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CUSTOMER RATINGS WEBSITE FOR THE CARE SECTOR TO BE CREATED

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

It was announced earlier this month that the general public will be able to rate nursing and residential care homes for the elderly as well as community care provision services for the elderly on a new website under plans to be set out in a Government white paper due to be published in the spring of 2012.

WHO NEEDS THE HUMAN RIGHTS ACT?

Sat, 10 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

How many people reading this item will realise that today is Human Rights Day? Most likely, it will pass unnoticed or be criticised as another manifestation of political correctness. Yet, surely, having legislation that protect the basic human rights of everyone across the UK, including elderly or disabled people, who are possibly at their most vulnerable, is something to be proud of? So why aren't we celebrating?

�100,000 Fine for Health & Safety at Work Breach

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Wolverhampton Crown Court recently heard how incorrectly adjusted sling loop fittings lead to the fall and eventual death of a 91 year-old great-grandmother: Ms Irene Evans. Ms Evans fell from the hoist in January 2007 whilst two carers were attempting to move her from her bed to a chair. During the manoeuvre, one carer was behind the mast of the hoist whilst the other turned to pick up the victim’s slippers. A safety pommel on the sling which had not been fastened into place may have prevented the fall.

INSUFFICIENT APPRECIATION OF THE DANGERS OF BED RAILS

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Two recent cases have highlighted the risks presented when training has been insufficient or where the risk assessment process has not been properly adhered to. In both cases the organisations involved admitted breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and safety at Work etc Act, 1974.

Restraint Techniques could be Fatal

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

A recent study into ‘Holding and Restraining Techniques’ suggested that bending a person forward so that their face was very close to their lap whilst seated could lead to death. The research showed that this particular hold cut long capacity by up to 50% of the individual and as a result could dangerously suppress their breathing.

Southern Cross to Close after Landlords Abandon the Group

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

It was announced earlier this month that the care group Southern Cross is finally going to close its doors after the landlords of the properties abandoned the group.

Troubled Care Home Group Send Ripples of Worry Through the Care Sector

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Southern Cross, care home provider to 31,000 residents and much in the media of late, has added to its woes by announcing plans to cut 3,000 jobs out of its 44,000 workforce by October this year.

Disabled Woman had to be Manually Lifted onto Plane

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

A 57 year old disabled woman from Northamptonshire has successfully sued the budget airline Ryanair after her husband was forced to manually carry her onto a flight.

Elderly Woman Dies after Being Thrown From Her Wheelchair in a Minibus

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Mrs Olive Sarti an 88 year old lady died from her injuries after being thrown from a wheelchair while in a well known national charity’s minibus. Untrained staff had failed to use equipment that would have secured her safely in the chair during the trip in London in 2006.

Training Failures Led to Patient Death

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

A care home operator was fined £80,000 and ordered to pay £40,823 costs at the end of December 2010 for serious training failures following the death of a patient as a result of ‘inappropriate and dangerous’ restraint techniques.