a big step on our journey to becoming the go-to WFM for large Social Care groups, but - more importantly - it is an investment in the sector as a whole

Over the past year, we ve seen demand for a nextgeneration solution like Sona increase fourfold Our

partners are looking to make their operations more efficient and reliable, improve staff satisfaction, and become financially sustainable organisations that can easily grow and support more people

The fact that we can confidently say Sona is a solution that pays for itself - and then more! - is something we’re incredibly proud of because it provides organisations with a new revenue source they can re-invest into employee wellbeing and a better experience for the people they care for

So, what does this mean for the Care sector?

1. A truly intelligent AI-driven solution

We want to empower Social Care enterprises to forecast their staff needs based on what is best for the people they support with maximum accuracy and automatically tailor their operations accordingly This will help organisations speed up their scheduling, gain real-time views of their shift runs, and encourage growth in a way that tech simply hasn’t in the last decade Previously, the focus was mostly on digitising paper-based processes, but as many organisations are now starting a vendor-replacement cycle, we want to provide them with a real nextgeneration solution

2 Automated HR processes

Our HR solution is already closely linked to Scheduling and communicates seamlessly as solutions built to work together from day one should The next step is to bring automation to the HR processes that currently take up the most time and are heavily prone to errors Our goal is to make the data we feed into our Payroll engine as accurate as possible and remove the potential for mistakes to snowball, leading to drops in employee satisfaction, more admin time, and even legal risks down the line

3. User-first technology

One implementation challenge organisations have experienced with legacy software is low tech adoption rates from frontline staff But what oftentimes is seen as fear of change, is actually a natural reaction to employee apps which were not designed to be accessible The Sona mobile app - together with all our interfaces - is built with usability in mind and consumer-grade standards We want to enrich this experience with even more features that make user life more efficient and increase satisfaction, particularly around self-service and onboarding new staff We believe the first impression new employees get of their organisation and its processes is key to their retention

4 High-quality research and contributions to Social Care in the UK

The feedback we’ve received for our industry-leading reports, webinars, and other research activities has always been incredible and we re only looking to add more Social Care is first and foremost about the people and the community We plan to continue reporting on the pulse of the sector, bring together leaders and visionaries to share their insights, and always spotlight the many opportunities Care offers At the same time, we want to expand our existing charitable contributions and make sure that we’re always giving back to those on the frontline

committed our Customer Success and Implementation teams are to always going the extra mile, helping them optimise and grow their business We want to make sure that as we grow ourselves, we only improve this experience and provide even more comprehensive support every step of the way For that we’ll be on the lookout for the best talent available

Overall, with Sona, I like to think of it as building the “selfdriving car of running a Care business The last 20 years of workforce management were dominated by legacy point solutions that digitised simple paper processes Sona is building the next generation of WFM with a truly intelligent platform that enables organisational leaders in complex, multi-location enterprises to put the right people, in the right place, at the right time; and to seamlessly manage their workforce end-to-end

We believe we can deliver this because our exponential growth has been driven by tangible factors: speed of product delivery, high configurability, and sector expertise

Unlike legacy platforms, Sona’s technology has been built from the ground up for real-time data processing and insights Leveraging the Elixir programming language and large language models - similar to what powers tools like ChatGPT - we offer AI-powered real-time actionable feedback which helps drive intelligent decision making and leads to real workforce productivity gains The trust of our investors so far has yielded a total of £30 millionfunds that we see contributing to the development of the sector as a whole

“We are proud to lead Sona's Series A round and support its mission to empower frontline enterprises with cuttingedge workforce management solutions We believe in Sona s potential to redefine how businesses [ ] manage their workforce, and we re excited to be part of their journey towards reshaping the future of work Ben, Oli, Steffen and the Sona team have already helped over 100,000 frontline workers schedule shifts, and we know so many more will appreciate smarter software that enables their work ”

Niki Pezeshki, General Partner at Felicis

As we continue to innovate, our mission remains clear: to transform the outdated tools that have hindered Care enterprises in the past and usher in a new era of intelligent WFM that drives efficiency, employee wellbeing, and, ultimately, the delivery of exceptional care

Steffen Wulff Petersen Sona CEO and Co-Founder

5. A trustworthy partnership for all our UK customers

Our partners have consistently highlighted how

Sona co-founders Ben Dixon Steffen Wulff Petersen and Oli Johnson

Q&A: The Crucial Role of Learning Disability Nurses

Jamie qualified in 2010 as a RNLD (Registered Nurse Learning Disabilities) and started her first post as a staff nurse in May 2010 She progressed up to Charge Nurse then moved in to a Deputy role by February 2017 In August 2017 Jamie moved up to Hospital Manager and moved into social care in September the same year and moved away from the hospital setting

What she has experienced since then has sharpened her opinion on why being a Learning Disabilities Nurse certainly isn t the lower end of nursing: it s an important way to have long-term influence over the quality of people’s lives

She is now the Registered Manager of Cygnet Social Care s Hope House a residential service in Hartlepool providing outcome focused care for adults with a learning disability and associated complex needs who may have behaviours that challenge

What’ the biggest dif ference between hospital and residential setting, as a Nurse and Manager?

In hospitals you resolve and reduce In social care you don t focus on resolving in the same way Instead you help individuals live more meaningful lives

Without being cheesy in social care it s honestly about the small wins Watching someone fasten their shoe lace after a year of trying Or witnessing a service user who was so shy and anxious – they covered their face and wouldn t leave their room change to being out in the communal spaces learning a dance with me 6 months later

Our rewards are personal and huge it s lovely to see the affect you can have on people

What types of progress do you enjoy seeing with your ser vice users?

We encourage our service users to have belief they can do what some people would say are normal things

Here, it totally depends on the individual and the type of condition and support they need – it’s so varied – there aren t set procedures in the same way

The level of care we provide is different, more long-term and we really build relationships and get to know people You end up being able to learn what service users need just from the way they raise an eyebrow – even if they are non-verbal you start to understand exactly what they are feeling and need

What can people working in Hope House or LD residential ser vices expect to see in terms of ser vice user progress?

At Hope House our service users have their own flats – the building is divided into flats and some have their own gardens so they can have their own space, which really helps

There are 2 pathways in the main

1 The individuals that are going to be with us for quite some time or until they get ill or change in some way that we can t support

2 People that eventually move into supported living – where they need some help in maintaining a home but we help them move towards more independent lives

80% of our service users have autism alongside a learning disability or a mental health condition (like bipolar or personality disorder)

We do hope to see individuals go back into the community and while they will always need some level of support it doesn t need to be 24 hour care so we are there to support that and reduce the chance of future relapses Why do you think L&D nurses aren’t thought of as ‘proper’ nurses – when the work you do is so impor tant in helping really vulnerable people within our society?

People can either be negative or naïve – if they don’t understand it I ended up doing my LD qualification after doing a placement I had wanted to be a teacher but after a placement I realised it was what I wanted to do LD nursing isn t presented correctly Because it s not as built on medical models it s based on the needs of the service user Our experience is so varied and diverse but it’s certainly not ‘lesser’

But effectively we are our service users’ advocates We help them and their families to break barriers

Whether that s with their own expectations of what they can do in their own lives or within the community For example – I have to ask for joint appointments with service users GP s so they get double the time to communicate with them I also fight to get my service users voices heard – so that healthcare and other social care professionals don’t ever speak on their behalf when they come into contact with them

We re constantly working out how to speak to our service users and question how to make things more suitable – through makaton or widgets for example

Depending on our individuals conditions and needs, we approach things in different ways all the time

Do you think more people coming into nursing should train in LD – there’s been a huge drop of f in the last 10 years?

I always ask why people want to do the line of nursing – it’s important to understand what people’s passions are and that we understand career goals and how to help people develop

I think the approach between LD Nursing and Mental Health nursing say can be a little different There may be more risk adversity within the MH, especially within more secure settings as one example

Yet we re seeing more universities now offering joint LD and MH cohorts as the two can work well within each other s setting – which adds to the diversity of the role as a LD nurse with MH experiences

What excites you about the future of L&D Nursing?

I think there’s been some issues historically, where people could be discharged from hospitals too quickly the pressures on timeframes could see people at risk of relapse But since 2015 there’s been more robust frameworks put in place

The beauty of independent care is where the NHS has clear guidelines and pressure to discharge we don t face hose pressures

I think this area continues to improve as the topic of accessibility continues to be discussed in the wider society – which is exciting!

At Hope House we are encouraging all our staff to use Makaton and have a big push on people using it daily so they really learn it- rather than forget after one training session!

Growing Pressures on Hospice Sector Could Have Potentially Damaging Consequences

Earlier this year Hospice UK’s quarterly financial benchmarking survey revealed that the UK hospice sector which supports 300,000 people annually, is facing an estimated collective deficit of £77 million in the financial year 2023-24

Expenditure increases are the main driver behind this crisis Hospices care for people at their most vulnerable times providing support and comfort to dying people and their families The cost of this is increasing with the cost of paying staff a fair wage becoming a particular problem

The majority of hospice expenditure is spent on staff salaries As vital partners of the NHS hospices recruit from the same pool of staff This means they need to match NHS pay and conditions to attract and retain skilled staff to care for people at the end of their lives

As toby porter, CEo of Hospice uK explains: “Costs for hospices will keep rising and without a new model for funding end-of-life care the coming years could be devastating for hospice care services particularly for those in economically challenged areas

Many are already considering halting vital services which will have devastating consequences for patients their families, hospice staff, local communities and the NHS itself ” FUNDING

Adult hospices only receive on average around one-third of their funding from the state and children’s hospices only receive around one-fifth This means most of the funding for essential hospice services comes from fundraising and charitable donations

Harpreet Sahota Hospice Account Executive at Towergate Insurance explains: The hospice sector has been facing a funding gap for several years and has run budget deficits, with a significant amount being sustained by legacies which keep them afloat or manage to fill the budget gap

“There s a big issue with recruiting and retention of care/nursing staff as well as agency costs increasing when supply staff are required to fill the gaps ”

Earlier this year a report by the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Hospice and End of Life Care found that despite a law passed in 2022, the way hospice services are commissioned in England is not fit

for purpose

The cross-party group of MPs found that the services hospices provide for dying people and their families and the support they provide to the health system are at risk

St Gemma s Hospice is just one of dozens of hospices calling for more NHS funding to help provide a more secure future for Hospices across the UK In an interview with the BBC Kerry Jackson chief executive of St Gemma's Hospice said, “I would absolutely say the money we get from the NHS is not sufficient

If we really wanted to meet the needs of our population today tomorrow and in future then we really do need a more sustainable and fair NHS funding model "

RISE IN DEMAND

More people are dying in the UK After decades of a stable, slightly declining death rate, demographic trends mean that the annual number of deaths - currently approximately 650 000 - is steadily increasing It will reach 780,000 In 2040

Hospice UK s new strategy discusses how our aging population means more and more people are living with complex long-term conditions such as frailty and dementia which require specialist management

In addition medical advances mean that more children are being born and are living longer with lifelimiting conditions There is also greater demand for services such as counselling and bereavement care as the importance of these interventions is increasingly understood

There is also growth in demand for hospice care services to be delivered in different locations including hospices, homes, hospitals, care homes, and virtually All these contributing factors mean the demand for hospices and their services will only increase in coming years

SUPPORTING A VITAL SERVICE

There is also greater demand being created by pressures on other health and care services which threatens to leave hospices to fill the gaps

Hospices are a vital part of the wider health and care system across the UK Like the health and care sector at large hospices are finding it hard to recruit and retain staff, struggling to match the pay and benefits of hospital services

Paul Hodgkinson Corporate Development Manager at Hospice UK “We want to see greater awareness and skills around specialist palliative and end-of-life care in general medicine This could be improved by education and training opportunities including those for end-of-life care being open to the entire health and care workforce regardless of employer “We want to work with education organisations to design training and attract professionals into the palliative

Transitioning Into Care From A Loved One’s Perspective

When someone receives a dementia diagnosis it can be an unsettling upsetting, and challenging time not only for them, but also for their close family and friends It can change a person s life and affect the way they spend their days

Surrounding the person with the diagnosis is usually close family friends and loved ones who also have their lives turned upside down It’s a perspective that totally differs from the person with a diagnosis and one that isn’t usually spoken about

This case study explores the experience of Cathy whose husband of 50 years John was diagnosed with dementia and moved into St George s Court Care Home in Cambridge We will follow Cathy s journey as she transitioned from caring for John at home to him living in a care home

When Cathy could no longer care for John at home she and her family began looking into care options It was a difficult time as they adjusted to John’s diagnosis but Cathy was determined to find a caring comfortable home for him As she researched local care homes Cathy felt guilty about not being able to care for her husband herself and worried about how he would adjust to a new environment She was concerned that his unique personality and needs might not be fully appreciated by others However recognising these feelings as normal, Cathy focused on ensuring John’s new home would be safe, supportive and collaborative; somewhere that truly felt like home to him

Cathy was new to the world of care homes and had only preconceived notions based on internet searches Determined to see the reality, she visited care homes unannounced to gain an authentic perspective This approach helped her trust her instincts and she put

her energy into ensuring John s new home would be safe supportive and collaboratively work alongside her and John, to ensure he would continue to live a fulfilled life Cathy said I instantly knew if the care home would be right for my husband It was a gut feeling I got as soon as I walked in ”

When Cathy was referred to St George s Court Care Home she checked its CQC rating and saw it was rated as ‘Inadequate’ which made her feel anxious However with limited availability and an immediate vacancy, she decided to visit On arrival, she felt comfort and warmth unlike other care homes She observed the team actively engaging with residents and noted their friendly interactions

Meeting Home Manager Jayne further eased Cathy s concerns Jayne was open honest and transparent about the inspection rating reassuring Cathy of the numerous improvements had been made since her appointment Jayne’s philosophy of “Never leave (your visit) with a problem – come and talk to me!” truly resonated with Cathy, giving her confidence that John would be loved cared for and respected at St George s Court Jayne even asked Cathy for feedback which she appreciated as no other care home had done that

Cathy faced a significant decision, knowing it would shape the future for her husband of 50 years, so she knew she had to get it right With what she had seen heard and observed at St George s Court Cathy decided this would be the best place for her husband and shortly after the process started John moved into his new home

After a short time living at St George’s Court, Cathy’s decision to choose this home was reaffirmed through the service she received, giving her the confidence that she had made the right decision and eased the initial feelings of guilt she had

Although there were some small concerns and questions Cathy had throughout John’s care, Cathy found her queries were promptly answered and actioned by a team who truly listened, Jayne’s door was always open and overall it was a very positive experience for both Cathy and John Cathy s advice to people who are looking into care options for themselves, or a loved one is, “Do not just believe what you see online My whole opinion of St George’s Court was totally transformed when I visited and got a taste what life was like in the home Always visit and always trust your gut instinct as it is usually right

Fond Farewells For Long-Ser ving Staff At Moray Care Homes

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

MOWOOT II for Constipation Free Life

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MOWOOT II – effective solution to chronic constipation for better quality of life!

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C&S Seating Ltd

C&S Seating Ltd have provided postural control equipment to residential homes hospices medical equipment services and NHS trust hospitals nationwide since 1991

With 9 different sizes of T-Rolls and Log Rolls in a removable and machine washable Waterproof Titex

Penile Retraction and Incontinence: Dementia Activity App Celebrates

A museum-led dementia awareness programme House of Memories, is marking 10 years since its memory activity app launched at the House of Commons

The free My House of Memories app co-created with people living with dementia was launched two years after the creation of the wider House of Memories programme, which is led by National Museums Liverpool The aim of the app is to develop connections and conversations between people living with dementia and their families and carers through digital collections of objects Together people can explore pictures of museum objects and everyday items – which range from a Singer sewing machine to a 10 shilling note – and discover things which resonate with them Images are brought to life with sound, music and descriptions which can help to spark memories of days gone by Users can also save favourite objects to a digital memory tree digital memory box or timeline and add their own photographs to the ‘My Memories’ feature on the app

with people living with dementia as well as families and friends, House of Memories also provides online and in-person training where you can learn how to use the My House of Memories app and hear about other dementia activities and resources The in-person training takes place in Liverpool every month, while online training –made up of 31 expert videos across four modules –can be completed at any time

The House of Memories team also offer bespoke dementia awareness and app training to organisations which work with or support people living with dementia from the likes of residential and nursing homes to housing associations and groups offering support services

The My House of Memories app is available to download for free on iOS devices via the App Store and on Google Play for Android devices Information about in-person online and bespoke training is available on the House of Memories website

As you get older your penis and testicles may get slightly smaller One reason is the build-up of fatty deposits in your arteries reducing blood flow to your penis This can cause withering of the tissue cells in the spongy tubes of erectile tissue inside your penis making it awkward to stand at urinal to urinate – but having incontinence on top of this can make matters very difficult to manage

Over the last decade objects on the app have been interacted with more than a million times In order to support professional carers working

Find out more about the House of Memories programme on their website at www liverpool museums org uk/house-of-memories

If you suffer from Penile Retraction and Incontinence – Men’s Liberty has you covered: Men s Liberty is the discreet dignified dependable alternative for urinary incontinence that you have been looking for It is made of a gentle skinfriendly material called hydrocolloid a proprietary adhesive that softly stretches and moves with a man as he changes position Unlike diapers that

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observes Peter Wingrave, AAT Director “This is no reflection of the standard of care given It does leave the resident and care staff exposed to risk in safely getting the resident back up again particularly with the growth in obesity among residents 3 Only 4% of falls result in

II works by visiting www aatgb com/raizer-lifting-chair/ where you can also book a free virtual or actual assessment and ask any questions via LiveChat Alternatively email sales@aatgb com or telephone 01978 821875

CLEANING AND HYGIENE

The Power of Dr y Steam Cleaning

Dry Steam cleaning fights the battle against bacteria and viruses on three fronts with thermal and chemical disinfection and decontamination by mechanical action of surface penetration and extraction to eliminate contaminants The innovative design and cutting-edge dry steam technology can help tackle the risks of transmissions both inside healthcare settings and outside where you need to offer the safest and cleanest environments

Dry Steam penetrates common surfaces that are porous – like unvarnished wood and/or have non-smooth textured and rough surfaces that harbour and hide biofilm and soil Where manual cleaning isn’t possible, the Dry Steam Vapour reaches those areas and delivers a hygienic environment and peace of mind that it s free from risks of infection Scientific studies by OSPREYDDEEPCLEAN TNO and UCLH -

University College London Hospital-, focusing on the efficacy and removal of all biofilms and microbiological decontamination demonstrated that Dry Steam Vapour performed equal to or better than other disinfection practices While the use of water and an approved detergent provides an environmentally friendly and effective alternative to more toxic disinfectants

Dry Steam is also ideally suited to be combined with Microfibre cleaning regimes and SteamMops are available as optional accessories

Further Laboratory evaluations using OspreyDeepclean steam cleaning/sanitising machines establish the destruction of hospital infection strains - including the antibiotic resistant superbugs MRSA and VRE - in less than 2 seconds

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 healthcareassociated 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

The First Menu Planning and Food Ser vice Guideline for Care Homes for Older Adults Launches

A new set of menu planning and food service guidelines for care homes catering to older people has been launched

The Food Services Specialist Group and Older People Specialist Group of the British Dietetic Association (BDA) and the National Association of Care Catering (NACC) have worked in collaboration to launch these guidelines under the title Care Home Digest

The Care Home Digest is the first of its kind providing menu planning and food service guidelines to support care homes to provide high quality food and drink services for residents

No such resource currently exists in England and this document should complement existing dietetic guidelines available in the other nations of the UK

The overall food and dining experience can have a huge impact on quality of life for residents and is often one of the highlights of the daily routine Undernutrition dehydration and other nutrition related health concerns which often impact those living in care or residential homes mean that providing appropriate and appetising meals that meet nutritional requirements can be more challenging

With many care homes unable to access a food service dietitian service the Care Home Digest allows homes to access the information to support them to plan nutritionally balanced and appropriate menus to meet both the nutritional needs and preferences of their residents

By having a clear set of standards and guidance that provides consistency and clarity in the approach for eating and drinking in care homes managers nurses care and support staff and caterers will better understand what they should be providing as part of their overall food service

Helen Ream Healthcare and Food Service Dietitian at Compass Group UK & Ireland and Vice-Chair of the BDA’s Food Services Specialist Group says,

It has been a privilege to chair the working group of dietitians and NACC colleagues to develop these guidelines I hope they will be the ‘go to’ resource for care home teams to support them to understand what their food services and menus should include to support residents to have a great mealtime experience whilst also meeting their nutritional needs

Mealtimes play an essential role in the wellbeing of some residents They allow residents to connect with each other as well as with carers and family members and give moments of happiness or reflection when there are cultural or religious celebrations Chapters in the Digest include delivering a positive mealtime experience menu planning and design and catering for special diets

Helen who is also a member of the NACC says “The Care Home Digest builds on the work of the BDA s Nutrition and Hydration Digest a resource for all those involved in the provision of food and drink services in hospitals and which forms part of the National Standards for Healthcare Food and Drink Until now no similar national food service standards have existed to support care homes for older adults to meet the nutritional needs of their residents We hope these guidelines will be widely used and become a nationally trusted resource in the same way ”

The information and checklists within the guidelines are intended to support care homes to review their services to understand what they are already doing well and where improvements could be considered and made

Neel Radia National Chair of the NACC says The National Association of Care Catering is proud to have been working in collaboration with the BDA for this unique Care Home Digest

“This document is a welcome and necessary publication to enable consistency across the care home sector A multidisciplinary team bringing hospitality and nutrition together is the best solution for an all-encompassing approach to meeting residents nutritional needs This is a must-have document for all catering teams in care homes, from induction through to ongoing reference and review No care home for the elderly should operate without this

“Thank you to Helen Ream and the entire team who have worked so hard in putting this together and I wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone in the care sector

It is hoped this document will also support the Care Quality Commission and other nations’ inspectorates to know what they should be assessing and checking for during their visits to care homes and further influence the development of improved standards in such a vital aspect of care

OHK - Your Specialist Partner for Dysphagia Management

Founded by Preston Walker and James Ball, globally recognised experts in texture modification and culinary applications for modifying food OHK is your specialist partner for Dysphagia management

Our mission is to provide comprehensive training programs and implementation support that empowers healthcare providers to deliver safe nutrition and reduce risk across the care setting We work in collaboration with you and your teams to secure a better quality of life for individuals with specialised diets Because everyone deserves the right to safe nutrition WHY CHOOSE OHK?

We offer validated and clinically endorsed training programs ensuring your setting complies with current best practices and standards Our courses are mapped to the Eating Drinking and Swallowing Competency Framework from the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists and delivers best practice guidance reflecting the globally recognised International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI)

OHK provides high quality cost-effective eLearning modules tailored to dysphagia training needs These modules are available as bundles or individual courses which can be accessed via OHK s or your own Learning Management portal, providing flexibility to meet your organisation’s requirements For advanced training needs we also offer in-person courses

MORE THAN JUST A TRAINING PROVIDER

OHK assists you in establishing a safe, auditable process and internal framework, helping to enhance your specialist catering solutions Whether you have 1 or 100+ beds we have a solution for you that is cost-effective accessible and scalable

Our courses are developed and maintained in collaboration with East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust ensuring the highest quality and accuracy of guidance Expert Dysphagia Consultancy

OHK s expertise has attracted partnership from a range of organisations including Norse Care, Belong Villages and numerous NHS Trusts, including East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, Ayrshire and Arran NHS and the States of Guernsey OHK provides Care England with care catering expertise to support its members and improve standards in the sector

At OHK we are more than just a training provider; we are your partners in delivering excellence in dysphagia care Together we can help you transform your healthcare setting and ensure safe enjoyable nutrition for all Call us today 01572 337188 Email us info@oakhouse-kitchen com or visit www oakhouse-kitchen com

After the successful launch of its SME scheme last October Bidfood one of the UK s leading foodservice providers is proud to announce the initial group of suppliers selected through the Open Doors Programme Aimed at small food and beverage suppliers the Open Doors Programme identifies the most innovative businesses trying to establish themselves within the industry and raises awareness of their products so they can make their mark in wholesale

Despite the recent deceleration in inflation the share of small businesses aspiring to grow this

CATERING FOR CARE

Enhancing Care for Dysphagia: Establishing EDS Competencies for Improved Quality of Life

Dysphagia or difficulty swallowing is a condition that can significantly impact the quality of life for many individuals particularly residents in health and social care facilities Addressing the needs of those with, or at risk of developing, dysphagia is crucial for enhancing their daily experiences and ensuring high standards of care to ultimately improve their quality of life

To achieve this, it's essential to establish Eating Drinking and Swallowing (EDS) competencies across whole care teams, to fully equip the multidisciplinary team (MDT) with the expertise needed to provide comprehensive support

EMBEDDING EATING, DRINKING AND SWALLOWING COMPETENCIES – A QUICK DIGEST

Establishing EDS competencies involves identifying the specific knowledge and skill sets required for each role within the care and catering teams as outlined in the Eating Drinking and Swallowing Competency Framework (EDSCF) This approach ensures that every team member from carers and nurses to caterers and managers possesses the necessary competencies to support residents effectively Fundamental to this is adherence to the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) Framework which details the exact methods for preparing high quality nutritious meals and drinks that are tailored to residents specific swallowing needs

Supporting a sustainable implementation of EDS competencies involves addressing staff turnover accommodating new staff members, managing role changes and providing ongoing training Clear objectives and straightforward management protocols are essential for maintaining these standards over time Additionally, regular feedback mechanisms should be established to continually assess and improve the care provided ensuring that residents receive the best possible support to enhance their quality of life and reduce the risks associated with dysphagia

IMPLEMENTING EDS AT SCALE: IS IT ACHIEVABLE?

Implementing EDS competencies at scale has been successfully demonstrated in various regions and care settings across the UK with adoption globally too Examples of this include East Sussex NHS Healthcare Trust South Tyneside NHS Trust, the States of Guernsey, Ayrshire and Arran NHS Trust along with private settings Norse Care & Catering and Belong Villages Between 2 000 and 6 000 staff from each organisation across a wide spectrum of care catering and management roles, enrolled and completed EDS and IDDSI specific training schemes In all settings integration of EDS training and systems has significantly benefitted the care facilities and their residents TANGIBLE RESULTS DEMONSTRATE EFFICACY AMONG MDTS.

Following an EDS training pilot with South Tyneside NHS community settings 74% of participants reported they would change the way they would work as a result of completing the programme, with 34% stating they were more confident in knowing how to refer residents for assessments

In East Sussex NHS Healthcare Trust 86% of staff stated the catering for dysphagia diets course helped them in the way they work due to improved knowledge which positively impacts quality of life food safety and the choice that can be offered to patients in these settings

Similarly the States of Guernsey implementation report, showed that both the kitchen services and an acute stroke ward demonstrated an improvement in the production of foods for the IDDSI Framework, and the understanding and confidence in all staff to support patients with dysphagia

Norse Care & Catering and Belong Villages have also seen improvements following engagement with a IDDSI and EDS-specific training programmes Norse noted that 84% of attendees to the onboarding sessions felt they left with a good or strong understanding of supporting people with eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties Belong also

Article

attested to training s efficacy in improving confidence in compliance and quality practices

THE POTENTIAL OF SUSTAINABLE INTEGRATED EDS TRAINING IS HUGE.

The outcomes of implementing sustainable, integrated EDS training and systems are substantial The pilot with East Sussex NHS Healthcare Trust led to reductions in incidents, increased confidence among staff, higher quality referrals as well as improved food quality Specifically an initial drop in incidents of 85%, with a year-on-year reduction of 33% in incidents on the unit until end of 2022 Since the introduction of this training there has been just one incident in 2023 and no never events or near misses A value that cannot be underestimated

Staff now also have a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by patients with dysphagia, enabling more compassionate and effective support to patients resulting in meaningful impact on their lives

Systematic catering systems provide numerous additional benefits

The States of Guernsey audit report highlights improvements in staff efficiencies consistency in service delivery effective and speedy problem solving and enhanced due diligence processes For example all chefs undertaking IDDSI level specific food training responded very confident’ or ‘extremely confident’ for all IDDSI food production levels Fiona Gardiner Specialist Speech & Language Therapist commented following the pilot; “Guernsey has embedded training throughout levels 1 and 2 of the EDSCF The dysphagia modules support all levels of staff to meet their competency on the framework and this training has meant that risks for people with dysphagia have significantly been reduced In addition we have used IDDSI catering training throughout the hospital catering departments, which has inspired the chefs ” IMPROVING QUALITY OF CARE FOR THE LONG TERM.

These systematic approaches improve the immediate care environment and through robust data capture highlighting better outcomes can help provide confidence to organisations aiming to invest in a strong dysphagia management strategy Establishing and maintaining EDS and IDDSI competencies across care teams is what’s needed to enhance the quality of life for residents with dysphagia and ensure long term sustainability and resilience in care standards

LAUNDRY SOLUTIONS

TSA and De Montfort University Look To Set New Standard For Healthcare Laundr y Wash Processes

The Textile Services Association (TSA) recently presented a new standardised test protocol for evaluating the disinfection efficacy of laundry wash processes at its spring conference This marks the latest stage in the ongoing partnership between the TSA and De Montfort University (DMU) The research aims to provide accurate information and usable methods of ensuring hygienic cleaning of textiles particularly in relation to sectors more vulnerable to infection such as healthcare

The new protocols were developed following a four-year research project led by Professor Katie Laird at DMU which was funded and supported by the TSA and other national associations from Europe and America Professor Laird and her team have extensive experience in studying healthcare textiles and have previously investigated the survival of microorganisms on textiles and specific wash processes required to decontaminate laundry, among other topics

The importance of creating an effective standardised test for evaluating hygienic cleaning is something that Simon Fry owner of specialist

laundry firm Micronclean Ltd and a TSA board member has been focussing on since joining the TSA over eight years ago The idea for this project came about when manufacturers began introducing chemicals for cold washing he says While it s a great idea in terms of energy saving it can introduce risks in terms of less effective disinfection which is compounded if the traditional tests being used weren t giving accurate results

You could almost pick the test to get the results you wanted, says Simon I realised that we would need something that accurately showed the kill rates of bacteria, which could be used by all stakeholders to deliver data that allows everyone to work on a level playing field "

The TSA reached out to Professor Laird and began funding research with the aim of creating standardised testing protocols that definitively measure how many pathogens are killed by laundry washing processes

In order to achieve this the DMU team needed to study existing infection controls and the current processing methods for healthcare laundry They also needed to understand the attitudes and knowledge of healthcare staff in terms of infection control policies and how these apply to textiles Alongside funding the research the TSA also organised surveys of both its members in the UK as well as overseas to help build a clearer understanding of the landscape

The test developed by Professor Laird and her team accurately demonstrates the disinfection efficacy of laundry during a wash process-

es in a way that can be used throughout the healthcare sector whether it is in outsourced laundries or on-premise laundries The test involves placing a sample of inoculated fabric within a membrane, which looks similar to a teabag that allows water and chemicals through but stops bacteria from escaping meaning that the effectiveness of the decontamination of the laundry process can be properly evaluated This allows for a like-forlike comparison of different washing methods and equipment types and how effectively they kill bacteria present on textiles helping to ensure that infection control standards are maintained

Being able to measure disinfection accurately within a working laundry is paramount in managing textiles as a transmission route for infections particularly in healthcare settings" Professor Laird

"The publishing of these test protocols is an important milestone in our ongoing research collaboration says David Stevens CEO of the TSA The next phase we will see the test methodology incorporated within best practice standards driven by the other national associations this will include working with the TRSA in America and ETSA in Europe

Professor Laird's team will continue their research into improving hygiene in laundry focussing on spores that aren t killed thermally and biofilms that form inside laundry equipment

For more information on the new testing protocols visit tsa-uk org

Brewer and Bunney – Pioneering Commercial Laundr y Solutions

Brewer and Bunney proud to be the best in the South West for over 40 years provides specialised laundry services and equipment specifically tailored to the needs of healthcare facilities including NHS and private hospitals Emphasising the critical importance of infection control and legislative compliance, Brewer and Bunney aligns its offerings with standards such as the Department of Health HTM 01-04 guidelines They equip hospitals with advanced energy-efficient laundry machines designed to meet the rigorous demands of hospital environments

Brewer and Bunney offers comprehensive services including expert consultation installation and ongoing maintenance ensuring that hospital laundry operations are both efficient and effective in maintaining high hygiene standards crucial for patient care and safety For NHS facilities Brewer and

In addition, Brewer and Bunney supports healthcare facilities in setting up inhouse laundry operations, helping hospitals regain control over their laundry processes This approach optimises costs and improves quality and compliance with health standards By bringing laundry services in-house hospitals can ensure consistent high-quality outcomes that meet the specific needs of healthcare environments including effective infection prevention 0808 500 8093 brewerandbunney co uk enquiries@brewerandbunney co uk

LAUNDRY SOLUTIONS

Forbes Professional Ensures Smooth Laundr y and Warewashing in UK Care Homes

C.R. Wood - The Commercial Laundr y & Dishwashing

Experts in the South West

Timeless Presents

Timeless Presents are an award winning husband and wife team working to connect and engage those living in the later stages of dementia Inspired by a father s journey with Alzheimers Timeless Presents have created innovative activities and engagement solutions that can be used to engage in the later stages to the benefit of the user the carer and the caring organisation Their innovative approach combines familiar traditional pastimes with design features that enable users with late dementia to easily engage Their first three products have all been accredited as Dementia Inclusive by the world leading Dementia Services Design Centre at Stirling University and have also achieved an Innovation award at the recent Dementia Care Awards 2024 Drawing from their personal experiences and informed by the current understanding of cognitive issues faced by those with dementia Sharon and Chris Daltrey have embarked on a mission to make a difference in the lives of individuals currently living with dementia Forbury Residential Home had this to say “Our residents really enjoyed them The

zles and colouring books Thank you so much for giving our residents a better quality of life ”

In a significant milestone Timeless Presents recently achieved accreditation from the internationally renowned Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC) for three of its products, being the first time that they had assessed activities of any sort This accreditation underscores the company s commitment to creating dementia-inclusive products that meet the highest standards of quality and effectiveness They also recently exhibited at the Alzheimers and Dementia Show at London Excel in June 2024 to a warm reception from industry professionals including occupational therapists Activity Co-Ordinators and Admiral Nurses who all commended their products

With a focus on affordability accessibility and impact Timeless Presents aims to empower individuals with dementia and their caregivers to navigate the challenges of dementia with dignity and joy Through their innovative approach and dedication to excellence Timeless Presents is shaping the future of dementia care one meaningful interaction at a time

07936 408 941 connect@timelesspresents com www timelesspresents com

Focus Games - Game Based Training for Ever y Situation

Focus Games are the leading game developers focused on education for healthcare staff and patients

Game-based learning is an innovative approach to education that leverages the principles of games to create engaging and interactive learning experiences This approach has gained popularity in recent years due to its ability to motivate learners and improve retention rates Healthcare staff can benefit significantly from game-based learning as it can help them acquire new knowledge and skills in a fun and engaging way The key benefits of game-based learning for all healthcare staff are:

1 Enhanced engagement

2 Improved knowledge retention

3 Safe learning environment

Activities to Share

Tired of the same old song and dance when it comes to planning engaging activities? Well, fear not! Activities to Share is here to sprinkle some excitement into your daily routine

If you ve been feeling like you re stuck in a creative rut we've got the antidote Picture this: a wonderland of activity ideas free downloads that are basically the golden ticket to fun and a treasure trove of products that'll make your heart skip a beat (in a good way)

We get it – after a while, even the most fantastic activities can start feeling a bit blah That s why we ve scoured the corners of creativity to bring you fresh fabulous ideas that ll have you and your crew grinning from ear to ear

Our website activitiestoshare co uk is your go-to haven for all things fun and engaging Need a burst of inspiration? We've got your back Looking for activities tailored to different abilities? We ve got that covered too!

But wait there s more! We ve teamed up with carers and activity coordinators across the land to ensure that every product and idea we offer is top-notch and practically oozing with

fun And if you ve got a creative itch that needs scratching, we're here to help you bring your unique ideas to life!

So, don't let boredom sneak in Join us on this adventure of going the extra smile because let s face it smiles are the best currency around here

See all of the above here at www activitiestoshare co uk

Unlocking Joy and Vitality:

In today's fast-paced world, maintaining mental agility and memory sharpness is crucial, especially for our beloved seniors

Gone are the days when traditional quizzes and bingo were the only options for mental stimulation Hashtag Quiz and Bingo software brings a fresh tech-savvy twist to these beloved activities making them more accessible and enjoyable for the elderly This software offers a plethora of features designed specifically to cater to the needs and preferences of seniors ensuring that everyone can participate and benefit

MEMORY RECALL AND BRAIN EXERCISE

One of the most remarkable benefits of using Hashtag Quiz and Bingo software in care homes is its positive impact on memory recall and cognitive health

Regular engagement with quizzes and bingo games has been shown to stimulate various parts of the brain, enhancing memory retention and recall abilities The software includes a wide range of quiz topics, from history and geography to music and movies, allowing residents to tap into their long-term memories and share their wealth of knowledge

Bingo on the other hand promotes concentration and mental alertness As residents listen for their numbers and mark their cards they are unknowingly participating in a fun yet highly effective brain exercise This dual approach of quizzes and bingo ensures a wellrounded cognitive workout keeping the mind sharp and agile

A SENSE OF COMMUNITY AND BELONGING

Beyond the cognitive benefits Hashtag Quiz and Bingo software fosters a sense of community and belonging among residents The interactive nature of

these games encourages social interaction, teamwork, and friendly competition

Whether it s a lively quiz session or a thrilling bingo game residents come together share laughs and create lasting memories This social engagement is essential for emotional well-being reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness that can sometimes affect seniors

EASY TO USE AND HIGHLY CUSTOMISABLE

The software is highly customizable allowing caregivers to tailor the difficulty levels and content to match the preferences and abilities of each resident This adaptability ensures that everyone regardless of cognitive ability can enjoy and benefit from these activities

A WORTHY INVESTMENT FOR EVERY CARE HOME

Investing in Hashtag Quiz and Bingo software is an investment in the health happiness and well-being of our residents The blend of cognitive stimulation social interaction and sheer enjoyment makes it a valuable addition to any care home's activity repertoire As we continue to prioritize the holistic health of our residents, incorporating such innovative tools will undoubtedly pave the way for a brighter, more engaging future

Hashtag Quiz and Bingo software is more than just a game; it is a gateway to a more vibrant connected and mentally active life for our seniors We encourage all care homes to consider integrating this exceptional software into their daily routines Let s unlock joy and vitality one quiz and bingo game at a time!

Find us TODAY and access your FREE 7-day trial at: https://hashtagquiz co uk/quiz-for-the-elderlyand-seniors/

NURSE CALL AND FALLS MONITORING

The Crucial Importance of Fall Prevention in Care Homes

In the landscape of residential and nursing care one issue stands out for its significant impact on resident wellbeing and the quality of care provided: fall prevention

Falls are a major concern in care homes with older residents being three times more likely to fall than those living in their own homes

This heightened risk is attributed to factors such as physical frailty long-term conditions physical inactivity multiple medications and the unfamiliarity of new surroundings

The statistics are alarming Every day there are 2 799 calls for fallrelated injuries, and almost £1 billion has been spent on ambulance calls for falls over the past four years

This not only underscores the urgent need for effective fall prevention strategies but also highlights the broader implications for healthcare systems and society at large

Falls have far-reaching consequences that can be categorized into physical and psychological effects Physically falls can result in immobility, incontinence, cuts, bruises, soft tissue injuries, fractures, respiratory infections head injuries dislocations pressure injuries dehydration, hypothermia, and even fatality

Psychologically the impact can be just as severe leading to feelings of uselessness increased dependency emotional stress loss of con-

trol social isolation fear of further falls low self-esteem embarrassment anxiety depression loss of confidence and carer stress

The fear of falling can create a vicious cycle where the fear itself contributes to an increased risk of falls

Despite the common belief that falls are an inevitable part of ageing, this is not the case Most people over 65 do not fall each year and falls are often the result of identifiable risk factors By recognising and addressing these risk factors we can significantly reduce the incidence of falls and their associated consequences

Falls prevention is about recognising a person's risk factors and, where possible removing or reducing them While the risk of falling can never be completely eliminated, a multifactorial falls risk screen (MFRS) can help identify and mitigate these risks This includes assessing environmental risks within the care home

In your care home the emphasis should be on anticipating and preventing falls rather than simply managing falls once they have occurred

According to studies the main risk factors associated with falling among older people living in long-term care homes are: history of falling; poor vision; use of multiple medications; chronic diseases; use of walking aids; vertigo; and balance problems Women had a higher

risk of falling than men

To effectively prevent falls in care environments a comprehensive approach is required This involves regular training for staff on fall prevention techniques, the use of appropriate safety equipment, and the implementation of best practices tailored to the needs of each resident Environmental modifications, such as ensuring adequate lighting, removing trip hazards, and installing handrails, are also crucial

Tips in prevention include:

Keep active

Individualised exercise plan

Consider referrals with physiotherapists and occupational therapists

Make sure the mobility/walking aids are adequate

In conclusion, fall prevention is not just about reducing the number of falls but also about enhancing the overall quality of life for residents By taking proactive steps to identify and mitigate risk factors, we can ensure that our care homes are safe and nurturing environments where residents can thrive without the constant fear of falling Most instances leading to falls in the elderly are related to their living environment; but by following simple tips and providing assistive equipment the risk of falls can be significantly reduced

Fall Savers - Affordable Fall Monitoring Solutions

NURSE CALL AND FALLS

Stay Safe with Smart Wireless Nurse Call

Blaucomm Ltd - Telecommunications & Networks

Crash Mats Designed to Reduce Injuries from Bed Falls

NURSE CALL AND FALLS MONITORING

One Call Systems have developed one of the most reliable streamlined wireless nurse call systems on the market The rechargeable technology, water-resistant casings, and long-range radio capabilities set us apart

At the heart of the innovative Nursecall system is the One Call Display Panel which runs on an efficient internal radio network Designed to provide the highest level of performance and reliability The Display Panel allows staff to view live calls instantly Qualified installers will set up your system quickly and efficiently ensuring minimal disruption and maximum benefits

With the ability to connect to the internet you can easily monitor your Home's call records from anywhere The panel is completely configurable from the display allowing you to customize your Home's settings to your preferences Trust our innovative system to provide the safety and efficiency your Home’s needs

The One Call Room Units are designed to withstand the rigours of your busy care environment There are five alternative versions - Pear push lead Pull Cords Out of Bed Door monitor and Leadless Units that you can choose from that best suit your needs

Watertight casings and fitted rechargeable batteries mean that you can rest assured that the units can be easily washed and will provide reliable service for up to 2 years on a single charge

The Call Logging system is designed to meet the safety and care requirements of Care Homes and nursing facilities The digital solution ensures complete and accurate logging of every call to prove evidence of care This invaluable tool ensures the safety of your residents

The Call Logging system is a must-have for any Care Home that wants to ensure they are providing the best possible care

Onecall provides the ability to monitor response times attendance duration and which Carer has attended which call You can be sure that you have complete oversight of your care provision Not only does this system provide valuable evidence of care, but it also helps to motivate and encourage staff to continue providing an exceptional level of care Please email info@onecallsystems co uk or call 01252 448137

TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE

The Increasingly Important Role of Integrated Care and Technology in the Care Sector

With care homes increasingly oversubscribed and resources as stretched as ever, Sharon Bye, Director of Care for Central and Cecil Housing Trust (C&C) and Aster Group, highlights how new smart technology can allow providers to have greater oversight of specific resident care and maximise efficiency Readers will be well acquainted with the operational challenges facing the care sector

An ageing population combined with limited resources and a persistent skills shortage has left the sector under increasing pressure Having celebrated the 95th birthday of Central and Cecil Housing Trust (C&C) in 2022 we are well aware that these are by no means novel challenges and our past experience has provided us with useful lessons for navigating these headwinds However it s critical that we as care providers take every opportunity to tackle these challenges With the support of integrated care services and unified technology, we ve seen firsthand how its enabled us

is the ability to deliver joined up effective services with less resources By adopting proven technologies and developments in the integration of care services, care home managers can critically refocus their efforts on delivering the best in care services Technology is the enabler to help drive efficiencies throughout operations without compromising the quality of

where we provide specialist care for people with advanced dementia in tandem with the North Central London Integrated Care Board (NCL ICB) Our work at the home has validated how the roll-out of integrated care systems and new digital technology can improve and reshape

Examples of the technology we use on site include a motion sensor and acoustic monitoring system called Ally to help care teams monitor residents who may be at risk of falls and movement difficulties Carers are made aware of sudden motions and alerts pinpoint when it s necessary to intervene with professional assistance to prevent undue falls or distress for those residents

This has subsequently allowed for better sleep hygiene for the residents with night checks now taking place every two hours for most residents and every three hours for a few more depending on their needs and risks In the case of one resident we ve been able to track a significant decrease in overnight falls – none since December 2023 – and significantly reduce the need for staff members to visit her throughout the night with the motion sensor system allowing us to monitor from afar without unnecessary disruptions This means care staff can focus on residents who require hands on care during the night

We ve also utilised the ‘Whzan Blue Box’ early warning system which monitors and stores information on vital signs It automatically and immediately notifies a wider team of geriatricians clinicians and care home staff of any risks concerning results or medical attention needed When clinicians or paramedics do attend they are able to compare the resident’s readings to wider historical data on the system to establish a baseline In many cases this is preventing unnecessary medical treatment and significantly reducing the number of unplanned hospital trips for residents

In one case a resident presented with what appeared to be low oxygen saturation levels but when medics arrived they were able to look back at the range of recorded observations and conclude this wasn’t out of the ordinary for him A hospital admission was avoided, and the resident didn’t have to receive off-site treatment that could unduly displace and distress them The software unifies historic data, allowing staff to make clearer diagnostic and more specifically informed decisions about treatment based on past experiences with individual patients

The benefits of integrated care services and digitalisation are not just limited to inside the care home either with shared patient diagnostics helping to ease pressure on local emergency services as well as GP practices Rather than assessments being isolated a more cohesive integrated system enables heightened accuracy and a quicker response

Rathmore House has also been utilising a new connected triaging system named Silver Triage Installed in 2022 in collaboration with the NCL ICB as well as local NHS and ambulance trusts Silver Triage is designed to reduce unnecessary hospital trips and ease the burden on ambulance services, while enabling geriatricians to remotely assess, advise and guide ambulance paramedics attending patients in care homes where needed Doctors using the service can also help access and

EASING THE BURDEN

TECHNOLOGY

Imagine, Act And Succeed's Shift To Digital: A Game Changer!

After over 30 years, care charity Imagine, Act and Succeed finally swapped their paper rotas and timesheets for a digitised system to help manage their 85 locations and 460+ staff

Emma Hobbs Payroll Officer at the charity grew frustrated over the inaccuracies and errors of this cumbersome process - especially when it led to wages The system was often outdated and staff frequently missed shift changes This led to lost time money and patience for both managers and employees

So, how can turning to digital systems like RotaCloud improve this?

The information is accessible to us in payroll straight away which is an absolute godsend Being able to see instantly where someone is working, what shift they ve actually done the clock-in and clock-out records are just - it s made our payroll side so much more streamlined to what it was beforehand ” - Emma Hobbs, Payroll Officer

Accuracy is the biggest benefit for Emma and her team There s no more chasing people for paperwork or last-minute runs for payroll Managers can instantly access live reports from labour costs to attendance with clocking-in data automatically feeding to timesheets When clocking in and out is as simple as a click or tap via mobile, web, or a terminal, employees (and Emma) can trust that all wages are correct

Communication has also improved By having everything at their fingertips from shifts to requests everyone works from the same page It has made staff s lives much easier and saved managers time Enabling notifications also means any updates to the rota annual leave requests or available shifts are immediately

Pass by ever yLIFE

PASS supports over 1 000 care providers every day giving them access to market leading care management tools hand in hand with unlimited 24/7/365 support from our dedicated and friendly PASS team

Assured by NHS Transformation Directorate PASS provides a secure platform that allows you to plan record and evidence the care you deliver The only assured solution built specifically for the home care sector, it provides comprehensive real-time functionality and allows you to share progress against outcomes with customisable exportable reports

CARE PLANNING AND ROSTERING FROM A SINGLE PLATFORM

To meet the wider needs of the PASS community All-in-one PASS

sent to the appropriate staff No more sending out WhatsApp updates, missed messages or stress trying to find cover

Before RotaCloud, Imagine, Act and Succeed managers sat down for two days

has recently been launched bringing advanced rostering functionality to our established digital care planning platform As a result advanced staff scheduling payroll and invoicing functionality is now seamlessly linked with care planning and reporting reducing the technical complexity risk and overhead associated with integrating two separate systems

As a result PASS now provides an all-in-one suite of digital care management tools, available from a single platform, designed to: Save you time

Increase the efficiency of your teams

Improve the quality of care

Deliver better outcomes

INTEGRATED HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE

Our commitment to the continual evolution of PASS is further illustrated by the addition of GP Connect The first product of its type to offer this feature, PASS is still one of only a handful of digital care

management solutions to have completed this NHS Digital integration and is the only one offering it to the home care market PASS GP Connect provides authorised social care staff with realtime access to their client’s GP records It makes medical information available when and where it is needed leading to improvements in both care safety and outcomes:

Visibility of allergies vaccinations and medications especially useful for clients unable to reliably share their personal information

Using medical information to inform care planning

Ensuring that the right medication is delivered to the right person in the timeliest manner In one case this allowed the administration of antibiotics on a Friday evening, aiding the service user s swift recovery from infection

Available to all PASS users at no additional cost PASS GP Connect is significantly more efficient than waiting for a GP response It’s also a positive step forward on the path to the DHSC s goal for widespread digitally enabled care and is in full alignment with their ambition for joined up care for everyone

Get in touch: www everylifetechnologies com hello@everylifetechnologies com

RECRUITMENT & PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

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