Revolutionary Montessori Approach for Dementia and Ageing
Stoma care services across England
The Association of Stoma Care Nurses UK Annual Conference, closely following on from Ostomy Awareness Day, Coloplast UK and Ireland has announced that a group of leading experts (specialist nurses, surgeons, third sector representatives and healthcare consultants) from across this community have come together to launch an exciting, new, independent working group and project: Advancing Stoma Care Services: Evidence-based Proposals for a Best Practice Pathway (ASCS). Driven by a shared vision, the group’s aim is to ensure the delivery of consistent high-quality care and management for all patients who need care in England, wherever they live. Speaking on behalf of the new ASCS project group, Dr Peter Carter, Independent Healthcare Consultant, former CEO of the Royal College of Nursing said: “I’m excited to be leading this project group and by our shared vision: to implement a practical solution to ensure everyone living with a stoma has access to the same level of care wherever they receive treatment, so that no one is left behind. To do this, our project will explore what best practice in stoma care looks like, including recognition of the important role of specialist nurses, and ensure that our recommendations are based on the best available, current, valid and relevant evidence.” In keeping with this year’s conference theme – ‘Making Waves and Influencing Practice’ – the expert project group will undertake research and develop an evidence-based proposal for a national and standardised best practice pathway for stoma care. This will set out a structured approach to the treatment, management and follow-up that need to be provided by a multidisciplinary team to deliver optimal patient care, whether the stoma surgery is elective or emergency. The format will follow that of an NHS England Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) programme of work, although this is not an official GIRFT project. Despite an estimated 160,000–205,0000 people living with this in the UK, and 21,000 people who are thought to require formation surgery each year[i], there is currently a lack of National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) offer guidance . Today, it is left to the various NHS Foundation Trusts to develop their own management pathways, meaning there is significant variation in the care and services received by patients across England – with some receiving high quality care based on the most up to date evidence whilst others do not, simply because of where they live. Consultant Surgeon and GIRFT National Clinical Lead for General Surgery, Mr Mark Cheetham, said: “As a practicing colorectal surgeon, every day I see the benefits of high quality stoma care for our patients. This work will be really important in identifying and spreading areas of good practice in stoma care. Beyond that, the bigger prize lies in reducing unwarranted variation across the UK and ensuring that all people have access to good, standardised stoma care regardless of where they live.” Dr Terri Porrett, Strategic Project Manager at Coloplast added: “As a former specialist stoma care nurse, I’ve seen first-hand the improvement in the care delivered to patients living with a stoma over the past 20 years and want to thank nurses for continuing to play such a crucial role in advancing stoma care. However, I also believe that more needs to be done to tackle the variation in care. That’s why I’ve established this project and working group – with a united purpose to advance patient experience across England – and I welcome others to join from across the stoma community.” /https://www.coloplast.co.uk/
New Leadership at Midlands Care Group Strives for Excellence
A West Midlands care provider has appointed fresh leadership at its prestigious care home in Oldbury. Faye Gailey, a seasoned professional in the healthcare industry, has assumed the role of registered manager at Portway House Care Home – part of Superior Care (Midlands) Ltd. Her vision for Portway House is founded on her beliefs of being actively present, providing steadfast support, and upholding an open-door policy marked by transparency. Faye is a firm believer in leading by example, nurturing an enriching atmosphere where both residents and staff thrive in a warm and welcoming ‘home away from home’ environment. Faye brings a wealth of experience from her seven years in leadership roles within the care field, where her unwavering commitment led to her previous facility achieving an overall ‘Good’ rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Driven in her pursuit of achieving an ‘Outstanding’ rating from the CQC for Portway House, Faye states, “My goal is to build on the amazing foundations that make Portway House feel like home. With our dedicated staff, we’ll continue creating a warm, caring environment that makes a significant difference in our residents’ lives. “In just a few weeks of joining Portway House, I felt the warmth and homeliness that surrounds our care home. It was like I had been part of the team for a long time. With this fantastic starting point, I’m excited to lead us towards achieving excellence.” CEO of Superior Care (Midlands) Ltd, Amrit Sumal, says: “We’re confident Faye embodies the qualities that will steer Portway House in the right direction. Her dedication to personalised care, unwavering commitment to both her team and our residents, and her friendly,welcoming approach make her the perfect manager for our home.” Portway House is part of Superior Care Midlands Ltd. To find out more about the home or to book a visit, contact 0121 740 0738 or admin@portwayhouse.co.uk. Alternatively, visit portwayhouse.co.uk
Care Chef of the Year 2023
Brian Preston of Lister House, Royal British Legion has been crowned National Association of Care Catering (NACC) Care Chef of the Year 2023. Brain’s success was announced and celebrated last night (Thursday 5th October) in front of NACC members and guests at the NACC gala awards dinner held at the East Midlands Conference Centre, Nottingham, which is part of the NACC Training & Development Forum 2023. Nigel Cooke, Eastcote Park, Cinnamon Care Collection and Jessica Vreede, Guthrie House Edinburgh, Four Seasons Health Care took second and third places, respectively. The exciting national final unfolded on Wednesday 4th October at the Manor Cookery School, Grantham. In just 90 minutes, the line-up of talented finalists showcased their culinary skills and specialist knowledge to impress the panel of expert judges, led by Head Judge, Steve Munkley. The judges were looking for clear nutritional understanding of the foods being used and how they support the needs of their clientele, plus culinary flair through flavours, menu balance, execution, presentation, and hygiene and waste management best practice. Preston excelled across the board, impressing the judges with his mouth-watering menu of Breast of chicken with black pudding and apricots, Toffee apple pudding with cinnamon ice cream. Head judge, Steve Munkley said: “ Head judge, Steve Munkley said: “This has been my second year as the chair of judges and the new marking system looked at the nutritional content and sustainability as well as the taste and presentation of the food. All three played a large part in coming to the final verdict. “At the regional heats we gave every chef the opportunity of constructive feedback. Without exception, everyone stayed on to hear what the judges had to say. I am pleased to see that in many cases the dishes presented in the final had significantly improved. “It was good to see chefs coming back from previous years as they were all interested in improving their skills, which can only be a positive for their residents. Again, this year the chefs raised the bar for quality and standard of both the skills shown and food served to the judges.” Daniel Bree, Hartwood House, Cinnamon Care Collection He was also awarded Highly Commended Main for his Chalk stream trout, madras style sauce, nigella seed and leek bhaji and turmeric potatoes, wilted spinach and coriander oil, and Brian Preston scooped Highly Commended Dessert for his Toffee Apple Pudding. Hygiene and waste management best practice was also recognised Christopher Mitchley, St John’s House awarded the Hygiene Award Kasia Hab-Bialkowska, of Highmarket House Care Home Care UK presented with the Waste Management Award. Sue Cawthray, the NACC’s National Chair, said: “Each year the standard of this competition seems to get higher and higher. I am full of admiration for all the contestants, particularly those who have returned after attempts in previous years. It shows that they continually seek to improve their performance, which ultimately benefits those residents within their care. Care chefs play an important part in the wellbeing of our residents. The vital role of good food and nutrition as a fundamental part of quality care has never been more important. We are working our way through the current cost of living crisis. Once again, the standards of this year’s competition have been exceptional and is testament to the selfless dedication of care chefs. They driven to deliver excellence for their residents and clients no matter what pressures they face. We’re very proud of all the finalists and every care chef that use their talent and specialist knowledge. They help care for the elderly and vulnerable through the provision of delicious and nutritious food.” Once again, this year the NACC Care Chef of the Year 2023 The competition was supported by the main sponsor Unilever Food Solutions and long-standing event sponsor The Worshipful Company of Cooks. Focusing on the importance of food, nutrition and positive mealtime experiences as part of quality care. The entrants are challenged to create an appealing and delicious two-course menu (main and dessert) for a care setting. The combined food cost for both courses should be no more than £3.00 per head based on three portions and it must be nutritionally balanced. The menu must also feature a product from Unilever Food Solutions’ sector-relevant catering range.For more information on the NACC Care Chef of the Year 2023 competition visit http://www.thenacc.co.uk/
Yorkshire care group has raised over £1,200
A leading social care group headquartered in Yorkshire has raised over £1,200 for care home residents by taking part in a sponsored walk. Employees at HICA Group, which provides care services across Yorkshire, Lancashire and Lincolnshire, completed a challenging 10-mile walk to raise money for those people it cares for. Staff from care homes Elm Tree Court, Wilton Lodge and Isacc Robinson Court in Hull and Kirkgate House in Bridlington were joined by members of the HICA management team. They managed to complete the walk in approximately 3 hours. HICA’s CEO Terry Peel said: “Every penny raised from our walk is going straight back into enhancing the quality of life for our residents. “That’s an extra £1,200 towards activities, facilities, and little extras that truly make a difference. “Our mission has always been centred on providing the best of care to our residents and fundraising activities like this enable us to go that extra mile. Thanks to everyone who got involved – it was a great afternoon.” The walk started in Hesslewood Country Office Park and continued through Humber Bridge Country Park, across the Humber Bridge, around Far Ings Nature Reserve, and back over the bridge to Hesslewood. Claire Gillies, an activity coordinator at Elm Tree Court who took part in the walk, said: “It was an amazing day, not just because of the £1,200 we raised, but also because of the spirit and determination we showed to finish the walk. I enjoy being involved in these kind of initiatives as it means we can all do our bit to contribute to improving the lives of those we care for.”
World’s First Fully Robotic Liver Transplant
In a historic achievement, the Organ Transplant Center of Excellence (OTCoE) team at King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSH&RC) has successfully performed the world’s first fully robotic liver transplant in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia—a move that solidifies KFSH&RC’s position as a global leader in minimally invasive transplant surgery. The recipient of this groundbreaking surgery is a 66-year-old Saudi male who underwent a fully robotic liver transplant. He was discharged on 6 September, following his procedure. The patient suffered from non-alcoholic liver cirrhosis (NASH) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). KFSH&RC’s pioneering approach employed state-of-the-art robotic technology to conduct both donor and recipient surgeries with precision and minimal invasiveness, eliminating the need for a hybrid approach. While other centers offer minimally invasive liver transplants using hybrid techniques, KFSH&RC stands alone as the only center to offer a fully robotic liver transplant surgery. The approach adopted by the OTCoE offers a transformative solution, providing patients with smaller incisions, reduced recovery times, and significantly lower rates of complications, including infections and surgical issues. Dr. Dieter Broering, Executive Director of the Organ Transplant Center of Excellence at KFSH&RC, said: “With this remarkable feat, we at KFSH&RC reaffirm our commitment to pushing the boundaries of medical innovation and enhancing the quality of healthcare services offered to patients worldwide. The successful implementation of fully robotic liver transplants marks a pivotal moment in the history of organ transplantation and firmly positions KFSH&RC as a world-leading center in this field.” Traditional liver transplantation, while life-saving, often involves major incisions and carries a high risk of complications. These surgeries can result in complications in up to 50% of cases and require extensive incisions, leading to prolonged hospital stays and increased patient discomfort. KFSH&RC is now recognized as a designated Training Center for robotic transplant surgery. The institution actively collaborates with other medical institutions, fostering knowledge exchange and advancing the global understanding of minimally invasive transplant procedures.
Visit apetito at the Care Show
It’s official! apetito is going to be at the Care Show at the NEC on 11th and 12th October. If you’re a care home group, apetito would like to invite you to its VIP Lounge to learn more about how its meals service goes beyond providing great tasting food and can transform your care home catering. As a leading meals provider, apetito builds genuine partnerships with care homes across the country; reducing costs, waste, and labour requirements, whilst still delivering high-quality meals residents always look forward to. At the core of apetito’s service is the belief that food should be enjoyed by everyone. Packed with quality ingredients, its meals are delicious, nutritious and cater to all residents’ dietary needs. Enjoy sampling popular dishes developed by apetito’s team of in-house chefs and dietitians. You’ll also be able to find out more its award-winning range of IDDSI compliant texture-modified meals and revolutionary Finger Food Bites, which bring back dignity to dining for residents with dementia. General Manager of apetito’s care home division, Richard Woodward, explains why you should visit its stand: “Our service goes beyond providing delicious food. We know every care home is different and we want to build a genuine partnership with teams: supporting them every step of the way to ensure residents always look forward to mealtimes. “We’re proud that our service not only ensures homes can deliver a diverse range of delicious meals but also crucially saves them time and money in the kitchen. “My team and I are keen to talk to about how we can support care homes, deliver efficiencies and ensure quality mealtimes.” Book your space at apetito’s VIP Lounge now at apetito.link/careshow
Rennie Grove Peace announces conference line up
Are you truly prepared if a fire occurs?
Government guidelines require care providers to evacuate a bedroom compartment containing up to 10 people within 2.5 minutes during normal operating hours. But the question is, are you confident that your evacuation procedures are truly effective without hands-on training? NPG Fire Safety: Your Preparedness Partner Our bespoke fire safety and evacuation courses include fully insured practical training to ensure your staff are equipped with the skills they need to deal with an incident effectively. Scan the QR code for more details. Essential Fire Alarms for Evacuation Care homes with more than 10 residents should have an L1 fully addressable fire alarm system. Without this, staff may have to search entire zones for the cause of alarm, resulting in less time to provide first aid fire fighting, and an increased risk to occupants and extended evacuation times. NPG Fire Safety have installed systems in 40 bedroom care homes within a week, minimal disruption, maximum safety Comprehensive Fire Safety and Security Solutions NPG Fire Safety is your trusted fire safety and security provider. Our team includes accredited fire risk assessors, all registered at a minimum Tier 2 competency level with the Institute of Fire Safety Managers (IFSM), dedicated trainers and fully qualified Level 3 EAL engineers, enabling us to offer a comprehensive end-to-end service. -Fire Risk Assessment -Fire Awareness, Fire Warden, and Evacuation Training -Fire Alarms -Emergency Lights -Fire Extinguishers -Nurse Call -CCTV -Intruder Alarms -Access Control Trusted Nationwide Service Based in the Lake District, NPG serves clients nationally and offers a 24-hour callout service. We prioritise expert advice and services delivered by competent fire professionals at fair prices. We are in the final stages of obtaining NSI Gold, NACOSS, ISO 9001, and BAFE accreditation for all our core services which further demonstrates our commitment to excellence. Choose NPG Fire Safety for Peace of Mind If you’re looking for a trusted partner for all your fire and security needs, contact us today at 0800 043 1203. Together, let’s prioritise fire and security to protect what matters most!
