Great Oaks welcomes new care home manager
Registered nurse Sara Muslin has joined the team at Great Oaks in Bournemouth as care home manager. Sara has been a registered nurse for more than 30 years and has vast experience in the care sector, having managed care teams for over 20 years. Sara has spent the past six years as a registered manager for care homes which specialise in nursing, residential and dementia care. In her new role, Sara is responsible for all aspects of the day-to-day running of the home, ensuring that the highest standards of care are maintained and that the Care Quality Commission standards and guidelines are adhered to at all times. During the first few weeks, Sara will take the time to get to know all of the residents on a personal level, seeing them regularly in order to deliver ongoing person-centred care. Each resident has a personal care plan covering the totality of their needs, which will be regularly updated and reviewed by Sara as part of this process. Commenting on her new position, Sara said: “I am thrilled to be joining a team that is so welcoming and passionate about delivering a high standard of care to residents. The home’s values reflect how care should be delivered and how I myself, would want to be cared for. “I am looking forward to being part of the very best care organisation in the south, which puts the health and wellbeing of residents at the heart of everything it does. I will also ensure the home remains a happy, safe place where residents thrive and the team are proud to work.” Great Oaks is the latest addition of an established family of care homes managed by Encore Care Homes, with two other care homes in Dorset and Hampshire. The 80-bed care home is fitted with state-of-the-art facilities, designed to enable staff to provide the highest standard of 24 hour, personalised care and ensure residents are comfortable and happy in their surroundings. Please visit www.greatoaksbournemouth.co.uk for more information or call 01202 087444.
Guitarist Keith gets a special gift from pastor
Former church band member Keith Keenan has been gifted a guitar to continue playing in his care home in Skelmersdale. Keith, who lives at Aaron Crest Care Home, on Tanhouse Road, was given the instrument by Rev Dr Anne Kazich. The community priest in the parish of St. Paul’s has been visiting the home on a regular basis to lead monthly singing sessions with the residents. She learned Keith used to play guitar in a church band, so decided to find someone willing to donate a guitar to get him strumming again. Keith said: “I’m so happy with my new guitar and it will be looked after. I’m looking forward to learning the chords again that Dr Rev Anne has given me.” Rev Dr Kazich said: “Keith has been coming to our singing group and clearly enjoys taking part. “He shared that he used to play the guitar in a worship band in his previous church and said he would love to do it again. “On occasions he bursts spontaneously into beautiful worship hymns – so I thought I would see if anyone is able to donate a guitar to make his dream come true – and indeed that someone came forward. “Keith enjoys expressing his love and worship for God in these ways and it would be a shame if he can’t continue just because he is not in his own home anymore.” Keith learned to play guitar at the age of eight. He was a regular church goer and was taught to play by Pastor David Downes, of Flimby Church, in Cumbria. He was lead guitarist for the church band when he moved with his wife and children to Wigan. After moving back to Skelmersdale, he was eventually diagnosed with Korsakoff’s syndrome, a chronic memory disorder, as well as epilepsy and neurological problems following a car accident. He moved into Aaron Crest Care Home in September 2018 and has been regularly participating in the singing sessions with Rev Dr Kazich. Home manager Adrienne Ratcliffe said: “Keith has been getting involved with many of our regular activities but has shown a special interest in the singing sessions with Rev Dr Anne Kazich. “It was very kind of her to get him a guitar, which he absolutely loves. Despite his health conditions, he remembers how to play and has been practicing. “We’re looking forward to seeing him perform at future sessions with the Rev Dr.” Aaron Crest Care Home is part of the Hill Care Group. For further information visit www.hillcare.net.
Bluebird Care Gosport Launches Campaign to Unite Against Loneliness
Bluebird Care Gosport, a home-care provider in the Hampshire area is embarking on an ambitious, and possibly life changing campaign, to try and bring about an end to loneliness. Unite Against Loneliness will be ongoing throughout 2019; the Bluebird Care Gosport team will be running a yearlong campaign to raise awareness of, and ultimately, try to eradicate loneliness within the local community and beyond. The aim of the campaign is split into two objectives; the first is to raise awareness of the overwhelming issues of loneliness among the elderly and vulnerable. The second, is to show everyone how easy it is to support people who may be isolated and lonely, by encouraging them to be more socially inclusive and focused on community outreach. Small actions go a really long way. The campaign is in partnership with The Silver Line, the only confidential, free helpline for older people across the UK. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is open to anyone who is feeling lonely or isolated. Bluebird Care Gosport have a different event planned for each month of the year, which they hope will inspire others to take part in and share across social media. Some of the monthly activities include a Lock-In Social Experiment, Dinner Nights, a Pen Pal Project and Neighbours Month, to name but a few. Kat Thomas, the mastermind behind these exciting plans, is the Director of Bluebird Care Gosport, the newly opened home-care provider in the area. Kat’s first challenge is The Isolation Experience, which she will be completing in February. Kat will be isolating herself for seven days and making a video diary, talking about mental health, and the emotional ramification of isolation. Kat will be in a self-contained flat, and will have no access to the outside world, no technology, her phone or visitors. Kat Thomas, Director of Bluebird Care Gosport, said: “My biggest hope for this campaign is that it steers real change in our communities. There are so many charities, organisations and groups out there doing amazing things; The Silver Line, The Jo Cox Commission, The Campaign to End Loneliness, and lots more. “Even the government is making serious headway in identifying the problem and steering real change but we can only make a difference if communities and people come together. If we are a society that is United Against Loneliness, then that’s when great things can and will happen. “I really look forward to my year of campaigning and can’t wait to see this idea take shape and become something real, that could be life changing for people.” To keep up with Bluebird Care Gosport’s campaign over the year, to find out more and to get involved yourself, follow the team on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Bluebirdcaregosport/ and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bluebird_care_gosport/.
Barton on Sea Care Home Hosts Bubble Yoga
At a time of the year when the focus is to improve our health and well-being, Bethel House is taking a unique approach to keeping fit; with Bubble Yoga sessions. Lisa Davies is a ‘Bubbleologist’ and sensory Yoga instructor who hosted the one-hour session to inspire the 23 residents at the Beach Avenue residential care home. The welcoming and comfortable Barton on Sea Care Home is proudly led by a fully-trained and caring team. The aim is dedicated to using new techniques as a social experience to engage and stimulate residents, some who live with dementia. The focus of this interactive yoga session was fusing. This involves using bubbles as a therapeutic intervention – employing yoga and creative sensory play to demonstrate the benefits of mindfulness in support of emotional enlightenment. Lisa has developed the perfect bubble mixture over 3 years of research and the special liquid is used to create unique tricks. Remarkably, the standout stunt involves a willing volunteer to use a unique breathing technique while standing in a life size bubble, that is the same height of the person. The impact of the interactive sensory bubble workshop is clear to see. The residents are stimulated to interact, touch the different types of bubbles, communicate, ask questions and you see the smiles and hear the laughter as reactions. The physical benefits include movement and breathing exercises that allow the residents to coordinate their movements and simply, to get moving. Residents who may appear to be unresponsive, suddenly had the ability to have clear and meaningful dialogue and conversations. Excitement and an overall, joyous and energized atmosphere is felt within the room and it’s great to see. Lisa has a personal motivation for her visit because her Grandmother, Janet Miller, lives at Bethel House: I have been saddened by the regression of her cognitive function due to Alzheimer’s. She is now at a level where sensory input is important to keep her brain functioning. I trained as a yoga teacher and I see the powerful benefits of using breath, movement and relaxation. I use a special yoga method that is adapted to meet all abilities and the results are like magic. People are calmer, able to cope with challenges more efficiently and seem to have a more positive sense of physical and emotional well-being. Set in its own secluded grounds, Bethel House is located by a beach setting in the picturesque seaside area of New Milton and within close proximity to the New Forest. During a recent CQC inspection, the impressive family home was awarded 5 ‘Good’ stars and highly praised for its ‘safe, effective, responsive, caring and well led’ residential, dementia and respite services. The welcoming care home is an active part of the local community and goes to great lengths to make a positive difference to the lives of residents by planning stimulating activities. Registered Manager Aga Gierek says: it is great to welcome Lisa to Bethel House because her approach to wellbeing is a lot of fun and our residents are always curious to ask questions and take part. When Lisa came to see her grandma, she just talked about it and showed us a picture, we really liked what we’ve seen and asked her to do a taster session, which she did. Residents enjoyed it, it was fun, trying to touch the bubbles, a lot of positive emotions. Lisa has plans to return to Bethel House for more ‘Bubble Yoga’ sessions that will be based on different themes and styles that will continue to make a positive difference to the lives of the residents and support their daily lives.
Care home cook Yvonne raises awareness of cervical cancer
The Oaks Care Home cook has been sharing her experience of cervical cancer as part of a national awareness raising week. Yvonne Gibson, who works at The Oaks Care Home, in Blyth, Northumberland, was diagnosed with Stage 4 cervical cancer five months ago. Despite being on long-term sick leave, she decided to visit work to talk to the staff about the importance of going for cervical screening. Her talk coincided with Cervical Cancer Prevention Week 2019, promoted by Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust to educate others on reducing their risk of the disease. Yvonne said: “No one thinks it will happen to them. It takes five minutes of your time to have your smear test and I can’t express enough how important it is to do so. It has been an exhausting five months going for treatments and I have been very lucky that I am on the road to recovery. I am looking forward to returning to work mid Feb.” Natalie Brimelow, activities coordinator at The Oaks Care Home, said: “I am Yvonne’s niece and watching your family go through this is emotionally draining – some people are not as lucky. It is amazing what the NHS do for people suffering from cancer. Five minutes of your time could save your life. Yvonne is an inspiration and it was so kind of her to come and talk to us about her journey and express how important it is to attend for a smear.” After her talk, Yvonne also went around each of the residents to give them hugs, as her visit also fell on National Hug Day. Resident Marilyn Harwood said: “Yvonne is a brave lady to be coming back to work so soon. She looks brilliant for fighting cancer. It has been a lovely afternoon celebrating her upcoming return to work.” Ann Mielnik, home manager, added: “I am so proud of Yvonne. She has gone through such a harrowing time, but she has remained so positive throughout her journey. She is so eager to get back to work and has greatly missed everyone as we have missed her. I cannot thank her enough for helping us out with what is a very difficult subject to talk about.” The NHS Cervical Screening Programme aims to reduce the number of women who develop cervical cancer.All women who are registered with a GP are invited for cervical screening every three years if aged between 25 and 49 and every five years if aged between 50 and 64. Women over 65 receive screening if they have recently had abnormal tests. To find out more about The Oaks Care Home and cervical screening, visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-screening.
Reducing Patient Data Risks: How and Why to Take Your Healthcare Organisation Paperless
Patients are worried about confidentiality and, particularly, that healthcare providers might not be doing enough to protect their data. And so, many new and updated regulations, such as the GDPR, have been put into place this past year to ensure data is managed to the highest standards. Why is everyone so worried? With “downright dangerous” fax machines still in regular use despite a recent ban on new acquisitions, as well as massive losses of paper files being revealed across the healthcare sector, it’s no wonder. In a bid to alleviate confidentiality issues and data breaches, the healthcare sector has set a target to go paperless by 2020. With that, there are many reasons behind such a fast-paced push for the removal of paper from the sector. The Problem with Paper and Patient Confidentiality Those in the healthcare sector are known for stockpiling paper records. Storing data relating to all facets of patient care is essential — you never know when referral documents will be needed. However, in the modern era, keeping paper documents is not only unnecessary, but it also produces a bounty of data security risks: The Benefits of a Paperless Workspace for Better Data Protection The NHS has acknowledged that by switching to a paperless working environment, patient data would be safer. The benefits of moving to digital formats and taking a step away from paper records are well documented. Many organisations both inside and outside the healthcare sector are already paperless, but what exactly are the advantages when it comes to securing patient data? How to Achieve a Paperless Workplace before 2020 Many industries, not just the healthcare sector, keep paper records for reference purposes — for instance, insurance policies. But in reality, a digital document is almost always just as valuable in terms of providing this kind of evidence. There really is no need to house paper when computer files are just as effective. By moving over to paperless, you can help reduce the data security risks that paper documents pose. But how do you go paperless? Locate the Right Digital Solution In its Records Management Code of Practice for Health and Social Care 2016, NHS digital outlines that most documentation can be stored digitally without issue, and, in fact, should be stored to improve data protection and access. It does not state what platform you should use, however. As cartoonist Tom Fishburne highlights in his take on computer software, finding the right IT solution is essential. Select a digital solution that will help you easily manage your files and run your paperless workplace effectively. Your choice should enable you to carry on working to the standards of your current output. Going paperless requires the removal of physical fax machines for your work environment, but you must carry on faxing if you are to communicate with the rest of the healthcare sector. Opting for the right kind of digital solution — such as online fax services — ensures you can go paperless while continuing to transmit files through required formats. Without the proper digital functionality, you won’t achieve this, and you’ll be hindered by the paperless environment. Transfer, Destroy and Maintain Once you’ve selected your digital document platforms, you need to start moving over to them. This requires a lot of investment of time and resources — the NHS has launched a support service at a cost. The process is simple — collect all your paper resources, identify which you need to keep and which can be destroyed, then upload, transfer or scan all necessary documentation to your new system. Once your paper documents are digital, you can destroy those left — unless it is essential for them to be kept as a physical record. NHS Digital advocates the destruction of unnecessary files, setting standards for how long you should keep them and explaining how documentation can be destroyed, stating: Paper records can be destroyed to an international standard. They can be incinerated, pulped or shredded (using a cross-cut shredder) under confidential conditions. Do not use the domestic waste or put them in a rubbish tip. Now you’ve achieved a paperless environment, with access to all records and files being conducted through your computer network. In order to keep yourself paperless, you must maintain these practices. This means avoiding the use of paper whenever possible and keeping all record keeping and communications digital. Remain vigilant and ensure physical, paper-based practices don’t creep back into work life for great success. www.efax.co.uk
Edinburgh man is crowned top care home chef in the country
Months of head-to-head heats and a showdown final have seen residential care home provider Care UK crown Graham Watson Care Home Chef of the Year. Catering sector experts joined a panel of judges to name the champion, in a multi-stage competition open to the hundreds of chefs from across Care UK’s 119 homes. The trophy was lifted, at the Residential Care Services (RCS) Stars awards ceremony, by Graham, the head chef at Lauder Lodge, in Edinburgh. Having worked in the hotel and leisure industry for much of his career, Graham has cooked for an impressive array of people, including wildlife campaigner and broadcaster Sir David Attenborough and Anne, Princess Royal. But judges say it was his willingness to challenge himself and set a new standard in the care home sector which truly tilted the balance in his favour in the hard-fought contest. Contestants were given a box of 15 ingredients to create a two course menu. Graham’s menu consisted of chicken supreme stuffed with chorizo and chili rice cracker powder, classic fondant potato, butternut puree and a fig and red wine jus followed by and Oreo crumb and chocolate torte with brittle sugar and pineapple salsa. Graham said: “I love working in care homes, it presents a unique set of challenges to a chef. We work in what is our residents’ home and there is nothing more personal than food – it allows people to express their preference, their past and their individuality and it is our job to cater to all of that. The favourite dishes of residents at Lauder Lodge are slow cooked. They love stews and roast dinners, with all the trimmings, and our homemade Yorkshire pudding. They also have a sweet-tooth and they love all the fresh cakes and desserts me and my team make for them.” Graham enjoys the challenges of supporting residents’ health and wellbeing. He said: “We work with care and nursing colleagues to ensure that all our residents nutritional and dietary needs are met, and we have developed excellent relations with local suppliers to ensure we use the best, seasonal produce available. Food is also an excellent way to promote reminiscence and help people keep up their life skills. Our home uses Activity Based Care to engage residents in activities that benefit their wellbeing and foster their Janeinterests and hobbies.” During the awards ceremony the team at Ferndown Manor, in Poole, were also presented with an award to mark their commitment to creating an excellent daily dining experience for their 75 residents. A recent CQC inspection report praised the home that is known for its five-star dining experience. Inspectors praised the attractive table settings, which take into account individual requirements, and the great attention to detail that ensures each residents has not just a choice but also a dignified choice. For more information about Graham Watson and the Care Home Chef of the Year award click here
Northampton General Hospital to welcome nurses to recruitment open day
Nurses looking for new career opportunities in 2019 are invited to attend a recruitment open day at Northampton General Hospital (NGH) on 2 February 2019 from 10am to 2pm. The hospital has opportunities for nurses and midwives to work in Medicine, Paediatrics and Theatres. NGH is proud to be the first hospital in the UK to have achieved Pathway to Excellence® accreditation, an internationally-recognised programme which validates workplaces where nurses are supported to develop and flourish. Sheran Oke, Director of Nursing Midwifery and Patient Services says, “We have also invested in new facilities, including our emergency centre and a new chemotherapy suite, offering a great work environment for our healthcare teams. At the open day nurses will get to meet some of our nursing team, take a tour of the facilities and find out about more the roles available. We will be hosting job interviews and awarding conditional job offers on the day, so nurses should bring their CVs.” “There are many benefits of a nursing career at NGH, including our fantastic training and development opportunities, which are second to none. Not only have we successfully completed the Pathway to Excellence® programme, we offer a highly supportive culture and environment for nurses with programmes in place such as our Everyday Hero and Daisy award schemes to reward and recognise nursing and non-nursing staff. Professional development is a priority for us. Leadership and development opportunities abound and our nurses participate in courses run in partnership with The University of Northampton and access the RCN leadership programme.” “I would encourage any nurse looking for a fresh challenge in 2019 at a hospital recognised as a centre for excellence for career development to attend our open day. We offer wonderful clinical and non-clinical training facilities and have state of the art equipment in many of our departments. A key focus for us is the education, training and development of nurses. Our nursing team is looking forward to meeting like-minded nurses at the open day and letting them know about the exciting opportunities on offer.” For more information on the vacancies visit: http://bestofbothworlds.uk.net
Sally Magnusson announced to chair Future of Care Conference 2019
The organisers of the Future of Care Conference are pleased to announce that BBC broadcaster and dementia charity founder, Sally Magnusson has been confirmed to chair the second annual event taking place on 19thMarch 2019 at The King’s Fund in central London. Sally has presented a range of programmes for the BBC over the years, from Breakfast Newsand Reporting Scotland to a range of documentaries and investigations, including Panorama. She is also the author of ten books to date, including the best-selling memoir, Where Memories Go: Why Dementia Changes Everything, and founded the music and dementia charity, Playlist for Life in 2013. Explaining how she first became affiliated with the care sector, Sally said: “I helped to care for my mother during the many years she lived with dementia, and I wrote Where Memories Go out of a passionate desire to raise the standards of elderly care. After her death, I founded the music and dementia charity Playlist for Life. For all these reasons, I’m delighted to be chairing the Future of Care Conference this year.” The Future of Care Conference will see a selection of leading experts and reputable names from across the care industry come together to present the latest updates and ideas shaping the forefront of the sector, with key speakers including Chief Executives from Care England, the Care Quality Commission, the Alzheimer’s Society, Age UK, the National Care Forum, Skills for Care and many more. Commenting on the upcoming event, Sally added: “I’m particularly interested to hear the latest updates and experiences of those working within the industry, and am looking forward to discussing what’s next for the sector.” For more information or to take advantage of the early bird discount before time runs out, book your conference tickets today by visiting www.futureofcare.co.uk or by calling 01425 838393. Places at the conference are limited, so early booking is advised to avoid disappointment.
