Why your care facility needs to consider Cyber Insurance
Why your care facility should consider Cyber Insurance As our reliance on the digital world increases it is no real wonder that cybercrime is on the increase, and this has been clearly evident in the last two years. For the opportunistic cybercriminal, it’s been a good time to commit cybercrime, as the pandemic has forced us to move away from our usual routines and reliable systems, leaving an exploitable gap in our security as we quickly adapted to new ways of working. Between April and June 2021, the ICO reported that there were 2552 data security incidents in the UK with 688 of those related to a cybercrime. The healthcare sector was one of the most affected with 607 data security incidents in total – 108 a direct result of a cyberattack. According to Police data analysed by cyber security company Nexor, there was a 31% increase in cyber related cases over May and June 2020. The most common attack occurred through email or social media, and accounted for 53% of all attacks on businesses, leading to substantial multi-million pound losses. Healthcare, financial institutions, manufacturing, real estate, and education were the most targeted industries. Whether a big or small-scale event, a cyber-attack is likely to have serious consequences for any business – shutting systems, deleting data, preventing data access or stopping them from trading altogether. Dealing with the fall out of a cyber-attack can be complicated and stressful, not to mention time-consuming and potentially expensive. Not convinced you need it? Read on to find out more about the types of cyber incidents that could affect your care facility. Types of Cyber Attack Cyber-attacks can take many forms, all engineered to get the victim to disclose information or take action, or to infect systems with malicious software. Phishing, malware attacks and ransomware pose a threat to all businesses. It’s common to think that cyber threats against businesses come from unrelated hackers, cyber-attacks or ransomware (known as external threats) and are significant events, but sometimes they can be more subtle and come from sources a little closer to home. There are four categories that cyber threats against a business typically originate; insider threats, human error or negligence, external threats and third-party threats. Insider threats may come from disgruntled employees who could steal personal or business data and sell it online, for example. Third party threats are those you are exposed to when third party systems, software, individuals or businesses, have access to your data – such as cloud-based storage systems, your data systems and even your website. But by far the largest cause of data breaches occurs from human error, and is easily done. Perhaps sensitive data is sent to the wrong person or company, or a memory stick containing patient data is lost. Negligence also includes weak passwords that are not updated regularly, which can allow cyber-attacks to take place more easily. Wherever the threat originates the bottom line is how you to respond. Have you thought about how you would continue to run your care home if you lost access to all your data? You could lose access to client records and supplier data, order information, diary appointments, financial data, your website and more. If you are held to ransom for access to patient files, the financial consequences could be significant. Additionally, you may be affected by reputational damage, which could affect existing relationships and damage future prosperity. You may need to rebuild and replace lost systems or create a new website. And, if a data breach occurred you are likely to face significant fines from the Information Commissioner’s Office. All of the above will require money, time and resources and need to be addressed in a timely manner to help you retain customers, employees, your reputation and may ultimately affect the future of your care facility. Having a comprehensive contingency and business interruption plan in place along with adequate insurance will help you to address and quickly overcome any fallout from a cyber-attack. A robust plan is vital to make sure you meet your legal obligations regarding data breaches and to reassure your customers. The benefits of cyber insurance Cyber liability insurance is a must for any care home business because it provides you with protection and peace of mind, should the worst happen. It will help against denial of service, which may occur with ransomware, the recovery from computer virus damage, which may have resulted in a significant loss of data, and other data breaches such as the loss of a memory stick or laptop. Getting assistance quickly and from reputable, knowledgeable and reliable sources will be key in ensuring your business can continue to operate with minimal disruption. If your care home holds data on a computer system, even with anti-virus software in place, you can still be vulnerable to a breach. Cyber liability insurance is relatively inexpensive and will provide you and your business with complete reassurance in the face of a data breach crisis. Every business is different and will have specific needs, so make sure you get advice for your unique situation and requirements. Don’t wait until you have experienced a cyber-attack to put measures in place, be proactive and help protect your business now. At Barnes Commercial we specialise in arranging robust insurance for those operating in the care home sector. As an independent broker we provide completely impartial advice on the best solution for your specific needs. Telephone: 01480 272727 Email: enquiries@barnesinsurancebroker.co.uk www.barnesinsurancebroker.co.uk
No more baggy scrubs!
No more baggy scrubs! . At Happythreads, our goal is to supply all healthcare professionals with uniforms that fit well and allow everyone to express themselves. Our bestselling Koi range features a number of collections, so everyone can find something that suits them perfectly, from our budget-friendly Koi Basics line to the newest super soft range of Koi Next Gen garments. We believe that what you were should not limit what you do. Having to work in an already challenging environment, your scrubs should not be something you need to worry about. Comfort, perfect fit, and easy care are what we all love. Many of our customers complain that traditional brands have a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to trousers – Koi trousers are available in 3 leg lengths! Our rainbow of available colours allows you to wear bright colours like flamingo pink, coral, or sunshine yellow. Want even more? We have a selection of scrub tops in funky patterns which are super popular in paediatric or elderly care settings. Want something toned and muted but tired of plain colours – look into our heather colours – a marl fabric that is a nice change from the standard palette. If you want to personalise your uniform with your name or logo, we offer an embroidery service done in-house by our experienced staff. It is a great way to help your patients identify you and your colleagues. We understand life is busy, especially for healthcare professionals. That’s why our Koi scrubs are easy-care and require little to no ironing. With breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics made from advanced technology fibers, the uniforms allow you to stay fresh and comfy during your shift. And they can be washed at 60C, too. If you need any help, our friendly and experienced customer care team is always ready and more than happy to assist you. They have vast knowledge and experience and can help you select the perfect uniform for you. You can reach us via email, phone or our online chat, we are always happy to help. Purchase your new Koi uniforms at 10% off until 31st March 2022 with code CNJ10.
Supporting dementia care post-pandemic and beyond
The care sector has been struggling with the recent rise in demand for dementia care services and recent research from Social-Ability shows that 82% of people feel that the care sector, in its current state, is unable to cope with the demand for dementia care. This surge in demand has come as a result of the pandemic, with backlogs, understaffing, and Covid safety all playing a role in the increasing burden on the social care system. John Ramsay, Managing Director of Social-Ability NHS backlogs have risen to a record 6 million people who are waiting for hospital treatment, 50,000 of which are people unable to access dementia assessments, preventing them from getting treatment. Dementia assessments by GPs have dropped by 38% between 2019 and 2021, with MAS assessments dropping by an even larger 50%. With staff overworked now, it is hard to see how we can handle the predicted 150 million cases of dementia in 2050. Addressing awareness Better awareness of dementia is a central issue to improving care. Understanding the condition remains limited, with recent research from Social-Ability finding that almost two-thirds of people were unable to distinguish between early signs of dementia and natural signs of old age. If dementia continues to be seen as merely a “memory loss disease”, patients may not get diagnosed until too late, and will be unable to benefit from the care and support available. Backlogs or no backlogs, this highlights that dementia care and support must change from the ground up. People unable to identify dementia in family and friends is one problem, but better understanding of how we support and treat individuals living with dementia is another area that needs to be enhanced. Care home residents in the UK are prescribed seven daily medications on average, which costs the NHS around £250 million a year. Overmedicating residents increases their risk of having heart failure and infections, and also makes them more prone to accidents. Instead of treating dementia with a generalised “one size fits all” approach, we must better understand the experiences of dementia patients. Lockdown loneliness It should come as little surprise that COVID restrictions and pressures created challenging conditions for care home residents. In fact, one in five care homes were found to provide substandard care to their residents, not due to any lack of commitment or skill, but due to stringent isolation, sickness in the workforce, increased workloads and other knock-on effects of lockdown. To protect care home residents from Covid, residents have been limited in having visitors and leaving the home. Residents unable to see their family and friends are at risk of developing a severe, chronic loneliness, and 56% of people with dementia have reported feeling “completely isolated” throughout the pandemic. This problem is not confined to the pandemic, as people in long-term care are more than twice as likely to have chronic loneliness than the average person. However, exacerbated by the effects of the pandemic, care home residents have even less support than ever. Digital engagement Though a balance must be struck between the wellbeing of care home residents and the safety measures implemented, new technologies can also play a huge role in improving the quality of life of residents. Technologies such as those used in Social-Ability’s Happiness Programme offer social, cognitive, and emotional support to care home residents. By using interactive light technology, the Happiness Programme allows for residents to engage in activities with each other. The Happy Memories Programme allows family members, including those physically separated, to share family photos and memories directly with residents to sustain connections. Keeping care home residents active and engaged is crucial in maintaining their quality of life. Alternative technologies such as the Happiness Programme facilitate therapies that reduce the strain on care workers, and combined with changing the perception of dementia, eliminates the need for an overreliance on methods such as heavy medication. These holistic therapies provide the way forward in the wake of the pandemic, and are just the beginning of a recovering care sector ready to take on the challenges of the future. By working together, we can make a difference, and we believe that we can achieve the number one goal of care: bringing happiness to people’s lives.
Pocketalk announces GDPR compliance and Pocketalk Plus
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. GDPR compliance 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. Pocketalk Plus 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: Translations for 82 languages The ability to seamlessly provide audio readout in native language A camera that translates text and written words Built-in data (no need for wifi) Access anytime and anywhere – slipping easily into a lab coat, Pocketalk is completely portable Quick and easy to sanitise – just one swipe of an alcohol wipe and you’re able to move from patient to patient 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 https://www.pocketalk.com/compare/ 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.
Transport solutions for disabled passengers at North East garage
South Shields based converter Vic Young Ltd has been providing wheelchair accessible vehicles for over 20 years. The latest addition to their mobility conversions is an upfront passenger vehicle using the Fiat Doblo model, allowing the disabled passenger to sit side by side with the driver. Disabled passengers can sit safely and securely beside the driver thanks to nearside wheelchair loading. This is achieved by a ramp which can be manually deployed after the extra wide nearside passenger door and sliding side door have been opened. Space between the up front wheelchair user and the ceiling is not an issue, with up to 5.85” headroom. Lowered flooring provides eye-line height for the mobility passenger. This is not the only comfort guaranteed by the vehicle; the wheelchair is secured up by a four-point restraint system. Passengers can feel safe with this robust, easy to use operation. The Fiat Doblo has five points of entry. These include two front doors, two side sliding doors and a rear door that lifts up. Boot space is large which is ideal for storing wheelchairs and extra equipment. Because of the nature of the up front design, there is no loss of seating or luggage space. The Up Front Fiat Doblo is the perfect mobility vehicle and ticks all the boxes for wheelchair users who wish to sit next to the driver. Due to its intricate specification, the vehicle can be relied upon to continue meeting the requirements of passengers. Vic Young is an award-winning car dealership in the North East. A family-run business which has been trading for over 40 years, and have a large, loyal customer base throughout the North East and beyond. They pride themselves on their ability to provide best in class service to all customers across all their main areas of business: new and used cars sales, conversions, contract hire, car hire, van hire, after sales and servicing. Visit our website
Future of Care Conference London
Future of Care Conference London is back on the 29th March 2022, attracting C-level care professionals, care home and home care owners, managers, decision-makers and influencers. The high-profile speaker programme will consist of focused speaker slots and panel debates set to challenge perspective and provide call-to-actions for the future of the industry. Since its launch in 2017, the conference has strived to bring key trends, challenges and developments in the care sector in front of the people who matter. With the starting ambition to improve the lives of the elderly, this one-day conference has grown year on year, acquiring the trust of care professionals from across the UK. Vic Rayner OBE, CEO at The National Care Forum, is welcomed as this years’ Conference Chair. As a principal figure in the sector, Vic is also the Chair of the Government Strategic Advisory Forum on the social care workforce and Co-chair of the National Social Care Advisory Group. The Minister of State for Care and Mental Health, Gillian Keegan MP, will also be speaking at the conference on how the sector can build a world leading adult social care system. Delegates can expect focus on topics such as recruitment, sector inequalities, dementia and artificial intelligence. Speakers such as Professor Martin Green, Chief Executive at Care England; Rob Assall, Deputy Chief Inspector at Care Quality Commission and Gemma Tetlow, Chief Economist at Institute for Government will look to preparing for future pressures, government support and building an effective integrated health and social care system. Across two panel sessions, the conference will address how we can learn from the frontline of adult social care to discover what really makes a difference to elderly lives. They will also report on how to develop a stronger workforce with a larger talent pool and a better reputation. During networking breaks, delegates have the chance to make valuable connections and meet suppliers from the industry – including Headline Sponsor Beaucare and Gold Sponsor Quality Compliance Systems. Visit www.futureofcare.co.uk for information on ticket prices and booking, to view the full programme and discover more about each speaker. The conference will be held at The King’s Fund in London.
Mandatory vaccination U-turn
Statement from Kari Gerstheimer, CEO and Founder of Access Social Care, a charity providing free legal advice and information to the social care sector. The Government’s U-turn on mandatory vaccinations for NHS and social care staff is a step in the right direction, but it is too late for thousands of care workers who have lost their jobs and found higher paid work in a different sector. We might have lost these skilled workers – some with decades worth of invaluable experience – forever. Where was the urgency and concern for the social care sector when an exodus of staff was predicted in November? Since then, the sector has been decimated by the policy, with 40,000 staff having lost their jobs. Problems with recruitment and retention of care staff impacts hundreds of thousands of older and disabled people with social care needs – we know of families and individuals who are struggling to find staff to help them care for their loved ones or themselves. Social care staffing must be treated as seriously as NHS staffing. Without this, both systems will collapse.
A Closer Look Into the Programme at Future of Care London 2022
A Closer Look Into the Programme at Future of Care London 2022 With the 29th March fast approaching, the Future of Care Conference is getting ready for another successful event revealing key trends, challenges and call-to-actions to leaders from across the care sector. This year’s event welcomes an impressive twenty-two speakers to the stage across nine individual speaking sessions and two panel discussions. Conference Chair – Vic Rayner OBE, Chief Executive Officer of the National Care Forum. Programme Opening the conference programme is Gemma Tetlow, Chief Economist at the Institute of Government, who will look to tax rises, the rising demand for health and social care spending, government spending and cross-party agreements on adult social care services. Minister of State for Care and Mental Health, Gillian Keegan MP, will also be making a morning appearance, addressing delegates on how the sector can build a world leading adult social care system. Recruitment and Retention Two sessions will put a focus on recruitment and retention. Firstly, Jonathan Freeman MBE, CEO at CareTech Foundation and Vice-Chair at Championing Social Care will look at how training approaches, leadership, funding and support can transform care recruitment. An exciting afternoon panel session will consider how the sector can expand the talent pool and what support and strategies can be implemented to develop a stronger workforce. Speaking on this panel is; Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive at Care England and Rob Assall, Deputy Chief Inspector at Care Quality Commission will take a close look at the health and social care system to confirm what needs to be done to prepare for future pressures and build an effective, integrated system. Bringing evidence from the front line of adult social care to understand what truly makes a real difference in people’s lives and the workforce is; Dementia As always, the conference will put an important emphasis on Dementia. Gavin Terry, Head of Policy at the Alzheimer’s Society will speak on Dementia in England, looking at how to understand the current trends to aid future challenges. Concentrating on Dementia environments is Suzanne Mumford, Head of Nursing, Care and Dementia at Care UK, who will cover how environments can be enhanced to bring purpose and joy to people with memory loss. Clenton Farquharson MBE, Director at Community Navigator Services CIC will take a different approach, drawing on what the pandemic exposed about health inequalities in dementia care and the impact it had on the lives of those with dementia. Artificial Intelligence Ending the conference is the renowned Dr. Harro Stokman, Chief Executive Officer at Kepler, who will reveal his findings on how Artificial Intelligence and computer vision can improve elderly care, relieve pressures in care homes, deliver diagnoses and enhance communication between older people and their families. Do you want to be part of the future of care? Find out more and book tickets here – https://bit.ly/35qMn8D Tuesday 29th March 2022 The King’s Fund No.11 Cavendish Square, London W1G 0AN
Care Home Residents deliver letters of kindness to local school children
A Buxton Nursing home has recently posted a series of handwritten joyful letters to local school children who wrote to them over the Christmas period. During the festive season, Portland Nursing Home received Christmas letters from Chapel-en-le-Frith High School children. The letters contained beautiful drawings including rainbows, Christmas decorations and snowmen. Thanks to the partnership, every resident at Portland Nursing Home enjoyed reading the letters and has now written and delivered their letters in reply, forging intergenerational friendships. Portland Nursing Home also paired with local Buxton Parish Churches during 2021, in order to enable residents to make new connections with local people through receiving postcards. Emilie Shrimpton, activities coordinator at Portland Nursing Home facilitated the partnership with Chapel-en-le-FrithHigh School. Speaking of the letters, Emilie said; “It was so lovely for the residents to receive such kind letters from the school children over the Christmas period. It’s so important for our residents to feel connected to people of all ages in their local community. The residents have been eager to write their letters in response to the school children, so to post them recently was really exciting for them!” Emilie recently accompanied Ruth, a resident at Portland Nursing Home when she went to deliver the letters. Chapel-en-le-Frith High School teacher, Rosie Scott, who has been organising the letters said: “It is wonderful to see our community coming together. The project has brought so much joy to our students”. Social connection for elderly people is critical, playing an essential role in their mental, emotional and physical health. Allowing elderly people to develop strong social networks with the local community provides a sense of comfort, togetherness and is also a healthy hobby that allows a better quality of life and superior overall health and wellness. Portland Nursing Home is pleased to be welcoming new residents. They have specific procedures in place to continue to support families who are looking for care for a loved one, while minimising the risk of the pandemic for residents and staff. The specialist home has a team of dedicated care staff who provide around the clock nursing care for residents. For more information on Portland Nursing Home, or to take a look around the home, please call 01298 23040 or visit https://www.portlandnursinghome.co.uk
