The Future of Care Conference – back for 2019
The organisers of the Future of Care Conference are delighted to announce that following on from the success of 2018, a date has been confirmed for 2019. The second Future of Care Conference will be held once again at the established venue of The King’s Fund in London on 19th March 2019 and will host a thought-provoking seminar programme with an outstanding line-up of speakers. Speaking on the conference, Emma Barrett, Event Director, comments: “Due to the success and feedback from the previous conference, the bar is set high to provide a dominant programme of innovative topics and subjects at the heart of the industry to attract the high calibre of delegates we saw in March this year. The team has a vast amount of experience in the sector and I have no doubt that the 2019 conference will be a fantastic follow up from the first one.” The conference programme is currently underway and will be announced once all speakers and topics are finalised. The event will also be chaired. Keep your ears open for the announcement of who the special guest will be. We had the privilege of Fiona Phillips chairing this year. Fiona explained: “The conference was a huge success and raised issues that were of key importance to those who attended. The questions asked and discussions during the panel debates made for an informative day out for everyone. It was an absolute pleasure to chair and to meet so many passionate workers of the sector.” Tickets will go on sale soon so early booking is advised to receive the discounted rate. If you have any questions regarding the conference or are interested in exhibiting then please get in touch with the team today on 01425 838393 or email info@broadwayevents.co.uk. For more information about the Future of Care Conference please click here
Care Champions at Abbotswood Court Raise Awareness for Dementia in Romsey
Dementia awareness champions at Abbotswood Court in Romsey have been hosting free dementia information sessions for members of the local community. Abbotswood Court, a luxury care home and retirement development, is encouraging others to make a positive difference to the lives of those living with dementia in Romsey. Open to the public, they host regular sessions which give attendees information about the personal impact of dementia, and what they can do to help. Currently, there are 850,000 people with dementia in the UK, with numbers set to rise to over 1 million by 2025. A voluntary member of the Alzheimer’s Society’s, Dementia Friends Champion programme, Debbie Holmes, the Homes Admissions Advisor at Abbotswood Court, has been delivering the free information sessions. Held on the last Friday of the month, she utilises her experiences from working in a care home to help local people understand what it’s like to live with dementia and the actions they can take to support people in the community. She also arranges further sessions for individuals, local companies and organisations who want to find out more about supporting dementia sufferers. Debbie Holmes said: “At Abbotswood Court we know there are lots of ways for us to help people with dementia live full and happy lives. As a Dementia Friends Champion, I feel privileged to be spreading awareness in the Romsey community in a way that will support local people living with dementia.” Alongside their Dementia Friends sessions, Abbotswood Court host a regular Forget Me Not Café. This provides a relaxed environment for local people to meet the Abbotswood team who chat, give guidance, information and signpost other support groups in the area. It also provides opportunities for people to meet relatives of residents who have experienced the concerns of a loved one with dementia and chat over tea or coffee. Abbotswood Court is a new modern care home set in beautifully landscaped gardens in Romsey. It provides accommodation and individual care for older people with a range of needs including dementia. For more information about the Dementia care, accommodation, services, and events that Abbotswood Court provides, visit www.cinnamoncc.com or for the latest events updates follow them on Facebook.com@abbotswoodcourt.
Bluebird Care in Westminster is Best Homecare Provider in London
Bluebird Care in Westminster has enjoyed an excellent month, being awarded a prestigious ‘Outstanding’ rating by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and welcoming the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to its offices to meet the team. The excellent CQC rating was awarded following a comprehensive inspection in January 2018, and is a significant achievement making Bluebird Care in Westminster – which offers home and live in care to people in their own homes – not only one of the best home care providers in the country, but the best in London. The CQC inspectors found staff to be “kind, compassionate and caring” and noted that the team “knew how to provide the care and support [people using the service] required whilst also going the extra mile for them.” The quality and commitment of the management at Bluebird Care Westminster was highlighted by the CQC, who said: “The provider had involved the whole staff team in driving improvement and had invested in staff and systems which created an open and positive culture throughout the service… the passion from the managing director was embedded throughout the whole staff team.” The rigorous, high-quality training at the home was also remarked upon, “Care assistants received a comprehensive induction training programme to support them in meeting people’s needs effectively.” Another feature noted throughout the report was the person-centred care on offer: “People were involved in planning how they were cared for and supported… Care was personalised to meet people’s individual needs.” On top of this fantastic rating, the Bluebird Care Westminster team were also delighted to welcome Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt MP, to their office last month. During the visit Mr Hunt got to meet members of the Bluebird Care team and hear about the excellent homecare they provide across Westminster. The CQC report also highlighted that: “Bluebird Care (Westminster) had implemented a scheme to manage situations when people were admitted to hospital. This included formalising visits to clients whilst they were in hospital and in one case a care assistant had stayed in hospital with their client. They also arranged for people using the service to have their preferred care assistant when they returned from hospital.” Peter Slough, Director of Bluebird Care in Westminster, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for the whole team here at Bluebird Care in Westminster. It is a testament to the pride our team members take in the care we provide, and the dedication they show to the people that use our service. Our team is highly trained and works exceptionally hard to deliver high quality person-centered care which values the needs of each individual. We are very pleased that this has been recognised by the CQC, and are very proud of every single team member. We will continue to strive every day to ensure everyone we support receives the exceptional care they deserve, and will not rest on our laurels as we go from strength to strength.” Health and Social Care Secretary Jeremy Hunt, said: “Outstanding care is only possible with outstanding staff – I’m pleased to see the CQC recognising the great work from the team at Bluebird Care Westminster. When I met some of the team there last month I heard first-hand about how Bluebird networks work together to ensure care is joined up – something we should be replicating across the country. To the staff at Westminster, very well done!” Debbie Ivanova, CQC’s Deputy Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care, said: “Staff and managers at Bluebird Care (Westminster) deserve all the plaudits outlined in this latest inspection report. They have continued to improve and are now an Outstanding service. Very well done to all involved.” Duncan Berry, Chief Operating Officer of Bluebird Care, said: “We are incredibly proud to have an outstanding business in London. The excellent CQC report that Bluebird Care in Westminster has achieved is down to the fantastic team who work so hard, going above and beyond to meet the needs of those in their care. We are also delighted that the Rt Hon. Jeremy Hunt MP chose to visit Bluebird Care in Westminster. His visit presented a great opportunity for the team to explain how they deliver the consistently excellent service which makes them one of the best homecare providers in London.” You can read the supplementary report on Bluebird Care in full when it is published on CQC’s website at www.cqc.org.uk
Introducing The Talk Scheme
Late January 2018, sitting in a bus station, I got chatting to an elderly woman, a widow, she travelled out twice a week to play bingo with her friends and when my bus arrived, apologised for speaking to me, surprised I told her not to be silly, but this indeed got me thinking about The Talk Scheme. How about instead of letting the art of conversation die away, we bring it back? And bring it back we shall. All with a simple accessory. A badge My name is Hannah, I’m 21, from Yorkshire and was inspired to do something that could tackle the issue of isolation, but also mental health stigmas and other barriers people face daily. I know and realise how important talking is about these things hence the reason behind this simple yet well-received idea. The scheme has grown so well in the few months of start-up and I’m now in talks of setting up regular ‘Talk Groups’ for people of all ages to attend, have fun and make new friends with no judgements at all. People who choose to buy and wear a ‘Talk’ badge will not only be helping to promote talking in general but as word spreads, should help show that wherever you are, no matter the look you may wear upon your face, you are willing and open to hold a conversation with a stranger. Likewise, if you’re someone who often finds themselves out and about alone, the badge should do its job and encourage others to strike a chat with you! From each badge sale, 20 pence will go back to a charity linked to the work the scheme encourages. Periodically, this will chance and right now it’s Age UK. The badges are £1.50 each, with an extra 50p for postage. They can be purchased at www.thetalkscheme.com or check us out on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram @TheTalkScheme to see if there are any businesses local to you who are stockists. Any queries send us an email thetalkscheme@outlook.com. Reviving conversation, one badge at a time. for ore information about The Talk Scheme please click here
Bluebird Care in Westminster is Best Homecare Provider in London
Bluebird Care in Westminster has enjoyed an excellent month, being awarded a prestigious ‘Outstanding’ rating by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and welcoming the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to its offices to meet the team. The excellent CQC rating was awarded following a comprehensive inspection in January 2018, and is a significant achievement making Bluebird Care in Westminster – which offers home and live in care to people in their own homes – not only one of the best home care providers in the country, but the best in London. The CQC inspectors found staff to be “kind, compassionate and caring” and noted that the team “knew how to provide the care and support [people using the service] required whilst also going the extra mile for them.” The quality and commitment of the management at Bluebird Care Westminster was highlighted by the CQC, who said: “The provider had involved the whole staff team in driving improvement and had invested in staff and systems which created an open and positive culture throughout the service… the passion from the managing director was embedded throughout the whole staff team.” The rigorous, high-quality training at the home was also remarked upon, “Care assistants received a comprehensive induction training programme to support them in meeting people’s needs effectively.” Another feature noted throughout the report was the person-centred care on offer: “People were involved in planning how they were cared for and supported… Care was personalised to meet people’s individual needs.” On top of this fantastic rating, the Bluebird Care Westminster team were also delighted to welcome Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt MP, to their office last month. During the visit Mr Hunt got to meet members of the Bluebird Care team and hear about the excellent homecare they provide across Westminster. The CQC report also highlighted that: “Bluebird Care (Westminster) had implemented a scheme to manage situations when people were admitted to hospital. This included formalising visits to clients whilst they were in hospital and in one case a care assistant had stayed in hospital with their client. They also arranged for people using the service to have their preferred care assistant when they returned from hospital.” Peter Slough, Director of Bluebird Care in Westminster, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for the whole team here at Bluebird Care in Westminster. It is a testament to the pride our team members take in the care we provide, and the dedication they show to the people that use our service. Our team is highly trained and works exceptionally hard to deliver high quality person-centered care which values the needs of each individual. We are very pleased that this has been recognised by the CQC, and are very proud of every single team member.” “We will continue to strive every day to ensure everyone we support receives the exceptional care they deserve, and will not rest on our laurels as we go from strength to strength.” Health and Social Care Secretary Jeremy Hunt, said: “Outstanding care is only possible with outstanding staff – I’m pleased to see the CQC recognising the great work from the team at Bluebird Care Westminster. When I met some of the team there last month I heard first-hand about how Bluebird networks work together to ensure care is joined up – something we should be replicating across the country. To the staff at Westminster, very well done!” Debbie Ivanova, CQC’s Deputy Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care, said: “Staff and managers at Bluebird Care (Westminster) deserve all the plaudits outlined in this latest inspection report. They have continued to improve and are now an Outstanding service. Very well done to all involved.” Duncan Berry, Chief Operating Officer of Bluebird Care, said: “We are incredibly proud to have an outstanding business in London. The excellent CQC report that Bluebird Care in Westminster has achieved is down to the fantastic team who work so hard, going above and beyond to meet the needs of those in their care. We are also delighted that the Rt Hon. Jeremy Hunt MP chose to visit Bluebird Care in Westminster. His visit presented a great opportunity for the team to explain how they deliver the consistently excellent service which makes them one of the best homecare providers in London.” You can read the supplementary report in full when it is published by the CQC website by clicking here
Rising spend on NHS medicines could jeopardise patients
NHS funding levels are failing to keep pace with growth in NHS spending on medicines, potentially compromising patients’ access to drugs, according to a new report from The King’s Fund. The report shows that total NHS spending on medicines in England has grown from £13 billion in 2010/11 to £17.4 billion in 2016/17, an average growth of around 5 per cent a year, while the NHS budget grew by an average of only 1 per cent a year over the same period.1 This includes both cheaper generic drugs and branded medicines; in recent years spending on the latter has been constrained by the Pharmaceutical Price Regulation Scheme.2 The majority of the growth in spending has been in hospitals, which now account for nearly half of the total amount the NHS spends on medicines, with costs having grown by around 12 per cent a year since 2010/11. A lack of robust data means the scale of and reasons for this growth are not clear, although it is likely to have been fuelled by an increase in the number of patients treated and the introduction of expensive new treatments, for example drugs for cancer and auto-immune conditions. In primary care, the analysis shows that increases in the use of drugs such as statins and anti-depressants have resulted in rapid growth in the number of prescriptions issued, with more than 1 billion items prescribed in 2016. Yet spending growth has been much lower than in hospitals thanks to the success of policy initiatives such as encouraging the use of cheaper generic drugs that have led to a reduction of nearly 25 per cent in the average costs per prescription item. With the NHS facing unprecedented pressures, policy-makers have recently sought to exert greater control over medicines spending, for example by introducing a budget impact test for new products that will cost more than £20 million a year, reforming the Cancer Drugs Fund and restricting access to medicines that can be bought over the counter or are deemed low value. At the same time, the increasing use of biological treatments and the development of effective but expensive products, such as new drugs to treat hepatitis C and prevent HIV, are creating new cost pressures. The report warns that difficult choices lie ahead as it is becoming harder to balance the competing goals of giving patients access to effective treatments, incentivising innovation in the pharmaceutical sector and ensuring the amount the NHS spends on medicines is affordable. Helen McKenna, Senior Policy Adviser at The King’s Fund, said: ‘Over the years the NHS has successfully used a number of policies to contain spending on medicines while ensuring access to medicines, such as encouraging the widespread use of cheaper generic drugs. But rising demand for health care coupled with newer, more expensive treatments and an unprecedented funding squeeze means the NHS is now struggling to strike a balance between the competing priorities of access, innovation and affordability. ‘It is important to tackle inappropriate prescribing and the overuse of medicines, especially antibiotics. However, we are now seeing policy-makers implementing increasingly controversial measures to control the medicines bill. With the choices facing policy-makers becoming more difficult, there is a risk of returning to the 1990s, when funding pressures led to widespread concern about the erosion of patients’ access to medicines.’ For more information on NHS spending please click here
Balhousie Luncarty care home welcomes new manager
Balhousie Care Group, the leading provider of quality residential care in North East Scotland, has appointed Lynn Phillips as manager of Balhousie Luncarty care home, which is currently undergoing a refurbishment of the public rooms and bedrooms. Lynn joined the Perthshire-based care home at the end of last year and is currently overseeing a refurbishment programme including redecorating the home’s public rooms and beginning the refurbishment of the home’s 29 bedrooms, all with input from the residents. From Kirriemuir, Lynn started her career in the travel industry before pursuing her passion for the care profession. Having worked for Balhousie on a few different occasions over the years, Lynn gathered a wealth of experience working as a care assistant at Balhousie Lisden care home before working in the community providing home care services, then eventually coming back to Balhousie in an administrative role. Lynn worked her way up to the deputy manager position at Balhousie Glens care home in Edzell, then subsequently took on an interim manager position there before making the leap from Angus to Perthshire to become manager at Luncarty. Since joining Luncarty, Lynn has been spending time getting to know the residents and staff while familiarising herself with a new care home. Lynn said: “Building relationships with the residents, their families, staff and our professional partners has been incredibly important to me. Strong relationships and involving everyone is the key to running a good care home. Everyone has been lovely since I arrived at Luncarty and it has been wonderful seeing the home transform during its refurbishment.” The residents have been consulted on the refurbishments choosing paint colours, fabrics and menu designs. They have also been enjoying a brand-new garden room to use when loved ones come to visit. With six Dementia Ambassadors working at Luncarty, the team have ensured that all the changes being introduced are person centred and dementia friendly. Lynn added: “We have been looking into introducing a dementia friendly garden which will make a massive difference to our residents. We have also introduced signage throughout the home to help our residents who are living with dementia keep their bearings while moving around the building and ultimately feel safe.” To find out more about Balhousie Care Group visit www.balhousiecare.co.uk
Staff shortages putting NHS patient safety at risk, warn healthcare professionals
The majority of independent healthcare professionals (85%) are concerned that ongoing staff shortages will cause a decline in NHS patient safety, a survey has found. The research by the Independent Health Professionals’ Association (IHPA), questioned 537 independent healthcare staff on a range of issues affecting their working lives. When asked what they felt is putting the biggest strain on care provision in the NHS, staff shortages topped the list. A further 64% of respondents believe that funding cuts are responsible, with 54% stating that management, internal bureaucracy and wastage is to blame. Over one in five (21%) believe that a decline in patient care standards is being driven by the number of patients using the service without genuine need. This situation is only set to get worse with almost all (98%) of independent healthcare professionals stating they would consider seeking work outside the NHS in response to a real-terms pay cut caused by blanket IR35 tax reforms. Another 70% said they would contemplate taking up positions with private UK healthcare providers. Half of independent healthcare workers would also consider working outside the EU if they were deemed to be within the restrictions of IR35, while a third (32%) would look for healthcare work in another EU country. Those deemed inside the IR35 tax rules have seen incomes slashed by 30% – 50% due to being taxed as fully employed, despite not being entitled to rights such as maternity leave or sick pay. These staff are also required to personally cover required expenses such as long-distance travel and indemnity insurance, which can total thousands of pounds. Ben Itsuokor, consultant geriatrician and president of the IHPA, said: “Clearly, there is the real and present danger that patient safety and care will be put at risk. Continuing to contract under false employment in this manner increases costs for Trusts and will lead to much bigger problems down the line.” “It’s highly troubling that certain NHS Trusts are pushing ahead with their unfair implementation of the IR35 rule, which leads to locums being falsely classed as inside IR35 due to blanket and incorrect, implementation of the IR35 rules, with them subsequently losing up to half their income.” “Distressingly, stories have now emerged revealing that vulnerable locums are being encouraged towards unsustainable, questionable tax arrangements which could leave them facing life-changing tax bills long-term. This, coupled with the ongoing NHS crisis, looks set to drive a backlash of locums leaving the service, and even the country, due to contract work becoming economically unviable, creating severe staff shortages. For more information about the NHS crisis please click here
Record-breaking £100,000 is raised at the Twilight Walk for LOROS Hospice.
Saturday’s circus themed Twilight Walk really was Leicester’s biggest girls night out, with total money raised so far hitting an astonishing £100,000. The total amount of women to sign-up also hit a new record, with nearly 30% more women taking part, resulting in a jaw-dropping 2,541 women showing up at the King Power Stadium in Leicester City on Saturday. Those that took part were treated to a whole host of carnival entertainment, and walkers came dressed as clowns, lion tamers, mime artists, circus acts and even fortune tellers, taking to the streets of Leicester to walk 10km to raise money for the charity. LOROS Fundraising Co-ordinator Laura Fitzsawyer said: “The atmosphere was just incredible, everyone that took part were amazing, we were also really lucky to have such beautiful weather on the day. I’m pleased that so many women came along to support us and of course to remember their loved ones. Over 180 volunteers supported the fundraising team on the day, it wouldn’t be an event without them, so a massive thanks to all that helped. “We’re really hopeful that we will raise over £100,000 this year, which is a record-breaking amount for the Twilight Walk. Without the people of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, this simply would not be possible and we’re proud that 91p out of every £1 of that money will go directly to patient care.” added Laura. Each year, the Twilight Walk introduces a new theme, encouraging walkers to get dressed up and have some fun. “I know people will be keen to find out what next year’s theme will be, all I can say is, watch this space, it’s going to be amazing!” said Laura. Joanne Reek, of Asfordby, mum of Leah Reek who tragically died in the explosion on Hinckley Road in February, took part in the walk alongside 45 friend and family members. Joanne had hoped to raise £1,000 for the Hospice in Leah’s memory and so far the family have managed to raise an incredible £17,516.33. Following the event, Joanne said: “It was so emotional, the atmosphere was amazing. Leah’s friends have decided they are going to do it every year. The balloon release at the start was really poignant, watching all those memories float up into the air, it really brought it home. The minute silence was beautiful, but very emotional too. Then when we started the walk, I felt that Leah was with us with every step of the way. “I want to thank everyone that has been so generous. They have given us so much support, and donated money to a charity Leah loved, so thank you.” For more information about the Twilight Walk go to our social media pages to see if you can spot yourself – https://www.facebook.com/LOROShospice/posts/10156213543569536 If you’d still like to support Leah’s family – https://www.justgiving.com/companyteams/leahslegacy
