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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Sadly Sue Kinsey has moved on and has been replaced by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 |
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