Welcome -
Welcome to the latest edition of the Hendra Herald, the
homes newsletter.
Residents / Relatives Meeting
April 2010 - Thanks to everyone who was able to
attend the April meeting. Feedback was positive, and a
number of new ideas were identified, most of which have
been implemented since the meeting. Anyone who was unable
to attend the meeting should have received a copy of the
minutes from the meeting. If you have not received a copy
please give me a ring and I will send you one.
Gold Standard Framework
- Work is still progressing on our GSF portfolio as we
gather evidence for our assessment, which we hope will
take place at the end of this year. Mel has been working
tirelessly with residents and families to design and
develop an Advanced Care Plan to meet individual needs.
Your support and commitment to the scheme has been
commendable. All staff completed awareness training in
April to develop their understanding of their roles and
responsibilities relating to the scheme. The End of Life
Co-ordinator congratulated the staff on their knowledge
and commitment in ensuring residents received the best
possible care at all stages of their lives. We are still
waiting to hear from the doctors at both of the local
surgeries in order to develop a means of integrating the
express wishes of our residents in to the databases held
by GP’s and Shropdoc - I will keep you all updated.
Residents Condolence Book
- I am pleased to announce that the family of the late
Doreen “Doe” Bunn have kindly donated a resident’s
condolence book in memory of their mother.
The idea is that at the time of a passing family,
residents and staff can record their special thoughts and
memories of the resident who is no longer with us. The
book will be retained at the home and will serve as a
lasting memorial to all of our former residents. This is a
lovely gesture and will ensure that Doe will never be
forgotten by everyone who had the pleasure of working with
her, and her family during her final years at the home.
Staff - Karen
Carpenter commenced her maternity leave in March. Eva
Juskova joined the care team in April, and has already
proved to be an enthusiastic and willing member of staff.
Lorna Workman has recently joined the care team. Lorna has
experience in a diverse range of care sectors and will no
doubt complement the skills levels of the existing care
team.
Staff Development - As
ever staff development is a key part of our business
strategy thereby ensuring that all staff have the
necessary skills to consistently deliver the highest
quality of service possible to our residents. Since the
last newsletter staff have completed training in insulin
administration, first aid Depravation of Liberty Training,
Mental Capacity Training, Infection Control Refresher and
safe handling of medicines.
Congratulations to Karen Cartwright who has completed her
NVQ2 in Care and Fiona Smillie who completed the NVQ3
award. Pippa Law our Domestic Assistant has also completed
her NVQ2 award in cleaning.
Developing Effective Team Leaders
Programme - I am delighted to announce that
Hendra House has been selected to pilot a development
programme for team leaders and senior care assistants. The
programme which is being designed to meet the specific
needs of the home will commence shortly and will be
facilitated by Sheffield Halam University. The funding of
the programme will be met by the National Skills Academy
for Care, and resulted after the visit of NSA Chief
Executives Liz McSheehy’s visit to the home in December.
On completion the programme will be evaluated and
hopefully made available for all other care homes in the
country. Being selected for the pilot is an endorsement of
the commitment of the staff at Hendra in delivering the
highest standards of care possible for all of our
residents.
 World Skills Competition
- I am delighted to announce that Lindsay Giess and Gemma
Ingram were 2 of the 10 national finalists in the World
Skills Care competitions held in London last month.
In order to be selected as a finalist both girls had to
beat off competition from all over the country at the
regional heats. We would have been delighted if one of the
girls had made the final, but for a small organisation
such as ours to have 2 employees in the final is a
fantastic achievement, and reflects on the quality of
staff we employ at the home. In fact Hendra House was the
only employer to have more than one finalist in the
competition, yet another significant achievement.
I am delighted to announce that Lindsay won the Bronze
Medal which is a fantastic achievement.
The London trip was even more memorable when Ludlow MP
Philip Dunne gave both girls and myself a tour of
Parliament which was a memorable experience.
Skills for Care Accolades
- I am delighted to inform you that Hendra House is one of
the finalists at this years Care Oscars to be held at the
Dorchester Hotel London in November. Judges visited the
home recently in order to assess our submission. To be
shortlisted in such a prestigious event is another
fantastic accolade for the home and its staff. The other
finalists are Barchester Healthcare, the largest
independent healthcare provider in the country, and
Hertfordshire County Council, so for a small home such as
ours to be competing against larger organisations with far
greater resources is commendable. Can I also thank all of
the families and residents who were kind enough to discuss
the level of service provided by the staff as you comments
will be taken in to account when the winner is selected.
Shropshire Care Awards
- I am also pleased to announce that the home has been
selected as a finalist in the following three categories:
- Team of the Year
- Well Being Award
- Healthy Eating Award
Building Works -
The new Doctors and District Nurses treatment room should
be completed shortly. This facility will be invaluable in
improving the level of care for our residents and has been
designed to be compliant with the latest infection control
standards.
Independent Financial Advocacy
Service - With the proposed 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 of 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 Vince or Mel who will
make the initial contact on your behalf.
Summer Fete - This
years Summer Fete will be held at the home on Saturday 4th
September commencing at 2pm. I am pleased to announce that
Ludlow MP Philip Dunne has kindly agreed to open this
year’s fete.
Next Residents & Relatives
Meeting - Our next Residents and Relatives
Meeting will be held at the home on Tuesday 3rd August
2010 at 7.30pm.
Well I think that brings you all up to date on recent and
future developments.
Best wishes
Vince |
