Issue 155 09.08.23
The weekly online newsletter for the care sector
Care homes to trial new technology CARE homes in Lincolnshire are trialling a new digital system which allows staff to carry out some clinical tasks, saving time and reducing pressure on the NHS. Lincolnshire Care Association has helped to introduce a digital observation kit into care homes in the county to enable workers to take clinical observations and then transmit them digitally to the NHS clinician who needs to read and monitor them. Working with the NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board, LinCA has also published a delegated healthcare activities governance toolkit to provide guidance for care professionals. “The aim of the new system is to delegate the taking of clinical observations such as blood pressure or blood oxygen levels, which can be a vital measurement for older people, without delegating the decision making,” said Melanie Weatherley MBE, chair of Lincolnshire Care Association. “This is nothing new – parents are trained to undertake highly technical interventions to support children living with complex conditions, for example. “And diabetics have managed their own blood glucose and
insulin successfully for many years. If we become unable to do these things for ourselves we have to rely on health professionals, even when the knowledge and expertise of a trained nurse is not really needed. “Delegation of some of clinical activities to carers can produce better outcomes, especially if it is seen as an innovative choice rather than a way to manage scarce resources.” Melanie added that during the Covid-19 pandemic interactions between residents and clinicians was reduced and care home staff were encouraged to support them with dressings, insulin management and physiological readings. When the pandemic ended many of us wanted to carry on doing this work, if done safely and if the extra contribution and responsibility were recognised,” she said. “If delegation is done properly it can give the person who draws on care and support more control as well as giving care staff opportunities to develop. Delegating some of the more routine aspects of healthcare can give our skilled health colleagues more time to devote to those who need their knowledge and expertise.”
A Banbury care home opened its doors to some feathered friends. Residents at Care UK’s Highmarket House were surprised when a flock of owls flew into the home for a special visit. Among the group of three owls was a majestic eagle owl named Suess, as well as a tawny owl named Hazelnut from Al’s Owls. The residents were able to interact with and hold the wide-eyed creatures, as well as learn more about their new feathered friends, prompting them to reminisce about animal encounters they’d had in their younger years.
Time running out for entries OPERATORS wanting to put themselves forward for recognition have been urged to enter the Caring UK Awards in partnership with Virgin Money. Nominations for this year’s event are now open at www.caringukawards.co.uk The awards, organised by Script Events in partnership with Caring UK, recognise excellence and achievement in all corners of the care industry. And with more than 20 categories up for grabs, there’s something to suit every type of care business. These include everything from Quality in Housekeeping and Catering Team of the Year to Best Outdoor Environment and End of Life Team of the Year. Event director Dominic Musgrave said: “We are really excited to be introducing the sixth Caring UK Awards – nominations are
coming in and our events team is already busy ensuring that this year’s event is bigger and better than ever. “Obviously, our main aim is to recognise and honour the best in our wonderful care sector and showcase the innovation and dedication that goes on every day so please share your successes and tell us about your hard work and initiatives by sending in your nominations … it’s a real privilege to read them.” A shortlist in each category will then be drawn up, with winners chosen by an expert industry panel. Trophies will be handed out at a glittering ceremony at the Athena in Leicester on Thursday, December 7 presented by television personality Emma Jesson. Closing date for nominations is August 28th.
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