Fortune cookies helping elderly with dementia
FORTUNE cookies are having a therapeutic effect on those living with dementia in the North East. Residents at Pelton Grange Care Home, in Pelton, near Chester-le-Street, have been making the popular takeaway biscuits in celebration of the Chinese New Year. The home’s cooking enthusiasts took over the kitchen to create the cookies using a traditional recipe – before inserting their own handwritten fortunes. Using their culinary skills has proven beneficial for those with dementia, according to home manager Chris Hogan-Hind. He said: “We are always looking for activities to get the residents using familiar skills, especially for those living with dementia, as it has a very positive effect on their mood and wellbeing. “Many of the residents used to cook for their families and friends, so the Chinese New Year was a good opportunity to get them involved in preparing a meal for fellow residents. “They thoroughly enjoyed making the fortune cookies and testing their culinary skills.” Resident Brenda Clifford said: “It was the best day in a long time, and I enjoyed watching the mixer going round and round. “It was nice to go in the kitchen and see where our food comes from. I couldn’t believe the size.” As well as learning the making fortune cookies, residents were treated to a dinner of chicken curry with rice and noodles, prawn crackers, spring rolls and prawn wraps. Resident Lillian Ford added: “The meal was delicious. I can remember having a takeaway with my husband and the smell coming from the dining room was like being in a proper Chinese restaurant.” Pelton Grange Care Home is part of the Hill Care Group. For further information visit www.hillcare.net.
Mayor of Lincoln celebrates launch of Bernadette House’s homecare service
A care home in Lincoln was joined by the Mayor to celebrate the launch of their new homecare service, with an official cake cutting. The Mayor of Lincoln, Councillor Keith Weaver, was invited to launch the new service at Bernadette House and to learn more about the valuable homecare that care workers would be providing to the local community. Owner of Bernadette House care home and homecare service, Elizabeth Stephens, welcomed the Mayor and introduced him to homecare staff, as well as local health partners who also attended the event. Elizabeth, commented: “We were honoured to have the Mayor of Lincoln and Cllr Chris Burke join us to celebrate the launch of our new homecare service. “I was delighted to introduce him to Bernadette Homecare and share with him the plans we have to expand our healthcare service within the area, to those who have care and support needs at home.” Following the cake cutting, the Mayor enjoyed refreshments with social workers, staff and other members of the community, who attended the event. The Mayor said he was pleased to see a “care home with a strong reputation progressing into new business areas that will service the community.” Bernadette’s Homecare offers the same high standard of care delivered to residents of the care home, but out in the local community. All aspects of personal care are provided including assistance with administration of medication, preparation of meals, and general housework. The service also offers companionship and live-in care. For more information about Bernadette’s homecare service, call Bernadette House on 01522 521926 or click here
Innovative dementia training showcased at Encore Care Homes
Encore Care Homes is proud to introduce ‘Mind the Gap’, an insightful dementia training programme, across its care homes in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Fareham. The programme comprises four modules and is led by a trained expert from Encore who covers various topics, including wellness and behaviour, the positive impact communication can have on a person with dementia and the strategies which can be used to ensure they feel positive and comfortable at all times. One of Encore’s key objectives is to invest in training programmes and provide a host of professional development opportunities, which allows staff to continue to provide the highest standard of care. As a result, all staff at Encore, which manages Fairmile Grange in Christchurch, Great Oaks in Bournemouth and Hamble Heights in Fareham, take part in this mandatory training. ‘Mind the Gap’ training is also offered to the relatives of Encore’s residents who are interested in extending their knowledge of dementia. The various modules take place at Great Oaks, with the next session being held on Monday, January 28 from 10am – 4pm. Luke Wiltshire, training manager for Encore, said: “We recognise that by investing in high quality training, we are able to build on the existing skills and knowledge that we currently possess around dementia. Each module has been carefully selected and thought out in association with the Dementia Training Company, so the sessions are beneficial to all those who attend. “Understanding the impact dementia can have not only on the person, but their loved ones, is also why we decided to offer this training to our residents’ relatives. Not only will guests who attend the sessions be able to learn more about dementia, but it also provides an opportunity for them to share their experiences with our team and discuss their viewpoints. Providing support to our residents and their family members is at the heart of what we do, which is why we highly recommend relatives attend the sessions and experience the positive outcomes from it.” To find out more information about ‘Mind the Gap’ training, contact the Encore team on learning@encorecarehomes.co.uk or call 01202 087 444. www.encorecarehomes.co.uk
Recycling Bin Combines Style with Convenience
The new stylish EnviroStep pedal recycling bin from Leafield Environmental is rapidly becoming a favourite for the collection of food waste. Slim enough to stand back against the wall in corridors and open offices, yet with a 90-litre capacity, the durable, rotationally moulded EnviroStep stands some 970mm high, ideal for ergonomic efficiency. The bin sports front castors and an integral handle, overcoming the problem of carrying full, vulnerable and potentially heavy sacks to collection points. With a single aperture and pedal operated lid, the Envirostep Single is ideal for collecting heavy waste such as food or paper but is equally suitable for collecting general waste or mixed recyclate. The Envirostep bin comes with WRAP compliant colouring and labelling as standard, although personalisation options are available. EnviroStep recycling bin Moulded from a durable polyethylene blend, and for food collection can incorporate a non-leaching silver component that ensures effective anti-bacterial protection for the lifetime of the product, helping to keep surfaces clean and hygienic. As waste management and recycling creep up the agenda, the EnviroStep from Leafield Environmental offers a stylish, convenient and hygienic collection option.
Barton on Sea Care Home Hosts Bubble Yoga
At a time of the year when the focus is to improve our health and well-being, Bethel House is taking a unique approach to keeping fit; with Bubble Yoga sessions. Lisa Davies is a ‘Bubbleologist’ and sensory Yoga instructor who hosted the one-hour session to inspire the 23 residents at the Beach Avenue residential care home. The welcoming and comfortable Barton on Sea Care Home is proudly led by a fully-trained and caring team. The aim is dedicated to using new techniques as a social experience to engage and stimulate residents, some who live with dementia. The focus of this interactive yoga session was fusing. This involves using bubbles as a therapeutic intervention – employing yoga and creative sensory play to demonstrate the benefits of mindfulness in support of emotional enlightenment. Lisa has developed the perfect bubble mixture over 3 years of research and the special liquid is used to create unique tricks. Remarkably, the standout stunt involves a willing volunteer to use a unique breathing technique while standing in a life size bubble, that is the same height of the person. The impact of the interactive sensory bubble workshop is clear to see. The residents are stimulated to interact, touch the different types of bubbles, communicate, ask questions and you see the smiles and hear the laughter as reactions. The physical benefits include movement and breathing exercises that allow the residents to coordinate their movements and simply, to get moving. Residents who may appear to be unresponsive, suddenly had the ability to have clear and meaningful dialogue and conversations. Excitement and an overall, joyous and energized atmosphere is felt within the room and it’s great to see. Lisa has a personal motivation for her visit because her Grandmother, Janet Miller, lives at Bethel House: I have been saddened by the regression of her cognitive function due to Alzheimer’s. She is now at a level where sensory input is important to keep her brain functioning. I trained as a yoga teacher and I see the powerful benefits of using breath, movement and relaxation. I use a special yoga method that is adapted to meet all abilities and the results are like magic. People are calmer, able to cope with challenges more efficiently and seem to have a more positive sense of physical and emotional well-being. Set in its own secluded grounds, Bethel House is located by a beach setting in the picturesque seaside area of New Milton and within close proximity to the New Forest. During a recent CQC inspection, the impressive family home was awarded 5 ‘Good’ stars and highly praised for its ‘safe, effective, responsive, caring and well led’ residential, dementia and respite services. The welcoming care home is an active part of the local community and goes to great lengths to make a positive difference to the lives of residents by planning stimulating activities. Registered Manager Aga Gierek says: it is great to welcome Lisa to Bethel House because her approach to wellbeing is a lot of fun and our residents are always curious to ask questions and take part. When Lisa came to see her grandma, she just talked about it and showed us a picture, we really liked what we’ve seen and asked her to do a taster session, which she did. Residents enjoyed it, it was fun, trying to touch the bubbles, a lot of positive emotions. Lisa has plans to return to Bethel House for more ‘Bubble Yoga’ sessions that will be based on different themes and styles that will continue to make a positive difference to the lives of the residents and support their daily lives.
2 New Contract Upholsteries from Skopos
Alongside their new print, Mau Loa, Skopos have launched 2 new flexible upholstery ranges into the contract market. Contrasting plains, Bonita and Cuba each offer something different for statement furniture. Where durability is keen and style cannot be compromised, these collections bring colour and energy into a scheme. Providing a sophisticated luxury finish Bonita is a soft, matt cotton-look velvet in a palette of bright jewel colours and neutrals. Cuba in contrast, a textured plain, giving a natural linen-look feel in trend-led tones, offers a simple, straightforward solution. Priced keenly for use across a variety of contract projects, the collections previewed at the Care Show in October and Sleep & Eat in November, demonstrating the flexibility of both products for use alone or with other designs. Both collections meet the requirements for care interiors and with a waterproof layer as standard, antimicrobial properties and a soil resist finish. The collections achieve 40,000+ Martindale rubs and meet the flame retardancy standards required for contract furniture. Skopos is an ISO9001 accredited company and has over 45 years’ specialist experience in the design and manufacture of high-performance FR contract fabrics for the hospitality, cruise, care and leisure sectors. www.skoposfabrics.com
Reducing Patient Data Risks: How and Why to Take Your Healthcare Organisation Paperless
Patients are worried about confidentiality and, particularly, that healthcare providers might not be doing enough to protect their data. And so, many new and updated regulations, such as the GDPR, have been put into place this past year to ensure data is managed to the highest standards. Why is everyone so worried? With “downright dangerous” fax machines still in regular use despite a recent ban on new acquisitions, as well as massive losses of paper files being revealed across the healthcare sector, it’s no wonder. In a bid to alleviate confidentiality issues and data breaches, the healthcare sector has set a target to go paperless by 2020. With that, there are many reasons behind such a fast-paced push for the removal of paper from the sector. The Problem with Paper and Patient Confidentiality Those in the healthcare sector are known for stockpiling paper records. Storing data relating to all facets of patient care is essential — you never know when referral documents will be needed. However, in the modern era, keeping paper documents is not only unnecessary, but it also produces a bounty of data security risks: The Benefits of a Paperless Workspace for Better Data Protection The NHS has acknowledged that by switching to a paperless working environment, patient data would be safer. The benefits of moving to digital formats and taking a step away from paper records are well documented. Many organisations both inside and outside the healthcare sector are already paperless, but what exactly are the advantages when it comes to securing patient data? How to Achieve a Paperless Workplace before 2020 Many industries, not just the healthcare sector, keep paper records for reference purposes — for instance, insurance policies. But in reality, a digital document is almost always just as valuable in terms of providing this kind of evidence. There really is no need to house paper when computer files are just as effective. By moving over to paperless, you can help reduce the data security risks that paper documents pose. But how do you go paperless? Locate the Right Digital Solution In its Records Management Code of Practice for Health and Social Care 2016, NHS digital outlines that most documentation can be stored digitally without issue, and, in fact, should be stored to improve data protection and access. It does not state what platform you should use, however. As cartoonist Tom Fishburne highlights in his take on computer software, finding the right IT solution is essential. Select a digital solution that will help you easily manage your files and run your paperless workplace effectively. Your choice should enable you to carry on working to the standards of your current output. Going paperless requires the removal of physical fax machines for your work environment, but you must carry on faxing if you are to communicate with the rest of the healthcare sector. Opting for the right kind of digital solution — such as online fax services — ensures you can go paperless while continuing to transmit files through required formats. Without the proper digital functionality, you won’t achieve this, and you’ll be hindered by the paperless environment. Transfer, Destroy and Maintain Once you’ve selected your digital document platforms, you need to start moving over to them. This requires a lot of investment of time and resources — the NHS has launched a support service at a cost. The process is simple — collect all your paper resources, identify which you need to keep and which can be destroyed, then upload, transfer or scan all necessary documentation to your new system. Once your paper documents are digital, you can destroy those left — unless it is essential for them to be kept as a physical record. NHS Digital advocates the destruction of unnecessary files, setting standards for how long you should keep them and explaining how documentation can be destroyed, stating: Paper records can be destroyed to an international standard. They can be incinerated, pulped or shredded (using a cross-cut shredder) under confidential conditions. Do not use the domestic waste or put them in a rubbish tip. Now you’ve achieved a paperless environment, with access to all records and files being conducted through your computer network. In order to keep yourself paperless, you must maintain these practices. This means avoiding the use of paper whenever possible and keeping all record keeping and communications digital. Remain vigilant and ensure physical, paper-based practices don’t creep back into work life for great success. www.efax.co.uk
Moffat’s new hospital foodservice trolley delivers flexibility, energy efficiency and food quality
Developed with hospital caterers, latest Vgen also sets new standards in ease of use Moffat’s new hospital foodservice trolley created waves when the prototype was shown at HEFMA and the HCA conferences earlier in 2018. That’s because it provides what the company believes is the most flexible and practical solution on the market. The latest incarnation of the British manufacturer’s Vgen series, the trolley is now in production and is the result of two years R&D during which Moffat’s designers consulted with hospital caterers to develop a solution that not only meets today’s needs but is also future-proof. The trolleys are compatible with cook-serve, cook-chill and cook-freeze systems. Stand-out features include a multi-zone oven that can hold different foods at different temperatures in one cabinet – typical of the trolley’s energy saving features is the fact that individual heated zones can be switched off if not required. Meanwhile the refrigeration units combine finless condenser technology, the latest high-performance insulation and eco-friendly, thermally efficient R290 refrigerant. Together they reduce energy consumption and running costs while minimising maintenance requirements. The new Vgen is available in a variety of configurations. It can have one, two or three compartments. Each compartment can be either for regen, refrigeration, ambient or warm storage. Thus a single trolley could have both a regen and a refrigeration cabinet. All are designed to maintain food quality. For example, the refrigerated model is fan-assisted to ensure rapid pull down times. A key design criteria was ease of use. The new Vgen sets new standards here, with a colour touchscreen controller that’s user-friendly and simple to program or for downloading HACCP information. The controller can be used in fully-automatic, semi-automatic or manual mode, providing full flexibility to suit any catering requirement. Bright LED strips on the end and top of the gantry look attractive but also serve a vital role, showing staff the trolley’s status at a glance. If the lights flash, it means that action is required; for example, flashing red LEDs indicate the oven door is open. . The trolley’s good looks are designed to enhance food presentation and, in turn, encourage patients’ uptake of meals. Moffat can supply the facia in a variety of finishes and colours, to suit the hospital’s preferred décor and style. “Currently the hospital foodservice trolley sector is dominated by models that are made overseas,” says Donald Reid, sales manager at Moffat. “Our new trolley is designed in the UK, manufactured in the UK and has been developed with the blended input from many different industry stakeholders, to meet the needs of caterers.” E & R Moffat is one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of quality foodservice equipment, designing and manufacturing in-house. Based in Bonnybridge, Scotland, the company manufactures standard and bespoke servery, regeneration and storage equipment and runs a full nationwide after-sales service team. E & R Moffat is accredited to ISO 9001:2008. For more information on E & R Moffat visit the website on www.ermoffat.co.uk
Northampton General Hospital to welcome nurses to recruitment open day
Nurses looking for new career opportunities in 2019 are invited to attend a recruitment open day at Northampton General Hospital (NGH) on 2 February 2019 from 10am to 2pm. The hospital has opportunities for nurses and midwives to work in Medicine, Paediatrics and Theatres. NGH is proud to be the first hospital in the UK to have achieved Pathway to Excellence® accreditation, an internationally-recognised programme which validates workplaces where nurses are supported to develop and flourish. Sheran Oke, Director of Nursing Midwifery and Patient Services says, “We have also invested in new facilities, including our emergency centre and a new chemotherapy suite, offering a great work environment for our healthcare teams. At the open day nurses will get to meet some of our nursing team, take a tour of the facilities and find out about more the roles available. We will be hosting job interviews and awarding conditional job offers on the day, so nurses should bring their CVs.” “There are many benefits of a nursing career at NGH, including our fantastic training and development opportunities, which are second to none. Not only have we successfully completed the Pathway to Excellence® programme, we offer a highly supportive culture and environment for nurses with programmes in place such as our Everyday Hero and Daisy award schemes to reward and recognise nursing and non-nursing staff. Professional development is a priority for us. Leadership and development opportunities abound and our nurses participate in courses run in partnership with The University of Northampton and access the RCN leadership programme.” “I would encourage any nurse looking for a fresh challenge in 2019 at a hospital recognised as a centre for excellence for career development to attend our open day. We offer wonderful clinical and non-clinical training facilities and have state of the art equipment in many of our departments. A key focus for us is the education, training and development of nurses. Our nursing team is looking forward to meeting like-minded nurses at the open day and letting them know about the exciting opportunities on offer.” For more information on the vacancies visit: http://bestofbothworlds.uk.net
