Social Care

Hayden Knight Joins Care England Policy Board

Hayden Knight, CEO of Orchard Care Homes, has been appointed to the policy board of Care England, the largest representative body for independent adult social care providers in England. Orchard Care Homes operates 23 facilities across the North of England and the Midlands, focusing on individualised care and removing the stigma surrounding dementia.

Knight will collaborate with Care England to address major issues in the social care sector and develop strategic priorities. He expressed his commitment to representing the interests of care providers during this period of rapid change. Martin Green, CEO of Care England, praised Knight's experience and innovative approach, noting his immediate start in the new role.

Health News

Care Providers Report Weeks-Long Hospital Discharge Delays

A survey of 568 care homes and homecare providers across the UK reveals significant delays in hospital discharges, with nearly 17% reporting waits of one to two weeks and 7% experiencing delays of three or more weeks. The primary cause cited is the lack of agreement on social care funding, compounded by poor communication and insufficient information from hospital discharge teams.

Regional disparities are evident, with the East of England performing the best, while Scotland and parts of England face longer delays. The survey underscores the urgent need for reform, with 93% of care providers calling for changes to the hospital discharge process. Sector leaders emphasise that the current system is failing and requires immediate action to prevent further deterioration.

Immigration Policy

Care Worker Visa Drop Sparks Urgent Call for Government Action

The UK Government's recent immigration changes have led to an 81% drop in Health and Care Worker Visas from April to June 2024. This decline follows a ban on health and social care workers bringing dependants to the UK, resulting in only 89,095 visas granted in the year ending June 2024, a 26% decrease from the previous year.

Martin Green, CEO of Care England, warns that the social care sector is at risk of becoming unsustainable without immediate government action. He calls for a fully funded workforce plan, improved pay, and career progression opportunities to attract domestic recruits and fill the gap left by international workers.

Social Care

Care Sector Crisis: Antur Waunfawr's Success in Staff Retention

The care sector faces a crisis in recruitment and retention, but Antur Waunfawr stands out with a low staff turnover of 5%, compared to the national average of 30%. Recognised by Social Care Wales, the organisation emphasises staff well-being and offers career development opportunities. Chief Executive Ellen Thirsk stresses the need for equal recognition with the health service and better pay to address wider sector issues.

The Welsh government has increased funding to local authorities by 3.3% to support the real living wage for care workers. Antur Waunfawr collaborates with Bangor University on a mindfulness app to enhance staff well-being. Despite financial challenges, the government supports over 2,500 apprenticeships in health and social care, aiming to improve outcomes through early intervention and integrated community care.

Health News

Safety Concerns Rise at Kuwaiti-Owned UK Care Provider Voyage Care

An investigation reveals a significant decline in safety standards at Voyage Care, a major UK care provider, following its acquisition by the Kuwait Investment Authority. Despite receiving nearly £500 million in taxpayer funds, 75 of its homes have seen performance ratings drop, with 23 homes experiencing reduced safety standards. Allegations of abuse, unexplained bruising, and medication errors have surfaced, prompting police involvement in some cases.

The Department of Health and Social Care expressed deep concern over these findings, emphasising the need for high standards in care settings. Voyage Care claims that 89% of its locations in England are rated Good or Outstanding, but many homes have not been re-inspected for years. The situation raises questions about the role of foreign investment in UK social care and the effectiveness of regulatory oversight.

Local News

Fears for Residents as Moot Lodge Care Home Faces Closure

Dorothy Graham, 92, is among the few remaining residents at Moot Lodge in Brampton, Cumbria, which is set to close in September. Her daughter, Fiona Dryden, fears the move will be detrimental to her mother's health. Despite a public consultation where 86% opposed the closure and a petition with 673 signatures, Cumberland Council cited inadequate facilities and high refurbishment costs as reasons for the decision.

Fiona Dryden describes Moot Lodge as a "brilliant" and "happy place" with exceptional staff, expressing deep concern over the uncertainty of her mother's relocation. Cumberland Council acknowledges the challenges and assures that social work and care teams are working to find suitable alternative care providers, prioritising residents' safety and wellbeing during the transition.