Issue 49 24.03.21
FOR ALL YOUR INTERIOR NEEDS For further details contact Sarah Thompson: sarah@sommer-rose.com 07495 471038 • www.sommer-rose.com
The weekly online newsletter for the care sector
Sector has its say on Covid vaccine plan CARE providers say the Government needs to work harder to persuade care staff on the benefits of having the Covid-19 vaccine rather than making it compulsory. The Government has said it is considering making a vaccine mandatory for people to be allowed to work in care and nursing homes. But the Independent Care Group says it would prefer people to have the vaccine voluntarily and it is worried such a rule might put people off from joining the sector. Chair Mike Padgham said: “It is vital that care workers have the vaccine because of the vulnerable people they are looking after and I can understand the temptation to make it compulsory. “But I have always been of the belief that we cannot force someone to have an injection and it should be voluntary. We have to remember people’s human rights as we live in a free society. “I think rather than force it through legislation, the Government has more work to do in terms of persuading everyone, not just care workers, about how important it is that the whole country has the vaccine so that we are all protected.
“There are already 120,000 vacancies in the care sector, we don’t need to put anything else in the way that might prevent people from joining our rewarding profession.” Tony Stein, chief executive of Healthcare Management Solutions, which operates around 80 homes across the UK, added: “Whilst I’m somewhat shocked at the news it’s something that the whole sector has been discussing for some time. “This is more than a practical issue – it goes to the heart of what we, as healthcare professionals feel is necessary to protect our residents, their loved ones, the NHS and those that can’t be vaccinated for medical reasons. “Whilst compulsory vaccination is unusual, it is not unprecedented. NHS staff are already required to be vaccinated against Hepatitis B if they are to work on NHS premises. “Receiving a jab is not a big ask of people and whilst we have already seen that the vast majority of our workforce have been very happy to receive the vaccination in the fight against this terrible disease, we welcome further moves to ensure the safety and wellbeing of those in our care.”
Homecare provider is outstanding
Artistic residents have turned their care home grounds into a sea of yellow in a show of love for the thousands of people in Wales who have died with Covid-19. Large bright yellow hearts adorned the entrances to Pendine Park’s two sites in Wrexham to mark the first anniversary of Prime Minister Boris Johnson announcing the United Kingdom would be entering lockdown. Each of Pendine Park’s seven homes in Wrexham saw their windows decorated with smaller yellow hearts, complete with fairy lights. In a further commemoration, the trees in the grounds of the two complexes on Hillbury Road and Summerhill Road were festooned with yellow ribbons. They will each act as a poignant reminder of the events of the past year and an expression of love to all affected by coronavirus, with Pendine Park having accepted an invitation to take part in the Light up Wales to Remember event. Pictured is Pendine’s artist in residence Sarah Edwards.
HOME Instead Sutton has become the first home care provider in the borough to be awarded a Care Quality Commission outstanding rating; testament to the hard work of its caregivers despite the challenges of the pandemic. The inspectorate highlighted in its report how well led the company is, and how clients were treated with utmost respect and dignity. Tony Ward, owner of Home Instead Surrey, said: “To receive a CQC outstanding is an honour, and a credit to our hard working team of caregivers. “And to be the first home care company in the London Borough of Sutton to be awarded that accolade is the cherry on top. “For 11 years we have made a positive difference to the lives of seniors across the area. I can identify with some of the challenges of reaching your later years, and I appreciate as well as anyone the benefits of keeping your independence and receiving care from home.” The report also praised Home Instead for its personalised approach, particularly in matching caregivers to clients based on similar interests, ensuring that a meaningful and fruitful relationship develops. The CQC also credited Home Instead Sutton’s employee engagement and cited its low staff turnover rate. Home Instead provides tailored support for older people.