Annual Review 2011/12 - Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution

CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S REPORT | 9
Higher
standards of care
Chief Executive's report
David Innes
Operationally, the RMBI has had an excellent year during which the overall standard of
care has risen, satisfaction levels have increased and several efficiency measures have been
introduced to keep expenditure under control.
The staff in our Homes have
worked extremely hard to ensure
that we provide the highest possible
standards of person-centred care
and are fully compliant with the
new regulatory framework and best
practice within the sector. In addition,
30 members of staff, including many
Home Managers and their Deputies,
have been undertaking a year-long
Diploma in Person Centred Dementia
Care which will enable us to provide
even more support to the increasingly
large number of residents with a
dementia. Once again, I would like
to acknowledge the commitment
and dedication of all our staff and
volunteers, without whom the RMBI
would not be what it is today.
During the course of the year, Phase
1 of our new Home in the grounds
of James Terry Court in Croydon was
opened (with 48 beds), and Phase 2
(with 28 beds) is scheduled to open
in early 2013. Major refurbishment
works have also been completed
at Connaught Court in York and The
Tithebarn in Liverpool, while similar
projects continue at Prince George
Duke of Kent Court in Kent, and
Shannon Court in Surrey. I am acutely
conscious that the majority of our
residents and staff have had to endure
considerable disruption over the last
few years. However, I know that it
has been worthwhile as our Homes
are much improved in terms of both
facilities and fire safety.
At a national level, there appears to
be little political will to tackle the very
significant funding crisis in the care
sector, and the future of primary care
trusts and GP commissioning is far
from clear. Also, our main regulatory
body, the Care Quality Commission
(CQC), has not been particularly
effective as the regulator and there
have been further very disturbing
revelations, by the BBC’s Panorama
programme, about the CQC’s ability
to monitor services appropriately.
Against this backdrop, the RMBI
has continued to contribute to the
debate on all these issues through
the National Care Forum. We have
also taken part in a number of
seminars and trials to help develop
best practice. Our involvement has
helped to enhance our status as a
leading provider in the sector.
Away from the Homes, we have
expanded our Care Advice Team to
eight members which will enable
them to provide advice and guidance
to even more Masons and their
dependants. The team increasingly
works on behalf of all four Central
Masonic Charities and is closely
involved with the Freemasonry
Cares initiative.
Our sheltered housing complexes at
Harewood Court in Hove and Robert
Eliot Court in Cornwall continue to
flourish, and Harry Priestley House
in Doncaster, our home for adults
with learning disabilities, has been
recognised as a centre of excellence.
Looking ahead to 2012-13, the
global financial situation continues
to be uncertain, the needs of our
residents will undoubtedly increase,
and maintaining occupancy levels at
our Homes will be very challenging.
However, with the support of our
wonderful Associations of Friends and
the wider Masonic community, I see
no reason why the RMBI should not
have another very successful year.
“
What I enjoy most
about living here
is the company,
and the feeling
of security and
safety.”
A resident at Connaught Court, York