Latest News

D H News: Health and Care Workers to set up new social enterprises

Marking Social Enterprise Day, Care Service Ministers Phil Hope today announced that six projects will share £450,000 to establish new social enterprises which will help the elderly, the disabled and the homeless, and nurses will get more help to set up services that will help their patients.

CSCI Guidance: Medication, Immunisation, waste disposal, Management of controlled drugs

Latest guidance.....

The first ever Great North Care Awards

The first ever Great North Care Awards were hailed a ‘fantastic success’ after 15 deserved winners received their accolades in front of more than 650 of their peers.

Healthcare Business November

Novembers edition of Healthcare Business

UK Border Agency: Points-based system - dates for submission of applications

On 27 November 2008, tiers 2 and 5 of the points-based system will open for applications. As these tiers open we will close down the schemes which they replace.

D H news: NHS staff help develop measures of quality care

Doctors, nurses and other NHS staff in England are helping to develop new standards to measure and improve the quality of care in the NHS.

CSCI report on eligibility criteria is accused of mixed messages

A report by the regulator of nursing and residential care homes on the outcome of its recent review of eligibility criteria for social care has been dubbed ‘a mish-mash of mixed messages’.

UK Borders Agency: 200,000 fewer jobs available for migrant workers under new rules

The number of jobs available to foreign workers through the shortage occupation route will be reduced, the Government has announced.

Telegraph.co.uk: Pensioners pay £3,000 a year towards care homes as council funding falls short

Elderly people and their families are being forced to pay thousands of pounds a year towards care home fees because council funding is falling short, according to a report

Brunswick LLP Healthcare Review Vol 3 issue 37

Brunswick LLP Vol 3 issue 37

D H News: NHS Choices contract awarded to Capita Group PLC

On 11th November 2008, the Department of Health signed a contract with Capita Group PLC to drive forward the NHS Choices service for the next three years.

Press Association: Care Homes hit by new Migrant rules

Elderly people in care homes will suffer as a result of changes to new immigration rules, bosses have warned.

CSCI GUIDANCE: Christian Scientists and care home inspection

Read our guidance for inspectors to be aware of the needs of residents in care homes who are Christian Scientists (CS).

CSCI GUIDANCE: How we write inspection reports

Read the guidance on how our inspectors should write their reports about care services following an inspection visit.

CSCI GUIDANCE: How we review the quality of our inspection reports

Read the guidance for our inspectors and managers about how to check the quality of our inspection reports.

D H News: Sir Michael Parkinson and Phil Hope launch first dignity in care award

The first ever award which recognises people who treat patients with dignity and respect and who provide outstanding care is launched by Sir Michael Parkinson and Care Services Minister Phil Hope.

CSCI Guidance: Pharmacy tip - Medication in a domiciliary care setting

CSCI pharmacy tips on the safe handling of medicines will help you understand what our inspectors look out for when they visit a social care service.

CSCI: Care Quality Commission events

Enforcement policy consultation and healthcare associated infections (HCAI) registration events

Age Concern England and Help the Aged appoint Chief Executive to lead Charity

Tom Wright CBE has been appointed as Chief Executive of the new charity being formed by Age Concern England and Help the Aged.

BBC News: Landmark NHS top-up decision due

Patients in England are due to hear whether they will be able to top up NHS care by paying for drugs privately.

CSCI Guidance: Direct payment support schemes

Find out how CSCI work with direct payments support schemes and how CSCI decide which schemes need to be registered and inspected.

Telegraph.co.uk: Southern Cross share prices rise 48pc after refinancing

Shares in Southern Cross rose by 48pc after the UK's biggest care homes operator confirmed it had successfully refinanced its debt.

BBC News: Elderly suffer over dental care

Elderly people are suffering because of poor access to dentistry services, experts say.

Alzheimers drugs hope a NICE appeal denied

New hope has been offered to thousands of people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s (29 October) following a landmark decision in the House of Lords.

FT.com: Care homes could face closure

The credit crunch could force care homes to close unless local authorities can pay bigger fees or the government helps the sector find capital, a leading healthcare practitioner warned.

Joseph Rowntree Foundation: Improving care in residential care homes: a literature review

Joseph Rowntree Foundation: Improving care in residential care homes: a literature review

D H News: Care services minister shaping the future of care and support in London

People in London will today have the opportunity to shape Government policy and tell the Care Services Minister Phil Hope what they think about the future of the care and support system in England.

Help the Aged: Its time for care systems to care

Reacting to Cutting the cake fairly, a report from the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) on eligibility criteria for social care, Lizzie McLennan, Help the Aged Senior Policy Officer for health and social care responds....

Counsel and Care welcome CSCIs new report

Counsel and Care welcomes CSCI's new report confirming need for radical reform of social care - now let's see some solutions

CSCI: Cutting the cake fairly

CSCI review of eligibility criteria for social care

BBC News: Job choice affects Alzheimers

Going to university, then choosing a mentally demanding job may help protect the brain from the devastating impact of Alzheimer's disease on memory.

BBC News: Fatty acids clue to Alzheimers

Controlling the level of a fatty acid in the brain could help treat Alzheimer's disease, an American study has suggested

CSCI Guidance: Criminal records bureau checks

CSCI revised and updated its CRB guidance for service providers and CSCI staff in October 2008

Guardian - Ageing Britain: Pensioners outnumber under 16s for first time

For the first time, the UK has more people of pensionable age than children under 16, the Office for National Statistics revealed

Guardian - Barbara Young; Talking softly and carrying a big stick

John Carvel questions the new Care Quality Commission chairwoman about future regulation of health and social care in England and whether her affiliation to Labour will hinder her independence.

Guardian - Nursing homes: Southern Cross still working to clear debts

Company fell into financial crisis at end of June after failing to meet £46m loan repayment deadline

Legionnaires Disease update August 2008

An increasing number of organisation are being approached by health & safety enforcing authorities regarding the risk of Legionnaires' Disease in their workplace.

Caring Times; The credit crunch - how is it affecting home owners?

Caring Times - The 'credit crunch'. Despite the care sector still being a robust market and generally viewed favourably, it is unfortunately being caught up in the wider economic problems caused by the sub prime crisis and the well publicised difficulti

CSCI News: Black and minority ethnic people's individual needs should be met in order to get appropriate care

CSCI today published the second of its three equality and diversity good practice bulletins, Providing Appropriate Services for Black and Minority Ethnic People, which aims to help care providers address the new agenda set out in the joint protocol Puttin

Older People Struggle to Learn New Tricks!!

Older People Struggle to Learn New Tricks!!

Does Being Single Increase Risk of Dementia??

Alzheimer’s Society comment: Living with a partner in midlife can reduce your risk of dementia, according to new research presented at the International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease.

BBC News: Alzheimers Drug 'Halts' Decline

UK scientists have developed a drug which may halt the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

DH News: Anne Williams Appointed as National Director for Learning Disabilities

Health Minister Ivan Lewis today announced the appointment of Anne Williams as the new National Director for Learning Disabilities at the Department of Health.

Chief Executive of the Care Quality Commission Announced

Barbara Young, Chair of the Care Quality Commission, today announced that Cynthia Bower has been appointed as the Commission's Chief Executive.

DH News: Health and Social Care Act 2008 receives Royal Assent

The Health and Social Care Act 2008, which will enhance the safety and quality of care and improve public health, has received Royal Assent.

Craegmoor Acquired By Advent International

Craegmoor Healthcare, one of the largest independent providers of specialist care and support in the UK, announced on Friday that it has been acquired by the global private equity firm Advent International.

CSCI Annual Report 2007-2008

The Commission for Social Care Inspection has published its 4th annual report. The report outlines the work undertaken by CSCI in the year 2007-2008.

Times Online: RBS Takes Charge Of Care Home Bail-Out

The Royal Bank of Scotland will lead rescue of Four Seasons Healthcare after Qataris abandon attempts to save £1.3 billion group

Extra Care Housing - 25 New Sites Announced

Health and Care Minister Ivan Lewis today (Monday 21 July) announced the sites that will benefit from £80million of Government funding to build extra care housing

Audit Commission: 'Don't Stop Me Know - Preparing for an Ageing Population'

Audit Commission Report finds that councils in England, particularly those which have the fastest ageing populations, are not ready to meet the needs of older residents

CSCI Latest Guidance: New Guidance and Forms for Statutory Notifications

CSCI have produced new guidance and forms to improve the way they handle statutory notifications from providers.

Clearer, Fairer Funding For the Third Sector

Care Services Minister, Ivan Lewis, today announced new funding arrangements for Third Sector organisations in health and social care that will make funding more transparent and effective.

Department Of Health Welcomes Record Annual Fall in MRSA and C Difficile Infections

MRSA down over 49 per cent in last three years. MRSA bloodstream infections fell by 30 per cent last year - the greatest annual reduction of the last 5 years - new figures published today have shown.

£286 Million to Improve End of Life Care For All

Health Secretary Alan Johnson today launched the End of Life Care Strategy, backed with £286million to provide high quality care for all adults approaching the end of their life.

Skills for Care launch New Drive to Boost Literacy and Numeracy Skills

Skills for Care has launched a new drive that aims to boost the literacy and numeracy skills of 1.3 million care workers raising self-confidence and increasing their chances of promotion.

Self-Funders to Receive Independent Resolution of Complaints

People who fund their own care will soon be able to take their complaints to the Local Government Ombudsman.

DH News: Marie Curie Empowered to deliver End Of Life Care at a Local Level

Department of Health invests a further £4.5 million in Marie Curie Hospices and the NHS allocates £15 million in funding for Marie Curie Nursing Services across the UK

FT Online: Craegmoor Sale Expected to Complete This Week

Advent International is expected to complete its purchase of Craegmoor healthcare, an operator of residential care homes, this week, with an expected price of approximately £300m.

All UK Health Ministers Affirm Commitment to Core Principles of NHS

JOINT PRESS RELEASE FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH; THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT; THE WELSH ASSEMBLY GOVERNMENT; AND THE NORTHERN IRELAND OFFICE

DH Publication: Commissioning to Make a Bigger Difference - A guide for NHS and Social Care Commissioners on Promoting Service Innovation

The Department of Health publication designed to stimulate a 'Culture for innovation' with special focus on world class commissioning

CSCI Latest Guidance: Food Safety in Care Homes

The Food Standards Agency has published a supplement to the Safer food, better business pack, which was launched earlier this year. The supplement includes information about additional safety measures that are specific to food safety in care homes.

DH Publication: Putting People First - working to make it happen: adult social care workforce strategy - interim statement

This interim statement identifies the key issues for the workforce as set out in Putting People First and goes on to develop these into broader, strategic priorities for the workforce.

Telegraph.co.uk: Southern Cross Plummets after Profits Warning

Shares in Southern Cross Healthcare, the UK's largest private care home provider, plummeted nearly 60pc yesterday

Telegraph.co.uk: Qatar Calls for Help in Reviewing Ailing Investments

Four Seasons owner looks to come up with turnaround plan

AEA launches HomeFront: “21st Century Training for Homecare Workers on Abuse and Protection”

Action on Elder Abuse, the only charity in the UK dealing exclusively with the abuse of older people is today launching a new Training pack, the ‘HomeFront’, aimed at domiciliary care workers.

CSCI's Disability Equality Survey

Are you a disabled person using social care services? Have you used social care services in the past? If so, CSCI need your views in their new survey.

Telegraph.co.uk: Advent Closes in on Craegmoor Healthcare Deal

Private equity firm Advent International is on the verge of entering exclusive discussions to buy Craegmoor Healthcare for around £300m.

BBC News: Elderly Urged to Drink More Water

Health campaigners have called for government action to help ensure that elderly people in care across the UK get enough water.

BBC News: How Care Home Keeps Elderly Healthy

BBC News reports dramatic results achieved by a Suffolk Care Home

D H News: Health and Care Workers to set up new social enterprises
Marking Social Enterprise Day, Care Service Ministers Phil Hope today announced that six projects will share £450,000 to establish new social enterprises which will help the elderly, the disabled and the homeless, and nurses will get more help to set up services that will help their patients. ...
View Full Story >>

CSCI Guidance: Medication, Immunisation, waste disposal, Management of controlled drugs
Latest guidance........
View Full Story >>

The first ever Great North Care Awards
The first ever Great North Care Awards were hailed a ‘fantastic success’ after 15 deserved winners received their accolades in front of more than 650 of their peers. ...
View Full Story >>

Healthcare Business November
Novembers edition of Healthcare Business...
View Full Story >>

UK Border Agency: Points-based system - dates for submission of applications
On 27 November 2008, tiers 2 and 5 of the points-based system will open for applications. As these tiers open we will close down the schemes which they replace. ...
View Full Story >>

D H news: NHS staff help develop measures of quality care
Doctors, nurses and other NHS staff in England are helping to develop new standards to measure and improve the quality of care in the NHS. ...
View Full Story >>

CSCI report on eligibility criteria is accused of mixed messages
A report by the regulator of nursing and residential care homes on the outcome of its recent review of eligibility criteria for social care has been dubbed ‘a mish-mash of mixed messages’....
View Full Story >>

UK Borders Agency: 200,000 fewer jobs available for migrant workers under new rules
The number of jobs available to foreign workers through the shortage occupation route will be reduced, the Government has announced. ...
View Full Story >>

Telegraph.co.uk: Pensioners pay £3,000 a year towards care homes as council funding falls short
Elderly people and their families are being forced to pay thousands of pounds a year towards care home fees because council funding is falling short, according to a report...
View Full Story >>

Brunswick LLP Healthcare Review Vol 3 issue 37
Brunswick LLP Vol 3 issue 37...
View Full Story >>

D H News: NHS Choices contract awarded to Capita Group PLC
On 11th November 2008, the Department of Health signed a contract with Capita Group PLC to drive forward the NHS Choices service for the next three years. ...
View Full Story >>

Press Association: Care Homes hit by new Migrant rules
Elderly people in care homes will suffer as a result of changes to new immigration rules, bosses have warned. ...
View Full Story >>

CSCI GUIDANCE: Christian Scientists and care home inspection
Read our guidance for inspectors to be aware of the needs of residents in care homes who are Christian Scientists (CS). ...
View Full Story >>

CSCI GUIDANCE: How we write inspection reports
Read the guidance on how our inspectors should write their reports about care services following an inspection visit....
View Full Story >>

CSCI GUIDANCE: How we review the quality of our inspection reports
Read the guidance for our inspectors and managers about how to check the quality of our inspection reports....
View Full Story >>

D H News: Sir Michael Parkinson and Phil Hope launch first dignity in care award
The first ever award which recognises people who treat patients with dignity and respect and who provide outstanding care is launched by Sir Michael Parkinson and Care Services Minister Phil Hope. ...
View Full Story >>

CSCI Guidance: Pharmacy tip - Medication in a domiciliary care setting
CSCI pharmacy tips on the safe handling of medicines will help you understand what our inspectors look out for when they visit a social care service. ...
View Full Story >>

CSCI: Care Quality Commission events
Enforcement policy consultation and healthcare associated infections (HCAI) registration events...
View Full Story >>

Age Concern England and Help the Aged appoint Chief Executive to lead Charity
Tom Wright CBE has been appointed as Chief Executive of the new charity being formed by Age Concern England and Help the Aged. ...
View Full Story >>

BBC News: Landmark NHS top-up decision due
Patients in England are due to hear whether they will be able to top up NHS care by paying for drugs privately. ...
View Full Story >>

CSCI Guidance: Direct payment support schemes
Find out how CSCI work with direct payments support schemes and how CSCI decide which schemes need to be registered and inspected. ...
View Full Story >>

Telegraph.co.uk: Southern Cross share prices rise 48pc after refinancing
Shares in Southern Cross rose by 48pc after the UK's biggest care homes operator confirmed it had successfully refinanced its debt. ...
View Full Story >>

BBC News: Elderly suffer over dental care
Elderly people are suffering because of poor access to dentistry services, experts say. ...
View Full Story >>

Alzheimers drugs hope a NICE appeal denied
New hope has been offered to thousands of people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s (29 October) following a landmark decision in the House of Lords....
View Full Story >>

FT.com: Care homes could face closure
The credit crunch could force care homes to close unless local authorities can pay bigger fees or the government helps the sector find capital, a leading healthcare practitioner warned. ...
View Full Story >>

Joseph Rowntree Foundation: Improving care in residential care homes: a literature review
Joseph Rowntree Foundation: Improving care in residential care homes: a literature review...
View Full Story >>

D H News: Care services minister shaping the future of care and support in London
People in London will today have the opportunity to shape Government policy and tell the Care Services Minister Phil Hope what they think about the future of the care and support system in England. ...
View Full Story >>

Help the Aged: Its time for care systems to care
Reacting to Cutting the cake fairly, a report from the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) on eligibility criteria for social care, Lizzie McLennan, Help the Aged Senior Policy Officer for health and social care responds.... ...
View Full Story >>

Counsel and Care welcome CSCIs new report
Counsel and Care welcomes CSCI's new report confirming need for radical reform of social care - now let's see some solutions ...
View Full Story >>

CSCI: Cutting the cake fairly
CSCI review of eligibility criteria for social care...
View Full Story >>

BBC News: Job choice affects Alzheimers
Going to university, then choosing a mentally demanding job may help protect the brain from the devastating impact of Alzheimer's disease on memory. ...
View Full Story >>

BBC News: Fatty acids clue to Alzheimers
Controlling the level of a fatty acid in the brain could help treat Alzheimer's disease, an American study has suggested...
View Full Story >>

CSCI Guidance: Criminal records bureau checks
CSCI revised and updated its CRB guidance for service providers and CSCI staff in October 2008...
View Full Story >>

Guardian - Ageing Britain: Pensioners outnumber under 16s for first time
For the first time, the UK has more people of pensionable age than children under 16, the Office for National Statistics revealed...
View Full Story >>

Guardian - Barbara Young; Talking softly and carrying a big stick
John Carvel questions the new Care Quality Commission chairwoman about future regulation of health and social care in England and whether her affiliation to Labour will hinder her independence....
View Full Story >>

Guardian - Nursing homes: Southern Cross still working to clear debts
Company fell into financial crisis at end of June after failing to meet £46m loan repayment deadline...
View Full Story >>

Legionnaires Disease update August 2008
An increasing number of organisation are being approached by health & safety enforcing authorities regarding the risk of Legionnaires' Disease in their workplace....
View Full Story >>

Caring Times; The credit crunch - how is it affecting home owners?
Caring Times - The 'credit crunch'. Despite the care sector still being a robust market and generally viewed favourably, it is unfortunately being caught up in the wider economic problems caused by the sub prime crisis and the well publicised difficulti...
View Full Story >>

CSCI News: Black and minority ethnic people's individual needs should be met in order to get appropriate care
CSCI today published the second of its three equality and diversity good practice bulletins, Providing Appropriate Services for Black and Minority Ethnic People, which aims to help care providers address the new agenda set out in the joint protocol Puttin...
View Full Story >>

Older People Struggle to Learn New Tricks!!
Older People Struggle to Learn New Tricks!!...
View Full Story >>

Does Being Single Increase Risk of Dementia??
Alzheimer’s Society comment: Living with a partner in midlife can reduce your risk of dementia, according to new research presented at the International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease....
View Full Story >>

BBC News: Alzheimers Drug 'Halts' Decline
UK scientists have developed a drug which may halt the progression of Alzheimer's disease....
View Full Story >>

DH News: Anne Williams Appointed as National Director for Learning Disabilities
Health Minister Ivan Lewis today announced the appointment of Anne Williams as the new National Director for Learning Disabilities at the Department of Health....
View Full Story >>

Chief Executive of the Care Quality Commission Announced
Barbara Young, Chair of the Care Quality Commission, today announced that Cynthia Bower has been appointed as the Commission's Chief Executive. ...
View Full Story >>

DH News: Health and Social Care Act 2008 receives Royal Assent
The Health and Social Care Act 2008, which will enhance the safety and quality of care and improve public health, has received Royal Assent. ...
View Full Story >>

Craegmoor Acquired By Advent International
Craegmoor Healthcare, one of the largest independent providers of specialist care and support in the UK, announced on Friday that it has been acquired by the global private equity firm Advent International....
View Full Story >>