Editorial
Now Local Government elections are now out of the
way, the embargo on announcements has expired, we
have the publication of the Commission for Social Care
Inspection star ratings – accelerated, if one can say that
after so many postponements and delays, the ratings
were to have been published on 07.05.08; however,
some were definitely published when I looked on the
CSCI website on 05.05.08!!!
Looking at the star ratings of services, this has done
nothing to allay my concerns.
I have said many times before, my fear was that the
public would do little beyond compare the stars which a
CSCI inspector considers appropriate for a given
service.
Having seen the way the information is presented I am
convinced that members of the public looking for a care
home will, as a first sift, simply rule out all those
services which do not have the level of service which is
sought.
It remains to be seen whether:
• I am correct;
• The purchasing habits of local authorities will change
or whether they will continue to depress price, if they
do, they may end up with largely indifferent quality
care.
Initial signs are that for some authorities, whose own
progress will be dependent upon measures and
verification carried out by CSCI, will use the star ratings
system to pay a ‘quality premium’ for care provided by
the ‘better’ providers.
However, will the Care Quality Commission maintain the
star ratings system when it becomes responsible for
regulating the sector?
This week’s article
Bridget Penhale summarises the creation of the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse whose
mission statement is:
“To increase society’s ability, through international collaboration, to recognise and respond to the mistreatment of
older people in whatever setting it occurs, so that the later years of life will be free from abuse, neglect, and
exploitation for individuals. Each individual should be able to achieve an optimal quality of life, which is consistent
with that person’s traditions and cultural values” - (INPEA, Toronto, 1998).
To read article click here.
Parliament
06.05.08 – HoL – Health and Social Care Bill; Grand
Committee, day four
08.05.08 – HoC - National Institute for Health and
Clinical Excellence (First Report from the Health
Committee, HC27, and the Government response)
Next
Abuse
1. Within these walls
4 May 2008 - The Sunday Times, Colour Supplement
Investigation
David James Smith in an eight page article considers
some of the personal and political issues arising from
the abuse at Haut de la Garenne, Jersey.
2. Jersey rape charge
1 May 2008 - The Times
Claude Donnelly, 68, of St Brelade has been
charged with rape and sexual assault of a 12 yr old
girl although connected to Haut de la Garenne they
do not relate directly to the home or the current investigation.
Business News
3. Priory plans its plunge into the long term
scene
May 2008 - Community Care Market News
Article based on discussions between Bhavana
Jones of Priory and journalist Robert Potter.
4. Care sector performance
May 2008 - Care Management Matters
Colliers CRE provides a review and analysis of the
care sector and considers the prospects for 2008
about which it is “very optimistic”.
5. CareTech Holdings PLC
29 Apr 2008
Acquisition of Beacon Care Holdings Limited and
Beacon Care Inv e s t m e n t s L i m i t e d
(together 'Beacon') (the 'Acquisition').
CareTech Holdings PLC ('CareTech' or 'Group'), announced
the acquisition of the entire issued share
capital of Beacon together with 16 freehold properties
for up to £22.5 million. Consideration of £18.6million
is payable on completion and will be satisfied by a
cash payment of £15.6million and by the issue, to the
vendors, of 600,000 ordinary shares of 0.5 pence
each in CareTech ('Ordinary Shares'). The shares
are being issued to the vendors at a price of 500
pence per ordinary share. Deferred consideration of
up to £3.9 million in cash will become payable to the
vendors following the achievement of certain performance
targets.
Beacon provides a focussed range of specialist services
for adults with learning difficulties including residential
care and supported living schemes. Beacon
has 16 homes located in the South East, with a total
capacity of 111 beds. All of the properties are freehold.
The Beacon services have a strong geographic
and operational fit with CareTech's existing portfolio
and will be integrated into CareTech's Southern region.
The acquisition has been funded from partial utilisation
of the Group's new £120m bank facility provided
by the Royal Bank of Scotland and Allied Irish Bank.
Following the acquisition of Beacon, CareTech will
have net indebtedness of approximately £99million.
The accounts of Beacon for the year ended 30 December
2006 (being the latest period on which Beacon's
accountants have reported) show a profit from
continuing operations before exceptional items, interest
and taxation of £315,343, turnover of £7,304,247
and net assets of £1,981,102. These figures include
certain costs that will not be incurred under
CareTech's ownership.
Recent studies highlight the continuing under supply
of specialist residential care places and the business
opportunities offered through supported living
schemes. The Directors consider CareTech to be well
positioned through the breadth of services it offers
and its reputation for quality care to deliver the solutions
being sought by care commissioners looking to
place vulnerable people.
Care Homes
6. Insider reveals care home concern
2 May 2008 – BBC News
An undercover investigation by the BBC has revealed
alleged failings at a Nottinghamshire care home.
Moorlands, at Bridsley is owned by Regal Care
Homes allegedly left a resident in urine-soaked
clothes, patients were unattended and anti-infection
procedures were sometimes not followed.
When the concerns were reported to the Commission
for Social Care Inspection – it took nearly two months
to act. The Commission said it was slow to react in
this case.
For full report click here
7. Where caring comes first!
1 May 2008 - St Helens Star
Coverage of the official opening of a new purpose
built home by Stocks Hall Care Homes Ltd, registered
for 53, aged 18 yrs and older, with physical or learning
disabilities or early onset dementia.
8. Are the days numbered for one star
homes?
May 2008 - Community Care Market News
Item about the new CSCI star ratings system and the
concern that even those homes which comply with
the legal requirements (one star) may fall by the wayside
if local authorities seek to cancel contracts with
them. This concern has been highlighted by Dorset
County Council which wrote to providers telling them
that one star homes – ie those which are legally
compliant – will be placed on a ‘watch list’.
9. Nottinghamshire’s £19m plan
May 2008 - Community Care Market News
Extra care and specialist dementia care provision is
to be promoted in Nottinghamshire as some existing
residential units are closed.
10. Ten providers in running for Leicestershire
sale
May 2008 - Community Care Market News
Leicestershire CC is selling six care homes totalling
231 beds. Detailed bid from the 10 interested parties
must be submitted by 06.05.08. Announcements are
expected in June 08.
11. Three star ratings will stay in reregistration,
as CSCI changes policy
May 2008 - Community Care Market News
CSCI has performed a U-turn in relation to the approach
it adopts to ratings on change of ownership or
change in manager.
12. Sharing decision-making
May 2008 - Care Management Matters
MyHome Life seeks to set out how to engage in
sharing decision making and how the process can
transform lives.
13. End of life care Knowledge set
May 2008 - Care Management Matters
Andrew Makin considers the details of the knowledge
set recently released by Skills for Care.
14. MP claims over 23,000 home deaths
May 2008 – Caring UK
Paul Burstow MP has claimed an astonishingly high
rate of unnecessary deaths in care homes and called
on the Crown Prosecution Service to send a message
that “abusive medication is a criminal offence;
care home owners, managers and staff should blow
the whistle on bad practice and face up to the legacy
of lethal prescribing.”
Ed. It is clear that where there is poor prescribing
practise this should be addressed by, for example,
the GMC as regulator of doctors’ clinical
practice. Pharmacists are in a very good position
to monitor what is occurring locally.
15. Care home complaints mount over waste
firm
May 2008 – Caring UK
Spread over a number of pages are stories and items
about PHS All Clear and its approach to contracting
which has many of its customers up in arms.
Ed. We advised a number of clients in 2007 on
their waste disposal contracts with PHS.
16. Wii strikes in older people’s homes
30 April 2008 – SocietyGuardian
An article about an Age Concern Nintendo Wii project
in Brighton and Hove. The project is aiming to have a
monthly league touring 24 council-run residential
homes in the city.
17. Colliers CRE CARE HOMES REVIEW 2008
28 Apr 2008
Key points in this report include:
• Average fees for a nursing home bed rose to £ 665
per week in 2007, whilst beds in “Other” (mainly specialist)
homes commanded the highest average
weekly fees at £1,437.
• Payroll costs rose in 2007, bucking the downward
trend seen in earlier years. PC (residential) homes
experienced the largest increase, at around 4.2%,
whilst payroll costs in nursing homes rose by 2.9%.
• Non-payroll costs as a proportion of revenue have
continued to rise slightly for all types of home. This is
due, in part, to increasing facilities and insurance
costs.
• The downward momentum in profit margins continued
for a second year, although only a slight fall was
seen in 2007.
The report concludes that 2007 saw further consolidation
of an initially fragmented marketplace, generated
through corporate growth and increasing market
dominance of key players. Strong land prices, steady
rental levels and growing demand only increased the
investable universe further.
New operators still face a number of barriers to entry,
including a lack of operational experience, market
transparency and rigid minimum standards requirements.
However, demographic drivers combined with continued
corporate interest, indicated by the large number
of deals that took place in 2007, will ensure sustained
market growth. These key factors provide a very optimistic
outlook for the sector in 2008.
For the full report go to http://www.emailcampaigner.com/
accounts/10065/resources/resource_1209404775.pdf
18. Concern at night care for elderly
28 April 2008 – BBC News
Research commissioned by the Joseph Rowntree
Foundation has found that standards of care in residential
homes appear to be much lower at night than
during the day. Reasons were thought to be a lack of
routine inspections and questions were raised about
the level of training given to night-shift carers.
The study said that minor changes could make a big
difference and called for care homes to be inspected
at night.
For full report click here
19. MPs urge cut in dementia drug use
27 April 2008 – BBC News
MPs are calling on the Government to stop the
"dangerous over-prescribing" of antipsychotic drugs
to people in care homes with dementia. The All Party
Parliamentary Group on Dementia said that the
drugs should only be used as a last resort.
For full report click here
20. Ian’s a care home hero
25 April 2008 – Hexham Courant
Ian Byers, a Hexham care worker who originally left
school barely able to read or write has won national
recognition. The former pupil of Hexham’s long gone
Hackwood Park School, always struggled with learning
difficulties, but when he joined the staff at nearby
Sunningdale House residential centre, he found his
calling in life.
He started work initially as a cleaner, and made such
progress that he was transferred to the care side –
working directly with some of the elderly residents.
For full report go to http://www.hexham-courant.co.uk/
businessnews/viewarticle.aspx?id=827140
21. Pensioner was ‘swindled’ claim family in
care costs claim
21 April 2008 – Liverpool Daily Post
Relatives are claiming that a disabled pensioner unwittingly
paid out thousands in care home fees because
three health organisations failed to assess her
financial status.
Marjorie Eyton-Jones’s family has served a High
Court writ against the NHS bodies, one of which includes
Wirral Primary Care Trust – demanding repayment
of up to £150,000.
The family believes costs should have been met by
the authorities under NHS Continuing Healthcare
guidelines.
For full report go to http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/
liverpool-news/regional-news/2008/04/21/pensioner-wasswindled-
claim-family-in-care-costs-claim-64375-20793194/
Case Reports
Law Reports
22. In the matter of F (a child)
The Court of Appeal gave guidance as to good practice
for local authorities to supplement the Adoption
and Children Act 2002 s.24 where a challenge was
emerging to the making of a placement order.
23. General Medical Council v Sathananthan
The General Medical Council's Interim Orders Panel
was, on the basis of public safety, justified in imposing
an interim suspension order on a GP who had
allegedly prescribed large quantities of controlled
drugs to a number of patients in an irresponsible
manner. In the circumstances, it was appropriate to
extend that order for a period of six months so that
the GMC was able to complete its investigation.
24. R (BAPIO Action Lit & Another) v Secretary
of State for the Home Department & Another
Guidance issued by Patricia Hewitt when Secretary of
State for Health which essentially barred doctors
trained outside Europe from applying for training
posts in Britain has been ruled unlawful by the House
of Lords in a majority decision of 4:1. The guidance
drew comment from Lord Bingham who said that to
speak of the guidance as “issued” was to “suggest
official formality which was notably lacking”. It had
simply been published on the NHS employers’ website,
no official record had been produced during the
legal proceedings.
25. R (Eisai Ltd) (Claimant) v National Institute
for Health and Clinical Excellence
(Defendant) & (1) Shire Pharmaceuticals (2)
Association of British Pharmaceutical Industry
(Interveners)
House of Lords held by majority of 4:1 that National
Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence acted unfairly
during a consultation process by making available
to consultees only a ‘read-only’ version of an
economic model used to assess the costeffectiveness
of drugs and refusing to make available
a fully executable version of the model.
Disciplinary cases
26. Alan Carr, 50, has been struck off the register
by the General Social Care Council after it came to
light that he had ‘become intimate’ with a 16 yr old in
his care in a care home in 1987 and which continued
until 1997.
Cases in the news
27. Alzheimer’s victory lifts lid on secretive
approval of new drugs
2 May 2008 - The Times
Thousands of Alzheimer’s sufferers and their families
had their hopes raised when two drug companies
won a landmark victory in the Court of Appeal.
The court ruled that National Institute for Clinical Excellence
that controls the prescription of new drugs
must make public how it measures the benefits that
novel treatments bring.
28. Carer admits man's neglect death
29 April 2008 – BBC News
Kathleen Vitturini has pleaded guilty to neglecting an
Alzheimer’s disease sufferer who died at a Blackpool
nursing home.
Peter Giles died in October 2004, but the original
charge of manslaughter was withdrawn due to new
medical evidence. Vitturini will be sentenced on 20
May.
For full report click here
29. Care home employed fewest staff allowed
25 April 2008 – icWales
Newport Crown Court heard that a care home at the
centre of neglect claims suffered a recruitment crisis
and operated with the legal minimum of staff. As a
result, care assistants at Bryngwyn nursing home in
Newbridge, Caerphilly, were sometimes unqualified
or had no previous experience of working in the sector.
For full report go to http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/news/
wales-news/2008/04/25/care-home-employed-fewest-staffallowed-
91466-20817716/
30. Care home manager accused of neglecting
Gladys, 84
24 April 2008 – icWales
Care home spinster died with fractured bones
and extensive bruising
24 April 2008 – Telegraph
Newport Crown Court heard that a care home manager
deliberately neglected an elderly, schizophrenic
patient who died five weeks after moving into the
nursing home.
Debra Richards, 45, is accused of failing in her duty
of care towards 84-year-old Gladys Thomas leading
up to Miss Thomas’ death in October 2005. The trial
is ongoing.
For full report go to http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/news/
cardiff-news/2008/04/24/care-home-manager-accused-ofneglecting-
gladys-84-91466-20812871/
For full report go to http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/
main.jhtml?xml=/news/2008/04/24/nspinster124.xml
Children
31. No choice if you’re young and disabled
29 April 2008 - The Times
Livability launches Freedom to Live campaign
28 April 2008 – NCF
A report from Livability ‘Freedom to Live’ says most
young disabled people have little or no choice over
where, how and with whom they live.
Website: www.freedomtolive.org.uk
For NCF report click here
32. Children ‘put at risk by higher court fees’
28 April 2008 - The Times
Frances Gibb, legal editor, writes of the risk to vulnerable
children as a result in the dramatic hike in court
fees up from £150 to £4,000.
Ed. This matter was referred to in BHCR Vol 3,
Issue 15, item 18.
33. NATIONAL CARE ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES
SUPPORT FOR VOICE CAMPAIGN
ON INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY FOR CHILDREN
IN CARE
28 Apr 2008
NCA strongly supports the current campaign by children
and young people’s organisation VOICE for the
right to advocacy for all children in care. The present
situation is that a child only has a statutory right to
advocacy services when they are making a complaint.
NCA’s Children's Services Development Officer Janet
Rich said:
“We believe that children in care, a uniquely vulnerable
group, should have access to advocacy whenever
they want or need it, and that regular contact
with advocacy groups should be promoted and encouraged.
Advocacy should be universally available
to look after children as a pro-active way of getting
their voice across in important decisions that affect
their lives, not just as a last resort when something
has gone wrong”.
34. NATIONAL CARE ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES
SUPPORT FOR VOICE CAMPAIGN
ON INDEPENDENT ADVOCACY FOR
CHILDREN IN CARE (continued…)
Many children in care remain reluctant to complain
formally, believing that there is little point, or that they
may face negative repercussions. Even when they
do access advocacy services, for many children and
young people this means using their local authority’s
children’s rights service. Children and young people
often do not see such services as independent.
Many respondents to the Consultation prior to publication
of the Children and Young People’s Bill commented
on the need for Independent Advocacy, but
the Government has maintained that there is already
a sufficient statutory framework to provide for this.
Independent children’s home providers often operate
contracts with organisations like the National Youth
Advocacy Service (NYAS) or VOICE to ensure that
children and young people living with them do have
access to such a service independent of their local
authority. One of the strong areas of demand for independent
advocacy comes from children and young
people who are unhappy with decisions being made
by their placing authority to move them, or to end
placements where they feel settled and happy. Disputed
decisions are invariably budget or service led,
and not child-centered.
Sticking up for the child’s wishes, feelings and best
interests will often be seen by the purchasing authority
as the provider looking after their own interests. It
can be very challenging for a provider to stick their
neck out in opposition to the will of an authority who
is a customer that they need to continue to do business
with. One young person, expressing his frustration
with not being heard said “If I behave badly
they [the Local Authority] move me, if I behave well
they move me”.
Access to a fully independent advocacy service
should be the right of every looked after child, and it
should not be dependent on strength of feeling and
financial capability of individual providers to make this
accessible.
Conferences & Courses
35. How can technology transform the patients'
experience of the NHS?
Tuesday 13 May 2008, 9.30am–4.00pm, King's
Fund, London
In his recent speech on the NHS, the Prime Minister
highlighted the importance of patients becoming more
active and empowered in making decisions and shaping
their own health care. Technology can play a vital
role in this, providing opportunities for patients to
manage their own conditions and access information
about their health.
This conference will enable managers and health
care professionals to gain insight and understanding
into the potential uses of technology in enabling them
to help patients make choices and ultimately in improving
care. The conference will also look at the barriers
and challenges to patients engaging with technology
and how these might be overcome.
The conference will include the following speakers.
Alasdair Liddell, Senior Associate, King's Fund, on
how technology can improve the patient experience.
Ronnette Lucraft, Commercial Director, NHS Direct,
on multi-channel health.
Hazel Price, Telehealth Project Manager, Kent
County Council, on how they are using innovative
technologies to support patients in their care.
IN FOCUS: Interactive session – how can patients
use technology and the challenges to the NHS
In an increasingly digital environment, where consumers
are given more choice than ever, their expectations
of technology are rising. Patients – or 'health
care consumers' – are also becoming more demanding.
The NHS, however, has not kept up in the technology
race with consumer services such as online
banking and social networks. Why is this so? This
session at the conference will explore the barriers
and challenges to the uptake of heatlh technologies
and what needs to be done to overcome them. The
sessions will look at:
• Maintaining health
• Managing a condition
• Receiving care.
Places at this event are limited so we recommend
that you reserve a place as soon as possible by
downloading a registration form from our website or
booking online. For further information and to
download the full programme, please visit our website
or email us and we will be happy to provide you with
more details.
36.SHOWUCARE Event
There is a SHOWUCARE event being held in Tonbridge
on the 15th May.
This event is aimed at managers and operators of
care homes and agencies together with associated
care professionals based in the South East of England.
With no other event being held in the South
East SHOWUCARE TONBRIDGE offers an excellent
opportunity to meet face to face with decision makers
of some of the 6000 care services in the region.
The opportunity exists for companies to join the
growing list of market leaders exhibiting at the event.
Companies such as Boots The Chemist, Lloyds TSB,
Capita Care, CFS Carpets, Cool Blue and Training
and Care Solutions are already sign up to the show.
The state of the art River Centre will host the event
and the quality business environment aids prestige to
the showcasing of products and services.
As a key player in the sector we thought that some of
you might be interested in joining us for the event.
Further details including a tour of the venue can be
found on www.showucare.org
37. Striving for Better Outcomes
National Care Forum’s 5th Annual Conference
Wednesday 14 May - Thursday 15 May 2008 at
Chesford Grange, Kenilworth
Wednesday 14 May
Welcome and introduction from NCF Chairman Andrew
Larpent OBE
Plenary I Barbara Pointon MBE, Alzheimer’s Society
Plenary II Des Kelly OBE, Executive Director, National
Care Forum
Workshops I: Striving for Better Outcomes
• Working in partnership to commission domiciliary
care
• the experience in Somerset
• From residential care to supported living in learning
disability services: understanding and preparing
for change
• Fremantle Trust
• Designing an education and training strategy to
enhance staff confidence and competencies built
on an external customer focus
Cornwall Care
New Homes for Old
a description of the Anchor Trust/Coventry City Council
PFI scheme to develop a range of new specialist
services for older people with dementia
Plenary III Anna Walker, Chief Executive, Healthcare
Commission
Plenary IV Sarah Wood, Director, National Programme
for Third Sector Commissioning, Office of
the Third Sector
Conference dinner
Thursday 15 May
Workshops II: Putting outcomes into practice
• Working with relatives to achieve the best outcomes
– a description of a joint project with the
Relatives and Residents Association
• Dr Gillian Dalley (CEO, Relatives and Residents
Association) and Sharon Blackburn (Executive
Director, Heart of England Housing and Care)
• Lifetime housing – from strategy to delivery
• Luke O’Shea (Department for Communities and
Local Government) and Dr Trevor Edwards (Care
Services Improvement Partnership)
• Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards
• Kate Hardy (Department of Health)
• Using “My Home Life” to support commissioning
• Tom Owen (Deputy Director, My Home Life Programme,
City University/Help the Aged)
Plenary VI David Behan CBE, Director General of
Social Care, Department of Health
Plenary VII Julie Jones OBE, Chief Executive, Social
Care Institute for Excellence
Plenary VIII John Dixon, President of Association of
Directors of Adult Social Services
The delegate registration form can be downloaded
from our website www.nationalcareforum.org.uk
38. Westminster Health Forum keynote seminar
Healthcare Associated Infections and Patient
Safety
Morning, 20th May 2008 Local Government House,
Smith Square, London SW1P 3HZ
This seminar will examine issues around the control
and tackling of HCAIs, and what more can be done to
provide a better service and ensure patient safety.
The context is new figures from the Office for National
Statistics reporting a 72% rise in Clostridium difficile
related deaths in 2006, and the Healthcare Commission’s
Annual Health Check for 2008/09, which will
include an in-depth look at healthcare associated infections
(HCAIs).
The meeting will bring together key policy makers
from government and Parliament with stakeholders to
discuss how healthcare associated infections can be
minimised, how this might be implemented across the
NHS, and the next steps in improving patient safety.
Speakers
Speakers include: Janice Stevens, Director, MRSA/
Cleaner Hospitals Programme, Department of
HealthProfessor Peter Borriello, Chair, Rapid Review
Panel; Vanessa Bourne, Head of Special Projects,
The Patients Association; Dr Jeremy Dennison,
Medical Advisor to Pfizer Anti-Infectives; Dr
Georgia Duckworth, National HCAI & AMR Surveillance
Lead, Health Protection Agency; Peter Ellingworth,
Vice President and General Manager, ConvaTec
and Chairman, The Association of British
Healthcare Industries; Martin Fletcher, Chief Executive,
National Patient Safety Agency; Dr David Jenkins,
Director of Infection Prevention and Control at
University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust; Dr
Elizabeth Jenner, Expert in Infection Control Nursing,
and Principal Lecturer, University of Hertfordshire;
Karen Jennings, National Secretary for
Health, Unison; Andrew Large, Director General,
Cleaning and Support Services Association; Wendy
Lawson, Infectious Disease Pharmacist, Imperial
College Healthcare NHS; Sue Lewis, Director of
Nursing and Operations and Deputy Chief Executive,
Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Trust; John
McConnell, Editor, Lancet Infectious Diseases;
Judy Potter, President, Infection Prevention Society;
and Laura Probert, East & South Kent Regional
Representative, National Concern for Healthcare
Infections.
Andrew Lansley MP, Shadow Secretary of State for
Health, and Greg Mulholland MP, Liberal Democrat
Shadow Minister for Health, have kindly agreed to
chair this seminar.
Output
A key output of the seminar will be a transcript of the
proceedings, sent out within a week of the event to
Ministers and officials at DH and other departments
affected by the issues, Parliamentarians with a special
interest in these areas, and other agencies. It will
also be made available more widely. It will include
transcripts of all speeches and questions and answers
sessions from the day, along with access to
PowerPoint presentations, speaker biographies, attendee
list, an agenda and sponsor information. It is
made available subject to strict restrictions on public
use, similar to those for Select Committee Uncorrected
Evidence, and is intended to provide timely
information for interested parties who are unable to
attend on the day.
All delegates will receive free PDF copies and are
invited to contribute to the content.
The Westminster Health Forum is strictly impartial
and cross-party, and draws on the considerable support
within Parliament and government, and amongst
the wider stakeholder community. The Forum has no
policy agenda of its own.
Booking arrangements
To book places, please use our online booking form.
Once submitted, this will be taken as a confirmed
booking and will be subject to our terms and conditions
below.
Please pay in advance by credit card on 01276
489144. If advance credit card payment is not possible
please let me know and we may be able make
other arrangements.
Options and charges are as follows:
Places at Healthcare Associated Infections and Patient
Safety (including refreshments and PDF copy of
the transcripts) are £190 plus VAT (£223.25);
Concessionary rate places for small charities, unfunded
individuals and those in similar circumstances
are £80 plus VAT (£94). Please be sure to apply for
this at the time of booking.
For those who cannot attend:
Copies of the briefing document, including full transcripts
of all speeches and the question and comment
sessions and further articles from interested parties,
will be available approximately 7 days after the event
for £95 plus VAT (£111.63);
Concessionary rate: £50 plus VAT.
If you find the charge for tickets a barrier to attending
please let me know and we will do our best to see
you are not excluded. Please note terms and conditions
below (including cancellation charges).
39. Independent Safeguarding Authority
Public information road-shows explaining the role of
the ISA are taking place across the country. Find your
nearest road-show and register to attend.
May 23 2008
London
40. Supporting Witnesses in the Scottish
Justice Scheme Conference
2 June 2008 – Scottish Police College Tulliallan
Castle
This is being hosted by the Victims and Witnesses
Unit in partnership with other stakeholders, with the
aim of raising awareness about the development of
support for victims and witnesses in the Scottish Justice
system through the Vulnerable Witnesses
(Scotland) Act 2004 and other initiatives.
The impetus for the conference is the completion of
the 3 year implementation period of the Vulnerable
Witnesses (Scotland) Act 2004
The conference will provide an opportunity for an
exchange of information about policy and good practice
through the use of speakers, seminars and a
discussion panel. The keynote speech will be delivered
by the Cabinet Secretary for Justice. The Lord
Advocate will also be participating, along with senior
officers from the Scottish Government and voluntary
organisations. Contributions will also be made by
senior members of the judiciary, and representatives
of the Law Society of Scotland and voluntary organisations.
A question and answer panel will be chaired
by the well known journalist Pennie Taylor.
The conference is sponsored by the Victims and Witnesses
Unit of the Scottish Government’s Criminal
Justice Directorate working in partnership with the
Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, the
Scottish Court Service, the Scottish Children’s Reporter
Administration, the Law Society of Scotland,
the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland,
Victim Support Scotland, the Association of Directors
of Social Work, Justice for Children, Scottish
Women’s Aid and other voluntary organisations.
The conference is targeted at practitioners from
throughout the UK, but will be of particular interest to
those in Scotland especially the legal profession, the
judiciary, those working for voluntary organisations
supporting victims and witnesses, children’s reporters,
academics, and researchers, and staff of relevant
government departments and justice agencies.
Key issues covered by seminars
Access to justice to people with mental disorder
Does the Vulnerable Witnesses (Scotland) Act 2004
work for justice?
Child Witnesses – meeting the challenge
Identifying vulnerable witnesses
Using special measures in the courtroom
Why you should attend
An opportunity to see how special measures work in
practice in a mock courtroom
Raise your awareness of how to identify vulnerable
witnesses and how this awareness will assist with
securing a fair trial
How to question child witnesses effectively
The pros and cons of the Vulnerable Witnesses Act –
a chance for debate
A chance to question senior practitioners about the
Act
We hope you find this an exciting programme and will
be able to attend the conference. You can find out
more or request to attend at www.holyrood.com/
supportingwitnesses
41. The HealthInvestor Annual Investing in
Healthcare Conference: “Investment Opportunities
in the UK and Overseas Markets”
will take place on 11th June 2008 at One Great
George Street, Westminster, London.
This event offers a clearer understanding of the future
direction of the domestic market and an overview of
the substantial differences and common trends applicable
to the UK, US and European market. Industry
insiders will identify how developments in the US and
Europe and Eastern markets will provide UK investors
with new avenues for innovation and exciting opportunities
for revenue growth and profitability.
Delegates attending will have the opportunity to:
• Identify new markets overseas and analyse key
trends
• Assess rapidly changing demographic need and
to match healthcare services accordingly
• Strengthen their competitive advantage through
comprehensive analysis of the dynamics of the overseas
markets.
• Identify the best prospects for 2008-2009
• Understand how to navigate the obstacles to high
performance
Network with potential future partners
Visit www.healthinvestor.co.uk for further information
and to book your place at this conference.
Alternatively, call 0207 451 7061 or
email lukas.hall@healthinvestor.co.uk or carolyn.
spring@healthinvestor.co.uk.
42. Tackling the Social Exclusion of Older
People
Tuesday 17th June 2008 – Central London
Please note that we are now taking bookings on this
popular event, which is CPD Certified, supported by
Age Concern, The Age and Employment Network
and Help the Aged, and includes a keynote
address from Mike O’Brien QC MP, Minister of State
for Work and Pensions, Department for Work and
Pensions. I would be grateful if you could find the
time to read this and also forward it on to colleagues
to whom it may be relevant, especially those involved
with Adult Social Services, Social Inclusion, Older
People’s Teams and Independent Living Managers,
so that all stakeholders are given the opportunity
to attend this important event.
Please click here for further details of this conference.
If you have any problems with the hyperlink,
please e-mail me at dave.eastman@capita.co.uk and
I will send the brochure as an attachment.
Chaired by Gillian Crosby, Director, Centre for Policy
on Ageing, our expert speakers include:
Ruth Eley, National Programme Lead, Older and
Disabled People, CSIP, Department of Health
Patrick South, Head of Public Affairs, Age Concern
Jacqui Hitchen, Senior Lecturer, Edge Hill University
Angela Whelan, Senior Lecturer, Edge Hill University
Paul McGarry, Principal Programme Manager, Valuing
Older People, Manchester City Council
Chris Ball, Chief Executive, The Age and Employment
Network
Paul Cann, Director of Policy and External Relations,
Help the Aged
Sylvia Brims, Housing for Older People Services
Manager, SLFHA Ltd
Jon Allen, Independent Living Facilitator, Cambridge
City Council
Capita’s National Tackling the Social Exclusion of
Older People Conference brings together expert
speakers from forward thinking organisations. They
will provide practical insight and advice on how local
authorities, housing organisations, health and social
care providers and third sector organisations can
work together to improve the quality of life for older
people in the community.
Benefits of Attending include:
Hear the latest Government strategy for older people
from the Minister of State for Work and Pensions
Discover the practical measures being taken by the
Department of Health to effect positive change in
health and social care for older people
Hear the findings of Age Concern’s Out of Sight, Out
of Mind research project and the practical recommendations
Get to grips with ways to build intergenerational
relationships through joined up activities
Learn how to organise an effective multi agency
older people strategy from a successful service provider
Explore ways to tackle the age discrimination issues
highlighted by Help the Aged’s Less Equal
Than Others public consultation
Consider ways to promote a positive attitude towards
our ageing population
We offer discounts for Block Bookings of 3 delegates
or more, please call me direct on 0207 808
5309 for more details.
THE BOOKING REFERENCE CODE IS TSDE. YOU
MUST QUOTE THIS WHEN BOOKING.
43. A New Strategy for Children’s Health:
Prevention, Intervention and Support
Thursday 19th June 2008 in Westminster.
In December, at the launch of the Government’s latest
long term plan for children, the Department for
Health and Department for Children, Schools and
Families announced they would jointly publish the
first ever Child Health Strategy (due to be produced
this Spring). Delegates at this Westminster Briefing
conference will consider the details contained within
the Strategy as well as the future direction of children’s
healthcare provision, funding and delivery.
Topics to be discussed will include (please see the
enclosed agenda for full details):
- Multi agency working and joined up healthcare
and children’s services
- Mental health and behavioural issues in our
young
- Childhood obesity and easting disorders
- Aiming high for disabled children and better
support for families
- Sexual health and teenage pregnancy
- The importance of sport and physical activity
- The health consequences of alcohol, drugs
and smoking
- Closing the gap: the health implications for
children disadvantaged by poverty and social
exclusion
- Birth to 5, early years development
- The age of innocence: how the modern
world affects children’s development
Should you/your colleagues wish to attend, please
complete and return (by email or fax) the enclosed
reservation form at your earliest convenience in order
to secure your delegate place(s). I would also be
grateful if you could forward the details of this event
to relevant colleagues within your organisation. If you
require further information, have any questions, or are
interested in sponsorship or exhibition opportunities
please do not hesitate to contact me.
Nick Rotsides
T: 020 7096 2916
F: 020 7096 2946
E: nick.rotsides@westminster-briefing.com
Website: http://www.westminster-briefing.co.uk/
home.html
44. Action on Elder Abuse
Achieving Justice - Supporting Victims
7th July 2008
Ort House Conference Centre, London
Action on Elder Abuse is running a major conference
on abuse, criminal justice and supporting victims in
London in early July. As policy makers and practitioners
increasingly locate their work within a criminal
justice context, this conference poses the questions:
• How do we ensure justice for victims of abuse?
• Can we put victims of abuse at the centre of the
criminal justice system?
• How do we support victims of these crimes effectively?
• Do we need greater clarity of roles and responsibilities
within this work?
With a keynote speech by Deputy Chief Constable
Richard Crompton ACPO lead on vulnerable adults
and Vulnerable and intimidated victims
Speakers have been invited from a number of organisations
including:
Crown Prosecution Service
Victim Support
MIND
The Metropolitan Police Service
Chaired by Keith M Lewin
£126 + VAT for members
£140 + VAT for non-members
Discussing the often complicated relationship between
abuse, safeguarding systems, policies and
procedures and the criminal justice system: This conference
is a must for professionals working with older
people, safeguarding staff and staff from criminal
justice agencies.
A full, detailed programme and booking form will be
available shortly, but to register your interest and request
a booking form, please contact Daisy Goodstien
on daisygoodstien@elderabuse.org.uk or call us
on 0208 765 7000.
45. “Implementing the Independent Living
Strategy: Delivering Choice and Control for
Disabled People” Westminster Briefing hosted
by The House Magazine on Wednesday, 9th July
2008 held in Westminster.
The recently launched cross-governmental Independent
Living strategy underlines the Government’s commitment
to supporting disabled people. It aims to provide
more choice and control over how their needs
will be met as well as putting in place measures to
tackle barriers in accessing health, housing, transport,
and employment opportunities. It is designed to
make a real and measurable impact on the lives of
disabled people with a commitment to monitor its impact,
year-on-year, in partnership with disabled people.
Delegates at this Westminster Briefing will have the
opportunity to consider how the strategy will be implemented,
its implications and the way forward to fully
achieving the goals of “independent living” for disabled
people. Please refer to the attached agenda for
further details.
Should you/your colleagues wish to attend, please
complete and return (by email or fax) the enclosed
reservation form at your earliest convenience in order
to secure your delegate place(s). I would also be
grateful if you could forward the details of this event
to relevant colleagues within your organisation. If you
require further information, have any questions, or
are interested in sponsorship or exhibition opportunities
please do not hesitate to contact me.
T: 020 7096 2916
F: 020 7096 2946
E: nick.rotsides@westminster-briefing.com
46. 17th International Congress on Palliative
Care
23-26 September 2008 at the Palais des Congrès
in Montréal, Canada.
Presented by the Palliative Care Division of the Departments
of Medicine and Oncology of McGill University,
this biennial Congress has grown to become
one of the premier international events in palliative
care. Healthcare professionals, therapists, volunteers
and all those involved in care for the dying come to
renew themselves as providers of care and to obtain
the inspiration that will help them shape the palliative
care of the future. Since the first Congress in 1976
under the leadership of palliative care pioneer Dr.
Balfour Mount, there has been increasing agreement
in the field that palliative care should be provided
from diagnosis, hence the shift to “Palliative Care”
from “Care of the Terminally Ill” in the title of the 2008
Congress.
This year’s outstanding programme will feature five
plenary sessions, four day long Concurrent Seminars,
research fora, and over 80 workshops and symposia.
In 2008 for the first time, the Congress will be a
trilingual event, with simultaneous interpretation of
selected sessions, including all Plenaries, into Spanish
as well as French. There will also be a special
focus on palliative care as a basic human right and
how to develop and support programmes and initiatives
in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
Poster abstracts may be submitted until May 28,
2008.
The early registration deadline is March 24,
2008. For more information, to register or to submit
an abstract, please visit www.pal2008.com or call
450-292-3456 ext. 227.
April O’Donoughue
Tel: +1 (450) 292-3456, ext. 227
Fax: +1 (450) 292-3453
E-mail: info@pal2008.com
Web : www.pal2008.com
47. Delivering effective end-of-life care: developing
partnership working
Wednesday 15 October 2008, 9.30am–4.00pm,
London
Recognition of the need for good-quality end-of-life
care has been steadily increasing, with the release of
the government's End of Life Care Strategy being
imminent. Much pioneering work has been done by a
wide range of organisations across health and social
care. There is now a move towards effective commissioning
and co-ordination of this care, in order to
enable greater choice for those at the end of their
life.
Produced in partnership between the King's Fund
and Marie Curie Cancer Care, this one-day conference
will look at how best to deliver end-of-life care.
Key speakers
Professor Mike Richards CBE, Chair, End of Life
Strategy Advisory Board and National Clinical Director
for Cancer
Dr James Beattie, National Clinical Lead, NHS Heart
Improvement Programme and Consultant Cardiologist,
Birmingham Heartlands Hospital
This conference will:
highlight key challenges for implementation of the
End of Life Care Strategy
look at how to develop effective service delivery by
ensuring that the right relationships are developed
between organisations and that staff are well trained
to support patients
identify areas for collaboration and partnership working
across health and social care.
Places at this event are limited so we recommend
that you reserve a place as soon as possible by
downloading a registration form from our website or
booking online. For further information and to
download the full programme, please visit our website
or email us and we will be happy to provide you with
more details.
48. Mind the Gap! ECCA Conference, November
12, 2008. Book now and save £50!
Book now for our conference on the future of care at
the Holiday Inn, Bloomsbury, London WC1. Email
conference@ecca.org.uk , call 08450 577 677, or
visit www.ecca.org.uk.
Consultations
To follow next week
CSCI, CSSIW, Healthcare
Commission &
Scottish Care Commission
48. Annual Return - Late Submissions
2 May 2008 – SCC
The Scottish Care Commission has announced that it
is unable to accept late submissions of paper annual
returns submitted after the 7 March 2008.
For full report click here
49. Baroness Young favoured as Care Quality
Commission Chair
30 April 2008 – NCF
Candidate for future post of Care Quality
Commission Chair announced
1 May 2008 - COI
Baroness Young of Old Scone has emerged as the
Government's candidate for the post of Chair of the
Care Quality Commission. The Secretary of State for
Health has invited the Health Select Committee to
hold a public pre-appointment scrutiny hearing and
report on the candidate's suitability for the post.
For NCF report click here
Domiciliary Care
50. Government launches guidance to assist
in support for Self Care
1 May 2008 - COI
Health Minister Ivan Lewis announced the introduction
of seven Common Core Principles to Support
Self Care, designed to help health and social care
staff support people to live independently, stay
healthy and make the most of their lives by managing
their conditions.
The Common Core Principles, which have been developed
with Skills for Health and Skills for Care, will
be available to employers, managers and workers in
health and social care services so that they can use
them to help service users get the most out of their
care. .
Minister for Care Services Ivan Lewis said:
"Supporting self care is consistent with our policy of
putting people first. People want control over their
lives enabling them, their families and carers to
maintain and improve their well-being and independence.
The Common Core Principles to Support Self Care
are intended to be a resource for reflection, challenge
and practice change. Their purpose is to enable
organisations and all those who work in health
and social care, whether as commissioners, service
providers or educators, to make personalised services,
enablement and early intervention to promote
independence a reality."
The seven principles are:
* Ensure individuals are able to make informed
choices to manage their self care needs
* Communicate effectively to enable individuals to
assess their needs, and develop and gain confidence
to self care
* Support and enable individuals to access appropriate
information to manage their self care needs
* Support and enable individuals to develop skills in
self care
* Support and enable individuals to use technology to
support self care
* Advise individuals how to access support networks
and participate in the planning, development and
evaluation of services
* Support and enable risk management and risk taking
to maximise independence and choice
The principles are consistent with the seven outcomes
expected from adult care services - that people,
irrespective of illness or disability, are supported
to:
* live independently
* stay healthy and recover quickly from illness
* exercise maximum control over their own life and
where appropriate the lives of their family members
* sustain a family unit which avoids children being
required to take on inappropriate caring roles
* participate as active and equal citizens, both economically
and socially
* have the best possible quality of life, irrespective of
illness or disability
* retain maximum dignity and respect
51. Mental Health Foundation responds to
government announcement on self-care
1 May 2008
In response to the announcement of the Common
Principles to Support Self Care by Health Minister
Ivan Lewis, Dr Andrew McCulloch, Chief Executive of
the Mental Health Foundation said:
“This is a welcome announcement from the government
that acknowledges the importance of people
with long-term conditions being involved in managing
their own care.
The final goal should be a radical change to the way
health and social care is delivered that gives serviceusers
true self-determination, ultimately by handing
them the financial reins through far greater use of
individualised budgets.
This step change will have to come eventually, and
the Mental Health Foundation will be investing time
and energy in helping to make empowerment of mental
health service users a reality.”
Education
Nothing to report
Ireland, Scotland & Wales
Ireland
Nothing to report
Scotland
52. Drug group backs £2.8m settlement
30 April 2008 – BBC News
A drugs group has agreed on a £2.8m settlement with
the Scottish Government and health boards over the
alleged price fixing of medicine after being named in
court papers lodged in 2005. The papers were lodged
over alleged formation of price-fixing cartels of drugs
sold to the NHS including Warfarin, penicillin-based
drugs and Ranitidine.
For full report click here
53. PFI Scheme Branded 'rip-off'
29 April 2008 – Evening Times
Hairmyres Hospital in East Kilbride was the first PFI
hospital in Scotland when it opened its doors in
2001, and was financed by a consortium of construction
group Kier and finance company Innisfree.
The consortium now stands to make more than
£145million from an outlay of just £8.4m. The private
funding scheme has been branded a “rip-off”.
54. Call To Restore GBP30m Cut From Elderly
29 April 2008 – The Herald
Westminster is being called upon to reinstate the
£30m a year in attendance allowance which was
originally withdrawn for elderly people in care homes
when Scotland's flagship policy of free personal care
was introduced.
55. Study finds £40m care funding gap
28 April 2008 – BBC News
A review commissioned by Health Secretary, Nicola
Sturgeon has found that in order to sustain free personal
care for Scotland’s elderly – a £40m funding
gap must be addressed.
A study of the flagship policy by Lord Sutherland also
called for the reinstatement of £30m a year in attendance
allowance by Westminster.
For full report click here
Wales
56. Student midwives face uncertainty
4 May 2008 – BBC News
Welsh final year students studying to become midwives
are struggling to find jobs. The Welsh governing
body has warned that a UK-wide survey of those
hoping to graduate this year seemed to suggest that
less than 10% had secured a midwifery post.
The Royal College of Midwives says it is now campaigning
for student midwives to be awarded a
£10,000 bursary to help them through their training.
For full report click here
57. NHS waiting lists fall in Wales
30 April 2008 – BBC News
The Welsh Assembly Government has announced a
fall in the number of patients waiting more than 22
weeks for appointments and then treatment.
The total waiting for a first outpatient appointment
dropped from 5,565 in February to zero in March.
Those waiting for admission to hospital for treatment
are down from 2,838 to five in the same period.
For full report click here
Learning Disabilities
58. Prime minister brought to tears after
reading children's letters, says Lewis
30 April 2008 – Community Care
Care services Minister, Ivan Lewis, admitted that
Gordon Brown revealed "hidden emotional depths"
after he cried when reading testimonies of children
with learning disabilities.
The Prime Minister, often criticised for seeming unemotional
was moved when reading two hand-written
notes from the children.
For full report click here
59. Care service asks users for ideas
27 April 2008 – BBC News
Surrey County Council is asking for help in modernising
the region’s services. Both users and providers of
supporting learning disabilities will be consulted.
The Council is also hoping to give people with learning
disabilities more opportunities to determine how
day services are run.
For full report click here
Legislation Update
60. Mental Health Act 2007 c.12 1 amendment
18 April 2008 – OPSI
For full legislation click here
61. No. 793 The Childcare (Voluntary Registration)
(Amendment) Regulations 2008 1
29 April 2008 – OPSI
For full report click here
Mental Health
62. Confusion on the frontline about mental
capacity
2 May 2008
In the months leading up to the implementation of the
Mental Capacity Act 2005, many health and social
care staff became confused about mental capacity
issues, according to a new report from the Mental