Issue 42 03.02.21
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Care group repurposes old laptops MARIA Mallaband Care Group has reached out to schools in Leeds to offer its repurposed laptops to support children learning at home during the lockdown. The national care home group, which has its headquarters in the city, has already donated two laptops to Park Spring Primary School, and another two to Parklands Primary School,. And they are hoping to help many more, inviting schools’ IT departments to get in touch at schools@mmcg.co.uk to apply for laptops that they may need. The Maria Mallaband Care Group has more than 80 homes across the UK, and being part of the communities they serve is central to their ethos. So when their IT helpdesk supervisor Chris Holland suggested helping schools in desperate need of more laptops, they jumped at the chance. Chris said: “With children once again homeschooling due to the national lockdown, having the right laptops at home has never been more important. “When you hear about children having to share
phones to try and keep up with their studies – or being stuck without any laptops at all – your heart goes out to them. “I knew we could do something to help, and I was so pleased that my suggestion to donate our old laptops was picked up so speedily.” IT director John Housecroft, who with Chris has led on the project, added: “Many of us know children are struggling at home with home schooling, and in some circumstances don’t have adequate laptops to work from. “A large organisation such as ours invariably has laptops no longer being used or no longer up to spec, but which would be more than adequate for children accessing learning on-line. “Our IT team are doing a brilliant job getting our old laptops cleared of data and files, and ready for a new life. Getting these laptops into schools and into the hands of the children who need them is a great result all around.” Schools in need of laptops for pupils during lockdown should email schools@mmcg. co.uk or use the hashtag #laptopsforschools
Community invited to yarn bomb
A Facebook post featuring residents of The Pinehurst Care Centre in Crowthorne, Wokingham is going viral, with more than 45,000 people having seen and shared the wise words of guidance from residents aged from 84 to 105 on how to live a good live in 2021. Twelve ladies from the home were photographed holding up cards featuring their words of wisdom, part of an annual tradition, but for the first time they were shared on the home’s open Facebook page. Activity manager Victoria Pembroke said: “This is something we’ve done for a few years now, and the images have been shared with the residents’ families, but particularly over the last year we’ve been trying to engage with our wider community more through social media – as face-to-face opportunities have been limited – so for the first time, we’ve posted them for everyone to see.”
STAFF and residents at The Hall Residential Care Home in Thornton-le-Dale are undertaking a project to yarn bomb the outside of the home as part of the village’s North Yorkshire Britain in Bloom entry. For the competition, staff and residents want to make sure the home is as decorative and colourful as possible. To bring the Thornton-le-Dale community together, the home is inviting local people to get involved while the country is in lockdown. Manager Nicky Beach said: “We wanted to do something fun and creative to keep our residents and the local community connected, and this yarn bombing is the perfect opportunity. “Yarn bombing the outside of The Hall with wool flowers and knitted images will hopefully bring the community together and we are excited to see the yarn art that members of our community produce. “Whether you knit flowers, create wool pictures, French knit, or make rug mats, anything to help decorate would be appreciated.” Yarn bombing is a form of temporary street art that uses crocheted or knitted yarn to decorate buildings, benches, lampposts and fences. The care home is planning to make use of the form of street art to decorate the outside of their building in time for Easter weekend this April.
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Group’s staff recognised with badges from the Government A NEW badge to recognise the work of adult social care has been awarded to every member of Encore Care Homes. The green badges from the Department of Health and Social Care are free to staff to help provide greater recognition of their work day-to-day and particularly their extra efforts throughout the Covid pandemic. There are believed to be 1.6 million social care workers in the UK who look after half a million people every day and who stand amongst the 1.4 million NHS workers on the frontline. Encore Care Homes has teams at Great Oaks in Bournemouth, Fairmile Grange in Christchurch, Oakdale in Poole, and Hamble Heights in Fareham. Health Secretary Matt Hancock has championed the lapel badges for adult social care staff which ensure that people working in homes for older and vulnerable people received the ‘same recognition and benefits’ as NHS staff. Lindsay Rees, director of health and care at Encore Care Homes, said: “We are delighted to receive the care badges to present to the team. “It is just a small gesture of goodwill and thanks, but I hope it will provide some formal recognition of how proud we all are to work in adult social care, and how much we value and champion every member of the
Rob’s MD role
Tom Ahnstrom, Beth Collingwood, Sheeja Lolamony, and Mary Thomas at Fairmile Grange in Christchurch. team look after. team.” Encore Care Homes worked hard The badges were presented to each to ensure that residents were able to person at Encore Care Homes, which see their relatives over Christmas. The includes care workers, cleaners, Covid-safe visiting lounges proved catering staff, registered nurses, popular and have been introduced wellbeing teams, and administrators ahead of a vaccine and rapid testing on a colourful card featuring a thank being provided to the homes for the you message on behalf of their safety of residents, staff, and visitors. colleagues and the residents that the
THE 2021
CARING
UK AWARDS
ANCHOR Hanover has appointed Rob Martin to its Executive Board as managing director of care services, with effect from March 1. Rob is currently the director of care quality at Anchor Hanover, England’s largest not-for-profit provider of care and housing for older people. He said: “I am honoured to take on this role and look forward to building on the organisation’s 50 years of history to ensure all our care services are places where people can love living in later life.” Rob has been working as part of Anchor Hanover’s senior leadership team since 2013 and has more than 20 years’ experience in health and social care. One of his first roles was as a registered care home manager in the North West of England. After leaving school, he served with 40 Regiment in the Royal Artillery for almost seven years. He takes on the role from Mark Greaves.
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Samantha recovers from illness to land new activities role
Fionah Matthew with her father and Castle View resident Alan Morgan and customer care manager Ruth Wilson.
New model railway club gets residents on-track THE property owners at Castle View retirement village in Windsor have a new hobby to see them through the next level of lockdown – a model railway. And with travelling and holidays on hold for a bit longer, they can at least get away virtually, thanks to the arrival of the new model railway club. Following the launch of the club, the track is now in place and the inaugural run took place recently thanks to donations of locomotives and rolling stock from residents,
friends and Hornby Dublo. Located in a room provided by Castle View on the roof top Sky Deck, residents can start planning their railway journeys in double 0 gauge. Chief executive Robin Hughes said: “Many of our property owners have applied their creative skills by building this fantastic model railway, and we are extremely grateful to Hornby which has contributed historic steam trains such as the Flying Scotsman and Mallard, as well as more modern locos.”
Ex-PM Theresa May pays virtual visit to care home THERESA May MP has paid a virtual visit to Sunrise of Sonning. The former Prime Minister joined the care home via video call where she took questions from residents and team members. The Maidenhead and Sonning MP also spoke about what her life had been like since leaving Downing Street and how she has dealt with the current lockdown. During the event, Theresa praised Sunrise of Sonning for “leading the world” after being one of the first care homes to introduce enhanced visiting protocols. These protocols, known as ‘Safe Visits’, allow residents to safely have meaningful contact with their family members where there is a clinical need. Her recognition of Safe Visits was met with a roar of cheers from residents and team members who have all greatly benefitted from this innovative programme. Theresa had previously visited the care home on numerous occasions,
but current social distancing guidelines meant this visit was held virtually. She said: “It was a pleasure to speak to many residents and team members at Sunrise of Sonning. “Although social distancing guidelines meant that I was unable to visit the care home in person, it was wonderful to learn about the remarkable efforts of team members at Sunrise of Sonning to protect their residents during this difficult time. “Sunrise of Sonning is leading the way in enabling meaningful contact between residents and their loved ones and I thank the care home for their unwavering commitment to protecting the safety of all. “I look forward to visiting the care home in person once it is safe to do so.” Other care homes from across the Sunrise Senior Living UK and Gracewell Healthcare group also joined the call, which was chaired by the care home provider’s UK CEO, Dr Natalie-Jane Macdonald.
A CARER who suffered a heart attack two months ago has recovered to take on a new role as an activities coordinator at a care home. Samantha Nicol from Broughton in the Scottish Borders was promoted just eight weeks after suffering a minor heart attack, having made a remarkable recovery. The 28-year-old recently started her new position at Mansfield Care’s Peebles Care Home, where she had worked as a care assistant from January 2020. This follows another remarkable recovery for Samantha after she suffered a multi-tiered brain injury in a horse riding accident in 2015, which left her having to relearn how to write, walk and talk. Despite these challenges, Samantha is determined to provide an invaluable service to her residents in her new role coordinating activities and social events for the care home. She said: “Care has always been an integral part of my life – from the age of 14, I cared for my dad who suffered from advanced bowel cancer. “More recently I had been working as a care assistant at Peebles Care Home, as well as taking care of my mum over lockdown before she sadly passed away. “I absolutely love care, and so when I saw the opportunity was there to take on the role of activities coordinator I went for it. “I have so many ideas for the care home which I’m hoping to implement – I’m a big fan of therapy pets as they provide such amazing comfort and reassurance, and I think it’s something our residents would really enjoy. “I am also keen to bring in professionals in art and pottery to teach our residents different skills, which would be both interactive and help develop cognitive and sensory activity. “It’s important that our activities are stimulating for our residents, not only does this make it fun it also helps to maintain positive mental health.” After her first accident in 2015, Samantha has viewed her health as a challenge which she describes as difficult to overcome, but which have been pivotal in her life and career as
Samantha Nicol a carer. She added: “The horse riding accident was incredibly difficult. I was stood on and dragged for some time – of course it wasn’t the horse’s fault, it was an unfortunate accident. “I was off work for 14 months. The recovery process was really tough, and as you can imagine it took a lot of time for me to be in a position where I could carry out even basic tasks. “I recall one moment during my recovery where I staggered out of the shops at around 10am. A woman, who was a complete stranger, turned to me and muttered ‘what a disgrace, drunk at this time in the morning.’ “This really shook me – I was in floods of tears that someone who I have never met could just jump to this conclusion without understanding my situation. “However, this has really enforced a belief in me to be patient with people and to try and understand the personal situations each resident is in. “These are qualities which I think are essential to people working in care, in the end I just want to put a smile on the residents’ faces. “I’m so proud of how far I’ve come and I’m thrilled to have started my new role in shaping our residents’ lives.” Activities at Mansfield Care Homes are led by residents’ wishes – with every effort made to support individual requests and interests. Ana Lazar, deputy manager at The Brendoncare Foundation’s Park Road care home, has won the Frontline Leader of the Year Award at the annual Hampshire Care Awards. She was recognised for her caring and selfless nature with the residents. Ana said: “It was such a big surprise to win this award; I am so excited. I am so lucky to work for Brendoncare who always puts residents’ best interests first. At Park Road I feel very valued and very well supported by my manager and my team at all times. I feel like we are all a little family and we support each other, especially through this difficult time that we are now facing.”
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From a world record-holding circus entertainer to a globetrotting cabin crew hostess; a family-run care group is giving those who’ve been hit-hard by the coronavirus pandemic a new lease of life.
Operator inspires those impacted by Covid-19 to join rewarding career WITH unemployment on the rise due to national lockdowns and social distancing practices brought on by Covid-19, Nellsar has been helping those made redundant or unable to find work in their previous employment to start new ventures in social care, as it offers roles across its 13 care homes in Kent, Surrey and Essex. One of those people is Danielle Martin, who recently joined Nellsar as a recreation and wellbeing champion at The Old Downs Residential Care Centre, near Dartford, Kent. Used to going by the stage name Daniella D’Ville, the circus and sideshow entertainer had graced the stage and screen for more than a decade before the pandemic hit, appearing in a variety of theatre shows, festivals, cabarets, and TV shows. A classical dancer and holder of seven Guinness World Records, Daniella said: “The events of this year meant all my jobs were cancelled, so I was looking for new work. “I actually didn’t even know this type of job existed until I found it online and as I read more about it, I realised how suited I would be for it. “My previous role and being a recreation and well-being champion are very different jobs in one sense, but there are similarities. In both, you want to make people smile, grab their attention and get them to come on a journey with you and offer some escapism.” Transferring her skills as an entertainer for the general public, Daniella plans to use her experience in producing large-scale events to create captivating, fun-filled activities for her new
audience; the residents at The Old Downs. Another new face is Hayley Bowles, who has joined Nellsar’s Lukestone Care Centre, in Maidstone, as a recreation and well-being liaison. Having spent 15 years with British Airways as long-haul flight cabin crew, jetting to destinations from Costa Rica to Peru and everywhere in between, Hayley, like many airline cabin crew, found herself jobless following the pandemic. Despite the change in scenery, a new career in social care saw Hayley settle in very quickly, having amassed some of the key skills needed to care for residents during her time in the skies. She said: “As cabin crew, I was always keen to be on hand to assist the elderly on board, which is how I knew I would fit well into a care environment. “Helping people comes naturally to me. My role was centred around communication and I was required to keep people safe and deal with every situation.
Advertiser’s announcement
How safe are your ratings? FOLLOWING on the consultation on its new overall strategy for the ongoing Covid-19 era, CQC has published a “Consultation on changes for more flexible and responsive regulation”. A “move towards our ambition to be a more dynamic, proportionate and flexible regulator.” Sounds familiar. So will they deliver this time? One of the undertakings made in this document is to make “changes to allow us to assess and rate services more flexibly, so we can update our ratings more often in a more accessible, responsive and proportionate way”. So will we now see an end to the iniquitous system of refusal to upgrade ratings at a follow up inspection, on the ill-defined criterion of a requirement to evidence (at some arbitrary future date) that the changes are “embedded and sustained”? As a matter of law the burden of proof of non-compliance resides with the regulatory authority. If inspection findings show (reasonably and proportionately) that there is noncompliance then it may be said that the burden of proof of compliance transfers to the registered person. Where a follow-up inspection finds that the action plan has been implemented and that the service is now compliant, then in law the provider has discharged the burden of proof, which immediately, repeat immediately, reverts once more to the inspectorate. At the same time, the lawful exercise of discretion as to the ratings could only be to upgrade them in line with the new position of compliance. While ratings are not the same as compliance, they are acknowledged by CQC as being parallel, and the all
too common refusal to upgrade them in the face of the evidence unlawfully reverses the burden of proof back to the provider. While refusal to upgrade may cover the back of the inspecting officer, CQC policy in this area is more an abuse of the process of law than merely disproportionate. In the world as it is in 2021, could anything be more damaging and demoralising for a team of managers and care workers than to be told that they have to wait for another inspection before their successful efforts to provide safe care, having risked their own lives to do so, are recognised? The complete removal (or not) from the inspection system of refusal to upgrade ratings, on the basis that improvements are not yet ‘embedded and sustained’, will be nothing short of a test of the good faith of the Care Quality Commission towards an industry on its knees and likely to stay there for some time to come. Hard-pressed providers will need evidence that any such improvement to the regulatory system is itself embedded and sustained. Across the board. In actual practice in inspection reports. Without exception. And not merely in some marketing posture of the Commission. HSC Professional (Consultancy) now offers consultations on Zoom. Email me at mail@hsc-prof.com to sign on for regular alerts and updates on coronavirus and the rest. Visit my Facebook page or Twitter page at @hsc_prof to view my videos on notifications, Riddor and more. facebook.com/HSC-ProfessionalConsultancy-1715456902020143/
“People skills and emotional intelligence were key. “I’m used to working with different people, a different mix of personalities and dynamics – which is the same as found in a care home. It’s about getting to know people really well so you can build up trust and friendship.” Martin Barrett, Nellsar’s managing director, added: “We promote and seek out creative, transferable skills across our workforce and so it was only right to offer opportunities to those who behold these unique skillsets and who found themselves at unforeseen crossroads in their careers. “Since the pandemic began we’ve taken on people from all different backgrounds, some of whom hadn’t previously worked or even thought about a career in social care, but who have excelled in their new roles and are now crucial team members in their respective homes. “The clue is in the name of social care; it’s about being able to care and show empathy, understanding and compassion to others. Ultimately, we work in the people sector, and if others have had experience working and engaging with the elderly, then the opportunity is there to transfer those skills into a new, exciting career where they can make a real difference to people’s lives.” Continuing its recruitment drive throughout the pandemic, Nellsar appointed Mel Satchwell as registered manager of Loose Valley Care Centre, in Maidstone, while Ami Barrington-Hunt joined Sonya Lodge Residential Care Centre, near Dartford, also as registered manager.
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Advertiser’s announcement
New workshop: Managing diabetes in the acutely unwell older person OLDER adults with diabetes represent a substantial health burden in our ageing society and also occupy more than one in four beds in care homes. In response to the need to treat and care for an ageing population who live with diabetes, which has been catalysed by the coronavirus pandemic, Lynne Reedman (founder of DUET diabetes*) and Professor Alan Sinclair from the Foundation for Diabetes Research in Older People have come together to collaboratively develop a new workshop for care providers. Both are passionate about helping others to maintain, or even improve, the quality of life of adults living with diabetes irrespective of their age or circumstances. As a result, they took part in a discussion panel at the Diabetes Professional Care virtual conference in November last year entitled ‘Key ways to improve outcomes for older adults living with diabetes’. Subsequently, Lynne commented ‘given the number of people who attended the session, there certainly seems to be considerable interest in this area, perhaps in part due to the evidence emerging about the significant adverse impact of Covid-19 on older people with diabetes, and also that we are living longer and so there are an increasing number of older people developing and living with diabetes, many of whom find themselves requiring assistance from care providers as they age.’ Professor Sinclair is an internationally and nationally recognised researcher in the field of diabetes in older people and has received numerous awards in recognition of his work. As well as establishing
Lynne Reedman
the Institute of Diabetes for Older People (IDOP) and launching the Foundation for Diabetes Research in Older People, Professor Sinclair is the lead academic in producing current international and national guidelines for older people’s care and end of life care in diabetes. With regards to the collaboration with Lynne he said: “We’re hoping our presentation will help support care homes so all staff can feel confident that they have the knowledge and skills with which to appropriately care for the acutely unwell older resident living with diabetes.” The three-hour interactive session is framed around existing guidelines including the ‘A Covid-19 Response action – Diabetes Management in Care Homes1’ document that was issued last May by a national multi-stakeholder group of healthcare professionals and scientists.
Due to coronavirus restrictions, this new workshop will initially be delivered as a live and interactive webinar with the first session scheduled to take place on February 10. To find out more, including how to book a place, click here. *DUET diabetes is a training company based in Cambridgeshire and focuses on providing clinically relevant and evidence-based diabetes workshops led by experienced healthcare professionals; empowering people working in social care, health, beauty and wellness roles; enabling them to make a positive difference to adults living with diabetes. Reference 1. A Covid-19 Response action – Diabetes Management in Care Homes’: http://
Professor Alan Sinclair
diabetesfrail.org/wp-content/ uploads/2021/01/Covid-19and-Diabetes-Ca re-Home-Guidance-FinalFinal-Document-12.05.20-pdf. pdf n Lynne Reedman Director, DUET diabetes Ltd lynnereedman@duetdiabetes. co.uk 01799 584178 https://www.duetdiabetes.co.uk/ n Professor Alan Sinclair Foundation for Diabetes Research in Older People Sinclair.5@btinternet.com http://diabetesfrail.org/thefoundation-for-diabetes-researchin-older-people-fdrop/
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Provider completes purchase of Wirral Waters site NOT-for-profit care provider Belong has successfully completed the purchase of land for its first waterside care village within Peel Land and Property’s Wirral Waters scheme. The move will enable building work to commence on the £15 million development later this year. Belong was granted planning permission for the site by Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council in 2019 and this latest milestone will see the dementia specialist care operator going out to tender for a contractor in the summer. The development is key to the shared vision of creating a dementiafriendly neighbourhood and, once complete, the village will provide a vital hub at the heart of the Wirral Waters project, with a range of inclusive spaces and facilities accessible to the local community. Belong chief executive Tracey Stakes said: “We are thrilled to be entering the next stage of our Belong Wirral development. “Wirral Waters is an exciting
project to be a part of and provides an excellent location for us to create something of real benefit to the local community, both in terms of offering specialist dementia and nursing care and through generating over 140 jobs for people in the area.” Offering state-of-the-art care and
specialist healthcare business agents
accommodation for more than 100 people, Belong Wirral will comprise six households with 24-hour nursing support and 34 one and two bedroom independent living apartments. The village’s household model is conducive to effective infection control, with residents living in
separate extended family sized groups, and Belong Wirral will incorporate new design features to support these measures based on learnings from Covid-19. This includes an array of outdoor spaces, such as spacious balconies for each household and a roof garden. The wider community will have access to Belong’s award-winning home care service, Belong at Home, in addition to support and advice from its dementia specialist Admiral Nurse team. The village will also offer a vibrant setting for a number of amenities, including a waterside bistro, hair salon, exercise studio and function rooms. Belong Wirral will be the 10th development for the care provider, which currently operates villages in Warrington, Wigan, Crewe, Macclesfield, Atherton, Didsbury and Newcastle-under-Lyme with two further sites set to open in Birkdale and Chester.
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Home transferred to not-for-profit group BLUEBRICK Care has transferred a purpose built care home in Louth, Lincolnshire to Hull-based not-forprofit care company The HICA Group. Opened in 2012, The Wolds Care Centre provides en-suite accommodation for 66 people, together with a range of facilities including an on-site café and cinema. The home has been transferred to The HICA Group on a new 30-year lease. Bluebrick Group has retained the freehold interest, which will complement the company’s diverse portfolio of investments across a number of sectors. Mike Bullas, founder of Bluebrick Group, said: “We have been very proud of the quality of care and environment provided at The Wolds Care Centre since we built and opened the home. “While we are sorry to see the operation leave the group, we are sure that the HICA team will continue to deliver a first class service to the families of Louth and the surrounding area for many years to come.” The home, which is rated as ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission, will add a further 66 beds to The HICA Group’s portfolio, which includes 16 other care homes, 11 for older people and five for people with a learning disability. These sit alongside its four domiciliary care branches, supporting more than 10,000 hours of care and support in the community each week,
and its two purpose-built retirement villages. Terry Peel, chief executive officer of The HICA Group, added: “We are extremely pleased to have added The Wolds Care Centre to the HICA family. I would like to extend a warm welcome to the residents, staff and family members and we look forward to working alongside them. “We have been working closely with Bluebrick Care for several weeks to ensure we achieve a smooth transfer of services. “We are impressed with Bluebrick Care and their local management and staff team. They have incredibly high standards and are clearly passionate about the care of residents. We will work closely with all staff, residents and loved ones to continue the excellent work that’s already been done.” The deal was arranged by specialist care sector advisers Healthcare Property Consultants Ltd. Bluebrick was advised by Keebles LLP law firm and Hawsons chartered accountants, with HICA advised by Windles Solicitors.
TV personality opens home DUDLEY’S newest care home, Sedgley Court, has been officially opened by ITV’s Dr Hilary Jones during a ‘virtual’ ceremony on Facebook. To celebrate the launch of the luxurious home, future residents and their friends and families, as well as the local community, were invited to join the Sedgley Court team live to safely watch as Dr Hilary announced the home as open and home manager Kim Dean cut the ribbon on his behalf. She said: ‘I have been extremely excited to finally cut the ribbon and open our beautiful home – it was a pleasure to have Dr Hilary officially
open Sedgley Court. “Our team can’t wait to support our first residents and help them to live life to the full. “It is certainly a strange time to be opening a care home, but I know there are people out there in the local community, perhaps those who are isolating alone over the next few weeks, who would benefit from living with like-minded people – and we are here and ready to help.” Staff virtually welcomed Dr Hilary, who gave a heart-warming speech, crediting social care teams and key workers for their commitment to their roles throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
“Our fingerprints are all over every sale”.
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CARINGWEEKLY
12
Katie Wood
Clare Allen
Two board appointments at nursing home group THE Randolph Hill Nursing Homes Group has promoted two of its senior colleagues to director level. Katie Wood, who moves into the role of director of care standards, and Clare Allen, the group’s new director of nursing homes operations, will also join managing director Peter McCormick and director of nursing Ingrid Neville on the group’s board. Peter said: “We’re delighted to announce these highly-merited promotions and board appointments. “Both Katie and Clare have a wealth of knowledge and experience which will further enhance our operations across Scotland and help ensure we continue to maintain the highest standards of care for the people we serve.” Katie joined Randolph Hill as care standards manager in 2018 after working for 15 years at the Care Inspectorate.
With an extensive background in health and social care, Katie is a registered nurse who holds degreelevel qualifications in community health nursing, regulation of care and dementia studies. In her new role, she will be responsible for care standards compliance and resident welfare across Randolph Hill’s seven nursing homes. Clare is a registered nurse and registered manager with more than 30 years’ experience in the elderly care sector. She initially joined Randolph Hill in 2002 and was promoted into the role of group nursing manager last year. As director of nursing homes operations, Clare will take responsibility for operational issues, including health and safety, recruitment, training and legislative compliance across the group.
High Performance Cleaning Machines Duplex have been supplying cleaning machines to the care sector for over thirty years and in that time our machines have been helping to keep care homes clean and sanitised for staff, residents and visitors in all parts of the country. These premium grade machines are made for the most demanding tasks and are especially relevant with the ongoing issues caused by the current pandemic with their ability to deliver steam at temperatures high enough to kill 99.998% of bacteria.
Request a Covid-19 safe demonstration. These will follow any customer rules currently in place and our own stringent safety policy.
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01227 771276
Fax 01227 770220 info@duplex-cleaning.com Unit 27 Joseph Wilson Ind. Est Whitstable, Kent, CT5 3PS.
Advertiser’s announcement
QCS and Napthens agree partnership QUALITY Compliance Systems, the UK’s leading provider of content, guidance and standards for the social care sector, has further enhanced its health and safety compliance credentials by agreeing a long-term partnership with Napthens Health and Safety The agreement, which was forged this week, is an extension of a fruitful strategic relationship struck between QCS and Napthens, which has seen Napthens provide support and expert advice to QCS’s employment law policy team. In the same way, Napthens Health and Safety will strengthen QCS’s health and safety capability by reviewing all H&S content, which not only covers policies and procedures, but includes risk assessments, audits and check-lists. Napthens Health and Safety will also assist QCS by producing cutting-edge video and audio H&S tools. Philippa Shirtcliffe, QCS’ head of care quality, said: “We’re delighted to be working alongside Napthens Health and Safety. “We already have a very strong health and safety policy writing team but Brexit, the Grenfell disaster and the Covid-19 pandemic have brought about profound and irrevocable change, which is likely to have a significant impact on health and
• CLEAN AND SANITISE WITH STEAM • CERTIFIED DATA AVAILABLE • COMBINE CLEANING WITH INFECTION CONTROL • USE ON HARD AND SOFT SURFACES • COVID-SECURE TRAINING INCLUDED
safety regulation for the social care sector. “Going forward, Napthens Health and Safety’s specialist skillset will add an exciting Philippa new Shirtcliffe dimension to our team, which will enable us to continue producing specially curated content, guidance and standards that our customers so badly need.” Chris Walker, head of health and safety at Napthens, added: “The partnership that we have forged with QCS is very exciting. “Our primary goal is to ensure that the H&S advice we offer is not just legally compliant and up-to-date, but is practical and workable on a number of different levels. “That means working with QCS to create tailored policies, risk assessments, blogs and e-learning resources that can be easily understood and implemented by managers, administrators, workers and service users.”
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