News   ` Welcome - Welcome to the latest edition of the Hendra Herald, the homes newsletter. As you all know things have been, and continue to move on at a pace at Hendra so I hope this newsletter highlights our past achievements as well as our future aspirations for the home and our residents. Relatives & Residents Meeting - A positive relatives and residents meeting was held on 27th November 2012. Everyone should have received copies of the notes taken at the meeting, if you did not receive one let me know and I will send you a copy. Awards - As most of you are now aware we were selected as Care Business of the Year at the 2012 Shropshire Care Awards. This is the third time we have won this award in the past four years. We have also been voted as one of the Top 100 Apprentice Employers in the country, this is the second year in succession that we have been included on this selective list. And finally, I am delighted to announce that we were one of only twelve companies from over 1500 applicants to make it through to the National Apprentice Service National Finals. Although disappointed not to have won the ultimate award, our achievement in beating nine regional winners to be shortlisted is a significant achievement when you consider we were competing with companies who employ up to 250 staff. Our disappointment was tempered by the fact that we were the only organisation from Social Care to make it to the final and be voted on the Top 100 Employers list. Staff Issues - After many years sterling service, it is with regret and sadness that Terri James has retired after reaching her 70th birthday. Terry has not only been a model employee but a great friend and confidant to so many staff members. “Mother” as she is affectionately known has promised us she will pop in to see us and will be a regular helper on our many and varied trips. Sadly Sue Kinsey has moved on and has been replaced by Natalie Martin. Staff Development - Sophie Allen, Theresa Wright Maria Knight and Rose Parker continue to make good progress on their Level 2 Diploma Award, and Rose Morris is making similar progress on the Level 3 award. Congratulations to Michaela Glaze and Tara Grimes on achieving their NVQ 2 House Keeping and Hospitality Awards. Congratulations too to Lyndsay Giess for successfully completing her Moving & Handling Instructors course. Mel Bowen is hoping to commence a Dementia programme facilitated by Worcester University in April 13, subject to meeting the selection criteria. Other areas of training completed since the last newsletter in August are Infection Control, Moving & Handling, Adult Protection, Mental Capacity, Depravation of Liberty Training, Food Safety Training and Pressure Ulcer Prevention. Training programmed in the next three months includes Fire Safety, and Defib Training. All care staff will commence the BTEC Intermediate Certificate and Dementia Care in April.. Our investment in and on-going commitment to staff development we believe enables us to provide a quality service to meet the current and future needs of all of our residents. Gold Standard Framework - I am delighted to announce that by the end of March 13 all care staff should hold the national BTEC Intermediate Certificate in End of Life Care. Resident News - Two new residents have joined the home since the last newsletter, these being Mr Matt Dixon and his wife Nancy, we wish them both a long and happy residency at the home. Hendra Filming - Hendra House was selected by Skills for Care to nationally showcase our work with the apprenticeships programme and to highlight the quality of service delivered at the home. Staff, residents, and relatives were involved in the making of the film which was scheduled to go on public release in October. However this has not taken place as yet, but as soon as it does I will let you know how to access the video. Building Works - The final phase of our capital building programme is almost complete. As a result all of the remaining en-suites have been tiled to minimise the risk of cross contamination. A new cleaners area has been provided on the ground floor, and the passageway opposite the ground floor bathroom has been greatly improved. Lounge and Dining Area - We are currently looking at the refurbishment of the lounge and dining room. A number of furniture suppliers have visited the home and the residents have been involved in testing and advising on the types of lounge and dining chairs they would prefer. Independent Financial Advocacy Service - With the cuts in public spending it is likely that there will be even less money to support residents in care homes. In order to ensure that each resident irrespective of whether they are self funding or funded either wholly or partly by the local authority it is vital that you are aware of your full entitlements in the future. Each resident and/or their families has access to independent and impartial advice if they so wish. Should you wish to avail yourself of this free advice please speak to either myself or any of the Senior Staff Team who will make the initial contact on your behalf. Activities - Can I thank all staff who have worked so hard to provide a varied selection of events for our residents. Despite the summer weather we have undertaken a number of trips away from the home with further trips already planned in the near future. A new programme of activities is being developed, and we will provide you with further information at the next residents meeting. Christmas activities have begun with the annual visit of the local Brownies. This event is always enjoyed by our residents, and the Brownies made a donation to the homes Comfort Fund, which will help pay for refreshments on our next outing. Residents / Relatives Meeting - A reminder that our next residents meeting will take place at the home on Tuesday 2nd April 2013 commencing at 6.30. In closing I am sure you would wish to join me in thanking all of the staff for their outstanding efforts on behalf of the residents, and also to thank all family members for supporting us in our quest to provide the best service possible to all of our residents. Can I close by wishing you all on behalf of Gill and myself a Merry Christmas and a healthy and prosperous 2013. Kindest regards Vince