Issue 93 02.02.22
The weekly online newsletter for the care sector
U-turn on ‘no jab, no job’ welcomed CARE providers have welcomed a U-turn on the ‘no jab, no job’ policy but want to know if those already sacked because of it can have their jobs back. According to reports, the Government is to scrap the plan to make it compulsory for NHS and social care staff to have mandatory Covid-19 jabs. It was due to come into effect in April for NHS staff and those providing social care in people’s own homes through homecare, with first injections needed this week. The policy was introduced in care and nursing homes last November, causing thousands of staff to lose their jobs and preventing many thousands more from joining the sector. The Independent Care Group, has welcomed the U-turn but wants to know if those who lost their jobs in November will be able to return to work. Chair Mike Padgham said: “We have always believed the vaccination was a good thing but should be a personal choice and that making it mandatory was going to rob social care of vital staff at a time when we need every team member available. “We are glad that, finally, the Government is seeing sense and scrapping this damaging policy. There is little doubt that the introduction of the policy
in November exacerbated the current staff shortages, already dire because of the pandemic and the impact of Brexit. “This policy caused a lot of staffing issues for care and nursing home owners and upset and heartache for those who lost their jobs – we need to know now if they can have their jobs back. “I think this illustrates the huge gap between NHS care and social care and the way they are treated. We were robbed of thousands of staff back in November when the policy came in for care and nursing home workers and nobody lifted a finger. “But when a similar threat is levelled toward NHS staff, the policy is reversed. “It is another in a long history of slaps in the face for social care, which, given the services it provides, should have the same respect as NHS care. “This just shows that they don’t understand the difference between the NHS and social care sectors and that both need to be strong to support each other.” Meanwhile, the ICG is worried that the Government will delay its promised financial boost to NHS and social care. The 1.25 per cent increase from April is to pay for a £36bn fund to help the NHS and social care.
High street created at care home
A Buxton nursing home has posted a series of handwritten letters to local school children who wrote to them over the Christmas period. During the festive season, Portland Nursing Home received letters from Chapel-en-le-Frith High School children. They contained beautiful drawings including rainbows, Christmas decorations and snowmen. Thanks to the partnership, every resident at Portland Nursing Home enjoyed reading the letters and has now written and delivered their letters in reply, forging intergenerational friendships. Portland Nursing Home also paired with local Buxton Parish Churches during 2021, in order to enable residents to make new connections with local people through receiving postcards.
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A LOWESTOFT care home has been transformed with the creation of a shopping lane for residents to enjoy – offering them a real sense of the high street in a safe and secure environment. The Dell, a branch of Wellbeing Care that provides residential, dementia and respite care, launched the initiative to maintain a level of normality and routine in the lives of its residents. Manager Claire Selby said: “We are beyond excited to launch the new shopping lane in our home. “The initiative will provide residents with more independence and a higher sense of self-worth, as tasks which may have associated risks can now be undertaken in a controlled, safe environment.” “The shopping lane will also encourage increased social interaction, as residents can arrange to meet up with friends, fellow residents or family members. We hope the increased social activity will help combat resident loneliness, which has been on the rise due to lockdowns and restrictions. “We are pleased to hear how much the residents enjoy the improvements we are making and the beneficial effects it has on their happiness and wellbeing.” Comprising a bistro café, post office and mini grocery store, the shopping lane preserves the independence of residents by enabling them to undertake familiar tasks, such as going to the newsagents or purchasing fresh ingredients from the store.