Issue 162 11.10.23
The weekly online newsletter for the care sector
Sector is not prepared for legislation THE care sector in Wales is in danger of falling foul of upcoming legislation, with many businesses still unaware of the impending changes, says a recycling boss. New laws come into force on April 6, with Welsh Government mandating that all facilities are to separate out food waste if they produce more than 5kg per week. Worryingly for Grant Keenan, managing director of Keenan Recycling, not much has altered in the awareness and actions of care organisations since research carried out by the company earlier in the year showed 41 per cent of respondents advised they didn’t know about the impending changes. And with the remaining responders having little to no understanding of the legislation, Grant is concerned this could have financial and reputational impact on the care sector. He said: “When these laws were introduced in Scotland in 2014 many firms were not able to immediately comply as they struggled to appoint a supplier due to the increase in demand.
“It’s vital Welsh care homes don’t fall into the same trap to avoid fines and unwanted negative attention. “When we launched our research in the spring, it painted a bleak picture. It’s an ominous sign that during conversations with our clients and contacts, they are still none the wiser about what will happen on April 6.” The legislation change is part of the Welsh Government’s goal of achieving net zero by 2050. Grant added: “A business’ approach to caring for the environment is becoming a key part of the decision-making process for people engaging brands. As well as taking away the stress of adhering to the new laws ahead of April, care homes that start recycling food now will be ahead of the curve. “Being able to communicate to residents and their families that the food waste generated has been turned into electricity is a huge key message.” Food waste is collected from businesses along with public and private sector organisations and transformed into either compost, renewable electricity, gas, heat, or fuel.
Tickets to this year’s Caring UK Awards at the Athena, Leicester on Thursday, December 7th are now available. For more information and to book your tickets visit https://script-events.co.uk/cuk-awards-tickets/
A homecare provider has sponsored a thriving girls’ football team in Kendal. Westmorland Homecare has contributed towards the cost of new kit for the Wattsfield U14 girls’ football team. “One of the ladies who helps to run the team contacted us and asked about sponsorship and we thought it would be really good to get involved,” said Kelsey Walmsley, Westmorland Homecare’s registered care manager at Kendal. “There is a strong ethos at the company of looking after the community and that extends to us wanting to support local community groups and teams like Wattsfield U14 girls’ football team. We are delighted to have been able to contribute to the cost of their new kit and wish the team well for the season.” In their first match wearing the new kit the girls recorded a 6-0 victory.
‘Gold’ standard of care praised FOUR extra care schemes at Housing 21 have been praised for delivering a ‘gold’ standard of care to residents as they near the end of their lives. Dairy View Court in Royal Wootton Bassett, Knaves Court in Walsall, Applegarth Court in Bridlington and Limestone View in Settle have each been awarded the national Gold Standards Framework Quality Hallmark Award for their end-of-life care. Gold Standards Framework’s Quality Hallmark Award for end-of-life care recognises exceptional care for both residents and their families, and is the highest accreditation awarded for end-oflife care. To achieve the accreditation, each
scheme took part in a 12-month training programme and were required to present a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate they had embedded what they learned into their everyday practice. Kris Peach, executive director of extra care, said: “I’m delighted that our teams at four extra care schemes have been recognised with this award. It is incredibly important that our residents can live well and die with dignity, in the place of their choosing. I know how hard everyone in the services has worked to embed practices to support residents at end of life, and the accreditation is a testament to their efforts.” The teams were presented with their awards at a ceremony in Manchester.
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