Compulsory vaccines for carers u-turn : Too little too late?
MANDATORY Covid-19 vaccine requirements for health and social care workers are set to be removed on Tuesday 15 March, in a recent announcement by the Department of Health and Social Care. It follows a government U-turn on the previous vaccine mandate for NHS workers in England, which was set to come into effect from the start of April, and has been decided after a public consultation where 90% of respondents supported its removal. Laura Kearsley, partner and solicitor specialising in employment law at Nelsons, said: “When the compulsory vaccine announcement was made last year, there was a real worry in the care sector as to the impact it might have on recruitment and staff retention – particularly given the shortage of staff that the industry is already experiencing. “There’s no arguing that the requirement to be double vaccinated caused a number of challenges for employers, as many workers refused the jab and chose to leave their roles or left bosses with no choice but to terminate their employment. “Despite the U-turn, professionals in the industry – including chief executive of Care England, Martin Green – have spoken out about the decisions being too late for many as it’s unlikely they will return to roles they’ve just left. However, at the moment, this still remains to be seen.” Advice to employers “As the mandate has now been lifted, many employers in the sector may well be wondering whether they are legally obligated to contact workers who have left their employment and, if so, whether they’re required to automatically offer them the option to return to their former employment. “While we await further detail on the revocation, it’s unlikely that employers will be obliged to re-offer jobs to those who left or were dismissed during the process. It’s also unlikely that staff returning to their roles will be legally entitled to have their previous service recognised in terms of continuity of employment. “This is an unprecedented circumstance that has never had to be navigated before in any industry, therefore it’s important to ensure the correct steps are taken as more information comes to light in the coming weeks.” For more information about managing your workforce, please visit: www.nelsonslaw.co.uk/managing-your-workforce/
Pocketalk announces GDPR compliance and Pocketalk Plus as it transitions from hardware-centric business to global solution
Pocketalk, the global leader in connecting conversations and removing language barriers, today announces GDPR compliance and its new product for healthcare settings the Pocketalk Plus. The announcement comes following the pandemic, which inspired Pocketalk to focus its efforts on connecting patients with their healthcare providers. Pocketalk is now the first GDPR-compliant handheld translation device and ready to be used in clinical settings, giving caregivers and patients the ability to speak directly and instantaneously. This elevated communication will deepen patient and caregiver rapport, leading to increased satisfaction for both parties, greater comprehension on diagnosis and treatments, and most importantly, lower rates of readmission. The clarity, speed and convenience offered by Pocketalk cannot be replicated by translation lines or interpretive services. These existing systems of translation come with long wait times and can be expensive for healthcare providers. Pocketalk has the ability to dramatically reduce non-medical costs in translation and interpretive services, and offers immediate communication. With a combination of speed and direct communication, Pocketalk minimises scheduling requirements, reduces stress, and ultimately gets patients the care they need to move on to the next phase of treatment. With its launch in 2018, Pocketalk was originally designed as a travel-friendly practical communication tool – but when first responders aboard the Diamond Princess cruise line had to quarantine in Yokohama at the start of the pandemic, Pocketalk took action. It donated devices to enhance communication between first responders and passengers, reducing the interpreters’ exposure to COVID-19. This incident, as well as rapidly increasing cases, inspired Pocketalk to pivot its focus from world travelers to first responders and healthcare workers in multilingual communities. The result was the development of the Pocketalk Plus, a critical tool for medical professionals and first responders, arming them with quick, accurate translations in the field. The Pocketalk Plus boasts a large screen that is readable from 6 feet of distance, a strong speaker and a noise canceling microphone – perfect for healthcare professionals to use in a clinical setting. Other features of the device include: Pocketalk Plus is available now for £349.00 Nori Matsuda, Pocketalk’s CEO, Pocketalk said: “Our mission is now an international one: to remove language barriers and connect all humans through conversations — the ones happening in all sorts of environments: medicine, education, logistics, personal. We’re now speaking in one “common” language — a necessity in a world where, as the past two years have shown us, we share one common biology. We believe that everyone should be able to communicate easily across every corner of the globe which is why we have created these new products to cater to everyone’s needs.” Since Pocketalk launched in 2017, the company has been a leader in the handheld translator market with its Pocketalk Classic and Pocketalk S devices. Pocketalk has connected people of all backgrounds through language translation and the engine has been honed by over half a billion translations achieving an unparalleled level of speed and accuracy. To date the company has sold nearly one million Pocketalk handheld devices. The Pocketalk products and services are available to purchase on the website. For more information, visit the online newsroom and follow Pocketalk on Instagram and Facebook.
Employing Care Workers From Overseas
The UK government has finally acknowledged that workers from overseas can help to address the current critical shortage of care assistants and home care workers in the UK. Carers will now join Senior Carers on the list of skilled jobs that can be filled with workers from abroad. The Carer route is temporary but is likely to be in place for at least 12 months. Employers may breathe a sigh of relief but there is some red tape involved and they need to be prepared before embarking on this route to recruitment. There are also extra costs involved. The first step is to apply for a Sponsorship Licence which gives employers the right to employ foreign workers. Sponsors have duties and it is essential to have the right HR systems in place. Once that is in place, they can recruit, but the new staff member will need to make an application for permission to come to the UK as a Skilled Worker or to stay in the UK but in a different job. The whole exercise will obviously take longer than the normal recruitment process within the UK. However, in the long term, it may cost less time and management energy than advertising without success in the UK. Get Ready To Employ Care Workers From Overseas We know that employers in the care sector need people now. We also know that this sector is already heavily regulated and employers will not welcome yet another set of responsibilities and regulations connected to Sponsorship Licences. We can take the pressure off. We can ensure everything is in place for a successful and ongoing Sponsorship Licence which will give you the flexibility to employ foreign workers as you need them. We handle the red tape to get the people you need in place as fast as possible. We are not a faceless law machine like some firms. We offer a personal service which takes into account the nature of your particular business. You will not be passed around different lawyers and you will not wait ages for answers to your questions and concerns. We are experts in this work and have a great track record. Contact us if you need more information or help. We offer a free 20 minute consultation. Call Sallie Davies or Angela Cole on 01473 229820 or email at info@immigrationlegalservices.co.uk
care hero award for Norfolk carer.
SSCH launched the monthly care hero care hero award programme this year to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the 1.54m people working in social care in the UK. Jenny, who was nominated for February 2022, is the second award winner. Jenny was nominated by colleagues who said: “Jenny works as a senior carer and she tirelessly gives 110% in everything that she does. She’s also a wellbeing champion for the staff helping and being there for them mentally during these tough times. Jenny goes above and beyond making sure all the residents and staff are well looked after. Jenny is passionate, caring, positive and a trusting member of staff. Always looking to upskill, whilst encouraging progression in others too. Thank you Jenny. From all of us at Norfolk Lodge Care Home.” On hearing she had won the award Jenny said: “I am absolutely overwhelmed by winning the social care hero award, I honestly didn’t expect it. It feels great to be recognised for all the hard work that carers do. This is such a great award. I wouldn’t be the carer I am today without the continued support of my manager Leah. She has pushed me to get to where I am today and I’m so thankful for her support.” Jenny will receive a £50 voucher for the grocery store of her choice, a box of chocolates, certificate, a SSCH hoody and Norfolk Lodge Care Home will receive a bunch of flowers. The prizes have been sponsored by VAT Solutions. Jenny’s manager Leah Guy said: “The team and I are absolutely thrilled for Jenny. She truly deserves this recognition. Jenny is the definition of a carer and is amazing at what she does!” The social care workforce is often overlooked yet they keep the most vulnerable people in our society safe and well. It is hoped that SSCH will receive significant support following research which found that the overwhelming majority of the public feel that social care staff are undervalued (81%) and underpaid (80%). The monthly care hero awards have been created to show that care workers are appreciated. Nicola Richards, Founder of Support Social Care Heroes, explained the thinking behind the idea: “Social care staff often do not get the recognition that they deserve despite being valued by their managers and employers. “Many care homes already have ‘employee of the month’ schemes and we really felt we should do something to bring all these nominations together from around the country to celebrate all our social care heroes and the amazing work they do. “The pandemic has brought social care colleagues across the country together as we have supported each other like never before. I hope these awards will provide a positive boost to carers, managers and the wider care home teams. “These awards are the first step in our long-term plans to ensure those who need care, and those caring for them, are valued by all in society. “Our country’s social care heroes have been on the front line and in the headlines for almost two years and this new initiative will help show them that they are valued and recognise the work they do.” Social care employers are encouraged to nominate their staff for a care home hero award (employee of the month). Taking part has been made simple and easy: post a photo of your employee of the month and which care home you represent, to social media, with the hashtag #SocialCareHeroAwards and tag Support Social Care Heroes page. Tell us in 160 characters why the person is a social care hero. All nominations will be curated by the Support Social Care Heroes team and on the last Monday of each month a winner will be chosen at random. Anyone who wishes to donate to Support Social Care Heroes can do so by visiting: www.ssch.info.
Dishwashing Challenges Solved by new Fairy Professional Tablets
When working in a kitchen which serves large volumes of people like care homes and residential facilities, efficiency is a key factor in preventing operational issues. Throughout meal periods there are natural choke points which can cause hold ups such as food prep, cooking and dish washing. We at Alliance Online have over 20 years of supplying the health sector and appreciate that poor dishwasher management can waste time which could be spent looking after patients. Naturally, not all homes and hospitals will have access to a warewasher or may just opt for a traditional hand washing approach. But if your organisation does employ commercial dishwashers then hold ups can occur, with the cause normally being due to one of the following two reasons: The first cause can be avoided by simply giving training surrounding the machine being used to staff responsible for loading the dishwasher. Explain aspects such as minimum and maximum load volumes, the various different wash cycles and best practices your kitchen currently follows. Equally, it is important to discuss the impact poor warewasher management can have on the rest of the kitchen and server staff demonstrating how this can develop into a congestion point. The second reason however cannot be resolved as simply, and it opens up the following three scenarios as to why washes are not proficiently removing dirt: Where cycles are concerned, the first article to consult would be the dishwasher’s manual as this should itemise the options available. If you cannot find the manual, then locate the model make / manufacturers number and contact the manufacturer to see if a new one can be sent out. Failing this, the manual may exist in a digital format online. Equally, during a closed period the different cycles could be tried and tested to review the efficacy of each one. It is also good practice to know the hardness of your water so you can ensure your machine is optimised accordingly. If the above is not the case, then the issue may fall into the category of being a mechanical fault. If you haven’t had your warewasher serviced within the past 12 months, then calling a service engineer would definitely be recommended. Not only will they be able to identify any issues with your machine, but they’ll also highlight potential areas which may become a problem in the future. Additionally, engineers will be able to provide advice on best practice when it comes to day-to-day maintenance of your dishwasher, we would recommend the following points: Finally, there is the choice of detergent / cleaning solution being used. When selecting the dishwashing chemical you intend on using, there are a few different factors which need considering: To navigate all these issues, you can either buy multiple chemicals, so all scenarios are catered for or buy an all-in-one option. All in one options offer the flexibility of being able to wash a multitude of tableware without the need for separation beforehand. As such, this saves time as warewashers can be loaded to maximum capacity, washed and emptied quicker. It also prevents build ups of specific types of crockery whilst other cycles are running. Should an all-in-one option be preferred Alliance Online would recommend Fairy’s professional all-in-one dishwasher capsules (this to link to: https://www.allianceonline.co.uk/professional-professional-all-in-one-original-capsules-cdw00306.html). They have been formulated specifically for daily cleaning of tableware in commercial warewashers. Their multi-action cleaning quality washes away dirt, dissolves and removes dried on grease, protects silver finishes whist promoting a metal shine and also benefits from rinse aid and salt action properties. All of these qualities ensure the capsule offers users efficient cleaning even on short cycles in commercial environments. The capsules offer staff a simple and easy to use option regarding dishwashing as it negates the need to measure out fluids or powders when using a dish washing appliance. They also come in packs of 100 capsules making them easy to store, freeing up valuable cupboard space for other items. At Alliance Online we have over 20 years of experience providing the hospitality, leisure, healthcare, education and public sector industries with the products they need. Benefitting from twelve regional depots, a central national distribution centre and an online ecommerce channel we are perfectly placed to manage orders from any sized business throughout the UK and Republic of Ireland.
No more baggy scrubs!
No more baggy scrubs! . At Happythreads, our goal is to supply all healthcare professionals with uniforms that fit well and allow everyone to express themselves. Our bestselling Koi range features a number of collections, so everyone can find something that suits them perfectly, from our budget-friendly Koi Basics line to the newest super soft range of Koi Next Gen garments. We believe that what you were should not limit what you do. Having to work in an already challenging environment, your scrubs should not be something you need to worry about. Comfort, perfect fit, and easy care are what we all love. Many of our customers complain that traditional brands have a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to trousers – Koi trousers are available in 3 leg lengths! Our rainbow of available colours allows you to wear bright colours like flamingo pink, coral, or sunshine yellow. Want even more? We have a selection of scrub tops in funky patterns which are super popular in paediatric or elderly care settings. Want something toned and muted but tired of plain colours – look into our heather colours – a marl fabric that is a nice change from the standard palette. If you want to personalise your uniform with your name or logo, we offer an embroidery service done in-house by our experienced staff. It is a great way to help your patients identify you and your colleagues. We understand life is busy, especially for healthcare professionals. That’s why our Koi scrubs are easy-care and require little to no ironing. With breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics made from advanced technology fibers, the uniforms allow you to stay fresh and comfy during your shift. And they can be washed at 60C, too. If you need any help, our friendly and experienced customer care team is always ready and more than happy to assist you. They have vast knowledge and experience and can help you select the perfect uniform for you. You can reach us via email, phone or our online chat, we are always happy to help. Purchase your new Koi uniforms at 10% off until 31st March 2022 with code CNJ10.
Supporting dementia care post-pandemic and beyond
The care sector has been struggling with the recent rise in demand for dementia care services and recent research from Social-Ability shows that 82% of people feel that the care sector, in its current state, is unable to cope with the demand for dementia care. This surge in demand has come as a result of the pandemic, with backlogs, understaffing, and Covid safety all playing a role in the increasing burden on the social care system. John Ramsay, Managing Director of Social-Ability NHS backlogs have risen to a record 6 million people who are waiting for hospital treatment, 50,000 of which are people unable to access dementia assessments, preventing them from getting treatment. Dementia assessments by GPs have dropped by 38% between 2019 and 2021, with MAS assessments dropping by an even larger 50%. With staff overworked now, it is hard to see how we can handle the predicted 150 million cases of dementia in 2050. Addressing awareness Better awareness of dementia is a central issue to improving care. Understanding the condition remains limited, with recent research from Social-Ability finding that almost two-thirds of people were unable to distinguish between early signs of dementia and natural signs of old age. If dementia continues to be seen as merely a “memory loss disease”, patients may not get diagnosed until too late, and will be unable to benefit from the care and support available. Backlogs or no backlogs, this highlights that dementia care and support must change from the ground up. People unable to identify dementia in family and friends is one problem, but better understanding of how we support and treat individuals living with dementia is another area that needs to be enhanced. Care home residents in the UK are prescribed seven daily medications on average, which costs the NHS around £250 million a year. Overmedicating residents increases their risk of having heart failure and infections, and also makes them more prone to accidents. Instead of treating dementia with a generalised “one size fits all” approach, we must better understand the experiences of dementia patients. Lockdown loneliness It should come as little surprise that COVID restrictions and pressures created challenging conditions for care home residents. In fact, one in five care homes were found to provide substandard care to their residents, not due to any lack of commitment or skill, but due to stringent isolation, sickness in the workforce, increased workloads and other knock-on effects of lockdown. To protect care home residents from Covid, residents have been limited in having visitors and leaving the home. Residents unable to see their family and friends are at risk of developing a severe, chronic loneliness, and 56% of people with dementia have reported feeling “completely isolated” throughout the pandemic. This problem is not confined to the pandemic, as people in long-term care are more than twice as likely to have chronic loneliness than the average person. However, exacerbated by the effects of the pandemic, care home residents have even less support than ever. Digital engagement Though a balance must be struck between the wellbeing of care home residents and the safety measures implemented, new technologies can also play a huge role in improving the quality of life of residents. Technologies such as those used in Social-Ability’s Happiness Programme offer social, cognitive, and emotional support to care home residents. By using interactive light technology, the Happiness Programme allows for residents to engage in activities with each other. The Happy Memories Programme allows family members, including those physically separated, to share family photos and memories directly with residents to sustain connections. Keeping care home residents active and engaged is crucial in maintaining their quality of life. Alternative technologies such as the Happiness Programme facilitate therapies that reduce the strain on care workers, and combined with changing the perception of dementia, eliminates the need for an overreliance on methods such as heavy medication. These holistic therapies provide the way forward in the wake of the pandemic, and are just the beginning of a recovering care sector ready to take on the challenges of the future. By working together, we can make a difference, and we believe that we can achieve the number one goal of care: bringing happiness to people’s lives.
Mandatory vaccination U-turn
Statement from Kari Gerstheimer, CEO and Founder of Access Social Care, a charity providing free legal advice and information to the social care sector. The Government’s U-turn on mandatory vaccinations for NHS and social care staff is a step in the right direction, but it is too late for thousands of care workers who have lost their jobs and found higher paid work in a different sector. We might have lost these skilled workers – some with decades worth of invaluable experience – forever. Where was the urgency and concern for the social care sector when an exodus of staff was predicted in November? Since then, the sector has been decimated by the policy, with 40,000 staff having lost their jobs. Problems with recruitment and retention of care staff impacts hundreds of thousands of older and disabled people with social care needs – we know of families and individuals who are struggling to find staff to help them care for their loved ones or themselves. Social care staffing must be treated as seriously as NHS staffing. Without this, both systems will collapse.
The latest easing of Covid restrictions in care homes
John Ramsay, founder of social venture Social-Ability, comments: “The latest easing of Covid restrictions in care homes will come as incredibly welcome news to residents, particularly the 70% who live with dementia, for whom social interaction with friends, family, and fellow residents is a pillar of their health and wellbeing. “But make no mistake – this alone will not solve the problem of chronic loneliness that has blighted the care system since before the pandemic and has been overlooked for too long. “A third of those with dementia experience loneliness and isolation as a result of this condition. For many care home residents, opportunities for socially stimulating activity have been too infrequent, with dementia symptoms as well as their mental health worsening as a result. “We desperately need the care system to prioritise therapies that consistently deliver opportunities for social activity, whether it be communicating with loved ones via video chat, or playing interactive games with the rest of their care home community. Whether restrictions return or not, this will hugely improve the quality of life of those who have felt forgotten for far too long.”
