Issue 117 17.08.22
The weekly online newsletter for the care sector
Letter calls on new PM to ‘fix’ the care sector CARE England has written to Conservative leadership candidates Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP and Rt Hon Liz Truss MP calling for a commitment to ‘fix’ the key issues facing the social care sector within the first 100 days of entering office. Professor Martin Green OBE, chief executive of Care England, said: “Despite repeated promises from Government that they would ‘fix’ adult social care, the sector finds itself in unprecedented circumstances. “The immediate financial pressures facing the sector, amid a backdrop of rising energy prices, inflation, and a cost-of-living crisis, as well as long-term issues caused by decades of neglect and chronic underfunding, necessitate considerable and immediate action. “It is vital that the leadership candidates understand the severity of these issues and the need to address them as a matter of urgency. “Inflation and the rising cost of living are having a disproportionate and detrimental impact on social care providers; Government inaction has meant that care providers are limited in their opportunities to provide their staff with the remuneration and benefits afforded to NHS colleagues. “The dysfunctionality of the system was once again
highlighted in the ADASS Member Survey, which revealed that an estimated 540,000 people are waiting for assessments, care, direct payments or adult social care reviews, a 36.9 per cent increase since November 2021.” The letter to Mr Sunak and Ms Truss came after the publication of the Levelling-Up, Housing and Communities Committee’s report into ‘long-term funding of adult social care’. It concluded that the Government’s plans for social care contained ‘no roadmap, no timetable, no milestones and no measures of success,’ as well as an annual funding gap of at least £7bn. Care England’s letter to the leadership hopefuls calls for a commitment to implement a series of measures to address immediate and long term pressures Martin added: “The issues facing the social care sector are symptomatic of one that is underfunded, undervalued, and has for far too long been overlooked by those in power. “The needs of society’s most vulnerable and those caring for them are too often an afterthought. “The country is deserving of a leader who recognises the true value of social care and takes it upon themselves to finally deliver on the manifesto promise to ‘fix’ social care once and for all.”
Residents, relatives and team members at a Brighton care home released their inner queen recently by taking part in Brighton Pride. Representatives from Hallmark’s Maycroft Manor took part in the Pride Parade for the first time, dressing up in rainbow colours and holding flags for the occasion. Residents also decorated their walkers and wheelchairs and handmade rosettes for the event. Meanwhile, resident Gill Woods (pictured) was hailed the ‘Queen of all Queens’ dancing for most of the parade which went past Brighton’s landmarks with the crowds cheering her on. General manager Richard Lawson said: “It was the most amazing day and went so much better than I ever thought it would be. Maycroft Manor will be remembered for many a long time after that and the team were outstanding. It was a wonderful experience and we are now planning for bigger and better parade next year.”
Deadline looms so get entering OPERATORS wanting to put themselves forward for recognition have been urged to enter the Caring UK Awards before it’s too late. 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 organiser Dominic Musgrave said: “Nominations are coming in and our events team is already busy ensuring
that this year’s event is bigger and better than ever. “Our main aim is to recognise and honour the best in our wonderful 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 panel. Trophies will be handed out at a glittering ceremony at the Athena in Leicester on Thursday, December 1 presented by Emmerdale actor Dean Andrews. Deadline for nominations is noon on Friday, August 26.
Book a demonstration today by calling 01925 386800 or visit www.carebeans.co.uk