Jessica, Author at Care and Nursing Essentials

QCS to launch ‘Building a Better Workforce Together’ Survey

Resilient, resourceful and resolute are adjectives that best describe the UK’s army of care professionals. But these are challenging times for them and their sector. A telling comment from Nuffield Trust on Skills for Care’s latest report said the workforce is “close to being overwhelmed entirely by a toxic combination of pressures”. Over 410,000 care workers left their jobs last year. COVID-19 and Brexit have exacerbated the perennial recruitment and retention hurdles, while government funding to enable care services to increase pay and to support mental wellbeing has failed to materialise. Whilst we know that funding is the key to keeping frontline managers in place, it’s just as important to understand the workforce challenges that care settings face. It is only then that we, as a sector, can begin to solve them. With over 130,000 care workers at all levels, across 6,000-plus care providers, who have all chosen Quality Compliance Systems, QCS is in a particularly strong position to take the pulse of the sector. In order to do so, we have created a Building a Better Workforce Together survey. Our aim is to find out what keeps people working in the sector and what pain-points put them at risk of leaving? And for those that choose to stay, what improvements would make their jobs easier? The results, which we plan to widely share before the end of the year, will help us to form an accurate picture. This in turn will ensure that QCS continues to lead the way in supplying the right people with the right tools at the right time, enabling them to provide outstanding care. Thank you for your help

National Care Group Director Faces Fear In Honour Of Frontline Workers

MIKE CLEASBY, quality director at National Care Group has faced his fears to plummet from 16,500 feet, raising a fantastic £2,000 by skydiving for two charities close to his heart. Mike selected Teeside Hospice and Macmillan as worthy beneficiaries of the jump, which he undertook in memory of his parents and in recognition of the hard work and resilience shown by care workers during the pandemic. Mike dedicated his jump to his mother who sadly passed away earlier this year following his first skydive seven years ago on behalf of his father. Having lost both parents to cancer, Mike said he wanted to find a way to give back. The feat was made all the more impressive by Mike’s fear of heights, and the fact that the jump came from 6,500 feet higher than initially planned due to poor weather conditions. Mike said: “Well, my thoughts were that a skydive would at least be shorter than doing the London Marathon! I am actually not very good with heights, and the cold air and strong winds took my breath away. “But I think this type of achievement brings home the message home that we are all stronger than we think. Sometimes when you’re up against it and even when you’re afraid, you just have to remember you’ve got a bit more in you. Especially if it means helping others – which I know everyone at National Care Group can relate to.” Mike enlisted the help of Peterlee Parachute Centre in County Durham where he was able to take in the view of the city and cathedral below, before the thrilling jump. “The National Care Group team has been amazing – they had a shirt designed for me that I wore on the day and have been overwhelming in their sponsorship” he added. “I couldn’t have asked for more. It has also helped bring some closure and reflect on a positive experience. Even at our worst times, we can all dig a little deeper, and the resilience from colleagues during the past couple of years has shown that.” James Allen, CEO at National Care Group, said: “Giving back is something embedded within National Care Group’s ethos, so it brings me a great sense of pride to see how the team is doing that outside of work. What Mike has achieved in memory of his parents and in recognition of our amazing team is wonderful and it is testament to his role as quality director. It was great to see the support of colleagues, who all got behind Mike in his fundraising and celebrated this achievement.” For more information please contact Danielle Hall or Kali Dennett at Cartwright Communications on 07951 560 614.

Hallmark partners with Checkit to reduce the burden of compliance reporting

Hallmark Care Homes is eradicating “mountains of paperwork” with the introduction of a digital compliance solution from Checkit, the intelligent operations platform. The group, which has 19 homes across England and Wales, partnered with Checkit to transform compliance reporting and provide real-time insight into employee procedures, equipment and facilities that are so crucial to overall quality of care. Managers from Hallmark will be discussing their innovative approach in a live webinar, hosted by Checkit, on 10th November. Prior to the introduction of Checkit, manual reporting methods were occupying many hours of care workers time and depriving managers of the real-time visibility they need to ensure high standards. Steve Brine, Hallmark group estates manager, said: “Audits were historically carried out by travelling to a home and wading through mountains of paperwork. This was always going to have an impact on time and time is precious when you’re caring for residents. By being able to audit and track a home in real time, we are now using analytics to track trends and predict non-compliance before it actually happens.” The Checkit platform prompts, guides and logs key activity undertaken by team via a mobile app. The technology incorporates QR codes to deliver actions and reports that are specific to a given part of the building. Users include nursing and catering teams and facilities managers. “Compliance is no easy feat in a care home environment. Facilities managers are constantly running at 100%. Checkit ensures the right team are doing the right checks in the correct time,” said Steve. The platform also incorporates Internet-of-Things technology, with sensors that continuously monitor the temperatures of fridges and freezers holding food and medicine. “At Hallmark, we want to be sure that everything we provide to residents is 100% safe,” he added. Following a successful implementation at one of Hallmark’s homes, the Checkit platform is now being rolled out to other sites. Mike Hobby, healthcare transformation partner at Checkit, said: “Keeping on top of compliance is a demanding job for care homes, particularly with all the additional pressures they are currently experiencing. By replacing paperwork with digital tools, we can remove some of that compliance burden, save time, strengthen standard procedures and prevent problems before they happen. Our partnership with Hallmark Care Homes is a fantastic example of what can be achieved with an innovative approach.” The webinar – Delivering better care with new ways of working: a conversation with Hallmark Care Homes – is on Wednesday 10th November. To register visit: https://info.checkit.net/webinars/innovation-care-homes

Brunelcare Celebrate Befriending Week

“What Nicky and I have is pure friendship” Nicky, 56, and Mike, 73, both signed up for Brunelcare’s Friends on the Phone initiative, launched at the beginning of the pandemic, in a bid to combat loneliness for Brunelcare residents and tenants. Nicky, an Occupational Therapist/Mental Health Practitioner, volunteered to be part of the initiative and Mike, who lives at one of Brunelcare’s sheltered housing sites, were randomly partnered up, as volunteer befriender and befriendee in April 2020, nearly two-years later, the pair are still in contact and the have now become great friends! Nicky said: “I volunteered to be a Friend on the Phone to a resident or tenant at Brunelcare in early 2020. I thought it was a lovely thing to do and could be beneficial for both myself and my befriendee. I was excited to start a new friendship with someone, and I couldn’t have imagined that I could meet someone who would grow to become so special to me. The conversation always feels very natural with Mike, there are no awkward silences and it never feels forced. It’s very much a two-way street; it isn’t just me befriending him, he has befriended me too.” Mike said: “I thoroughly enjoy talking to Nicky, we have very similar interests and have lots of friends in common too! What Nicky and I have is pure friendship, I really enjoy speaking with her and spending time with her. I have met her husband and we have all been out for meals together, it’s great fun!” The pair, who only live a quarter of a mile away from each other, have met up several times at the pub, have been out on walks and also to restaurants too! Emma Gwynne, Volunteers Manager at Brunelcare said: “It’s great that lasting friendships have been made from the initiatives we launched during the pandemic, it’s so lovely to see who volunteering can bring people together. Mike and Nicky are just fab and I’m sure they’re going to be lifelong friends. We run lots of volunteering initiatives at Brunelcare and are always looking for more people to get involved!” To find out more about volunteering at Brunelcare visit: www.brunelcare.org.uk/get-involved/volunteering

Cutting-edge research revealed by QCS’s Dementia Care Champion strongly supports HUG wellbeing benefits

The QCS Pool Activity Level instrument (PAL), created by Jackie Pool and with the continued support of QCS, the leading provider of content, guidance for the social care sector, has been contributing to the validation of HUG, a therapeutic soft, comforting device for people with advanced dementia. A landmark study using the QCS PAL Instrument, which assesses the level of functional ability of people with cognitive impairments, revealed that 87% of those with dementia who used the HUG device over a six-month period saw an improvement in their wellbeing. In addition, Jackie Pool, QCS’s Dementia Care Champion, has developed a set of specific QCS HUG PAL Guides, which ensure that people living with dementia are supported at ‘just the right’ level and are enabled to engage with HUG in the most meaningful way possible. HUG, which is being released today, is the brainchild of the Cardiff Metropolitan University’s LAUGH team. It has also been supported by a number of key stakeholders, including the Alzheimer’s Society, the Welsh Government, the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), who, between them, have funded the research and development of the therapeutic device. The device, which can be purchased on the HUG by LAUGH website and Alzheimer’s Society’s online shop for £125, increases wellbeing in a number of ways. Its weighted limbs, soft body and simulated beating heart, help mimic a human hug. With a vast body of scientific research validating music as a powerful medium, which helps people to express themselves and unlock past memories, the therapeutic device has also been fitted with a music player. The MP3 player, which is linked to a hard drive, has been specially built to make it easy for carers to upload music onto HUG, via several different platforms. Over the last three years, HUG, has been trialled in a number of settings across the entire health and social care spectrum, as well as homes, where it has been shown to consistently provide comfort and reduce anxiety.Now that it is being launched, Professor Cathy Treadaway of Cardiff Metropolitan University, says, “It is incredibly exciting and rewarding to know that people with advanced dementia can finally enjoy the wellbeing benefits that HUG brings. We are also incredibly fortunate to have received funding for our research collaboration from Welsh Government, the AHRC and Alzheimer’s Society, and we are indebted to Jackie Pool and QCS for validating the therapeutic merits of HUG.” Jackie Pool, QCS’s Dementia Care Champion, adds, “When I was first approached by Professor Treadaway and her team at Cardiff Metropolitan University, I jumped at the chance to be involved. HUG may not provide a cure for dementia, but I strongly believe, and the evidence supports it, that this soft comforting device has the power to profoundly improve the wellbeing of those living with dementia at all levels and to provide the means for care givers to make a meaningful connection with individuals. That in itself, makes it a game changer.” For more information on QCS, contact our compliance advisors on 0333-405-3333 or email us at sales@qcs.co.uk.

Sage Nursing Home workers to strike for dignity in care for all

Care homes under pressure to meet November 11 vaccination deadline

Care home operators are under “huge pressure” to meet the November deadline for workers and volunteers to have been double jabbed. From November 11, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) will have a duty to monitor care homes in England to ensure they are complying the new vaccination rules. As of that date, registered managers or providers will need to demonstrate that they are not allowing anyone into their home unless they have been double jabbed or can prove that they fall into one of the groups exempt from being vaccinated. The new rules, enshrined in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) (Amendment) (Coronavirus) Regulations 2021, are the latest strain on care home owners and operators. Elissa Thursfield, Managing Director of HR consultancy HR Anchor, said: “We are receiving dozens of calls from care home operators and their managers who are under huge pressure to comply with the new regulations when they are enforced from November 11. “This is a sector which is still reeling from the double whammy of the Coronavirus pandemic and Brexit and the severe impact both have had on the staffing of homes. “For owners and managers busy with the day-to-day running of their homes, having to negotiate the minefield of vaccination regulations is a further strain. “The looming November 11 deadline is likely to increase the pressures on staffing at a time when staffing shortages are already a challenge.” Reasons for exemption currently include those receiving end of life care, people who have some allergies as well as a selection of other very limited reasons. However, employees are bringing arguments ranging from religious reasons, political and human rights. Exemptions are currently implemented on a self-certification basis which is expected to be replaced by the COVID-Pass. Elissa added: “Exemption from the requirement for vaccination is nothing short of a minefield and operators are right to be wary of taking any actions that may come back to bite them. “There are a series of processes that must be followed to protect a care home in the event of a decision being taken to dismiss an employee including demonstrating that a home has acted reasonably and following a fair procedure.” HR Anchor has produced a set of free to access template documents and other resources to enable care homes to navigate their way through the new regulations. The new rules also cover other people entering a care home such as tradespeople, healthcare professionals, hairdressers and beauticians. Friends and relatives and residents themselves are exempt from the regulations. Wales is not making double vaccination mandatory, however the issue of how to manage those who are unvaccinated remains a concern for care home managers.

Wippet Launches Online Marketplace For The Healthcare Sector

A free-to-use platform, offering a huge range of products and services for healthcare providers from a wide choice of vetted suppliers, available to buy via one site, with a single consolidated invoice. Launching at the Care Show at the NEC, Wippet is a new online marketplace for the healthcare sector. Hosting a wide variety of healthcare suppliers across all sectors on one platform, Wippet sells everything a healthcare provider might need from beds to detergents, from uniforms to food and even services. And with multiple suppliers in the same categories Wippet will promote both choice and competition. Wippet allows customers to buy with ease from one site, with one login, one basket and one consolidated invoice each time they place an order. What’s more – Wippet is free to the customer. The brainchild of Matt Oxley – who has had extensive experience across the care and acute care sectors – Wippet makes buying healthcare products and services simple. With a sophisticated search function and easy navigation, Wippet makes it simple to source products and services from trusted suppliers. It is a B2B online platform that has the ease and fluidity of a B2C marketplace. Offering consolidated invoicing that radically reduce administrative burdens, Wippet also reduces the costs, inefficiencies and errors that can arise from managing a fragmented supplier base. Many care providers do not have the time or resources to conduct even rudimentary checks on their suppliers, but reassuringly, all suppliers on Wippet must go through Wippet’s due diligence checks prior to being listed, providing the assurance to customers that they are buying from known and trusted supplier brands. PICTURE: Wippet Founders (from left to right) John Barrowcliffe, Matt Oxley and David Meikle. Oxley says: ‘From the smallest residential home to the largest healthcare group, we know that time spent on unnecessary admin is ultimately time that cannot be spent delivering care – and that’s a major problem. ‘Wippet offers a simple one-stop shop, where you can consolidate all your transactions into one place. We can even accommodate your existing suppliers. Operators can ask their suppliers to upload their existing catalogue and pricing, safe in the knowledge this sensitive information will only be visible to the specific customer. We’re bringing buyers and sellers together to provide greater choice and value in one place. I don’t believe there is a care provider out there that could not benefit significantly from the efficiency Wippet brings.’ Wippet has already signed up some of the biggest players in care supplies and services. Two of the biggest suppliers to the care sector, Care Shop and Renray Healthcare, are already onboard. Such is the confidence in Wippet’s business plan that Oxley and his co-founders – ecommerce expert John Barrowcliffe and marketing expert David Meikle – have already secured investment with the sale of the business to leading logistics firm Clipper PLC. Barbara Meeks, Managing Director of Care Shop, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of care equipment, chemicals and consumables, says: ‘We are delighted to be a primary Care sector supplier on the exciting Wippet platform, which allows us to promote our fantastic product range to whole new set of customers.’ Wippet launches today, and customers and suppliers can go to www.wippet.com to login. A free-to-use platform, offering a huge range of products and services for healthcare providers from a wide choice of vetted suppliers, available to buy via one site, with a single consolidated invoice. Launching at the Care Show at the NEC, Wippet is a new online marketplace for the healthcare sector. Hosting a wide variety of healthcare suppliers across all sectors on one platform, Wippet sells everything a healthcare provider might need from beds to detergents, from uniforms to food and even services. And with multiple suppliers in the same categories Wippet will promote both choice and competition. Wippet allows customers to buy with ease from one site, with one login, one basket and one consolidated invoice each time they place an order. What’s more – Wippet is free to the customer. The brainchild of Matt Oxley – who has had extensive experience across the care and acute care sectors – Wippet makes buying healthcare products and services simple. With a sophisticated search function and easy navigation, Wippet makes it simple to source products and services from trusted suppliers. It is a B2B online platform that has the ease and fluidity of a B2C marketplace. Offering consolidated invoicing that radically reduce administrative burdens, Wippet also reduces the costs, inefficiencies and errors that can arise from managing a fragmented supplier base. Many care providers do not have the time or resources to conduct even rudimentary checks on their suppliers, but reassuringly, all suppliers on Wippet must go through Wippet’s due diligence checks prior to being listed, providing the assurance to customers that they are buying from known and trusted supplier brands. PICTURE: Wippet Founders (from left to right) John Barrowcliffe, Matt Oxley and David Meikle. Oxley says: ‘From the smallest residential home to the largest healthcare group, we know that time spent on unnecessary admin is ultimately time that cannot be spent delivering care – and that’s a major problem. ‘Wippet offers a simple one-stop shop, where you can consolidate all your transactions into one place. We can even accommodate your existing suppliers. Operators can ask their suppliers to upload their existing catalogue and pricing, safe in the knowledge this sensitive information will only be visible to the specific customer. We’re bringing buyers and sellers together to provide greater choice and value in one place. I don’t believe there is a care provider out there that could not benefit significantly from the efficiency Wippet brings.’ Wippet has already signed up some of the biggest players in care supplies and services. Two of the biggest suppliers to the care sector, Care Shop and Renray Healthcare, are already onboard. Such is the confidence in Wippet’s business plan that Oxley and his co-founders – ecommerce expert John Barrowcliffe and marketing expert David

Health and social care apprenticeships going strong despite the pandemic

Health and social care apprentices have continued to enter the industry over the last 18 months despite the twin challenges of the COVID pandemic and current recruitment crisis in the industry, according to one of the UK’s leading training providers. Some 922 learners have begun a health and social care apprenticeship with Realise, less than 10% down on the 18-months previous. Realise deliver apprenticeships, adult learning and development programmes across the country and has seen a strong take up across the board with its five different level courses in health and social care. Jason Whitehouse, head of health and social care at Realise, said: “We’re really proud to have maintained a high level of apprentices despite a difficult 18 months. “From the start of 2020, we’ve had 922 learners begin a health and social care apprenticeship which is just 81 down on the same period the year before. “Considering we’ve had lockdowns and many months of disruption, we’re pleased the drop off has been so minimal. “There’s been a lot of challenges with how our courses have been run and we’ve had to be very adaptive with the ever-changing circumstances with COVID restrictions. “We quickly introduced remote working for all of our apprentices but, because health and social care is such a hands on programme, it’s been difficult to replace that with academic work. “Before the pandemic, around 75% of our courses were based around giving learners practical experience in health and social care settings so this has been one of the biggest changes. “However, it’s been great to see everyone really embrace this different way of learning and make the most of the situation we’ve found ourselves in. “Now that things are slowly getting back to normal, we’re reintroducing our apprentices into health and social care settings which I think is going to be really important for the industry moving forward. “Even before the pandemic hit, it was clear to see there weren’t enough people working in the sector and that workforce reform was essential. “It’s vital that we make the health and social care sector appealing again and ensure that young people are fully trained so they have the best opportunity to have rewarding careers. “The most exciting thing about our sector is that there’s a fast progression route with five different level courses that enables ambitious individuals to progress and develop quickly.” Realise deliver apprenticeships in a variety of different settings supporting employers of all sizes. Its team of expert trainers help guide existing staff and new recruits through quality work-based learning programmes, from Prepare to Work in Adult Social Care Level 1 through to Leader in Adult Care Level 5. It delivers in care homes and supporting services such as dementia care, learning disabilities, nursing care, personal care, domiciliary care, physical disabilities, sensory impairments, eating disorders, drug and alcohol treatment and recovery services. Jason added: “Apprenticeship schemes as well as training and development programmes can help provide a natural career path to those who are new to the sector and from a business point of view it makes sense for health and social care settings to take advantage of the current support available to them. “The worst case scenario is that 95% of the cost of the apprenticeship training is funded by the government and, for larger organisations, it can be completely subsidised by the apprenticeship levy. “Not only that, in the health and social care sector keeping up to date with training is an essential part of improving a client’s quality of life. “Upskilling a current workforce so they have the knowledge required to excel in their specialism is just as important as recruiting. “This will ultimately increase service levels long term and ensure organisations have the right skills to meet the individual needs of the people they assist and care for.” For more information, visit the Realise website on https://learning-employment.com/ or e-mail jason.whitehouse@realisetraining.com