ASH Healthcare Training – Training is our passion
We, at ASH Healthcare Training, have an outstanding reputation, not only for delivering 1st class training, that is current, informative and tailor made to suit your needs, but our staff and colleagues have an enviable knowledge and skills base, as well as a professional manner. We do not hesitate to go the extra mile for you. With national coverage, and specialist, professionally qualified trainers, to ensure that the delivery of care is right for you, First time, Every time. Our specialists include: a University professor of Nursing, MacMillan nurse, Diabetes specialist nurses, Head and Neck specialist, Emergency nurses, Tissue Viability specialist and two Dr’s of Nursing, our trainers have published research articles and even textbooks. With this range of nurse trainers, we can provide training on a wide range of subjects, from basic life support or safeguarding, to Tracheostomy care and Insulin administration. We also offer QCF Diplomas and Apprenticeships in Health and Social Care from Levels 2-5, we offer study days to our learners to help build their confidence and study skills and complete their qualifications quickly. We are currently working hard to get all our qualifications CPD accredited by the end of 2019. Does your training provider offer all of this, for a cost lower than you expect? As you can see, with a great team, working together, to deliver expert knowledge, in accordance with the NMC Professional Code of Conduct (2018), we make learning fun and informative using a varied amount of training techniques to make your learners learn. Tell us YOUR needs, we will be there for you. Find out more
Cost-effective infection control from Gompels Healthcare
With care budgets continuing to be cut across the UK, keeping your care home to the standard that prospective residents and their families will be expecting is an on-going headache. Choosing Gompels own-branded products will help you to get the most from your budget, keeping costs low and hygiene standards high, throughout your entire care home. Hand washing We’ve developed an extensive range of antibacterial hand soaps, rubs, scrubs and sanitisers, plus touch-free dispensers designed to minimise the spread of germs. To help get the most from these products our Hand Washing Training Kit is great for checking the effectiveness of the hand washing technique. It can often be a shock to see what the UV torch reveals, and generally results in better hand hygiene procedures all round! Surface cleaning Because most surfaces are potential germ-zones, you’ll need antibacterial sprays and wipes that are quick and easy to grab throughout the day, as well as being compliant with the relevant BS EN Standards. Our concentrated Antibac Washroom Cleaner can be diluted to provide an impressive and economic 166 750ml trigger spray bottles. Being 99.999% effective in just 30 seconds, killing most common bacteria and viruses on contact. Our ready to use Antibac spray and wipes are loved for their quality, price and suitability for most surfaces.Sterilising and disinfecting Gompels Sterilising Fluid provides a chlorine based clean, killing bacteria, viruses and fungi in minutes, and being non-hazardous makes it ideal for sterilising drinking cups. Our antibacterial Probe Wipes are widely used to sterilise thermometers and food temperature probes. Laundry care Our non-bio laundry powder is renowned for removing the toughest of stains, and provides 135 washes at a much lower price than other leading brands. We use less packaging which means less waste, and a lower cost to you! Our own brand Professional range of economic 10 litre bottles includes Everyday Laundry Liquid, Destainer and Fabric Softener, perfect for auto-dosing. Our Premium range includes Heavy Duty and Oxy Pro Stain Removers and Bactisan, which not only clean and freshen, but leaves laundry bacteria free.Odour neutralising Part of our Xtraction carpet cleaning range the Urine Neutraliser and Heavy Duty Enzyme Cleaner are great resources for any care home, breaking down bad odours and removing most stains.Products made by us, to help you. Together we care. Gompels.co.uk0345 450 2420
Care Sector’s biggest fundraising event confirmed for 2020
The Care Sector Fundraising Ball, which this year raised a staggering £200,000 for charities in the care sector, will take place for the third time in 2020. The organisers have confirmed that the charity beneficiaries for the 2020 event will be the Care Workers Charity and Alzheimer’s Society. Organisers of the fundraising ball confirmed the plans for next year’s bash on Wednesday. The announcement was made at HealthInvestor Power 50, where funds raised from this year’s ball were awarded to the two partner charities. The Alzheimer’s Society and The Care Workers’ Charity each received £100,000, and it has been confirmed that they will be the partner charities for the ball in 2020. First established in 2018, the Care Sector Fundraising Ball has raised £345,000 for charities in the care sector in the last two years. Organisers hope that the 2020 Ball will build on this success with a bigger and better event again, with the added support of an Ambassador team made up of professionals from across the social care sector promoting the event. Already, more than 25% of table sales have been confirmed in just the last month. Avnish Goyal, founder of the Care Sector Ball and Chair of Hallmark Care Homes, said:“Over the last two years, the Care Sector Ball has been even more successful than we could have hoped. It has brought together people from every corner of the care sector to raise money for these great charities. There’s a real excitement about our plans for 2020, and we’ve received a tremendous boost from all those who have already pledged their support.” Jonathan Freeman, CEO of independent charity the CareTech Foundation and Vice-Chair of the Ball Organising Committee, said:“The Care Sector Ball has not just been hugely successful in raising sorely needed funds for two astonishing charities, but it also offers a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the vital contribution of care workers to society. As it enters its third year, I am sure the ball will go from strength to strength. And I have no doubt that it will continue to be the number one night in the charity fundraising calendar for years to come.” Next year’s Care Sector Ball will be on Saturday 26th September 2020. Places are already going fast so please contact info@caresectorball.org.uk to sponsor a table now.
Fiona Phillips to Chair Future of Care Conference London 2020
The Future of Care Conference is pleased to announce that broadcaster and TV presenter, Fiona Phillips, has been confirmed as chair for the event on 3rd March 2020 at The King’s Fund, London. The Conference is curated especially for care home owners, managers and leaders in the care industry with the aim to bring together the sector in the positive way. Delegates will have the opportunity to hear from a carefully selected programme of industry speakers as well as participate in two subject related panel debates and three fireside chats. As chair Fiona Phillips will be guiding the panel debates and facilitating the talks and fireside chats. An English journalist, broadcaster and TV presenter, Fiona Phillips began her career in independent radio as a reporter for local stations, before joining GMTV in 1993 as an entertainment correspondent. During her time with GMTV she was the main TV anchor and a regular guest presenter on ITV breakfast. Fiona is a passionate campaigner for a number of national charities and an ambassador for Age UK, The Alzheimer Society, Alzheimer Research, UK Carers UK, The Prince’s Trust and Mind. Conference topics include person-centred systems of social care, fixing the funding challenges, diversity and inclusion, strategies for the future of care and much more. Respected speakers from NHS Confederation, Care Quality Commission, Care England, Alzheimer’s Society, British Geriatrics Society and Care UK will be sharing their experience and knowledge. View the full programme including speaker profiles and book online at www.futureofcare.co.uk. The event is supported by platinum sponsor, everyLIFE technologies. Take advantage of the super early bird rate and book your conference tickets by 13th December. To register for your tickets today, visit www.futureofcare.co.uk or call 01425 838393. Places at the conference are limited, so early booking is advised to avoid disappointment.
NuVu Life: Liqui-Life Shakes
It is well-known in the care sector that malnutrition affecting the senior population is an ever-growing concern. Indeed, it is common-knowledge that underweight residents require higher levels of care and are much more likely to be hospitalised. Unfortunately, catering to people who are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition can be a challenge. Our Nu Vu Liqui-Life shake has been developed specifically for residents who struggle to maintain a healthy weight. It can be prepared by any member of staff and takes minimal training. Such products have been around for a while but are generally lower calorie, higher sugar and with lower micronutrients. Nu Vu has been specifically formulated to meet a growing need. Nu Vu – is for people with low MUST scores, convalescents, or those in respite care – needing calories/ nutrients – an optimum package of the most concentrated form, for rapid results. Nu Vu Liqui-Life Shakes provide a low sugar calorific boost outside of 3 meals a day. At NuVu Life, we are strong advocates of the Food First Approach, however, we understand the difficulties of providing sufficient macro and micronutrients to people with reduced appetites via conventional food alone. Supplementation of the Liqui-Life shake alongside the Food First Approach will ensure that vulnerable residents are getting the vital nutrients that they need. One shake per day (made with 200ml of whole milk) will provide 399kcal, 24g of protein, 24g of fat and 100% RI of 14 essential vitamins and minerals. NuVu Life recognise that not all Care requirements are the same and that there is a spectrum both of need and economy. In response to this, we are expanding the range of Nu Vu products:• 50g Original Shake Sachets: Strawberry, Chocolate, Banana, Butterscotch – available in cases of 70 sachets or retail packs of 6.• 2kg Shakes in all flavours – for back of house/ bulk reconstitution. • Unflavoured Shake – for fortification of (eg)Hot Beverages, Soups, Sauces and Mashed potato meals.• Calorie dense Desserts – a great addition to finish any meal. • Thickening powder – to add viscosity to any food, to help with swallowing. The ongoing battle against malnutrition in the Care Sector is daunting. It is our mission to alleviate some of this pressure by developing products that are effective, economical and most importantly are enjoyable to consume.Nu Vu products are developed and manufactured in the UK by Protein Partners Ltd, a subsidiary of County Milk Products Ltd and in collaboration with Nemi Dairy.
How To Help & Support Your Activity Coordinators
Calling All Care & Dementia Home Groups, Managers and Regional Support Teams: How To Help & Support Your Activity Coordinators by Gillian Hesketh of Happy Days Dementia Activities & Design Imagine your favourite hobby or pastime. Consider the equipment you need it. Gym kit? Running shoes? Music Scores? Football boots? Books? Gardening gloves, trowel, spade? Tool box? Canvas, Paintbrushes? Where do you store it all? On behalf of Activity Coordinators and Life Style Facilitators, I’d like to say to care home groups, managers and regional support teams simply this: ‘Please consider the provision of storage and preparation space for these enthusiastic and dedicated social care teams. During interior design visits to care and dementia homes, I have seen activity materials, games and jigsaws tumbling from bookcases, stacked high up, squashed into corners of tea rooms and stacked on the floor. Lack of space appears to be the culprit. During AC training sessions, participants almost always discuss the lack of storage and preparation space available. This seems to make planning ahead more difficult and stifles the AC. I’ve listened to stories of AC’s storing materials in the boots of their cars, spare bedrooms and kitchen worktops. Please, help activity coordinators by providing a space where they can organise and store materials on site; prepare activities, plan and create events for their residents. Maybe add a little extra time to their day for preparation of the varied programmes necessary to enrich social care for every resident including people who may be living with dementia. As we know, a good sense of wellbeing goes beyond a healthy diet and exercise, it includes intellectual and emotional good health, requires mental stimulation and a wide range of opportunities for social interaction. Some of us enjoy being part of a group; others prefer a less busy life-style and this is clearly reflected in a residential care setting. Some people may remain in their rooms through choice or immobility and the AC understands the need for provision of varying engagement models. The AC’s role is much more complex than often recognised, working on many levels; planning everyday activities, encouraging outdoor activity, organising entertainment and finding interesting visitors from pets to pat to school visits. AC’s are often responsible for encouraging other carers to be part of everyday activities, enlisting volunteers, creating seasonal events and fundraising. Imagine providing all these opportunities without a base, suitable storage, a workspace, desk or a quiet corner to plan the week’s activities, arrange events and update evidence based feedback for care home and CQC records. If you are reading this and can help, just ask your AC’s what they need to make their day more efficient. Activity Coordinators are passionate, enthusiastic people; their love of life often infectious as they help everyone enjoy everyday. So let’s keep this spirit and energy flowing by establishing a space or base for them to plan, create and grow social activity for wellbeing. It’s a win-win situation which just needs a little attention and perhaps a cupboard or two. Top Tip: Wheel Out Your Activities with a Happy Days Activity Trolley© Another way to help AC’s and care teams store materials and engage. Happy Days Activity Trolleys© are packed with reminiscence baskets or boxes, memorabilia and nostalgic games. Wheel the trolley into lounges, activity rooms or personal rooms. Change the themes daily or weekly. Store in a cupboard or leave at reception for relatives to share with their loved ones during visits. Shop online – Search ‘Activity Trolley’ at www.dementiaworkshop.co.uk Or click/copy to direct link here: https://www.dementiaworkshop.co.uk/? s=activity+trolley&post_type=product Email gillian@dementiaworkshop.co.uk for more information on themed rooms, activity and reminiscence materials, wall art, murals, games and more. We accept NHS purchase order numbers and care home accounts.
Run of positive CQC Inspection Outcomes continues for Runwood Homes
Following news shared earlier this month, Runwood Homes are delighted to continue their string of strong CQC inspection outcomes, with three more positive inspection reports and ratings published this November. Evelyn May House in Landon Hills, Essex, maintained the achievement of Good in all 5 key lines of enquiry (KLOE) in the CQC report, to be published imminently, having last been inspected in April 2017.The latest CQC rating for Longview care home on Canvey Island, Essex, was published on 6 November, seeing the home sustaining its favourable rating, achieving Good in all 5 KLOEs. The previous review was in February 2017. Furthermore, Runwood Homes’ Jubilee Court Care Home with Nursing in Hucknall, Nottinghamshire, celebrated an improved rating in their CQC report, published on 13 November, achieving Good in Safe, Effective, Caring and Well-led, and Outstanding in Responsive. Chief Operating Officer, Gavin O’Hare-Connolly, comments, ‘Runwood Homes are delighted that three more of our services have either maintained or improved their care standards, as evidenced in recent reports released by the CQC. By continuing to innovate, develop and learn as individuals, and as a large group of residential and nursing care homes, our ethos to provide good quality, personalised care to our residents is being demonstrated, company-wide. Our operational plans for the next 12 months, aims to further cement our success.’ Runwood Homes operates over 70 residential care homes across England and Northern Ireland, providing residential care, dementia care, nursing care, day care and respite for older people, including those living with dementia. Find out more about Runwood Homes here
Lorraine Lee takes top title at The Caring UK Awards 2019
Lorraine Lee, Orchard Care Homes’ Executive Director for Quality and Governance, has been announced as the winner of an Outstanding Achievement award at one of the care industry’s most prestigious ceremonies – The Caring UK Awards. The Caring UK Awards 2019 celebrate excellence, highlighting and paying tribute to people who make an outstanding contribution to caring for the elderly. At a glittering awards ceremony at Athena, Leicester recently, Lorraine received the Outstanding Achievement award for her contribution to the care sector. Lorraine’s nursing career started at the age of 6, when she was desperate to celebrate her 7th birthday, so she could join the Red Cross. Later in her teens, Lorraine volunteered at a local geriatric hospital until she was 16, when she commenced her professional nurse/clinical training. Lorraine qualified as a Registered Mental Health Nurse in 1981, and over her 43-year career, held a number of clinical and senior management roles, transforming people’s lives through her relentless focus on improving quality of care. Underpinning her experience, Lorraine achieved an MBA/Bsc (HONS) in Nursing Studies, a Cert. Ed in Nursing and an MBA, Mental & Social Health Services and Allied Professions at Glamorgan University. She has streamlined policies and procedures to protect residents, staff and care homes from preventable risks, and created platforms to celebrate residents’, staff and organisational achievements. Demonstrating such passion and vision has allowed her to keep staff aligned to the caring ethos so the very best outcomes for residents can be achieved. On receiving the award, Lorraine said: “Right at the start of my nursing career, I was inspired to improve the way things were done in healthcare. For the past 43 years, I have been committed to giving a voice to some of the most vulnerable people in our society and to create a meaningful change. I am humbled by receiving this award and thank you to everyone who has shared this journey with me.”
Let’s do our bit to combat loneliness of older people this Christmas
According to Age UK, more than 3.8m people in England over the age of 75 live alone, with 40% saying that the television is their main source of company. Add to this figure the fact that 7% of older people are in contact with family, friends or neighbours less than once a week and it paints a bleak picture for older people over the forthcoming festive period. Hayden Knight, CEO at Orchard Care Homes, is taking a positive stance in the fight to combat loneliness at Christmas by encouraging care organisations to follow in his company’s footsteps and invite older people living on their own to join in the fun at one of the Orchard’s portfolio. “Christmas is a special time for families to come together and celebrate the festive period, gathering to enjoy a meal and spending quality time together. For those older people living on their own, it’s a difficult time of the year that promotes memories of past times when they too enjoyed the company of their families and friends.” “We are opening the doors to our homes across the North of England and inviting older people who face spending Christmas alone to join the Orchard family, its residents and staff at their local Orchard care home over the festive period. We will warmly welcome older people from the local community to join us for the day, lunch or dinner, and we will even arrange for their transport. We would urge other organisations to do the same and provide a homely place and enjoy the festivities as one big family.” Recent analysis (psychcentral.com) of lonely and non-lonely seniors found that lonely seniors suffered from various medical conditions at a higher rate such as hypertension (3.1%) diabetes (2.4%) and heart conditions (5.3%). Even more reasons to make every effort to keep in touch with loved ones, friends and neighbours who live on their own, including them in family events or just popping round for a cup of tea and a chat. Hayden continued, “At Orchard, we believe that every person is unique, and the care within our homes is tailored to their needs, wishes, life history and interests. We strive to work closely with residents’ family and friends to ensure continuity and a genuine connection between the past and the present. As specialists in the care of older people, we want to give our guests a taste of what it’s like to live at one of our care homes, to feel part of a family community and to enjoy some good food and company at a special time of the year.”
