Don’t slip up on safety this winter
With colder weather upon us and extreme weather experienced across the globe over recent months, care facilities should be preparing their properties for the winter months. David Gajda, national operations director of ECO Integrated Property Solutions (ECO IPS) offers maintenance advice on keeping safe this winter, compliant and open for business throughout winter with tips for heating, ventilation and cooling systems, roofs, drainage systems and external areas. Why you need this By creating a robust winter maintenance plan care homes can ensure they meet their duty of care, achieve compliance, manage risk, meet insurer’s expectations and allow business continuity. By ignoring the relevant health and safety legislation, you are at greater risk of legal action. An ad hoc service approach is no longer adequate and increases the risk of lost revenue, damaged reputation, accident liability claims or shut-downs. Duty of care The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 talks about the duty of care but many managers do not realise this extends beyond staff to anyone visiting, or passing by the facility, including suppliers on company business and members of the public. All organisations must be able to demonstrate that they have done everything reasonably possible to meet their duty of care and that they have met all health and safety legislation. Managing risks Ideally, winter maintenance should be an all-year-round job. Late spring and early summer is the best time to review the winter maintenance plan and allocate budget to address jobs such as the possibility of burst pipes, the weight of snow on roofs and the ingress of water. Heating systems Issues with heating systems are likely to occur during the transition from autumn to winter when there is a surge from standby to maximum capacity which can result in breakdowns and service outages. Regular maintenance of HVAC systems should be carried out by qualified engineers to avoid catastrophic failures and down-time. It is a legal obligation for businesses to ensure that any heating appliance and installation pipework is maintained in a safe condition and boilers should also be inspected at least once a year. Windows and doors account for significant heat loss in winter. Check for drafts, leaks and cracks that can allow heated air to escape. Frozen and burst pipes are the leading cause of property damage from winter weather. Just a small fracture can release many gallons of water, damaging masonry and plaster, carpets and other contents. Regular detailed examination of pipes, insulation and stop taps across the premises, with careful attention to temperature and water flow will help avoid cracks. Keep on top of roofs A thorough check of all roofing should be made for a build-up of water, ice, or snow that could compromise the roof’s structural integrity. Gutters and downspouts should divert roof drainage away from the building’s foundation as when these are clogged or incorrectly positioned, they have little or no effect. If gutters and downspouts are not well-maintained, blockages will occur, and the accumulation of water will eventually cause damage. Lighten up When the hours of darkness are increased, businesses must ensure that exterior lighting is programmed for the change so that the building, its visitors and occupants are kept safe. Safe entry Ensure access routes and car parks are safe from the risks of ice and snow for staff, visitors and contractors working onsite. Implement a gritting and snow service for entrances, walkways and car park areas. Ideally gritting should be done prior to ice formation or it will need to work harder on an already frozen surface, leaving a degree of risk present while the salt is taking effect. In winter, as employees and customers bring in ice and snow on their footwear, it is important to have absorbent mats in place and regularly clean entrances during the day so slip hazards from wet floors are avoided. Remember outdoors Trees and branches should be trimmed back to avoid any impact on roof integrity as dead trees and branches can become falling hazards during winter. Fallen leaves that become wet or have started to decay can create slip risks, hiding any hazard that may be on a path or by creating a slip risk themselves. Regular leaf removal procedures should be put in place as part of the winter maintenance plan. Clear leaves from pipes, gutters and drainage gullies as part of the leaf-clearing regime. Outsourcing Creating a completely risk-free workplace is almost impossible. However, a ‘belt and braces’ approach to proactively managing the winter maintenance plan will minimise any risk to business. Identifying and tracking winter maintenance issues can be complex, especially for businesses that host vulnerable people, the elderly and those with disabilities. Consider whether such a specialist service can be delivered in-house or if it can actually be done better by an expert third party so any risk is mitigated as far as possible. To read more detailed advice of maintaining property safety during the winter visit www.eco-ips.co.uk.
Half a billion pounds saved by medical technology equivalent to extra 20,000 nurses
Coronary angioplasty, used to open blocked coronary arteries and restore blood flow to heart muscle, saves the UK economy over £120 million per year and returns 32,000 people to the workplace, a new report by the Medical Technology Group has revealed. The report ‘Keeping Britain Working – How medical technology can help reduce the cost of ill health to the UK economy’ concludes that £476 million in savings could be generated from the use of eight technologies in reduced long-term health costs and benefit payments. If that money was put back into the NHS it would pay for 20,000 nurses or 10.5 million GP visits. Just over a fifth of the savings (22%) comes from coronary angioplasty (also known as percutaneous coronary interventions, or PCI). Almost 100,000 (96,143) PCI procedures were carried out in 2015, with 36% in people of working age (under 60 years old). As 93% of patients in employment return to the workplace after a PCI, this means that 32,456 patients became economically active again. When multiplied by the cost of Jobseeker’s Allowance (£3,801 per year), the savings in benefits alone are £123.3 million per year. This is replicated every year for the rest of the patients’ working lives. PCI is one of eight areas highlighted in the report to illustrate the value that medical technology delivers and its potential to help the NHS balance its books. The study examined data for hip replacements; implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICDs); insulin pumps; diagnostics, including sepsis; fibroid embolisation; pain management; wound care; and coronary angioplasty. Barbara Harpham, Chair of the Medical Technology Group, said, “Medical technology has an enormous impact, both in terms of the quality of life that it offers patients and in the cost savings to the health service and the wider economy. Very often a single procedure can get a patient back to work or caring for their family and can instantly eliminate thousands of pounds in longer term treatment or unplanned admissions. In fact, we have not yet tapped into the full potential of all the medical technology currently available. She added: “The trouble is that the upfront cost of medical technology often means patient access is being limited and cheaper short-term solutions being chosen; in other words, a false economy. “With the NHS budget under increasing pressure, it’s time we rethink the approach to rationing medical treatments that gives people back their lives. It may look good on paper in this budget year, but doesn’t benefit patients and costs the health service more in the long run.” The MTG’s report builds on data from a study by the Work Foundation in 2011. The research concluded that the UK economy saved £90 million per year by using three medical technologies: hip replacements; insulin pumps; and ICDs. Other findings from the MTG’s 2017 report include: 18,500 people are currently in work thanks to hip replacements, saving the UK economy £70 million per year. £3 million per year is saved by patients returning to work with an ICD. If the rate of implants in the UK were equivalent to the European average, the saving would increase to £4.3 million. Insulin pumps save the UK economy £13.8 million every year by enabling people with diabetes to manage their condition more effectively and give them the freedom to work and lead active lives. Giving greater access to fibroid embolisation, which can avoid a more invasive and traumatic hysterectomy, could deliver £76 million per year in savings. 1,000 people could return to work with a Spinal Cord Stimulator, to help them manage chronic pain, delivering annual savings of £3.8 million. Better management of chronic wounds can help patients and deliver £25.3 million in savings per year. £160 million of savings could be achieved and 11,000 lives saved by using rapid diagnosis to screen patients with suspected sepsis. The Medical Technology Group is calling for a debate on the approach to the uptake and use of medical technology, and that the NHS: Considers all the evidence, acknowledging the wider societal benefits of medical technology and the value of returning patients to work and living independently; Communicates the benefits, increasing patient awareness and choice and aligning clinical practice with the benefits of technologies recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE); Seizes the opportunities, such as including formal reviews of technology in national standards and guidance, and rewarding long-term decision-making to improve health outcomes, and instilling long-term incentives to secure the recommended uptake. Report by the Medical Technology Group calls for debate around NHS rationing
Christmas card workshop for Teesside teens and elderly
TEESSIDE teenagers and the elderly have been getting into the festive spirit with a Christmas card workshop. The young volunteers spent time at The Gables Care Home, in Middlesbrough, running a card-making arts and crafts session. The independent community safety partnership, Safe in Tees Valley organised the activity for their National Citizenship Service (NCS) members. Ten volunteers, aged 15 to 17 years old, spent a day at the home working with the residents. One of those, Dominic Horner, also dressed as Father Christmas to help spread the festive cheer. Resident Mary McLean said: “The children were really nice. It was lots of fun making Christmas cards with them.” Chris Churchill, home manager of The Gables Care Home, on Highfield Road, said: “The residents thoroughly enjoyed spending time with the young volunteers. “Our thanks go to the Safe in Tees Valley NCS for visiting and running a really engaging and interesting arts and crafts session. “Loads of beautiful Christmas cards came out of the session, which the residents will send to friends and family over the coming festive holiday. “We believe it’s really important to engage with the local community and invite volunteers in to spend time with the residents. “Activities like this always have such a positive impact.” he Gables Care Home is part of the Hill Care Group. For further information visit http://www.hillcare.net Images – 1 – The Gables Care Home resident Mary McLean and Safe in Tees Valley NCS volunteer Abbie Walker making Christmas cards. 2 – Dominic ‘Father Christmas’ Horner, a volunteer from the Safe in Tees Valley NCS, spreads the festive cheer at The Gables Care Home.
Success blooms as care home wins national flower show
Residents at an Ayr care home are celebrating their green-fingered success after winning a national gardening competition. Bupa’s Claremont care home scooped the top prize at this year’s Scotland and North Garden competition, thanks to its stunning garden which is awash with different colours and plants. The residents are particularly passionate about horticulture and were delighted by their success, which adds to a number of accolades awarded to the garden. After setting up a gardening club for residents ten years ago, the home’s grounds have gone from strength to strength and have been acknowledged with various awards, including frequent wins at the Ayr Flower Show. Carol Barr, Home Manager at Bupa’s Claremont Care Home, said: “Gardening is very popular with our residents and over the years we’ve had a great success in different competitions. It’s always brilliant to see the smiles on their faces when they’re in the garden and we’re all so proud when it gets recognised with awards. This latest one is particularly deserved for all the hard work that has been put in.” Claremont’s winning garden features water features, a greenhouse and herb garden for the residents to enjoy, along with a mural painted by local artist, Marlene Guthrie. The mural was a celebration of Robert Burns and his famous cottage as the home is located closely to it. The garden also features raised flowerbeds for residents with limited mobility. The home worked with residents to incorporate their ideas and preferences into the grounds. Residents were hands-on throughout the whole process, choosing the flowers to be used and watching it come to life. Speaking about the benefits of the home’s gardening club, Carol Barr continues: “It’s really important that residents are able to continue their personal hobbies when they move into a care home. Our gardening club makes a real difference for our residents, helping keep them both mentally and physically active, and letting them continue to enjoy the outdoors.” Bupa’s Claremont care home offers specialist residential and nursing care, for both short and long-term stays. The home underwent an extensive refurbishment in January 2015 which included full redecoration and new furnishings throughout the home. To promote independent living residents have access to lounges and kitchens so they can get refreshments for themselves as well as enjoying the meals provided in the home.
Care Sector First For Training And Development
Avery Healthcare have notched up yet another first for the adult social care sector with the official Accreditation of their Advanced Senior Carer (ASC) Training Programme by City & Guilds. The course enables senior carers to extend their skills and to further support and assist nurses to ensure that high quality care is provided for residents. City & Guilds (C&G) is the leading skills development organisation, providing services to training providers, employers, and trainees across a variety of sectors to meet the needs of today’s workplace. C&G qualifications are valued by employers across the world, helping individuals develop their talents and abilities for career progression. Avery’s ASC Programme is at the leading edge of sector development, helping to raise standards in care and enhancing the knowledge and skills of senior carers to take on a specific nurse support role. It provides a clear career pathway for Senior Carers to progress, including a route towards the new Nursing Associate role. The intensive five-month programme is delivered on a blended learning basis, and is comprised of nine clinical modules and two management modules. A wide range of resources support the learner, with the focus on practical hands-on training, work-based competencies and evidence-based practice on all modules. Course graduates clearly demonstrate increased practical and leadership skills along with greater confidence, freeing up nurses for more advanced roles and to spend more time supporting residents with complex needs. Achieving City & Guilds Accreditation requires a consistently high standard of performance and quality that demonstrates to learners, customers, other professionals and stakeholders alike the excellence and relevance of the Avery Healthcare ASC Programme. C&G has provided Avery with invaluable industry benchmarking and support to maximise the value of its programme. All the programme trainers are sector experienced and hold a formal Adult Teacher Training qualification. They create an effective learning environment, ensuring a wide range of support for learners including teaching, mentoring, marking, feedback and quality assurance processes. In their report, the External Quality Assessor from C&G noted the positive impact that the programme had to the business on both care standards and the recruitment and retention of staff. They also noted that excellent resources were made available to trainers and learners. Shelley Parker-Wain, Head of Training and Development at Avery Healthcare confirmed that they plan to increase the number of Advanced Carer graduates they develop in future. She stated, “I am delighted that City & Guilds recognise the value of our Advanced Senior Carers Programme. It is very rewarding to see learners flourish, improving their skills and knowledge, which will further enhance the high standard of care delivery to our residents. Our Senior Carers can draw confidence from this Accreditation, that the programme is of a high standard, and that it will develop them further on a solid career pathway within Avery. This valuable partnership working with the awarding body will continue for many years, enabling many more learners to achieve their career goals and for the standards of our care to improve”.
Sunrise UK and Gracewell Healthcare tackle loneliness this Christmas
— Over a million older people across England feel isolated and lonely at Christmas — All Sunrise Senior Living UK communities and Gracewell Healthcare homes are opening up their doors to older people who would have otherwise spent Christmas Day alone this festive season. Both providers will be reaching out to older people in their local areas who previously had no one to spend Christmas with, and inviting them to their nearest Sunrise community on Monday 25th December. Sunrise and Gracewell have communities and homes located across England and Wales and will be working with their local churches or charities to identify those people who would benefit most from participating. The people who are invited will be able to enjoy a scrumptious Christmas lunch with all the trimmings, festivities, entertainment and – most importantly – company. Loneliness among older people is a serious reality; more than a million older people across England often feel ignored or invisible. This means they have no one to turn to for the support they need in tough times, but also often have no one with whom they can share the joys of life. Christmas Day should be filled with warmth and happiness for all, and Sunrise UK and Gracewell Healthcare is showing their commitment to making that a reality for people in local areas and beyond. Michael Burke, Senior Director of Operations at Sunrise and Gracewell, said: “At Sunrise and Gracewell, we always aim to be hubs at the heart of the areas in which we serve. We love welcoming guests with open arms and never is that more important than on Christmas Day. “We are all very much looking forward to the 25th December, and ensuring our guests know they have new friends around them.”
Is uncontrolled COPD having an impact on the NHS?
Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are not in control of their condition, new research by Chiesi has revealed. This could be leading to costly A&E visits and hospital stays which may be dramatically reduced if they were being treated adequately. These are the results of the new ‘Breathing Life into COPD’ survey, carried out by Opinion Health on behalf of pharmaceutical company Chiesi. The survey questioned 500 people across the UK and showed that 31 per cent believed their treatment was not adequately controlling their condition, and almost half were using at least three different inhalers to help keep their condition under control. Yet they are still being struck by flare-ups where their condition suddenly worsens, making breathing even more difficult than usual. These flare-ups can be caused by an infection such as a cold or for an unknown reason. With 1.2 million people in the UK affected by COPD, and potentially another two million undiagnosed cases, the condition is estimated to cost the NHS more than £800m a year and the overall economy some £3.8bn in lost productivity., This may be due in part to the 21 per cent of COPD patients who said they had visited A&E up to twice in the past year because of a flare-up. Worryingly, 60 percent of survey participants do not feel there is enough support available to help them manage their condition properly.1 Now is the time to address this, as we approach the winter months here in the UK, as there are 30 percent more hospitalised COPD exacerbations during the winter than there are in the summer. Dr Penny Woods, Chief Executive of the British Lung Foundation said, “It’s vital that healthcare professionals are supporting patients by helping them to effectively manage their condition at home. Providing patients with information about treatments, services, and support beyond the clinic or hospital will play a big part in helping them to adapt to their condition, and, will ultimately reduce pressure on already stretched hospital services.”
Inverness care home to be transformed following acquisition
Plans to significantly improve a local care home service for the elderly and those living with dementia are underway, following the recent acquisition of a care home in Inverness. Meallmore Ltd acquired Mandaville Care Home in April, which has now been renamed as Culduthel Care Home. The leading care provider is supporting its staff team, many of whom transferred at the time of acquisition. Develop high quality standards across the home. An extensive refurbishment programme is also being undertaken to improve the facilities available to the residents. Following the revamp, the home will offer updated bedroom suites and multiple. Luxurious living areas, as well as a cinema where residents can view the latest blockbusters. A café for sharing a cuppa and a bite to eat with family and friends, a hairdressing salon for a spot of pampering. The acquisition comes during a special anniversary year for the company. Gerry Hennessey, managing director of Meallmore Ltd, said: “Acquiring Culduthel Care Home this year feels very fitting, as the Highlands was where it all began for us 30 years ago. “In 30 years of trading, the sector has changed significantly. Nevertheless, throughout this time, we have consistently aimed to deliver exceptional standards of care to the elderly and frail. “It is this high quality of care that we have come to be recognised for that we will bring to Culduthel Care Home. We’re now very much looking forward to seeing the community here grow and to transforming the home into a fantastic place to both live and work.” The refurbishment programme is currently underway and is expected to be complete by Summer 2018. Culduthel Care Home is located at West Heather Road in Invernesss. Meallmore is a leading provider of nursing and residential care in Scotland run by experienced qualified nursing and care staff. More information about Meallmore Ltd can be found at www.meallmorelodge.co.uk.
Festive loneliness, living with dementia at Christmas.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, a time of year highly anticipated by most. But sadly, for some of those who are affected by dementia, the festive season can become one of the loneliest times of the year. New research from Alzheimer’s society has found that over half of people affected by dementia find Christmas the most isolating time of the year. Symptoms caused by Alzheimer’s include memory loss, confusion and personality change, the comfort of a persons’ routine is one important thing that can be disrupted at this time of year. Seasonal changes in light and temperature as well as loud noises, decorations and feast of food can become confusing and disorientating. The cold weather turns most of us into hermits which is why it is one of the most important times to encourage socialising and group activities to ensure that people with dementia are getting the mental stimulation they need. There are currently 850,000 people in the UK living with dementia, and that number is expected to rise to over one million by 2025. It requires complex treatment and there is an ongoing debate as to how best to ensure a good standard of living for people with the condition. Research from the Department of Health and Alzheimer’s UK has argued for an activities-based approach when caring for people with dementia. Activities such as painting have been proven to help people reconnect with their surroundings and lessen their dependency on anti-psychotic drugs. Since 2010 Active Minds have been researching and developing activities to improve the quality of life for people living with dementia. Founder of Active Minds, Ben Atkinson-Willes is an advocate of activity products as a treatment for those affected. Ben explains: “I have experienced the difficulties carers face first hand. My grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, as he became less mobile, he became a jigsaw enthusiast. As his ability to complete puzzles diminished, he turned to children’s puzzles. This situation is reflected in many care homes, with children’s activities being used or carers having to devise their own. As a designer, I decided that I could use my skills alongside the experience of those in the care sector to develop activities capable of delivering age-appropriate dementia care.” Active Minds’ recent social impact report showed that 100% of professional carers and 80% of family members felt the activities improved the quality of life of people living with dementia and those who care for them. Active Minds have released a free online resource to provide advice and ideas to help carers and people living with dementia get through the winter months this year which is available at www.active-minds.org.
