Showing posts tagged with: government

'Disgraceful" short care visits on rise, says charity

Click here to read the article http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-24424785

 

Andrew Healing, director of Routes Healthcare made this comment in relation to the article.

I am delighted that this debate is out in the open and I anticipate the government to move speedily towards a resolution.  There needs to be a fundamental revision of the framework and the contracts that underpin the provision of care within social services.  As a nation we need to be shouting from the rooftops that our care provision is the best in the world, sadly the mechanism in place is plain for all to see, a broken one.

In order to deliver on the best interests of our vulnerable we require more funding and stricter monitoring.  As a care provider our objective is to provide the best care we can, for this reason we refuse to partner with councils on the basis of 15 minute visits.

Flu data to be collected from UK schools

Scientists are to begin collecting data on flu outbreaks from UK schools this winter to better understand its spread.

The flu surveillance project is in its fifth year, but for the first time classrooms are being asked to take part.

It coincides with the NHS beginning to roll out childhood flu vaccinations.

In time, the nasal spray vaccine will be available for children aged 16 and under.

Routes Healthcare receives another fantastic CQC inspection report!

Routes Healthcare Blackpool received an unannounced visit from CQC on 15^th October 2013.  

 

Here is just some of the fantastic feedback:

 

We spoke with a number of people being supported by the agency. They told us they

were receiving safe and appropriate care which was meeting their needs. They said the

staff members visiting them were polite, reliable and very professional when undertaking

their work. One person said, "My carers are brilliant. They have been no end of help to me.

I am quite poorly and without their support I would be in hospital. I cannot thank them

enough when they visit me". Another person said, "The support I am receiving has

resulted in a life changing experience for me. The staff have given me so much confidence

I am no longer housebound".

 

One member of staff told us the agency took great care when allocating staff to support

people. The staff member said, "The management always ensure you have the right skills

and training to be able to provide the level of support required. I have been interviewed by

the families of the people I was being asked to support. This was to ensure I was

compatible with their family member and they felt they could trust me. I have worked for

many agencies but this is by far the most professional".

 

One member of staff said, "The safeguarding training we receive is excellent. We are

informed about the various types of abuse and neglect people may experience and how to

recognise these. I am confident if I reported any concerns to the manager the appropriate

procedures would be followed".

People being supported by the agency told us they felt well supported and safe.

 

Well done Blackpool Team!

GP 10-minute appointment rule axed

GPs in England will no longer have to offer appointments lasting at least 10 minutes under changes agreed with the government.

It is one of a number of requirements being removed in the latest round of contract negotiations between the government and doctors' leaders.

NHS England says consultations last on average for around 12 minutes.

It added this change should mean GPs have greater flexibility over how they organise their appointments,

Other changes which have been agreed, and which will come in next April, include enhanced care for the million frailest patients, and named GPs for the four million over-75s.

To read the full article please click here.

Hospitals in England told to publish staffing levels

Hospitals in England are to be made to publish monthly details of whether they have enough nurses on their wards.

From April, patients will be able to see the numbers on a new national safety website.

There will be no national minimum staffing standard, but it is likely to include recommended nurse to patient ratios for different types of ward.

It is part of the government's response to the public inquiry into the Stafford Hospital scandal.

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt is due to address MPs on the issue later.

The move has been called for by nurse leaders and MPs in recent months.

To read more detail click here.