Allica Bank supports new entrant to the care home market in first healthcare deal
Allica Bank has delivered its first commercial mortgage within its recently launched healthcare division, enabling the purchase of a 21-room, Shropshire-based care home. Hartlands Rest Home, a residential and dementia care home based in Oswestry, has been providing elderly care to the local community for over 35 years. The home has performed extremely well historically, providing high-quality standards of care to its residents, reflected in its consistent ‘Good’ ratings from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) for all five categories (safe, effective, caring, responsive and well led). The loan – totalling nearly £500,000 – enabled the purchase of the company from its previous owner, who was retiring after running the home for its 35-year history, with the transaction completing in October. Allica said the new owner is a first-time buyer that has extensive experience in the care home sector, and they will be supported by the existing management and operational staff, who will continue to manage its day-to-day activities. Anthony Newman, Specialist Relationship Manager at Allica, says the bank is extremely pleased to have been able to support such a promising business: “We are delighted to be able to help our customer acquire his first care home,” he explains. “Their experience in the care sector, combined with the care home’s long-standing and excellent regulatory performance and reputation in the community, made it a transaction we were keen to support. It’s fantastic, too, to see Allica’s new healthcare division able to make a mark so quickly.” David Ward of Christie Finance, the firm that helped arrange the loan, added: “In a sector which is seeing many challenges, this transaction shows the appetite that exists to support both new entrants and existing operators in acquiring quality, well run and profitable care homes. We’re proud to assist such a strong borrower as they enter the market for the first time. “Allica’s approach to this transaction is evidence of relationship banking doing its job of working with the customer to understand the requirement and is a testament to the real value that care specialists can bring to the sector.”
Compulsory vaccines for carers u-turn : Too little too late?
MANDATORY Covid-19 vaccine requirements for health and social care workers are set to be removed on Tuesday 15 March, in a recent announcement by the Department of Health and Social Care. It follows a government U-turn on the previous vaccine mandate for NHS workers in England, which was set to come into effect from the start of April, and has been decided after a public consultation where 90% of respondents supported its removal. Laura Kearsley, partner and solicitor specialising in employment law at Nelsons, said: “When the compulsory vaccine announcement was made last year, there was a real worry in the care sector as to the impact it might have on recruitment and staff retention – particularly given the shortage of staff that the industry is already experiencing. “There’s no arguing that the requirement to be double vaccinated caused a number of challenges for employers, as many workers refused the jab and chose to leave their roles or left bosses with no choice but to terminate their employment. “Despite the U-turn, professionals in the industry – including chief executive of Care England, Martin Green – have spoken out about the decisions being too late for many as it’s unlikely they will return to roles they’ve just left. However, at the moment, this still remains to be seen.” Advice to employers “As the mandate has now been lifted, many employers in the sector may well be wondering whether they are legally obligated to contact workers who have left their employment and, if so, whether they’re required to automatically offer them the option to return to their former employment. “While we await further detail on the revocation, it’s unlikely that employers will be obliged to re-offer jobs to those who left or were dismissed during the process. It’s also unlikely that staff returning to their roles will be legally entitled to have their previous service recognised in terms of continuity of employment. “This is an unprecedented circumstance that has never had to be navigated before in any industry, therefore it’s important to ensure the correct steps are taken as more information comes to light in the coming weeks.” For more information about managing your workforce, please visit: www.nelsonslaw.co.uk/managing-your-workforce/
Pocketalk announces GDPR compliance and Pocketalk Plus as it transitions from hardware-centric business to global solution
Pocketalk, the global leader in connecting conversations and removing language barriers, today announces GDPR compliance and its new product for healthcare settings the Pocketalk Plus. The announcement comes following the pandemic, which inspired Pocketalk to focus its efforts on connecting patients with their healthcare providers. Pocketalk is now the first GDPR-compliant handheld translation device and ready to be used in clinical settings, giving caregivers and patients the ability to speak directly and instantaneously. This elevated communication will deepen patient and caregiver rapport, leading to increased satisfaction for both parties, greater comprehension on diagnosis and treatments, and most importantly, lower rates of readmission. The clarity, speed and convenience offered by Pocketalk cannot be replicated by translation lines or interpretive services. These existing systems of translation come with long wait times and can be expensive for healthcare providers. Pocketalk has the ability to dramatically reduce non-medical costs in translation and interpretive services, and offers immediate communication. With a combination of speed and direct communication, Pocketalk minimises scheduling requirements, reduces stress, and ultimately gets patients the care they need to move on to the next phase of treatment. With its launch in 2018, Pocketalk was originally designed as a travel-friendly practical communication tool – but when first responders aboard the Diamond Princess cruise line had to quarantine in Yokohama at the start of the pandemic, Pocketalk took action. It donated devices to enhance communication between first responders and passengers, reducing the interpreters’ exposure to COVID-19. This incident, as well as rapidly increasing cases, inspired Pocketalk to pivot its focus from world travelers to first responders and healthcare workers in multilingual communities. The result was the development of the Pocketalk Plus, a critical tool for medical professionals and first responders, arming them with quick, accurate translations in the field. The Pocketalk Plus boasts a large screen that is readable from 6 feet of distance, a strong speaker and a noise canceling microphone – perfect for healthcare professionals to use in a clinical setting. Other features of the device include: Pocketalk Plus is available now for £349.00 Nori Matsuda, Pocketalk’s CEO, Pocketalk said: “Our mission is now an international one: to remove language barriers and connect all humans through conversations — the ones happening in all sorts of environments: medicine, education, logistics, personal. We’re now speaking in one “common” language — a necessity in a world where, as the past two years have shown us, we share one common biology. We believe that everyone should be able to communicate easily across every corner of the globe which is why we have created these new products to cater to everyone’s needs.” Since Pocketalk launched in 2017, the company has been a leader in the handheld translator market with its Pocketalk Classic and Pocketalk S devices. Pocketalk has connected people of all backgrounds through language translation and the engine has been honed by over half a billion translations achieving an unparalleled level of speed and accuracy. To date the company has sold nearly one million Pocketalk handheld devices. The Pocketalk products and services are available to purchase on the website. For more information, visit the online newsroom and follow Pocketalk on Instagram and Facebook.
Employing Care Workers From Overseas
The UK government has finally acknowledged that workers from overseas can help to address the current critical shortage of care assistants and home care workers in the UK. Carers will now join Senior Carers on the list of skilled jobs that can be filled with workers from abroad. The Carer route is temporary but is likely to be in place for at least 12 months. Employers may breathe a sigh of relief but there is some red tape involved and they need to be prepared before embarking on this route to recruitment. There are also extra costs involved. The first step is to apply for a Sponsorship Licence which gives employers the right to employ foreign workers. Sponsors have duties and it is essential to have the right HR systems in place. Once that is in place, they can recruit, but the new staff member will need to make an application for permission to come to the UK as a Skilled Worker or to stay in the UK but in a different job. The whole exercise will obviously take longer than the normal recruitment process within the UK. However, in the long term, it may cost less time and management energy than advertising without success in the UK. Get Ready To Employ Care Workers From Overseas We know that employers in the care sector need people now. We also know that this sector is already heavily regulated and employers will not welcome yet another set of responsibilities and regulations connected to Sponsorship Licences. We can take the pressure off. We can ensure everything is in place for a successful and ongoing Sponsorship Licence which will give you the flexibility to employ foreign workers as you need them. We handle the red tape to get the people you need in place as fast as possible. We are not a faceless law machine like some firms. We offer a personal service which takes into account the nature of your particular business. You will not be passed around different lawyers and you will not wait ages for answers to your questions and concerns. We are experts in this work and have a great track record. Contact us if you need more information or help. We offer a free 20 minute consultation. Call Sallie Davies or Angela Cole on 01473 229820 or email at info@immigrationlegalservices.co.uk
The Residential & Home Care Show
Join us at The Residential & Home Care Show, the UK’s leadership event for delivering outstanding care, returning to the ExCeL London on 18-19 May 2022. Free for all care professionals to attend, the CPD certified conference programme will focus on the big issues facing the social care sector including recruitment and retention challenges, new employment law, personalisation, integrated care, safeguarding, raising quality, dementia, CQC ratings, which technologies work and business development. After an extremely challenging few years for the care profession, this will be the opportunity to come back together and refocus your mind. Promising to arm you with strategies, products and services, The Residential & Home Care Show will help you be in the best position to address challenges and take advantage of the opportunities that lie ahead. 18-19 May 2022ExCeL Londonhttps://www.residentialandhomecareshow.co.uk/CareandNursingEssentials Reasons to attend: Visit the event website: https://www.residentialandhomecareshow.co.uk/CareandNursingEssentials Click here to register for FREE: https://rfg.circdata.com/publish/hpc22/?source=carehomemanagement
care hero award for Norfolk carer.
SSCH launched the monthly care hero care hero award programme this year to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the 1.54m people working in social care in the UK. Jenny, who was nominated for February 2022, is the second award winner. Jenny was nominated by colleagues who said: “Jenny works as a senior carer and she tirelessly gives 110% in everything that she does. She’s also a wellbeing champion for the staff helping and being there for them mentally during these tough times. Jenny goes above and beyond making sure all the residents and staff are well looked after. Jenny is passionate, caring, positive and a trusting member of staff. Always looking to upskill, whilst encouraging progression in others too. Thank you Jenny. From all of us at Norfolk Lodge Care Home.” On hearing she had won the award Jenny said: “I am absolutely overwhelmed by winning the social care hero award, I honestly didn’t expect it. It feels great to be recognised for all the hard work that carers do. This is such a great award. I wouldn’t be the carer I am today without the continued support of my manager Leah. She has pushed me to get to where I am today and I’m so thankful for her support.” Jenny will receive a £50 voucher for the grocery store of her choice, a box of chocolates, certificate, a SSCH hoody and Norfolk Lodge Care Home will receive a bunch of flowers. The prizes have been sponsored by VAT Solutions. Jenny’s manager Leah Guy said: “The team and I are absolutely thrilled for Jenny. She truly deserves this recognition. Jenny is the definition of a carer and is amazing at what she does!” The social care workforce is often overlooked yet they keep the most vulnerable people in our society safe and well. It is hoped that SSCH will receive significant support following research which found that the overwhelming majority of the public feel that social care staff are undervalued (81%) and underpaid (80%). The monthly care hero awards have been created to show that care workers are appreciated. Nicola Richards, Founder of Support Social Care Heroes, explained the thinking behind the idea: “Social care staff often do not get the recognition that they deserve despite being valued by their managers and employers. “Many care homes already have ‘employee of the month’ schemes and we really felt we should do something to bring all these nominations together from around the country to celebrate all our social care heroes and the amazing work they do. “The pandemic has brought social care colleagues across the country together as we have supported each other like never before. I hope these awards will provide a positive boost to carers, managers and the wider care home teams. “These awards are the first step in our long-term plans to ensure those who need care, and those caring for them, are valued by all in society. “Our country’s social care heroes have been on the front line and in the headlines for almost two years and this new initiative will help show them that they are valued and recognise the work they do.” Social care employers are encouraged to nominate their staff for a care home hero award (employee of the month). Taking part has been made simple and easy: post a photo of your employee of the month and which care home you represent, to social media, with the hashtag #SocialCareHeroAwards and tag Support Social Care Heroes page. Tell us in 160 characters why the person is a social care hero. All nominations will be curated by the Support Social Care Heroes team and on the last Monday of each month a winner will be chosen at random. Anyone who wishes to donate to Support Social Care Heroes can do so by visiting: www.ssch.info.
Dishwashing Challenges Solved by new Fairy Professional Tablets
When working in a kitchen which serves large volumes of people like care homes and residential facilities, efficiency is a key factor in preventing operational issues. Throughout meal periods there are natural choke points which can cause hold ups such as food prep, cooking and dish washing. We at Alliance Online have over 20 years of supplying the health sector and appreciate that poor dishwasher management can waste time which could be spent looking after patients. Naturally, not all homes and hospitals will have access to a warewasher or may just opt for a traditional hand washing approach. But if your organisation does employ commercial dishwashers then hold ups can occur, with the cause normally being due to one of the following two reasons: The first cause can be avoided by simply giving training surrounding the machine being used to staff responsible for loading the dishwasher. Explain aspects such as minimum and maximum load volumes, the various different wash cycles and best practices your kitchen currently follows. Equally, it is important to discuss the impact poor warewasher management can have on the rest of the kitchen and server staff demonstrating how this can develop into a congestion point. The second reason however cannot be resolved as simply, and it opens up the following three scenarios as to why washes are not proficiently removing dirt: Where cycles are concerned, the first article to consult would be the dishwasher’s manual as this should itemise the options available. If you cannot find the manual, then locate the model make / manufacturers number and contact the manufacturer to see if a new one can be sent out. Failing this, the manual may exist in a digital format online. Equally, during a closed period the different cycles could be tried and tested to review the efficacy of each one. It is also good practice to know the hardness of your water so you can ensure your machine is optimised accordingly. If the above is not the case, then the issue may fall into the category of being a mechanical fault. If you haven’t had your warewasher serviced within the past 12 months, then calling a service engineer would definitely be recommended. Not only will they be able to identify any issues with your machine, but they’ll also highlight potential areas which may become a problem in the future. Additionally, engineers will be able to provide advice on best practice when it comes to day-to-day maintenance of your dishwasher, we would recommend the following points: Finally, there is the choice of detergent / cleaning solution being used. When selecting the dishwashing chemical you intend on using, there are a few different factors which need considering: To navigate all these issues, you can either buy multiple chemicals, so all scenarios are catered for or buy an all-in-one option. All in one options offer the flexibility of being able to wash a multitude of tableware without the need for separation beforehand. As such, this saves time as warewashers can be loaded to maximum capacity, washed and emptied quicker. It also prevents build ups of specific types of crockery whilst other cycles are running. Should an all-in-one option be preferred Alliance Online would recommend Fairy’s professional all-in-one dishwasher capsules (this to link to: https://www.allianceonline.co.uk/professional-professional-all-in-one-original-capsules-cdw00306.html). They have been formulated specifically for daily cleaning of tableware in commercial warewashers. Their multi-action cleaning quality washes away dirt, dissolves and removes dried on grease, protects silver finishes whist promoting a metal shine and also benefits from rinse aid and salt action properties. All of these qualities ensure the capsule offers users efficient cleaning even on short cycles in commercial environments. The capsules offer staff a simple and easy to use option regarding dishwashing as it negates the need to measure out fluids or powders when using a dish washing appliance. They also come in packs of 100 capsules making them easy to store, freeing up valuable cupboard space for other items. At Alliance Online we have over 20 years of experience providing the hospitality, leisure, healthcare, education and public sector industries with the products they need. Benefitting from twelve regional depots, a central national distribution centre and an online ecommerce channel we are perfectly placed to manage orders from any sized business throughout the UK and Republic of Ireland.
Naidex Returns This Summer!
Registration is now live for the flagship event of the disabled community, which takes the stage this summer on 6th & 7th July at the NEC Birmingham. Naidex is Europe’s most established event dedicated to supporting people with disabilities. An interactive two days showcasing a wide range of solutions and technology to improve mobility, accessibility, and independence. Naidex is for everyone, and welcomes anyone who is living with a disability, as well as anyone caring for or supplying to this amazing community. Expect over 9,000 visitors experiencing the latest independent living solutions and daily aids, meeting with hundreds of innovative exhibitors & awe-inspiring speakers, and most of all having fun! All this, along with interactive features such as the Mobility Test Track and Accessibility Summit, make Naidex the go-to event of the year. For those working within healthcare, there is also the opportunity to enhance your professional development with the CPD accredited seminar agenda, making the event not only enjoyable, but informative and educational too. Running alongside the Neuro Convention, the event brings together the industry’s top educators and thought-leaders for you to meet and learn from. If you are a trade professional supplying to the healthcare, mobility, and independent living community, then Naidex is the place to be. Explore and discover the latest technology and innovations in the marketplace, find new suppliers in the exhibition hall, plus talk directly to key manufacturers, retailers and distributors serving the sector in the Naidex Trade Lounge. The Naidex team can’t wait to welcome you to the NEC once again for what is set to be a fantastic event for the community, helping people understand that anything is possible. Register your free tickets here.
What is Connected Health?
Connected Health is a model for the delivery of healthcare that harnesses the power of technology to enable care to be delivered where and when it is needed most, making more efficient use of available resources. It connects patients and clinicians, providing insight which enables more proactive, preventative and person-centred care, reducing costs, improving outcomes and enhancing the patient experience. Connected Health solutions combine software, hardware and pathway redesign to support individuals in the community and help clinicians to manage caseloads more effectively. The benefits of Connected Health Connected Health technology can support patients to manage their condition at home, helping them to understand the effects of their behaviour on their health and stabilise their condition. It can also enable any deterioration in health to be identified and treated at an early stage, avoiding the need for more complex interventions. There are a number of connected health benefits for managing heart failure including the early identification of and response to deterioration, the provision of objective information to improve clinical decision making, contribution to the stabilising of patients and reduction in the number of hospital admissions. Connected care also supports timely discharge and reduces delayed transfers of care, identifies trends over time to aid proactive care planning, provides patients with the confidence to self manage and aids medication and activity compliance with reminders and coaching. Connected Health in reality In my role as Lead Clinical Application Specialist, I work with a number of Trusts around the UK, helping them to include RPM in pathways to improve the patient experience and support better outcomes. This kind of monitoring can be useful for a wide range of cohorts, including patients with long term conditions such as COPD, and children with eating disorders. For patients with heart failure, criteria for selection includes high risk patients, patients who are decompensating, patients who need prompting to act on the exacerbation of their condition, patients whose medication is titrated, and patients who may have difficulties with transportation for clinic-based care. In a typical telehealth service for heart failure, patients use peripherals to take their vital signs readings each day, and these results are reviewed daily and triaged for action by nurses at the Heart Failure Unit at the local hospital. Results outside of the set parameters for that patient will raise an alert, enabling a specialist heart failure nurse to be notified and take appropriate action such as advising the patient to take diuretics, clinic review or a home visit. Nurses can also view individual patient’s results over time, enabling them to identify trends. Feedback from nursing staff is that they find digital health monitoring to be a really useful tool, helping them to see at a glance who needs them the most, and treat patients who are decompensating before they deteriorate to the point of needing admission to hospital. Sadly, some patients have a life limiting condition, and the service helps to keep them stable and at home with their loved ones as much as possible. The digital service has enabled a number of positive outcomes for both clinicians and patients including the easy prioritisation of care, the close monitoring of patients with a reduction in the need for face-to-face meetings, and early intervention to prevent deterioration and the need for more complex care. Results have been more objective than patients reporting their own symptoms, supporting informed clinical decision making and avoiding the issues of patients who delay reporting any deterioration in their health until they are very ill. Patients find it reassuring to be monitored every day, and many become more aware of their condition as a result and better able to manage it. The initiative is in line with Government objectives to increase the use of technology and work innovatively to address some of the challenges facing the NHS. For more information on Connected Health services and the support available for people living with cardiovascular disease, www.tunstall.co.uk.
