February 2013
incorporating
no.201 • £4.75
The Number One magazine for the care sector
Caution urged in response to MP’s proposal By Dominic Musgrave THE head of a leading care association has urged the Government to be cautious in response to a former minister’s call for changes to the corporate responsibility of directors of care companies. Paul Burstow says tougher laws are needed to ensure care providers are held criminally accountable for abuse and neglect on their premises. In cases such as at Winterbourne View, he says firms must be responsible for abuse “taking place on their watch”. “It is not good enough for the thugs who carry out this kind of abuse to receive a criminal conviction, when the companies in charge have no criminal corporate accountability whatsoever,”added Paul. “It is about time those who take the fees, and employ and manage the staff in care homes are held to account for abuse and neglect that takes place on their watch." His proposals, which are likely to need government support if they are to become law, include: Amending existing legislation to make a corporate body guilty of an offence if the way in which its activities are managed by its board or senior management neglects or is
a substantial element in the existence and/or possibility of abuse or neglect Offences should be punishable by unlimited fines, remedial orders and publicity orders Those with relevant information about suspected abuse or neglect must supply information to Adult Safeguarding Boards if requested to do so. NCA chairman Nadra Ahmed added: “We believe there should be a comprehensive review of these matters so that the role of all those with responsibility for the commissioning, regulating and delivery of care is clearly defined, be it in an NHS ward or a social care setting. The role of trustees and directors are defined, but what may need further clarity is the impact on them should they be seen to have failed in their responsibility for the delivery of the service. “Beyond that there is a need to consider the responsibilities of organisations such as local authorities and primary care trusts who, as the commissioners of services, hold the public purse and their criteria for purchasing services and reviewing performance also need to be considered. Crucially, we must be confident about the role of the regulator and the powers they hold to bring people to account.”
Singing doctors entertain residents
Dance supremo and Alzheimer’s Society ambassador Arlene Phillips has been awarded a CBE in the New Year’s honours list. Arlene, who has enjoyed star turns as a judge on Strictly Come Dancing and So You Think You Can Dance? has regularly talked about her experiences of caring for her father who had Alzheimer’s. She has also fronted the Society’s Dementia Awareness Week and spoken out to improve the quality of care. Dr Ann Johnson, 57, who is living with Alzheimer’s disease, was also awarded an MBE for her charity work.
TWO performers from Welsh National Opera gave an intimate performance for the residents of Pendine Park care homes. Doctors Diva and Divo – alias the “singing doctors” Zoe Milton Brown and David Graham – gave showstopping performances for residents of the care group’s Bryn Bella, Bodlondeb, Penybryn, Cae Bryn and Hillbury homes. The homes also regularly welcome the Hallé orchestra as visitors. Pendine Park’s artist in residence Sarah Edwards said: “We thought this WNO project would translate well for our residents. We are very proud to be Gold Community Champions and have supported WNO in its ‘Nine Stories High’ project in Wrexham. The therapeutic values of music are well documented and it’s wonderful for some of the relatives to witness how it brings a smile to the faces of our residents.”