As a care worker – this article from the Guardian about an undercover investigation into standards in care homes brought tears to my eyes. It also makes me incredibly angry that our loved ones are at the mercy of people who run care homes, some of whom clearly shouldn’t be allowed this responsibility.

Michelle Mitchell, charity director at Age UK, said: “I am saddened that yet again research shows many care homes are failing to provide a good standard of care. While there is evidence of good quality care, it is too patchy. Care homes should be places of safety, warmth, activity and happiness, and this research shows that some are falling short of this ambition.

Here’s the article: http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2011/apr/19/care-homes-sub-standard-practices

I’m also devastated to hear that our coalition government has scrapped the need for inspections into care homes. The new system which came into effect in October 2010, means that the CQA no longer have to do regular inspections of residential care homes. The new system now relies more on written self-assessments, will mean thousands of homes will avoid inspections if they look good on paper. Read more here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-11709811

I am almost finished an NVQ (Level 2) in Health & Social Care and just working on an assignment at the moment about standards. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the independent regulator of all health and adult social care in England & their aim is to make sure better care is provided for everyone.

Learning more about the CQC and being interested in local care standards led me onto the Devon LINK website. Devon LINK is a network of groups and individuals who want to make sure that health and social care services are planned and delivered to meet the needs of the people in Devon that use them. I’ve contacted them to see how I can get involved further in monitoring standards of care in my local area in and around Honiton.

Photo credit from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-564048/5-000-complaints-month-care-home-abuse-fears.html

Worries about the effects of the downturn have produced a sharp rise in people experiencing symptoms of common mental health conditions, and the incidence of depression has jumped by between four and five-fold as unemployment, cuts in hours and concern about security of tenure have become common, the report found. Among people who have lost their jobs in the last year, 71% have suffered symptoms of depression, 55% said the same about stress and 52% experienced symptoms of anxiety

Full article: www.guardian.co.uk/society/2010/apr/01/recession-surge-mental-health-problems

NHS Devon says a change in management of community maternity services will bring improvements for expectant mothers and their families.

At a meeting on Monday 8th March, Honiton Town Council councillors expressed grave concerns about the downgrading of post-natal care at Honiton Community Hospital.  Former mayor Councillor Sally Casson said “We are in extreme danger of losing first class facilities”. Councillor Alf Boom described the changes to post-natal care as “enormously worrying”.

The Green Party says “Maternity units should be sufficient in number and located so that all women are within reasonable reach of one.” If Honiton is downgraded to a birthing unit, then any mother to be who does not present with a ‘normal’ pregnancy and birth will have to another hospital further away, in Exeter, Tiverton or Taunton.

What do you think – please add your comment below.