Reinbek Residents Send Special Wishes To Loved Ones
Staff at Borough Care, the largest not-for-profit provider of care for older people in Stockport, have been helping residents and their families send special wishes and stay in touch in lots of different creative ways, during the current coronavirus (Covid 19) pandemic. Residents at Borough Care’s Reinbek home in Davenport have been creating some very special messages for their family and friends, courtesy of Lauren Whittaker, a Senior Care Assistant at the home. In addition to the regular Skype, WhatsApp and telephone call contact between residents and their families, Lauren had the idea to do something even more personal, which would be a welcome and spirit-lifting surprise for families who are missing their loved ones. She designed and printed some beautiful cards, which included a special message on the front. Each of the residents wrote their own note inside the cards, before they were sent off to their families. Explaining why she created the cards, Lauren Whittaker says: “Times are tough for everyone but especially for our residents, who have not seen their families since we went into precautionary isolation. Despite these difficult times, our residents haven’t complained and their spirits have remained high, as they continue to put their trust in us to keep them safe. I came up with the idea to send cards to residents’ families to let them know that, although they are not able to see them, our residents are thinking of them, miss them and can’t wait to see them.” Francine Riley, Home Manager at Reinbek, says: “We are incredibly lucky to have Lauren working with us. Her caring nature shines through everything she does and she is continually going above and beyond her caring duties. Our residents really enjoyed writing the cards for their loved ones and families have been thrilled to receive them.”
New app will help to prevent falls in care homes
Experts at the University of Nottingham have developed a new app that will help to reduce and prevent falls in care homes. The new ‘React To Falls’ app is available to download on iPhone and Android, from the Apple and Google Play app stores. Pip Logan, Professor of Rehabilitation Research in the School of Medicine at the University of Nottingham, and one of the researchers who developed the app, said: “Based on our research, we know that all care home residents are at high risk of falls, we know that families and care home staff work hard to keep residents healthy, safe and happy. We also know that falls have a huge financial and personal impact. “That is why we have worked with care home residents and staff on this fall prevention app, which we are confident will help to reduce the number of times people fall over.” The app will guide users through different areas that might cause a fall, giving practical tips in bite size pieces of information that have been shown to reduce falls and reduce the effects of falling over. The app can be used by anyone wanting to prevent someone they know having a fall, including residents themselves and their families. The app can: Dr Jane Horne, Senior Research Fellow & Occupational Therapist at the University and one of the researchers who helped develop the app, said: “We look forward to seeing the app being used in care homes. We hope that people will find this a useful resource, and any feedback they have to help improve any future versions is welcome.” The development of the new app has been a collaboration between experts from the University’s Division of Rehabilitation, Ageing and Wellbeing along with colleagues from the University’s Mobile App Product Team. Agile delivery and scrum methodology techniques were used to ensure excellent cross department collaboration was maintained throughout and ensured that the app was efficiently and speedily released to the app stores.
Sunrise of Bassett: Nurses Share Stories Across Generations
Although nursing has evolved remarkably over the past few decades, the principle of selfless care and dedication to others is as relevant today as it has ever been before. To celebrate this dedication on Nurses Day 2020, we spoke to one former nurse who now lives at Sunrise of Bassett, and two nurses who work at the home currently, share stories and uncover the similarities connecting their careers. Keresenzia Chanengeta (Keri), a current nurse at Sunrise of Bassett Keri, who trained in Zimbabwe, has worked as a nurse for over 30 years, including five years as a Midwife. After coming to England in 2004, Keri started working in care home nursing after being introduced to the care-setting by her husband. Asked what her favourite aspect of her job is, Keri said that she loves interacting with people and sees herself as an advocate for those who are vulnerable and have no voice. She also finds it fulfilling to improve the quality of life for her patients, with relatives often expressing gratitude for her empathetic nature and attention to detail. She said that residents also compliment her on the amount of time she gives them and that her smile has the power to cheer them up. Her Sunrise of Bassett colleagues agree, saying that Keri is very helpful, informative and approachable. Speaking of her career in nursing, Keri said: “I am passionate about my nursing job and love the responsibility that comes with it. I have had the opportunity to look after very important people and have found the older generation very polite and loving. She added, that her “greatest pleasure comes when we look after a poorly resident and then they change completely for the better.” Keri also says that she loves the family-unit feel of a care home, “it feels like a big family”, she says and that “everyone is caring for one another with our goal being to preserve the dignity of residents. We achieve this through individualised care planning as well as the provision of a pleasant atmosphere for vulnerable senior citizens.” Margaret Proud, a resident of Sunrise of Bassett, who spent her career as a nurse Margaret started her career in nursing when she was 18 years-old, after enrolling in a nursing course at University College in Uxbridge. She started her training in 1948 and stayed at University College hospital for four years before moving to a specialist hospital in Birmingham to continue her studies. After Birmingham, Margaret moved to Luton to complete her practical training. Margaret recalls how her day-to-day work involved riding a bicycle from house-to-house which was challenging as the area was especially hilly. Despite the hard work, Margaret says the found the work very rewarding and continues to appreciate the hard work and dedication of nurses. Asked what her advice is to nurses working through the current Covid-19 pandemic, Margaret said to “continue their hard work to help the nation overcome the crisis.” Jeanette Boyle, who is Head of Care at Sunrise of Bassett Jeanette, who is a dual qualified nurse (RGN and RSCM), has over twenty years of experience working in care. She says that a key driver in her career has been her passion for providing excellent standards of care. Asked about her favourite aspect at Sunrise of Bassett, Jeanette echoed the thoughts of Keri and Margaret, saying “the best thing I love about my job here at Sunrise is to make a real difference to people’s lives” Jeanette’s career has also given her a wide range of experiences, including working across numerous teams, including with clinicians and support workers, and she has even been involved in the training and monitoring of care staff. She has also developed an interest in elderly care for patients and their families, including writing care plans, administering medicines and managing the overall safety of those in care. In her spare time, Jeanette says she loves to ice skate and is often entertaining her two children along with her cat called Pumpkin.
Using history to combat loneliness and isolation: pilot study in Doncaster could lead national effort
The nation has never been more aware of social isolation and loneliness than in the current lockdown, but a new report published by Heritage Doncaster following a pilot project that started last Autumn may offer a glimmer of hope for those living with the devastating effects of isolation, and provide a template to museums and heritage organisations across the nation to use collections and curators to help people re-engage in the world. Even before the current Covid-19 lockdown, people who had become socially isolated – including stay-at-home mothers, older people and minority groups – generally suffered more physical and mental health conditions, and these were the focus of the programme run by Heritage Doncaster and funded by Arts Council England around specific boroughs within the town. The impact report on the “History, Health and Happiness Project” shows how museum collections were used to tackle isolation and improve wellbeing in four key parts of Doncaster, making participants more connected to others in their community, and giving them pride in the place they live. “This is a small scale study, but we are in the midst of the largest period of social isolation our generation has seen, and even when lockdown ends, the sudden shrinking of the UK and global economy is likely to bring more unemployment, poverty and isolation, which in turn fuels more ill-health, decreased efficiency on the workforce, and more pressure on health services,” says project manager, Victoria Reeves. “Just about every museum in the country is trying to find ways to engage with a wider audience – and we’ve seen brilliant initiatives during lockdown like #MuseumAtHome – but this report shows how they can engage with new people, not only to share enthusiasm for the past, but to make a real difference to the wellbeing and health of people who might not normally engage with heritage organisations.” As part of the project, Heritage Doncaster’s team and volunteers had spent over 300 hours with the local community, taking the time to chat over 2500 cups of tea, and bringing to life over 400 objects from the museum collection. Participants from a huge range of backgrounds – from young mums to those living with dementia- have recreated Roman recipes, designed fashion accessories inspired by historic iconography, set up social clubs, written stories, curated special exhibitions, and shared their own amazing histories, from the joy of sex to rock metal stardom. “We’d originally set out to help those most at risk of mental health problems in the community, and we’d been really excited about progress made during the pilot projects in the latter half of 2019, says Victoria. “It was wonderful to see so many people come out of their shells, their confidence improving so much that they’d gone from barely speaking a word to giving us the history lessons! It’s given them a thirst for life and learning.” The initial report reveals that participants experienced a 23% rise in confidence, 11% increase in happiness levels, 11% rise in feelings of belonging and connectedness, 14% improvement in ‘sense of place’, and 20% increase in optimism about the future (data analysed by Arc Research & Consultancy Ltd and Sheffield Hallam University). “History at school tends to focus on the big picture – places, dates and large events – whereas our collections more often tell the stories of individuals, normal people going about their lives, local people overcoming adversity and beating the odds – suffragettes making a stand against prejudice, the extraordinary resilience of those who faced the Blitz. These are stories that people can relate to – these could be their grandparents or great grandparents,” adds Victoria. “Getting to know these people from the past is an ideal way to get us through our own turbulent times, and to give our mental well-being a much-needed boost. More than that, history has the ability to unite people through a sense of shared past. It helps us make connections, spark conversations and creativity; it makes us feel as though we belong.” Over the past few weeks of lockdown, Heritage Doncaster has been encouraging local people to get involved in a new Living Room Museum; rallying local people to become tomorrow’s historians by sharing their own experiences of the crisis; and making up care home packages, which include hands-on activities, and some comforting treats. Victoria adds: “We’ve got some exciting plans in the pipeline, but we can’t achieve anything without the help of our volunteers, and we need more people to get in touch and share their time. During lockdown, many of us will have felt lonely, stressed and isolated – but for many others in your neighbourhood, this is their everyday. By understanding what it’s like, we’re really hoping that people step forward to combat loneliness and help those whose lives won’t go back to normal on the other side of the pandemic – by giving just a little piece of your time, it could mean so much, and you could even help save a life.” To get involved or to find out more, visit www.heritagedoncaster.org.uk or on social @DoncasterMuseum.
Microbiologically controlled water secured for new Louisa Jordan NHS Hospital in Glasgow
The rapid conversion of Glasgow’s SEC into a new NHS hospital was secured by an array of skilled Scottish tradespeople but few have been more critical than those from the Lanarkshire business which ensured the new facility was supplied with vital sterilising grade water. Wishaw-based DMA Canyon, an eight-year member of the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation, (SNIPEF) were called upon to use the expertise it had already demonstrated in water management work at various Scottish hospitals. At NHS Louisa Jordan, the company, which employs 30 people and has a current turnover of £2m, were tasked with ensuring the former concert and exhibition centre’s water was delivered at high dependency care standard. David Watson, a director of DMA Canyon, said: “Over the years we have refined our expertise in detecting and controlling Legionella and other waterborne pathogens in water supplies. “Hospitals are, of course, a special case since their water needs to be microbiologically controlled water at the highest standard to minimise the presence and release of waterborne pathogens. To achieve this, we fitted Pall Medical Point-of-Use Water Filters throughout the Louisa Jordan site. These must be monitored closely and replaced every 31 or 62 days to ensure compliance with the required standards. “The entire project was a huge collaborative success with a completely new plumbing system installed in record time and our job was to add the vital finishing control measures, ensuring the water environment is fit for an intensive care facility. “At peak there were seven of us on site, some of us working seven days a week, continually installing, testing and reporting to get the job done. Even though there are currently no patients on site the process of continual monitoring must be undertaken. “I am very proud of the contribution we have made and I have pointed out to my younger colleagues, including John Fraser, 25, one of our adult apprentices, that they have participated in a project, the scale and importance of which they may never see again in their working lives. It really is something they can tell their grandchildren about.” Fiona Hodgson, chief executive of SNIPEF, said: “It is with great pride that we recognise the expertise and experience of our SNIPEF member, DMA Canyon, and their ability to deliver high-quality, reliable resources on behalf of the entire community. “I never cease to be amazed by the professionalism of our members and their determination, often under massive pressure, to get the job done to the highest standards, on time and on budget.” www.pall.com For similar articles visit our news section
Offers from internet providers to get care homes connected during COVID-19
NHSX and NHS Digital have negotiated offers with telecom companies to get more care providers and care homes connected to the internet during COVID-19. During COVID-19 care homes and care providers need to be able to use digital technology to ensure strict social isolation to protect vulnerable residents, patients and staff. These technologies include remote GP consultations, digital ordering of prescriptions and other remote communications with health and care professionals, families and loved ones. Data from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) with BT Openreach shows that 7,000 care homes in England are without adequate internet connections. Only a third of the sector is fully digital, with the remaining two thirds either entirely paper-based or using a mix of paper and digital. NHSX and NHS Digital have worked with telecommunications companies to publish a series of easily accessible offers to help care homes and care providers get connected to the internet or to upgrade their existing internet connectivity during COVID-19. The offers are here https://www.nhsx.nhs.uk/covid-19-response/social-care/internet-connection-deals-care-homes NHS Digital are also providing free NHS Mail accounts to care home providers to help them safely share residents’ data and queries with doctors, nurses and GPs involved in their resident’s direct care. It can be accessed from mobile devices as well as desktops and includes collaboration tools such as Microsoft Teams. It is anticipated that better connectivity will have lasting benefits across the care sector. Being better connected will enable care providers to connect patients and residents with other health and care professionals, families and loved ones, reducing the need for face-to-face contact and ensuring good quality care. Matthew Gould, Chief Executive Officer for NHSX, said: “Being online is crucial to enable access to services, such as video consultations or secure email, and it can allow residents to stay connected to families and friends, which has never been more important than it is now. We know that many in the care sector face challenges with internet connectivity. That’s why NHSX is working with telecom companies to help care providers. This scheme will make it easier for care homes to get internet access, or to improve the service they’ve got.” NHS Digital’s Programme Director Patrick Clark said: “Good internet connectivity is fast becoming a ‘must-have’ for everyone these days and is proving to be absolutely vital during these particularly challenging times. “We’re working with the nation’s telecommunications suppliers who have put together a series of exclusive offers that will help care homes obtain cost-effective access to the connectivity packages they deserve. “NHS Digital has also published some user-friendly guidance to help care home providers choose the package that best suits their needs – both now and in the future.”
International Nurses Day 2020: Royal Star & Garter celebrates nursing and care through the decades
Each year on May 12, celebrations take place around the world to mark International Nurses Day. The date falls on the birthday of Florence Nightingale, and carries extra significance this year as it marks the 200th anniversary of her birth. As a result, 2020 has been designated as The Year of the Nurse and Midwife by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Royal Star & Garter uses this day each year to pay tribute to the nurses and health care assistants (HCAs) who work together in their care homes providing loving, compassionate care to veterans and their partners living with disability or dementia. Staff celebrate by dressing up in the long-sleeved black dress, white apron and bonnet that are synonymous with Florence Nightingale, and making a fuss over the care team, serving drinks and delicious cakes. Although this year, the charity will not be able to celebrate the work of its nurses and carers in the usual way, the coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the bravery and dedication of its staff. The nurses and HCAs at Royal Star & Garter’s three Homes in Solihull, Surbiton and High Wycombe play an invaluable role, providing care with love and courage to a group of people who have themselves displayed remarkable courage in their lives. This courage has been part of the very ethos of Royal Star & Garter since it was formed in 1916 to care for injured men returning from the battlefields of the First World War. To celebrate International Nurses Day, here is a selection of black and white photos which illustrate the vital role nurses and carers have played in the charity’s long history. 1918 – Private Richards From its very beginning, Royal Star & Garter’s work was more than just physical care – the carers used all their abilities to support men mentally too. This photo, taken in 1918, and just two years after the charity was formed, shows a nurse standing by and supporting Private Joseph W. Richards as he paints while holding a brush in his teeth. Private Richards was paralysed after suffering spinal injuries in the Battle of the Somme in 1916. He said: “I didn’t half use a lot of brushes. I kept biting them in two.” 1920 – The Nurses A portrait of Nurses Duffett, Mitchell and Porter, staff nurses of the Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service (QAIMNS). They were well educated and had completed a three-year training course in a hospital approved by the War Office. All care staff were deeply committed to their work and formed warm relationships with the residents, who showed their appreciation through letters and sketches to the nurses. 1923 – Sports Day Nurses and carers have always been at the centre of activities and events at Royal Star & Garter – whether it’s caregiving or Sports Day events! Male and female staff competed against one another in games such as the Tug-of-War, as this example from a London hospital at the time, shows. 1933 – Matron Lawrence Pictured above is Ida Lawrence, the first Matron of the Home, who retired in 1933 after 17 years in service, with her team of nurses. The British Red Cross Review summed up the special qualities Royal Star & Garter staff still display, when it said of her: “She possessed that wonderful gift of being able to put herself in the position of patients, who had a real friend in whom they could place their confidence and look up to for health and comfort.” 1943 – Walking Again This 1943 photo captures the dedication and perseverance displayed by the charity’s care team, as two nurses help a resident walk on the terrace of the Richmond Home. Today at Royal Star & Garter, our physiotherapists and activities teams help residents with exercise and mobility, boosting fitness and well-being. 1945 – Sir Douglas Bader Care staff have always been on hand to help residents at the Home in all variety of occasions. In this photo, one can be seen with residents during a visit by disabled flying ace Group Captain Sir Douglas Bader, when he came to visit the Home in 1945. 1948 – Archery competition A nurse shows off her adaptability while helping out in the landmark archery competition held between Royal Star & Garter and Stoke Mandeville Hospital in 1948. The event, which was organised by the hospital’s founder Dr Ludwig Guttmann, was the forerunner to the Paralympic Games. 1975 – Celebrating 50 Years Royal Star & Garter prides itself on being a family, consisting of residents, relatives, staff and volunteers. Strong friendships develop when providing loving care, which means staff are able to share special occasions with residents. This photo shows Wally Barrett celebrating 50 years at the Home in 1975, with Chairman of the Governors, General Sir Charles Harington, Staff Nurse Downes, Matron Wadmore, and his wife Violet. Building bonds with residents remains key in Royal Star & Garter Homes, with staff learning about their interests to help form close connections. For similar articles visit our features section
Shaw Mind Launches Mental Health Training for All
In light of the Coronavirus crisis and subsequent lockdown, the figures around the number of people experiencing poor mental health has increased from one in four to one in three. To remedy the immediate and long-term needs of the nation and combat the startling new statistics, Newark-based mental health and wellbeing charity Shaw Mind has launched a series of online interactive mental health training courses with its professional partners. These courses are aimed at different sections of society from individuals, parents, teachers and children to employees, HR teams and line-managers, and will equip attendees with a better understanding of a range of mental health disorders, how to spot the signs and how to access or provide basic support for themselves or others. Delivered by qualified and experienced mental health and wellbeing professionals, Shaw Mind’s interactive online Mental Health training sessions are being offered to organisations and individuals for £25 per person per hour – a fraction of the estimated cost of mental health related losses per person within UK businesses each year, which currently stands at approximately £1,700. Peter Wingrove, Operations Director at Shaw Mind, said: “Our charity has been providing resources and support to people experiencing poor mental health for the last four years, but more recently we have been looking at ways we can make a very real impact nationally and we believe we will achieve that through this mental health training. “We have already seen a huge shift in the mental health of the nation following the lockdown and more and more businesses, schools and other organisations have come to us to ask for our advice on how they can best support their teams, many of whom are struggling. “I’m absolutely delighted that we are able to provide this thorough training, which will help bolster the resilience of all those who attend and help businesses and communities provide a more inclusive support system to society as a whole.” The four hour Basics of Mental Health Support course will be led by Samantha Kendall, Director of SK First Aid Training. Samantha is a highly qualified front-line emergency ambulance medic with seven years’ experience dealing with 999 emergency incidents. Samantha is a qualified Mental Health First Aid England tutor and her sessions are packed with first-hand experience and easy to follow guidelines for beginners and those needing refresher training. Meanwhile the six hour Mindfulness course will be led by experienced mindfulness teacher, facilitator and coach, Ann Russell from Our Minds at Work, in a sensitive and yet lively and enlightening way which involves humour, stories and examples. There will be short videos, online white board activities and small group breakout sessions throughout. Ann is also delivering our Mindful Approach to Personal Resilience Programme, which follows on from the Mindfulness course. And finally, Tana Macpherson-Smith, Founder of ClearMinds Education Ltd, an organisation dedicated to enhancing the emotional and mental health and wellbeing of children and teenagers will lead on our parent, teacher and child sessions. Tana, a mental health trainer; Child, Adolescent and Parent Coach and NLP Practitioner; a Psy-Tap Practitioner; holistic therapist; motivational speaker and former teacher, will take the lead in our introductory one-hour Mental Health and Wellbeing Workshop for Parents of Teenagers and Mental Health and Wellbeing Workshop for Parents of Younger Children. She will also run our survival guide for parents (of 0-12year olds) and teenagers and specialist Monkey Wisdom: From Fearful to Fabulous (for teenage girls) and Monkey Wisdom: From Fearful to Fearsome (for teenage boys), all of which call for an hour of participation over six weeks. All courses are split into 60-minute live sessions to ensure everyone is able to participate. To find out more about the different courses and to secure your place visit www.shawmind.org/product-category/live-events/olt To find out more about the charity visit www.shawmind.org or to see regular updates follow Shaw Mind on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Safe working practices get the job done in record time
A go-ahead Scottish company has pulled off a minor miracle – while maintaining the highest possible standards of safe working – to help get the new NHS Louisa Jordan temporary hospital facility up and running in Glasgow. The MacGregor Flooring Company from Lanarkshire helped complete the equivalent of three months’ work in an astonishing five days to provide flooring at the 1,036-bed bay hospital which opened on 19 April after an exceptional communal effort. Working in partnership with another flooring firm, the Hamilton-based business undertook the mammoth task at the SEC Campus while working under the guidance issued by the newly-established Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum. The CICV Forum, made up of the majority of professional bodies working in the construction industry in Scotland, issued guidance to companies and employees following Government orders that building sites with the exception of hospital work should close. The MacGregor Flooring Company, one of the leading specialist commercial flooring companies in Scotland, instituted daily briefings for operatives, stressing the importance of social distancing, handwashing and working in reduced numbers. Conditions on site ensured everyone was working safely. Crawford MacGregor, Director, said: “We weren’t sure if we would get the number of people required on site to complete the works within the timescale, and we thought many might be reluctant due to the potential risks of catching Covid-19. “But it was the exact opposite. Not only did they step up, they actively wanted to be part of the team that ensured the facility was built and ready in the event that it was required in the current crisis.” A total of 16 MacGregor operatives, including working supervisors, completed the flooring package, with Crawford sharing the day-to-day running with Managing Director Kenny Smith and Contracts Supervisor Jim Hart. The project was carried out in partnership with Veitchi Flooring Limited of Cambuslang, who had 17 operatives under the control of Operations Director John Brown and Contracts Manager Gareth Allan. With the campus’s Pavilions and Atrium split between the two partners, the contract saw all the holes in the subfloor screeded, before 23,000m2 of loose laid safety sheet vinyl was fitted and welded. Extra matting works were also carried out. Kenny Smith, MacGregor Managing Director, said: “This was a great example of how correct Covid-19 construction practice can work and we introduced it at two other NHS contracts at Stobhill Hospital and Greenock Health and Care Centre.” Both MacGregor and Veitchi are members of the Contract Flooring Association, who are in turn members of the Scottish Contractors Group, a leading contributor to the CICV Forum. Alan Wilson, who chairs the CICV Forum and is also Managing Director of electrical trade association SELECT, said: “There will always be situations in which construction work must go on – but it must go on safely, and what the MacGregor Flooring Company has achieved at Louisa Jordan is a perfect example of how to do it. “It also shows that the guidelines which were issued by the CICV Forum to meet a set of unprecedented circumstances can be applied across the construction industry to mutually beneficial effect.” The project to build the NHS Louisa Jordan – named after a First World War nurse – was led by Balfour Beatty Construction in partnership with NHS framework contractors Robertson Construction, Kier Construction and Graham Construction Built in just over two weeks at a cost of £43 million, Scotland’s newest hospital is now ready to take its first patients. While Scottish Government ministers hope that it will never be needed while people are staying at home, it has an immediate capacity for 300 patients which can be expanded to accommodate 1,000 beds.
