Presentation from Diane Encinias, Nursing Care Home Manager, Ventress Hall Care Home
Minutes:
Members received a verbal presentation from Diane Encinias, a Care Home Manager at Ventress Hall Care Home in Darlington. Ms. Encinias provided the Committee with the view of a front-line manager, providing an overview of what it was like to work in a Care Home during the Coronavirus pandemic which resulted in the greater use of new technology, closer working relationships with the Council’s Contracts Team, and a greater appreciation and understanding of other roles within the Care Sector.
Ms. Encinias suggested that workloads remained high following the Coronavirus pandemic, and whilst the greater use of technology assisted, there was still an emphasis on face-to-face contact with service users and families.
Members observed that there still seemed to be a number of constraints around service provision, and speculated as to whether this was still a fall out from the Coronavirus pandemic or the current high cost of living. Ms. Encinias stated that she was fortunate to work for one of the larger care providers and therefore did not necessarily recognise this herself, however believed that some of the smaller care providers might notice the challenges to their budgets.
Members were keen to understand whether there were any practices introduced during the Coronavirus pandemic that improved service delivery, and whilst the technological and communication improvements were welcomed, Ms. Encinias was keen that the focus remained on person-centred care.
Discussion ensued on the issues in relation to recruitment and retention within the Care Sector, and the training opportunities available for staff, both to upskill at the current level and to progress within the sector, and whether organisations and care settings shared training and good practice.
RESOLVED – That the content of the presentation be noted.