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.
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.
Royal Star & Garter launches fundraising campaign amid COVID-19 pandemic
A charity which cares for ex-servicemen and women has launched a new fundraising campaign during the COVID-19 crisis. The campaign, which adopts Royal Star & Garter’s core strapline Care with courage, highlights the every-day bravery displayed by its residents and staff. It comes as the charity faces increased costs and a loss of income during the COVID-19 pandemic while it focuses on ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents and staff. A video which accompanies the campaign features a resident’s daughter, care staff and the charity’s Chief Executive Andy Cole discussing the courage prevalent in Royal Star & Garter’s three Homes in Solihull, Surbiton and High Wycombe. The charity provides loving, compassionate care to veterans and their partners living with disability or dementia. Royal Star & Garter is currently facing significant additional costs to meet the fight against COVID-19. Staffing levels have increased to maintain its exceptional levels of care and in just two months it has spent over £100,000 on personal protective equipment (PPE) and new technology. At the same time, it is seeing a reduction in fundraising income. Sophie Wiseman works at the Solihull Home. During April staff there lived and worked on-site to reduce the risk of infection. She spoke about how staff are adapting to deal with the current situation: “In these uncertain times, all the staff have gone above and beyond, to keep our residents safe, well and happy. I have, like others I work with, changed roles, so that we can continue to provide the outstanding care we always deliver to our residents.” Vanessa Brooks is a Health Care Assistant at High Wycombe. She said the challenges they face are worthwhile when she sees happy residents: “Despite what’s happening at the minute, this is a really good place to work and I love coming to work. Some of us are spending nights here, but it’s just about ensuring the residents are safe. We’re all doing things we might not normally do, but we’re a family and that’s what families do – they muck in together.” Julia Annandale’s mother is at the Surbiton Home. She thought ‘Care with courage’ was perfect for the campaign: “I think it’s terrific because that’s what it is – it’s care done with huge courage. Courage just turning up for work every day, courage at keeping the whole show on the road without families who are unable to visit, courage in hiding their own personal worries so that the residents can stay calm and cheerful. I can’t thank the Royal Star & Garter staff enough for turning up every day during this crisis, and for making what must be enormous efforts, to keep everything as normal as possible.” Her son Will added: “We’ve been really worried that Granny would be stressed or anxious, but every single member of staff and every carer has done an amazing job at Royal Star & Garter over the past few weeks in managing the knock-on effect of what’s happening at the moment, and making sure that residents can cope without any visitors. We’re all incredibly grateful that Granny’s being so well looked after. We want to thank them for everything they do.” Royal Star & Garter was formed in a past national crisis, in 1916, to care for severely injured soldiers return from the First World War. Chief Executive Andy Cole said: “For over a hundred years, our charity has had the ethos of care with courage at its heart. The veterans we support have shown courage through their service, and as they have needed us they have taken another courageous step to be supported in our Homes as they face living with disabilities or dementia. And today, in the middle of these extraordinary circumstances, our staff show amazing care with courage every day. Our veterans have shown such dedication and service to our country, we now need to be there for them. Please support Royal Star & Garter however you can.” To support Royal Star & Garter and its Care with courage campaign, go to: https://starandgarter.org/carewithcourage/
How genuine anonymized patient data will unlock the potential of healthcare
We are now, unquestionably, living in the age of big data. The vast amounts of traceable data generated daily can direct everything from digital transformation strategies to epidemiology. And nowhere is this more relevant than in healthcare, especially at a time where analysing COVID-19 data is crucial to tackling the global pandemic. The amount of health data being generated is growing at a 48% rate annually. This year alone, an estimated 2,314 exabytes of healthcare data will be produced. Rapid technological advancements are creating new challenges in the industry when it comes to data privacy. But, at the same time, the opportunity to transform this mass of data into actionable insights could power the future of healthcare. While public confidence in the collection and use of personal data has been tested by several high-profile data breaches, there are strong motivations to analyse individual patient data for secondary purposes. In research and drug development, for example, the use of large and highly relevant data sets can augment the findings of individual research projects and help to empirically prove concepts, emerging treatments and diagnostics. By enhancing healthcare delivery methods, society as a whole will benefit from healthcare professionals having the ability to predict epidemics, advance cures, and make patient stays in hospitals safer and more pleasant. This is data science that saves lives, improves the health of the nation and provides a level of social care.Yet healthcare is trapped in a unique double bind. If medical researchers are unable to extract analytical insights from data, then lives will unnecessarily be lost and quality of life will be needlessly diminished. At the same time, healthcare is bound by some of the most stringent data protection regulations. Clinicians who analyse patient data without detailed permissions risk major sanction, including loss of registration, as do their employers. The lack of these permissions for historic data is in large part because the types of research now being conducted didn’t exist when the data was collected. Recent data regulations have further underscored the need for transparency and consent regarding the use of personal data. The unintended consequence is that valuable repositories of medical data are now out of reach to researchers who need it to conduct work that greatly benefits society at large, or even worse these datasets face deletion entirely.In other words, the sector has the data to transform lives and healthcare – but is frequently unable to use it. How to release the double bind?The assurance of patient privacy is fundamental to healthcare, even where patients give permission for their information to be used. Many support the use of their data for research, but this is accompanied by the expectation that it will be used appropriately for specific purposes and is adequately protected. Therefore, personal health data is unlikely to ever be truly open. But the rewards for use of such data sets are so great, altruistic and universal that means must be found, especially as new avenues or fields of research will likely require analysing this data in new and unforeseen ways. Finally, there is the future. Technology moves fast, and healthcare resources are precious. If providers are to invest in data-leveraging tech, they need to know it can cope with new approaches as they arise. Genuine anonymization changes everythingIf patient data is rendered truly anonymous, data protection regulations, such as the GDPR do not apply and organisations are no longer subject to limitations that apply to personal data. Provided the original data was lawfully collected, a healthcare organisation can use data from all their patients, not just those that consented to analytics being conducted. They can use the data for all types of research and the data is not subject to retention requirements. Truly anonymized data is also not subject to data subject rights such as access requests, the right to be forgotten and the right to object to processing. This delivers a comprehensive and stable analytics data universe that can provide longitudinal views essential for research programmes studying a particular area over a long period of time. Effective anonymization provides the ability to access extensive, coherent and historic data that can be built upon each day without ever damaging patient trust. Achieving the right balance between the desire to maximize data analytics initiatives and the demand for protecting privacy requires a sophisticated approach. It is often an iterative process and requires cutting-edge technology and a deep appreciation of current data protection regulations. No other optionHow genuine anonymized patient data will unlock the potential of healthcareEnormous transformations are taking place across the healthcare sector, but trust issues are not going away. With 60% of consumers revealing they are uneasy with companies using their personal data for analytics, the opportunity for anonymization is clear. Many healthcare professionals realise the huge benefits that data and data analytics can bring but they cannot yet access those benefits. But we must find a way to unlock those benefits. With an ageing population, greater medical understanding and increasingly sophisticated tech, the time has come for the sector to overcome current barriers while still assuring patient privacy. It’s time for clinicians to demand securely anonymized, historical and verified data sets that will let science and knowledge advance, while protecting the privacy rights of the people behind those data sets. This will be a win-win for society in general.
International Nurses Day 2020: The value of nursing associates
On International Nurses Day 2020 (May 12), Denise Baker, Head of School of Allied Health and Social Care at the University of Derby, reflects on the growth of the pioneering nursing associates training programme and the value of the role in such unprecedented times as these. Back in 2015, the government announced plans for a new addition to the care workforce to enable healthcare professionals to develop their skills to become a registered nursing associate, complementing care provided by healthcare assistants, registered nurses and other allied health professionals. Eleven sites across the UK were chosen to deliver the first wave of training, run over a two-year period, and the University of Derby was one of them. In January 2017, more than 100 trainee nursing associates arrived at the University. Six months earlier, organisations from across the East Midlands including educational institutions, care homes, acute, community and mental health trusts and hospices, had come together to agree a consortium approach to the nursing associate training programme and four training providers had worked fast and furiously to develop curricula for them to study. Partnerships had been forged where none existed previously and new ways of working had been developed at pace. No one knew exactly what the outcome would be but, almost like pioneers, we all felt it was territory that needed to be explored. Looking back, that day is filled with a mixture of memories for me. It had been an intense six months; initially there was a team of two and we knew we needed to teach four cohorts across two sites. It was new, it was unknown and, already, I felt part of something which would fundamentally alter how healthcare would be shaped in the future. On the first day back in January 2017, there was a buzz of excitement. Videos of welcome from Health Education England were played, guest speakers came to talk about the importance of the nursing associate role, trainees were encouraged to get to know each other and local senior NHS staff were on hand to offer their own support. But no one really knew what the next two months would bring, let alone the next two years. Fast forward to 2019, the first cohort of trainees had completed their foundation degree and were ready to enter the professional register as a nursing associate. Some had stepped aside during that time, but the majority had blossomed. There have been national events where trainees have spoken about their experiences, there has been national debate and scepticism about the role, there have been happy and sad tears, but throughout, there has been determination; determination to succeed, to make their families proud, to make a difference to people’s lives because they can offer care differently to before – determination to be pioneers. All education is an opportunity for personal development, as well as a time to acquire new knowledge and skills. Working on the development of the health and social care support workforce, however, has been a personal career highlight. Many students have come into university feeling they weren’t good enough, were too old, didn’t have the right IT skills, had been ‘failures’ at school or just thinking that it was too late for them now. Foundation degrees and higher apprenticeships have enabled us to challenge those perceptions and provide learning opportunities for hundreds of support workers, either as nursing associates or assistant practitioners. One quality which higher apprentices definitely do not lack is enthusiasm. Their confidence increases week by week and by the time the first module is nearing completion after eight weeks, the majority have settled into university and are well into their stride. Yes, it’s challenging – they have demanding jobs,and busy lives and now they are taking on a full-time course of education. However, they bring so much into the classroom. The majority recognise this as their one opportunity to get a promotion, make a difference to their lives and to move forward on a journey they had only dreamed of being able to take. Those 100+ pioneers were of a variety of ages and backgrounds. There were people who had been support workers for years, others for months. Some had fallen into healthcare by accident and found they loved the role and wanted to do more. Some had started their lives in other parts of the world or had taken a career change. A few had masters degrees already, some had nothing more than the few qualifications they had gained at the age of sixteen. Many trainees saw the development of the nursing associate role as a step towards their goal of becoming a nurse, but circumstances had perhaps conspired against them, and the removal of the bursary from September 2017 onwards meant that some were unwilling to take on the debt. Here was an opportunity, and although the path ahead was uncharted, we all embarked on a voyage of discovery. There were many twists and turns along the way, but that only made the culmination of the journey so much more memorable. Here were a group of trainees, lecturers, clinicians and managers who had worked together towards a common goal – it was like nothing I had experienced in the past or anything I am ever likely to again. The first cohort of trainee nursing associates have continued to inspire. Some have progressed with their dreams of becoming registered nurses, while others have embraced the associate role and made it their own. Some of our current trainee nursing associates are helping to support the efforts in beating the Covid-19 pandemic. On International Nurses Day 2020 we have so much to be thankful for and I will always be proud of the small part I have played in this part of 200 years of history.
NCF Survey finds that only 22% of Social Care Workers have been able to access testing
The National Care Forum surveyed its members about the new testing arrangements. The survey represents the perspectives of a wide range of organisations who between them employ 31,262 staff. Of these 6,469 were identified as being a priority for testing (due to having symptoms) and attempts were made to get them tested. Less than a quarter (1,436) were actually able to access testing (22%). On 15 April, the Social Care Action Plan made an absolute commitment to testing for care workers: “We are rolling out testing of social care workers …. There is now capacity available for every social care workerwho needs a test to have one, just as there is for NHS staff and their families.” This promise is not being met. Our survey shows that the employer portal is not working for social care employers. Using this route, only 2% (138 out of 6469) of staff were able to receive a test at drive-through centres, with no home testing being available on the system via this route. There is a significant manual backlog in the system, which means that large numbers of providers seeking to access testing via this route are not yet even entered onto the system, and there is no prioritisation for social care employers. In the words of two of our members: ‘I sent an email on Monday 27th April to register onto the portal & sent it again on the 29th April. After not hearing from them I phoned on 1st May to be told there was a backlog with registration onto the portal and I had to wait. The contact couldn’t give me a timeframe & as of today (4.5.20), we have still not been contacted.’ ‘We have not had any success with the employer portal. Despite several e-mails being sent to register we have not heard anything back at all. Therefore, none of our staff have been able to be tested through this process.’ The self-referral portal appeared to prove more successful with 583 staff managing to get a test via this route. Out of this number, 546 attended drive-through appointments but only 37 received home testing kits. This route, whilst proving more successful, only enabled 9% of the staff who needed testing to obtain a test. There are a number of significant issues with the self-referral route. Again, there is no prioritisation for care staff and therefore to obtain a test you have to compete against all other eligible keyworkers and members of the public. This means that employers are not able to plan a strategic approach to testing to align with the homes they most need testing in and employees are under no obligation to report their test results with their employer. Local testing systems seem to be the most successful, where they are in place. 715 members of staff have managed to access testing through local systems. However, this is only 11% of the total number of staff who need testing (715 out of 6469). Local testing systems remain hugely variable and inconsistent across localities – where they work well, testing is effective and efficient and responsive. However, it is a postcode lottery. Vic Rayner, Executive Director of the National Care Forum says: “The government’s promise to provide tests for all staff is exposed as pure words. Social care needs to be systematically prioritised in each and every testing system, in order for government to live up to its commitment. We are calling for: The prioritisation of social care employers through the Getting Tested Portal to ensure they have a strategic and targeted prioritization of all their employees – regardless of symptoms as previously promised by the government and for social care workers to be given priority status on the self-referral portal.”
