CQC framework uncertainties shouldn’t mask benefits of processing streamlining
The process for establishing the new regulatory framework by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) will move a significant step forward this month. At this time the pilot schemes come to an end and the regulator will evaluate the impact of its proposed changes. Charlotte Rowe, Care Practice Manager at Markel Care Practitioners, discusses the stages and wider implications. With the expectation that the CQC will deliver its more substantive framework by the end of the first half of 2023, there is still a great deal of uncertainty but the aims behind the changes and the structure of the future framework are now evident. While some areas will challenge providers, a number of positives will be delivered under the new framework, with renewed flexibility within the inspection process one of the most significant. A changing CQC inspection process The first question providers were asking when the plans were announced was how the CQC inspection process would be affected. Previously, the CQC assessed care services solely via onsite inspection, gathering all the evidence through visits alone. Under the new model, the commission is moving to a broader, continuous approach by collecting evidence on an ongoing basis. Routine inspections will remain key, but other methods will now assume real importance to the final outcome including submissions from providers and conversations with managers. Inspectors will look to incorporate people’s experiences and obtain more detailed feedback from staff and leaders. They will include observations of care, and the outcomes of care set against evidence of process. In addition, they will seek feedback from partners. The CQC will now be able to update a service’s rating at any time without onsite inspection in order to better respond to risk. The frequency of care inspections was previously based on a provider’s most recent rating (with some ongoing monitoring), a system which troubled providers with many feeling it was difficult to improve their rating. That looks to be addressed in the new framework. The new continuous approach increases flexibility and frequency, enabling commissioners and stakeholders to be presented with a more accurate assessment quality of care provided. Reports will also be shorter and score-based, making outcomes easier to digest. The ability to grade in a more reflective manner is also of real importance. It will benefit families of service users to have more updated information on the standards, quality and concerns relevant to the provider. For families this is a real positive, and will likely act to support relationships with stakeholders. Single assessment framework One of the most important changes is the CQC’s move to a single assessment framework – a strategy that was first introduced in 2021 with the aim of putting the emphasis on care integration, people’s experiences, cultures of safety and learning. Previously, there were different frameworks for the type of service being administered – e.g. hospital care vs adult social care – and for registration and inspection. The main change with the single framework is to move away from the CQC’s Key Lines of Enquiry (KLOE) to quality statements which providers will now be measured against. This is intended to remove duplication and complexity by setting out one set of overall expectations that apply universally. Building in greater clarity The CQC has recognised the need for clarity on the changes, how they will be implemented and any variations in the requirements from providers. To help understand the new single assessment framework, the CQC has illustrated it using a pyramid, which reduces 300 lines of enquiry down to 34 quality statements. Moving down in chronological order, the top of the pyramid focuses on the ‘five key questions’, which ask whether a care service is safe; effective; caring; responsible; and well-led. These remain the same as before. The next step down is quality statements, are also known as ‘we statements’. These are examples of behaviours and actions that reflect the five key questions at the top of the pyramid and are designed to keep the focus on ‘high-quality, person-centred care.’ The bottom two levels of the pyramid refer to the evidence-gathering stage, with the latter stage more bespoke and specific. The aim of the single framework is to better streamline the process. The CQC hopes this streamlining will also improve waiting times for results – something that has caused concern in the past. Waiting times have also caused issues for providers hoping to improve their gradings – impacting their status with commissioners and stakeholders. The importance of data There will now be far more reliance on data. For providers that are not data ready this could be a real challenge, especially where paper based systems remain in play. This is particularly important for areas such as nursing staff, where changes in recording and systems are a key part of their daily undertaking. The CQC aims to use data more effectively via a range of audit tools in order to simplify the process, tailoring its assessment to different services and to have one framework. The sector should welcome the use of technology and data to streamline what has always been a complex and often subjective process. The ability for changes made by the providers to address any issues identified in an inspection and have the capability for those changes to be recognised in their rating is a significant plus. Rolling out the changes The CQC has been open in its process for the implementation of the new framework. Since the change in approach was first announced in March, the timetable towards its wider rollout has been explicit. From August, the CQC began rolling out various elements of the new framework to a select group of early adopters. The first group to be invited comprised home carers who had not yet engaged with the CQC’s registration process. In September, we saw the number of early adopters expanded to include some GP practices, independent providers, and care homes. October saw the CQC began carrying out its first assessments using its new approach, again with a small group of
Future of Care Leaders Conference London
Date: Tuesday 28th March 2023Location: The King’s Fund, London Future of Care Conference is back with a fresh new name, the Future of Care Leaders Conference. The re-brand highlights the individuals who should consider attending – the leaders of the sector. The conference is set out to bring key trends, challenges and developments in the care industry in front of the people who matter. Year on year the conference has acquired the trust of senior care professionals from across the UK to unite and work towards building a brighter future for the sector. Entering the new year provides new opportunities and the conference is no exception to this. With a new and improved layout and a quality speaker programme, delegates can expect new additions including a networking breakfast and drinks reception to end the day on a high and strengthen relationships made throughout the day. The day includes an extensive programme with informative sessions held by a coveted list of speakers and hosts a selection of exhibitors in the networking space. Delegates can enjoy a selection of refreshments throughout the day, as well as a quality lunch included in the cost of the ticket. The programme this year will focus on a range of important subjects, which will be discussed in focused speaker slots and panel debates. Topics include; Key speakers at the conference this year include: Kate Terroni, Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care and Integration, and Interim Chief Operating Officer at Care Quality Commission; Nadra Ahmed, Executive Chairman of National Care Association; Avnish Goyal CBE, Chair of Hallmark Care Homes and Vic Rayner OBE, Chair of the National Care Forum; who is also Conference Chair. You can find out more about how to book your ticket and view the full programme here – www.futureofcare.co.uk
Future of Care Leaders Conference 2023 – Leading the Care Sector Into a Bright Future
Leading the Care Sector Into a Bright Future Returning in 2023 with a fresh new name, the Future of Care Leaders Conference has re-branded to highlight the individuals who should consider attending – the leaders of the care sector. Bookings are now open for the highly sought-after conference being held at The King’s Fund, London on Tuesday 28th March 2023. The conference will be entering the new year boasting a new and improved layout. Alongside the quality speaker programme, attendees can expect exciting new additions including a networking breakfast and drinks reception to end the day on a high. Founders’ Comments Founder and Managing Director Emma Barrett shared: “We are proud to be heading into the new year with our recent re-brand as the Future of Care Leaders Conference. For 2023, we wanted to highlight the positive change care advocates would like to see – leading the care sector into a bright future. The healthcare industry has some crucial challenges to face and we hope to tackle these, as well as celebrate all the good the sector does.” “It is a joy to witness the fellowship between our delegates and we expect many partnerships to be formed during and after the conference” Voice for Change Emma Barrett concluded: “We look forward to welcoming new voices that are campaigning for call-to-actions and exciting changes across the sector. We’ll be opening the floor for progressive conversation in the hopes delegates will leave feeling empowered.” There is great anticipation to witness the Future of Care Leaders Conference programme develop in 2023. Individuals interested in attending can currently purchase tickets at a Super Early Bird rate saving 43% off for a limited time only. To find out more and book your ticket, head to the website here. https://www.futureofcare.co.uk
Parliamentary Candidate visits care home
Mary Chapman Court Care Home in Norwich has welcomed Alice Macdonald, the Labour Party Parliamentary Candidate for Norwich North. Alice, who was selected by the Labour Party last year to contest the Norwich North seat at the next general election, reached out to the care home to arrange the visit. The 31-bedroom residential care home, which is part of the UK-wide Maria Mallaband Care Group, hosted Ms Macdonald on January 5. She was offered a tour of the purpose-built facilities and an opportunity to meet with those living and working in the home, taking time to chat with them over light refreshments. Home manager Mihaela Laza said: “It was lovely to meet Alice and to see how interested she is in the social care sector. “We were very proud to show her the home and talk about the work we do and what it takes to deliver truly person-centred care and create a safe, happy and lively community.” Prospective Parliamentary Candidate Alice Macdonald said: “Improving our social care system is one of the biggest challenges facing the UK and so I am keen to learn more about how it works and understand the challenges on the ground. There is no better way to do that than by meeting with care providers and those they care for. Care workers here and across the country do a fantastic job and deserve all our gratitude. “It was a great pleasure visit Mary Chapman Court, and chat with the amazing team and some of those living there too. They were incredibly open and generous with their time, and I’d like to thank everyone for the warm welcome.
Care provider targets over a million visits in January, to aid government promise to cut NHS wait times
In the government priority announcement this week, Rishi Sunak focused on the issues facing the NHS – and A&E in particular – as patients fit to be discharged remain in hospital beds across the country. The Prime Minister noted the importance of extending telemedicine and helping patients access better data to inform decisions – to deliver high-quality, responsive healthcare for generations to come. Leading home healthcare provider Cera is today announcing a commitment to deliver over one million visits in January, to more than 20,000 patients per day. With around two million visits made to A&E departments in England each month, Cera has the scale to make a real impact in relieving pressure from the wider health service and enable more people to receive safe, effective care from the comfort of home. As Europe’s largest provider of digital-first home healthcare, Cera is already equivalent in capacity to 50 NHS hospitals, working with numerous NHS Integrated Care Systems and Local Authorities nationwide to deliver care, nursing, telehealth and repeat prescriptions. During a visit from Cera’s team of carers and nurses, a patient’s symptoms and health data are collected via the Cera App, which data analytics uses to predict deterioration in conditions 30x faster than traditional methods and can anticipate up to 80% of hospitalisations seven days in advance. This machine learning triggers earlier health interventions to prevent people from becoming unwell. It has been proven to reduce hospitalisation rates by an unprecedented 52%, keeping more beds free across the NHS. Last month, Cera launched its rapid discharge service in the Midlands, Yorkshire, Cheshire, and Merseyside, in advance of a national rollout. This service enables c.80% of patients who can be discharged from the hospital to be seen on the same day by Cera carers or nurses, by digitising the matching of the right carer or nurse with a patient faster and driving efficiencies through electronic scheduling.* Dr Ben Maruthappu MBE, CEO and Co-founder of Cera, comments: “In Wednesday’s announcement, the Prime Minister outlined the NHS’s wait times and the need to discharge people out of hospitals and into social care as one of the nation’s biggest priorities. Healthcare services are now required to do more with less, with demands increasing alongside an ageing population that requires more complex care, battling lengthy waiting lists across hospitals, and sector-wide struggles with staff burnout. “Through its technology-powered model, I am proud to announce that Cera will be in a position to provide over a million care visits this month, to help more patients leave hospital and relieve pressure on the NHS. Using machine learning and data analytics, Cera offers a care solution that does more with less and keeps patients safely at home through predictive technology. Moving healthcare services from the hospital to the home reduces the cost of healthcare ten-fold – the cost-effective solution the country needs.”
Aria Care Home wins award for Initiative Care
Aria Care Home awarded Best Initiative in Care at the prestigious Caring UK Awards 2022 Aria Care Home, the 28-bed residential home in Newport for people living with Dementia, has been recognised at the Caring UK Awards for its commitment to improving the culture for its workforce – which saw employee retention levels reach 100% for the year. The Caring UK Awards is a UK-wide initiative that celebrates outstanding people in the care sector. It took place at the Athena, Leicester, hosted by Emmerdale actor, Dean Andrews. Aria was also recognised as a finalist in the Regional Care Home of the Year – Wales & Midlands Category. Managing Director of Aria Care Home, Ali Al-Mufti, said of the achievement: “A national award for a small, single care home like ours is enormous recognition for the entire team that has worked relentlessly this year to buck the trend of recruitment and retention in the care sector – and have created an environment that elevates the home for our residents and each other.” The home is an accredited Real Living Wage employer, offering additional schemes such as employee wellness programmes to support the mental health of team members. Ali added: “The past year has been an incredible and unforgettable year for Aria Care Home. We don’t intend to rest on our laurels and will continue to better the care we provide to our residents. I am so pleased that the hard work of our team members has been acknowledged on a national level, they deserve so much recognition.” The care home, offers its residents person-centred care from highly qualified and experienced staff who deliver award-winning dementia support. The home has a diverse range of amenities and opportunities that offer residents surroundings that fit their lifestyle and care needs. The home has been regularly named in the “Top 20 Care Homes in Wales”, accredited by carehome.co.uk which is determined solely by reviews from residents and their families.
Second generation takes the reins at Meallmore Ltd
Leading Scottish care provider, Meallmore Ltd, has announced its new senior team, as Cillian Hennessey takes over as managing director. Cillian takes over the top job from Gerry Hennessey, who has retired from his role after 35 years. Gerry and his brother Aidan were founding directors when Meallmore was established in 1987. The company has grown steadily and has successfully retained its original family business values. Gerry will remain as chairman for Meallmore, while Cillian takes over the running of operations. Cillian joined the family business in 2010 as area manager after working as an investment surveyor. He became the company’s commercial director in 2017, where he was involved in determining the company’s growth and helping guide its operations and future development. Cillian will be supported by the existing executive team and directors group. Rachel Gothard has been appointed to the newly created role of People & Culture Director and Hazel O’Rourke was promoted to Quality Director. Together, they will continue to support Meallmore’s Operations Director, Mary Preston; Regional Director, Carol-Anne Foote; Property Director, Michael Gillespie; and Finance Director, Gavin MacKenzie. Outgoing managing director of Meallmore, Gerry Hennessey comments: “It was always my hope that the business would be passed onto the next generation, so for Cillian to be taking the baton is an extremely proud moment for me. The business is a very different one to the one I started running in 1987 with my brother, as we’ve gone from operating one care home to 26. The transition from one generation to the next has been well considered and I’m confident that Cillian will do an excellent job in his new role.” Cillian Hennessey says: “Since being founded over 35 years ago by my father and uncle, Meallmore has secured the reputation of being one of Scotland’s leading care providers and I’m proud to be part of such a reputable company which offers a great place to live for our residents, and a great place to work for our colleagues. “I’ve spent the last 12 years working in the family-run business and I’m ready to take Meallmore into the next generation and put my stamp on it, which is a really exciting prospect. That being said, nothing will change in terms of Meallmore’s ambitions or principles, which is to provide excellent personalised care and support, delivered by trained and professional caring teams in quality and safe environments.” Since opening its first care home, Daviot Care Home (formally known as Meallmore Lodge) in Inverness in 1987, Meallmore has grown to become one of Scotland’s leading care providers. Meallmore currently has a network of 26 care homes across Scotland, including offering care for the elderly and adults with mental health diagnosis. More information about Meallmore Ltd can be found at https://www.meallmore.co.uk/
Surrey care home residents rekindle the true spirit of Christmas with heart-warming community collection for young and old
With Christmas just around the corner, residents and staff from a group of Surrey care homes have come together in the true spirit of Christmas – gifting ‘winter warmer’ collection boxes to both local elderly people receiving care at home, and children receiving care from a national children’s hospice. Hoping to bring a little seasonal sparkle to the local community and those in need, residents of CHD Wellbeing care homes across Surrey have been collecting donations and knitting warm ‘hug in a rug’ knee blankets to share with elderly people receiving home care from CHD Care at Home, the domiciliary arm of CHD Living, an award-winning, family-owned and operated group of care facilities. In addition, they have also assembled toy and clothing donation boxes for children at the Shooting Stars Children’s Hospice containing toys, blankets, clothes and more to spread a little Christmas cheer from one generation to another, all as part of their ‘Winter Warmer’ project. After an outpouring of support from local businesses and suppliers, CHD Living has collected enough donations to make 100 ‘hug in a rug’ parcels as well as 100 ‘kindness connects’ parcels for The Hope Hub in Woking – an incredible gesture and show of support for their local community. On the resident-driven initiative, Shaleeza Hasham, Head of Hospitality, Communications and Commissioning at CHD Living, said: “When the team at our Kings Lodge centre told me that the residents had asked to start a collection for those receiving care under our Care at Home service, I was so touched. For it to then grow to the incredible collection we have gathered and to receive so much support from local businesses and our suppliers is both amazing and deeply moving. “Thanks to the support, we have raised over £700 to buy additional blankets, gloves and scarves and extra items for the parcels. That’s on top of all of the items so generously donated – we received over 200 scarves, gloves and winter hats. We’re hugely grateful to everyone who has supported our Winter Warmers project, but especially to Brakes Catering, the amazing Community Champion at Tesco Brooklands, Hodders Estate Agents, Lodge Brothers and the Byfleet Village Co-Operative. They have truly helped so many people with their kindness and generosity.” Originally, the collection was focused on the ‘hug in a rug’ parcels but after receiving many donations of children’s items, the residents decided to kick start a second collection of toy donation parcels for children, choosing Shooting Stars Children’s Hospice which is headquartered close to CHD Living’s headquarters in Godalming, Surrey as the recipient. Acknowledging the challenges facing its staff as well as the wider community, CHD has also earmarked £150,000 to a hardship fund for members of the team affected by the cost of living crisis. Made available through backdated funding for nursing staff, CHD has put its money where its mouth is in order to help its staff feel supported and able to deliver the best standards of care at work. Shaleeza adds: ”If you have financial concerns, it can be hard to focus at work as the worry takes over. We want to make sure our team knows that CHD Living will support them through these difficult times so that they can continue doing the amazing job they do, creating happiness daily for our residents. They do so much for our residents and for the local community too, so to be able to give back to them in this way is something we are deeply proud of.” Aware that concerns over energy bills may impact the elderly especially, the team also compiled a list of safe and warm tips to Care at Home and the wider elderly community reduce their energy usage and lessen the impact of rising costs. While these were shared with residents alongside their ‘hug in a rug’ parcel, they are also available to view on the CHD website for anyone looking for a few tips, visit https://www.chdliving.co.uk/journal/m-news/cost-living/ to find out more. The ‘hug in a rug’ and ‘kindness connects’ parcels will be delivered a few days before Christmas, giving an early festive treat for those in the local community who need it most. CHD Living has more than 35 years of experience in delivering high quality care throughout Surrey and South London. The group ethos of ‘creating happiness daily’ is a driver for both its approach to care and the activities and experiences designed for residents and clients. From delivering bucket list wishes to day-to-day support enabling older people to remain in their own home, CHD Living continues to promote choice, independence and dignity, in safe and caring environments. For more information, please visit www.chdliving.co.uk
Care workers offered savings plan to ease cost of living crisis
Two Hull-based companies have established a partnership to help employees during the current cost-of-living crisis. Not-for-profit care organisation HICA Group has partnered with HEY Credit Union to provide a staff savings scheme. HICA Group is offering all employees an opportunity to save money more easily during this challenging economic period. All staff are able to join the credit union, opting for a percentage of their salary to be deducted automatically and transferred directly to their own savings account. The care group owns and manages residential care homes across Yorkshire, Humberside and Lincolnshire as well as two retirement villages in East Yorkshire and Lancashire, employing over 1,500 people. Terry Peel, CEO at HICA Group, said: “Our team is the backbone of our not-for-profit organisation. They work incredibly hard, demonstrating commitment and passion to their roles and we aim to show our appreciation of this through the benefits we provide to those who work for us. “Financial security is a key concern for many people right now, including our employees, which is why we want to offer people the option of saving money directly from their salary. “By working with a local credit union, we’re able to offer this in a structured and secure way so that employees can regularly save money and adapt to a new way of managing their finances.” “We chose to partner with HEY Credit Union as it’s a local organisation that prioritises the financial wellbeing of people, offering affordable and ethical financial services that genuinely help people to manage their money better.” Established 23 years ago, Hey Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial co-operative providing fair and responsible saving schemes and loans for those living in East Yorkshire, Hull and Northern Lincolnshire. In the same way as other financial institutions, members’ savings are protected (up to a £85,000) by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. John Smith, chief executive at HEY Credit Union, said: “We’re pleased to be working in partnership with HICA Group offering a salary saving scheme that gives employees access to an ethical saving provision. Through the partnership, The HICA Group is supporting employee financial wellbeing with a highly regulated yet deeply community-focused local organisation which is proud to put people before profit.” Sheila Harvell, from Hull, who opts into the scheme, said: “The money being taken from my salary before it hits my bank really appealed to me as it feels like I’m saving money without trying. “I am keen to build up a bank of money for special occasions such as birthdays, Christmas and holidays so that I have money saved and ready to use when I need it, without borrowing. “The savings benefit offered by HICA allows me to do this in a sensible way as it’s something I can stick to and also gives me peace of mind that I’m saving some money every month.”
