Suffolk
Welcome to the SAICP Limited web page
Correspondence address/registered office
3, Augusta Street, Sheringham NR26 8LA
Telehphone (Administrator) 01263 579119
Email: moiraweller@n-scs.co.uk
Suffolk Adult Safeguarding Board - fully funded training opportunity
Tackling Financial Exploitation and Abuse of Vulnerable Adults
for details of workshops running throughout February 2012 click here.
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SCC Fees for 2012/13 - update (13.1.12) by Hilary Gibbs
We are still in the negotiating period for fees 2012/2013. Thank you to all members who have sent in their actual cost of care templates. We can take the information you have given us and use it in our next round of talks. ACS will be receiving our submission next week for their consideration. As finance has been taking up all our time, if we have an Association meeting next week, as planned, on the 19th we would not have much to discuss, and as ACS will not be replying to our proposals until the end of the month, I feel it would be better to wait until after that for us to meet up. . If any members has any issues they would like us to take to ACS, apart from finance, perhaps you could let me know and we can deal with it outside our normal meeting format. If you have any finance problems, apart from the fees, then let me have those as well. We will let you have the date for the next meeting as soon as possible.***************************************
Health and Safety Article - Lessons from the Rosepark care home tragedy - indepth-content
Fire safety news events and jobs - info4fire
Message from Heather Foster [mailto:Heather.Foster@suffolk.gov.uk] http://www.info4fire.com/indepth-content/full/lessons-from-the-rosepark-care-home-tragedy?OmniTest_CampName=Copy%20of%20newsletter-27-01-12-Launch%20version&OmniCamp_Name=Copy%20of%20newsletter-27-01-12-Launch%20version&OmniWS_Name=info4fire.com%20-%202689&OmniWS_ID=265&OmniPR_Name=Newsletter_Info4Fire%20Weekly&OmniPR_ID=1506&OmniLink_Label=Exclusive%3A%20Care%20home%20fire%20safety%20lessons&OmniDBG_URN=&OmniDBG_File_ID=&OmniSeg_Code=&OmniCC_Code=&OmniComp_Name=Suffolk%20County%20Council&OmniJob_Title=Senior%20Health%20%26%20Safety%20Advisor&Omni_Source= Relevant to those managing residential care homes.I thought this was worth sending out again, I know you have previous information about the Rosepark fire where 14 elderly people lost their lives, this gives very in depth information and I feel assists in understanding your fire precautions,fire plans and procedures and the reasons why some of these things are in place. Best wishes Heather Foster CMIOSHSenior Health & Safety AdvisorAdult & Community ServicesSuffolk County Council**********
Promotional Artcile by Travelsafe who specialise in disabled travel and excursions
Travelsafe Special Offers, Services, Lunch and Afternoon Tea ExcursionsWe are a small friendly business that has been operating disabled transport for 12 years. We have been contracting to Suffolk County Council approved routes over this time and our now looking to expand into the private residential area. We have recently invested in a new fleet of minibuses that have been professionally converted primarily for the transportation of disabled passengers. All our staff are very professional in their approach to customer care, and have an enhanced C.R.B certificate, and all drivers have completed and passed their PHV driving test.
Have you ever thought about day trips, luncheon afternoons and time out and about with your residents? We work together with local establishments offering good homemade food, afternoon teas for great prices! Your meal and travel will be all included in our special offer price of £12.00 per head (min 8 to 16 persons required) we offer fantastic competitive rates and will price match any other quotation from other companies offering the same service. Please don’t hesitate to call or visit our website address www.travelsafelimted.co.uk, and give your residents a day to look forward to and enjoy. Knowing they will be taken care of to the highest standard with our professional Travelsafe team who are based at Unit 81 Centaur Court Claydon Business Park, Gt Blakenham Ipswich Suffolk IP6 0NLSubcutaneous fluid supplementation
Suffolk PCT has devised a direct contact for subcutaneous fluid supplementation to avoid hospital admission in the case of dehydration from sickness and diarrhoea. It is a very effective way of treating our resident/clients without them having to be admitted to an acute hospital. If have a need for this service, these are the numbers to ring. As discussed at the last Infection Control Network Meeting, here are the contact numbers to call to facilitate sub cut fluids in the community as part of the admission avoidance criteria in the Norovirus season.
Rapid Response Team – East Suffolk: 07970847449Admission Prevention Service – West Suffolk: 07985365544
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Dignity in Care Action Day - 1st February 2012
(article on behalf of Suffolk County Council)
February 1st is Dignity in Care Day and Suffolk County Council is offering two events to support this important national initiative. Given the current national high profile of care issues it is an ideal opportunity to demonstrate the high quality care offered in Suffolk and highlight our commitment to dignity in care. The Adult Safeguarding Board encourages all care homes and care services to take part in the celebrating Dignity in Care Day. If you have not as yet organised an event please do feel to join us in our Great Dignity in Care Bake Off.If you do wish to take part please do get in touch with Beverley Sammons by January 20th so that your support can be recorded. For further details or to download a copy of an advertising poster for the event please click here and here.Peter Tempest - Chair of Adult Safeguarding Board
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Hospital discharges
I am thrilled that after a long time of trying to engage with the hospitals regarding discharges to report that as of today, 12th December 2011 we have been asked by West Suffolk Hospital to provide details of vacancies available within residential and nursing homes on a regular basis, specifically in the following areas: Bury St. Edmunds, Stowmarket, Sudbury, South Suffolk towards Colchester, Newmarket, Thetford, Brandon and towards Cambridge and Haverhill. SAICP will submit regular updates to the hospital of provider vacs. If you want to be included please email Moira to register and then she will add in your details on a weekly basis.
12 week disregard policy/deferred payments
12 week Disregard Policy and Deferred payment policy update - At the last JSCP meeting SAICP sought clarification in respect of the above. To read the updated policy guidance issued by SCC click here.
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Client Issues
If you or your service experience any problems in respect of services provided to any of your clients please contact Cathy Craig, Acting Service Director Access and Partnership Manager who can be contacted on 01473 26069 or by email at cathy.craig@suffolk.gov.uk
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SCC Help.To.org – this is a new system which SCC is introducing initially to identify vacancies in residential and nursing homes. There was a disappointing response from providers during the summer to the invitation to register on the site (only 28 out of some 250 provider organisations have actually registered). The site cannot go live until there are sufficient providers registered so, I thought it may help to clarify the following to encourage more of you to register - which can only be a plus to your business.
· There is no charge to providers to register on the site
· The site will provide free publicity of your services and vacancies
· Providers will be able to change and update the site themselves so if you suddenly have 5 empty rooms this information can be uploaded.
· SCC have guaranteed placement teams and social workers will use this site to identify accommodation for clients
· Self-funding clients will be directed to this site to find out details of care providers
· The site will be actively marketed to the general public – via display boards at hospitals, libraries and doctors surgeries and it is hoped will become the main tool for identifying service providers.
You will be receiving an email from Anna McCreadie, Interim Director of ACS encouraging you to sign up to this site and I have added a letter from the Association endorsing the system. Residential and Nursing care vacancies will be the first care provisions to use it but it will be rolled out to all other care provisions after that section has been set up. In the present difficult financial climate, we cannot afford to have empty beds so it seems good business sense to advertise our care provisions. See and be seen. As it will not be live until the New Year, it can do no harm until then to ring up Customer First (0808 800 4005) to inform then of your vacancies.
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SAICP becomes a company limited by guarantee........We have successfully submitted the forms to Companies house to become a Limited Company so we are now officially the Suffolk Association of Independent Care Providers Limited. We have 10 Directors and Moira is the Company secretary. Directors of the company are: Hilary Gibbs (Stowcare), Suzanne Brindley (Genesis Orwell MENCAP), Elaine Grace (Carewatch), Helen Fairweather (Headway), Graham Gibbs (the Paddocks), Clifford Lewis (White Gables), Alicia Wright (One to One Homecare), Prema Dorai (Cardinal Healthcare), Emma John (the Partnership in Care), Paul Hayman (Carewatch). For the time being we will not be making to the way we conduct our business, if any. Nor will we be charging a membership fee. If our financial situation changes in the future, we may need to review that. All providers who are at present members and in contact with us will remain as such.
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Care Fee Planning – an article by Robin Guy, SCC
By now you should have received a letter informing you of a new arrangement that Suffolk County Council have made to work with CareAware to provide Suffolk residents with information on long term care fee planning. CareAware is a not for profit organisation which specialises in providing information to inform people about funding for long term care for older people. Their advice is ‘free’ and will help people to make an informed decision about their options care fee planning. If appropriate and with agreement, Care Aware will engage its sister organisation Care Asset Management (CAM) who specialise in care insurance. All of CAM’s Advisers are an Endorsed Later Life Advisers and accredited to the Society of Later Life Advisers. Residential care home managers are asked to include care fee planning in their admission and review discussions so that residents can make informed choices. Email suffolk@careaware.co.uk to request supplies of the leaflets.
Cold Weather – an article by Robin Guy, SCC
The Department of Health has published a winter plan which aims to prepare ,alert people to and prevent the major avoidable effects of winter on people's health. The winter plan has four levels relating to preparedness, forecasting severe winter weather, responding and major incident. Care services can assist the delivery of the plan by knowing those people who may be at risk, checking to ensure those in their own homes have adequate heating and contacting people by telephone or in person during sever winter weather. The complete guidance can be found on:
http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/health/public/coldweatheralerts
Pensions update - I have uploaded information from the Department for Work and Pensions which gives full details about the Auto-Enrolment of employees into a qualifying pension scheme and which includes (on page 16) dates when employers will be required to have an arrangement in place, together with details of the contribution levels that will be required - unless an employee decides to opt-out. The scheme is due to start being rolled out from 2012 and we have been informed that a check will be kept on those employers whose employees regularly opt out of making any contributions. To download a copy of the DWP information click here.
Support and loan equipment – several providers have again registered concern at the lack of access to loan support equipment – even basic items such as a Zimmer frame. I would like to remind you all that if you have any issues or concerns regarding the accessibility of loan equipment which you need to enable you to provide appropriate care for your clients the person to contact in the first instance is:
Julia Smith, Professional Lead for Allied Health Professionals/Assistant Head of Quality and Governance/Suffolk Community Healthcare/Suffolk Primary Care Trust -01449 776626 :email julia.smith@suffolkpct.nhs.uk
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Please note the following dates for the SAICP Ltd open meetings in 2012
19th April 2012 (venue to be advised)
14th June 2012 – AGM (venue to be advised)
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CQC Evidence Gathering an article by N&SCS Ltd
We have been approached by CareRite who have worked in social care for many years, both as practitioners, managing care homes and as Directors of Skills for Care, part of the Sector Skills Council for adult social care. They understand the challenges that you face. Norfolk and Suffolk Care Support have agreed to distribute this publication on their behalf as part of a pilot exercise. The National Care Association (NCA) have endorsed this publication.
The Guide is a simple, easy to use reference tool, to assist in understanding the kinds of evidence that CQC inspectors are looking for against each of the care standards. It looks at each of the outcomes and provides examples of the kind of evidence that you can use to show how you meet the standards. In addition there are prompts about the evidence to make sure it is as comprehensive as possible.
To download a copy of the letter from CareRite click here and to read their flier in full click here.
Iif you are interested in purchasing an Evidence Guide, you can either purchase from Norfolk and Suffolk Care Support Ltd or buy on line at www.socialcareassociation.co.uk <http://www.socialcareassociation.co.uk/> (please see the attached flyer for full details.)
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Health & Safety - news and updates
( received from Heather Foster CMIOSH
Senior Health & Safety Advisor, Adult & Community Services
Suffolk County Council and Suffolk PCT
Television fault potential...
Subject: Sony TV fire warning issued
http://www.fia.uk.com/en/Information/Details/index.cfm/Sony-TV-fire-warning-issued Please see the link above to an article from Fire Industry Association regarding a fault on some Sony Bravia TV's, in which they could cause a fire. Full details are within the article, but if you have one of the batches named at home or in the workplace you should get it checked out by Sony.
Fumes from cleaning fluid mixesSubject: BBC News - Coventry man overcome by fumes from cleaning fluids mix http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-coventry-warwickshire-15815864 This might be a good reminder to your housekeeping staff and handypersons not to mix chemicals and to ensure their COSHH data is up to date and that they have a safe system of use for all chemicals. Many of us will have a potentially lethal mix of chemicals in our own homes too, as this case was a private individual in his own home.
Infection control
Clostridium Difficule
Suffolk PCT has come up with a quick tips list for the management of C diff which they hope fill prove a useful reminder. Also attached is the Bristol stool chart and hand washing technique Follow the link below to the five moments for hand hygienehttp://www.who.int/gpsc/5may/background/5moments/en/index.html
Alternatively...
To download reminder guidance advice for Residential provider - click here.
To download a copy of the stool identification chart - click here.
To download advice on hand washing techniques - click here.
Gloves - How to remove a single glove........
The following is a link to and HSE Video and shows how to remove single use gloves to prevent hand contamination. Although this is shown in our DVD on infection control, this is a very short video and may be of help if used within your training structure. It is a free downloadable video. http://www.hse.gov.uk/skin/videos/gloves/removegloves.htm
Norovirus Toolkit from the Health Protection Agency
Please find the link below to a toolkit issued by the Health Protection Agency for Norovirus. This was produced by another unit of the HPA so please ignore the contact details on the document; for Suffolk, the telephone number for the HPA is 01473-329583, if you have two or more suspected cases please do contact them immediately for help and guidance. ACS establishments should also complete the monthly monitoring forms and please advise me immediately of a suspected outbreak. Hyperlink to Norovirus toolkit for care homes dated March 2010: HPA - Search Results
Health and Safety
Bed Rails
Following a recent article in the East Anglian Daily Times on 10th August 2011, the HSE launches a new web based guide to help cut the number of deaths and injuries in the workplace. In the East of England alone, 20 people were killed in work-related accidents last year. The new guidance called ‘health & safety made simple’ http://www.hse.gov.uk/simple-health-safety/manage.htm is aimed at helping low risk and medium-sized firms comply with health and safety law, it highlights where employers have failed to take steps to protect workers. In particular, it mentions the Preston care home own by Suffolk based Sue Ryder Care which was fined £65,000 following the death of a 40 year old mother who became trapped between a mattress and a bed rail. The home had failed to manage the risks associated with the equipment used. Full details can be found here:http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2011/coi-nw-10sueryder.htm another home was fined £70,000 for similar offences following the death of an elderly lady who suffocated in relation to the use of bedrails. http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2011/coi-w-headlandsnursing.htm Adult and Community Services (ACS) have procedures which have been agreed with Suffolk Community Healthcare and are available to all external providers http://www.sccpolicies.info/download.php?list.219 It would be beneficial to see consistency in our approach to the use of bedrails across Suffolk. No one should have bed rails in place without a full assessment for their use. It is important to understand that bedrails are useful to prevent falls from bed for some people, but should never be used to prevent people from getting out of bed and for those who do not understand the reasons for them being in place. Other solutions for people with confusion or involuntary movements should be considered such as a bed lowered to the ground with a crash mat in place. Bedrails are not suitable for people who try to climb out of bed or over bedrails. Reviews are an essential part of the assessment and must be completed at least monthly but probably more frequently for some people whose needs are changing to ensure that bed rails are still suitable – or were suitable in the first place. The bed rails should also have a maintenance check undertaken at the same time as the review – at least monthly.Training is pivotal in ensuring everyone understands their duties regarding the safe use of bedrails and the HSE provide a useful online downloadable version which is linked from the ACS procedures.
Safer Handling of sharps
There is a new leaflet on: ‘6.2.196 the safe handling of sharps’, located in the infection control section, link below:http://www.sccpolicies.info/download.php?list.86 When you view this on line the middle page will appear to be upside down, this is so that if you print double sided, it should come out correctly, so it is not an error!The previous version has been updated and there is more emphasis on not re-sheathing and taking the sharps bin to the sharp. This is in response to a few incidents of needle stick injuries we have had, particularly relating to diabetic needles.Please can you ensure that those likely to come into contact with Needles / sharps in the workplace, either have sight of the leaflet or receive a copy as there seems to a serious lack of awareness from those incidents we have followed up. I hope this helps to raise awareness for you.
Fires
Additional Guidance for Fire Safety Risk Assessment
Additional Guidance from the National Association for Safety and Health in Care Services and the Chief Fire Officers Association can be accessed by clicking here.
This is particularly relevant to those of you who work nationally, as some Fire Services may work differently to Suffolk where these principles, I believe are already in place, and meet the requirements of the Fire Safety Order.
SCC already have similar guidance in place within their own documentation in Adult and Community Services and the Fire Risk Assessment documentation covers this guidance well: http://www.sccpolicies.info/download.php?list.77 even though it is currently being reviewed. However it is a document that was produced to address issues that were raised nationally.
Please see below links to actual enforcements and news articles from the Fire Industry Association. Please ensure you have up to date fire risk assessments in place, there is plenty of guidance and fire risk assessment forms under the fire section of the Health and Safety Manual, linked in my address section below.http://www.fia.uk.com/en/Information/Details/index.cfm/Care-home-owners-fined-almost--5-000-under-Regulatory-Reform-Order http://www.fia.uk.com/en/Information/Details/index.cfm/NHS-advocate-blames-care-home-owner-for-fatal-fire http://www.fia.uk.com/en/Information/Details/index.cfm/Elderly-man-dead-after-Fife-care-home-blaze http://www.fia.uk.com/en/Information/Details/index.cfm/Care-home-fire-in-Coventry-caused-by-oven http://www.fia.uk.com/en/Information/Details/index.cfm/Residents-evacuated-from-Leominster-sheltered-housing
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The Association has been contacted by Parker castle who provide care insurance policies plus complete financial planning advice to as for the following article to be uploaded on our Association web page about the new pension system when stakeholder pensions change. Parker Casatle have offered to attend one our Association meetings if there is sufficient interest.
An article by Parker Castle Finance Limited on pension changes
The company has a short guide answering many of the questions you may have in relation to the introduction, starting during 2012, by the Government of automatic enrolment of staff into a qualifying pension scheme This will affect all employees who:- Are aged between 22 and the State pension Age
- Earn more than the Personal Allowance
- Are not already in a qualifying pension scheme
Parker Castle was formed in 1990 to provide quality, unbiased financial advice to both private and corporate clients and covers all aspects of financial planning.They offer a personal service, endeavouring to make complex matters understandable and provide financial advice appropriate to a client’s individual circumstances, future goals, and objectives.They are also able to offer an holistic advisory service or, if required, a simpler transactional arrangement to deal with a specific client requirement e.g. the funding of a client’s care fees.An initial meeting is offered “FREE OF CHARGE” to enable the adviser and client to discuss the benefits of working together. Thereafter a full review of the client’s needs and requirements is undertaken before a comprehensive report is written providing easily understood information, yet detailed enough to enable the client to make an informed decision.The consultants within the practice hold various qualifications, enabling the client to receive specialist advice on whatever matter they seek. They do however have seven advisers qualified to provide “FACE TO FACE” advice to anybody seeking help on how to fund for care fees; and a total of ten advisers who are able to help those in need of advice on pension planning and investments or advice relating to both personal and company protection. Parker Castle is able to offer a complete face to face financial advice service to you, your company and your clients and has an enviable record of working with the care sector for the past twenty years. Any business having one or more employees will be affected, although the introduction is being phased in (called staging). As an example, firms employing between 50-500 employees will have a staging date between January and July 2014. A contribution of 3% must be made by the employer and 5% (including tax relief) by the employee, with these contribution levels being phased in between 2014 and 2017. Individual employees will have the option to “Opt-out.” Employers who fail to comply with these regulations are liable to substantial fines from The Pensions Regulator.Should you wish to discuss how they may be able to help you, they can be contacted on 01376 564660. Or enquire@parkercastle.com, the website address is www.parkercastle.com.
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Now scroll down to read more about of the following:
About SAICP (the Suffolk Association of Independent Care Providers Ltd)
SAICP was formed in June 2006 to speak with authority about concerns and issues including funding with Suffolk County Council Adult and Community Services (ACS) and CQC.
SAICP acts as an umbrella organisation with the chairpersons of other support organisations in Suffolk sitting on SAICP's committee. Membership covers domiciliary, voluntary, residential and nursing providers. All Suffolk independent and voluntary social care sector Care Providers are most welcome to join. For more information contact Hilary Gibbs of Stowcare on 01449 675426.
- Terms of Reference to access the Association's Terms of Reference click here
SAICP Limited Board of Directors are:
Hilary Gibbs (Stowcare)
Prema Dorai (Cardinal Healthcare)
Alicia Wright (One to One Homecare)
Clifford Lewis (White Gables)
Graham GIbbs (The Paddocks)
Helen Fairweather (Headway)
Elaine Crace (Carewatch)
Paul Hayman (Carewatch)
Suzanne Brindley (Genesis Orwell MENCAP)
Emma John (The Partnership in Care).
Company Secretary : Moira Weller (N&SCS Limited)
If you want to contact the Association please email moiraweller@n-scs.co.uk.