Issue 77 06.10.21
The weekly online newsletter for the care sector
Call for new dialogue not contempt PROVIDERS have called for Health Secretary Sajid Javid to stop criticising care workers and start tackling the crisis in the sector. The Independent Care Group is angry after Mr Javid said those working in care should “go and get another job” if they didn’t want to have the Covid19 vaccine. “I feel Mr Javid should seriously reconsider those remarks,” said ICG chair Mike Padgham. “What we are looking for from Mr Javid is solutions to the crisis in social care and not remarks that inflame the situation. “I am sure that the Health Secretary knows the blood, sweat and tears social care workers have shed this past 18 months caring for people on the front-line in the fight against Covid-19. “If he wants further evidence then I invite him to visit my care business to see the situation firsthand. “What we need to get social care through the current crisis is constructive dialogue and understanding, not confrontation and contempt.” The ICG wants the November 11 deadline for carers to have both vaccinations to be allowed to work to be delayed. “There is no such deadline in
the NHS and no such deadline for relatives and family visiting care and nursing homes, so why should carers have this sword of Damocles hanging over them,” Mike added. “Even with the vaccine, people can still catch and pass on Covid-19 so the rationale behind the compulsory vaccination is flawed anyway. It is merely being used as a draconian stick to beat the social care sector. “At the moment, the sector has 120,000 vacancies and there are predictions that this could increase by a further 40,000 because of compulsory vaccination. “That spells disaster for the care of our oldest and most vulnerable people as we head into the most challenging period, winter. “Providers are already falling by the wayside and the historic figure of 1.5m people living without the care they need will by now be much greater and will be growing fast.” The ICG has called on the Government to step in and tackle the crisis in social care like it is doing over petrol and food shortages. It has warned that a raft of challenges is mounting which could push some care providers to the brink of survival just before winter.
Chairman’s Fund goes to group
A Chepstow care home explored its residents’ wild side by opening its own tattoo parlour. Residents who visited the parlour in the Severn Lounge at Castleford House received temporary tattoos of their choice while enjoying a cold Corona beer – the only Corona allowed in the home. Head of activities Amelia Pace said: “We used tattoo machine sound effects and rock and roll music to create a rebellious atmosphere, which everyone appeared to love.” The home also recently hosted a water park in its gardens. This consisted of residents going down a giant water slide on a adapted rubber ring.
A BIG THANK YOU
FROM ALL OF US TO ALL OF YOU FOR ALL YOU ARE DOING TO KEEP OUR MOST VULNERABLE SAFE AND HAPPY …
WE’RE IN AWE OF YOUR SELFLESS HARD WORK AND DEDICATION.
Caring UK is part of the Script Media companies
CARE South has awarded local not-for-profit group Caring Canines with a £2,400 Chairman’s 2020 Fund award. The Fund has been established with the aim of benefiting Care South employees, volunteers and community groups who provide a service to care homes, care at home offices, clients or residents. Its purpose is in “Supporting Care South’s Friends”. The cheque presentation took place at Care South’s Fairlawn home in Ferndown where chairman Jane Stichbury and CEO Simon Bird were joined by members of the Caring Canines’ team and some cuddly companions, including an eightmonth trained puppy with L plates attached. Simon said: “We are delighted to be able to support Caring Canines and the work that they do. “We have worked closely together for some time now and the award made from the Chairman’s 2020 Fund is a further way of supporting our very good friends at Caring Canines.” Caring Canines offers the assistance of its assessed, vaccinated and insured dogs in the Bournemouth and Poole community to break down barriers and enhance the lives of those people who miss canine companionship or benefit from it. Interacting with a friendly pet is known to help residents, and Care South’s has recently been welcoming the friendly pooches into their homes for cuddles.
CALLING ALL SUPPLIERS …
Your online presence has never been more important so that you can keep in touch with your clients! Do you need a website – and quick – to sell your services and products online? We can help with a five-page website, with or without payment facilities AT NO UPFRONT COST! And it will be ready within ONE WEEK of us receiving the necessary information. That’s the design and development of your own website within seven days! Includes domain name (.com or .co.uk), hosting in the UK and email forwarding We can also help with SEO, PPC, flyers or promotional material and affordable advertising in print and online! Contact us today: sally@scriptmedia.co.uk or 07939 324 781