Issue 169 13.12.23
The weekly online newsletter for the care sector
Lessons to be learned from nightmare CAMPAIGNERS say the Government needs to reform the way social care is run to protect the sector from a future pandemic. The Independent Care Group wants to see an end to the current “fractured and confusing” management of social care and the creation of a National Care service to bring the sector and NHS care under one roof. ICG chair Mike Padgham said: “Hearing the covid inquiry – and in particular the evidence from Matt Hancock – has proved what we already knew, that the current system, of having NHS care controlled by central Government but social care managed by local authorities, simply doesn’t work. It hampered the Government response to the pandemic and was one of numerous factors that left the sector vulnerable to Covid, with devastating consequences. “The disappointing thing is that despite that experience during the pandemic, nothing has been done to address that and the Government still isn’t able to properly co-ordinate social care in the same way as it does the NHS. “In 2020, social care was on its knees, under-resourced and under-staffed after decades of neglect and managed in this fractured and confusing way.
“Any attempts to throw a ‘protective ring’ around care were thwarted by discharge of untested patients into care homes, a lack of PPE and a lack of tests. Had the Government had oversight on social care as it has the NHS, we may have had a more effective, co-ordinated approach.” Mike said the outlook for care remains challenging. He added: “We are going through a crippling staffing shortage, huge increases in the cost of living and other costs and no sign of any respite or reprieve. The result is a loss of providers, an ever-reducing capacity in the sector which means more than 1.6m people living without the care they need and which contributes to delayed discharges at hospitals and increased waiting lists. “I haven’t heard anything in the covid inquiry to suggest that lessons have been learned. “Mr Hancock said the pandemic began with a social care sector in need of reform where the reforms hadn’t happened. I can tell Mr Hancock that the reforms still haven’t happened and we are in a worse place than ever.” The ICG has set out its priorities for reform in its Five Pillars of Social Care Reform document to help the 1.6m people who currently can’t get the care they need.
Kenton Hall Care Home in Newcastle has unveiled a dedicated memory corner to remember former residents who have passed away. The corner is designed to foster a sense of warmth and remembrance and is adorned with a plaque and carved bench, which former residents’ names are added to when they pass away. This tribute ensures that the cherished memories of the departed residents remain within the care home. Steve Massey, operations manager at Solehawk, which operates Kenton Hall, said: “The memory corner is a place of solace and reflection at Kenton Hall, dedicated to honouring the lives and legacies of our beloved residents who are no longer with us. It serves as a gentle reminder of the lasting impact they have had on our home and the hearts of all those who had the privilege of knowing them.” Reverend Malcolm Hall led the unveiling ceremony, attended by residents and their family members, which served as a poignant reminder of the strong sense of community that prevails within the care home.
Home’s cultural diversity celebrated TEAM members from six different countries helped a care home celebrate a day devoted to cultural diversity. Colleagues from India, Portugal, Thailand, China, Germany and the Philippines joined families and residents at Colten Care’s Kingfishers in New Milton for a host of multicultural festivities. Companionship team leader Rose Arcellana said: “Our team is very cosmopolitan with staff members representing a lot of different nationalities. We thought it would be a great idea to get together and share a flavour of our backgrounds and home countries. “The dances included a Philippine candle dance I performed with my compatriot Joy Condino, our senior care lead.
“On the culinary side, our Portuguese waitress Julieta Caires prepared a delicious dish of pork with garlic bread and potatoes served with a glass of sangria. “This was a memorable afternoon for our residents. They loved the colour, the costumes, the dancing and the food.” The fun featured music, dancing, national costumes, traditional foodie treats and presentations with interesting facts about different regions and countries. Kingfishers home manager Zoe Mills added: “Having a truly multicultural team from so many backgrounds enables us to share experiences, skills and knowledge that enrich our workplace and our engagement with residents and their families. That’s something to celebrate.”
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