EDGE Services Winter Newsletter 2016

EDGE services
Winter 2016
NEWS
LETTER
The Tragedy of Aberfan:
50 Years On and the Impact on
Health and Safety Legislation
It is not uncommon to read in the
press editorials complaining about the
‘nanny state’, unnecessary ‘red-tape’
and government interference. Health
and safety legislation is a particular
target, combining a fear of litigation
with restrictions on activities that
have previously been considered
harmless. However, whilst legislation
on everything from manual handling
to display screen equipment may be
for some a cause of irritation in the
workplace, it is underpinned by the
‘Health & Safety at Work Act, 1974’
which was formulated as a result of
one of the worst disasters in modern
UK history.
This year marks the fiftieth
Training Courses
across the UK:
• People Handling
• Children Handling
• Inanimate Object
Handling
• Understanding and
Managing Behaviour
that Challenges
• Health, Safety
and General Risk
Assessment
anniversary of the Aberfan disaster.
At 9.15 on the morning of the 21st
October, 1966, 144 people (including
116 children) were killed when colliery
waste tip 7, comprising unwanted rock
from the local coal mine, slid down
Merthyr Mountain on to the village
of Aberfan destroying 20 houses,
a farm and nearly all of Pantglas
Junior School. The tip had been
deposited on a known water source
and it was a build-up of water which
led to the notoriously unstable slagheap
collapsing. Minutes earlier the
school assembly hall had resounded
to the sound of ‘All Things Bright and
Beautiful.’
So shocking was the disaster that
hundreds rushed to the scene to lend
assistance to the largely unsuccessful
rescue effort. Not, however, Lord
Robens of Woldingham, Chairman
of the National Coal Board, who,
instead, went ahead with his
investiture as Chancellor of the
University of Surrey. When he did
arrive at the scene the following day,
he attempted to mislead the public
and the media as to the causes of the
disaster and suggested that nothing
could have been done to prevent it.
A Tribunal was appointed within
days to look into the disaster, the
circumstances leading up to it,
whether any individuals could be
held responsible and what lessons
could be learned. The Tribunal quickly
discovered that, contrary to the claims
of Lord Robens, the instability of the
tip was well known and had been the
subject of many letters of concern
from the local community including
Pantglas school’s Head Teacher. Lord
Robens finally admitted as such when
he appeared as a witness towards the
end of the Tribunal.
The Report, when it appeared in
August, 1967, was damning:
“…a terrifying tale of bungling
ineptitude by many men charged
with tasks for which they were
totally unfitted…failure to heed clear
warnings…total lack of direction from
above.”
The conclusion read:
“Blame for the disaster rests upon
the National Coal Board…The
legal liability of the NCB to pay
compensation of the personal injuries,
fatal or otherwise, and damage
to property, is incontestable and
uncontested.”
Despite this, whilst nine employees
were held responsible for the disaster,
not one of them lost their job or was
disciplined. Lord Robens’ half-hearted
offer to resign was turned down by the
Government. A Disaster Fund which
raised in excess of £20,000,000 in
(continued on page three)
www.edgeservices.co.uk
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2 Winter 2016 Newsletter
Editor’s column
Welcome to the winter 2016 edition of the EDGE
Services newsletter.
Our cover story marks the fiftieth anniversary
of the Aberfan disaster which, as you will read,
spawned the health and safety framework that
we enjoy today in the UK. Long term readers
may recall a similar article marking the fortieth
anniversary but we think it worthwhile to remind
ourselves of the tragedy from which was created
something precious and worth protecting.
Another piece offers some seasonally appropriate
advice on ensuring safe driving in wintery
conditions. We also feature the second of a series
of three articles on the falling client - one of the
most contentious issues you will meet in a manual
handling role.
On the subject of anniversaries, you may be
interested to know that we at EDGE recently
celebrated our 18th birthday - our first training day
took place in a wet and windy Wakefield in 1998!
I trust you will find something worthwhile and
illuminating in this quarter’s issue. All of us at
EDGE wish you a very merry Christmas and a
bright and happy 2017.
Best wishes,
Kate Lovett.
Alzheimer’s treatment within
reach after successful drug trial
There are 850,000 people with dementia in Britain,
and this figure is anticipated to reach a million within a
decade. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of the
condition but hopes have recently been raised that,
with the development of a new drug - verubecestat -
which targets a key element of the disease, an effective
treatment could at last be possible.
Trials have suggested that the drug – a product of the
pharmaceutical company Merck – ‘switches off’ the toxic
amyloid proteins, the production of which leads to the
sticky plaques seen in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients.
What is not yet known but will be the focus of future
trials is whether these brain plaques are the cause of the
disease, or just a symptom.
If verubecestat is indeed shown to successfully slow the
pace of mental decline, it could be the first new treatment
for Alzheimer’s to be licensed in more than a decade.
A spokesman for Merck said: ‘There are very limited
therapeutic options available for people with Alzheimer’s
disease, and those that exist provide only short-term
improvement to the cognitive and functional symptoms.
They do not directly target the underlying disease
processes.’
Many scientists believe that Alzheimer’s is caused when
accumulating proteins kill off healthy neurons, eventually
degrading memory and cognition, and causing changes
to personality. The new therapy is designed to prevent
this process.
32 patients with early stage Alzheimer’s received the
drug, daily for a week. Healthy volunteers were also
given the drug. Samples taken from the fluid surrounding
the brain showed the drug had reduced the levels of
two compounds that are known to contribute to the
development of abnormal amyloid proteins.
Merck has, however, issued a word of caution. Whilst
they believe verubecestat is successfully targeting the
build-up of plaques in the brain, they are as yet uncertain
as to whether this will necessarily convert into cognitive
benefits for patients. ‘What we have to be worried
about’, they say, ‘is that the plaques have set off other
pathologies: that it is too late.’
Rosa Sancho, head of research at Alzheimer’s Research
UK, welcomed ‘a wave of potential new treatments
currently being tested for dementia, with the results of
these studies hotly anticipated over the course of the
coming months and years.’
Previous attempts to develop similar drugs have
foundered largely due to side-effects, such as liver
toxicity and eye problems but the new drug appears to
have few side-effects and it will be the first of its kind to
reach this stage of development. Trials will include well
in excess of three thousand patients, with the disease
at different stages of development. Initial results are
expected next summer.
EDGE services

Winter 2016 Newsletter 3
(continued from page one)
today’s money was ordered to contribute towards the
cost of removing the remnants of the tip which had
claimed so many lives (this money was finally repaid to
the fund in 1997 without a penny of interest added). The
size of the fund was also used to justify the reduction in
compensation paid to the families by the NCB.
It was clear that something had to be done to protect
people who might be affected by unsafe work practices.
Barbara Castle, the responsible minister at the time, set
up a committee to review the workings of current law with
regards to health and safety at work. The Committee,
chaired by none other than Lord Robens, led to the
establishment of the Health & Safety at Work etc. Act,
1974 which is still today the bedrock of health and safety
legislation in the UK.
Previous law had been reactive rather than pro-active.
The new law aimed to make employers and employees
responsible before things went wrong. The new Act
imposed a duty on every employer that they “shall
ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, protect the
health, safety and welfare at work of his employees.”
Further duties included:
(a) provision and maintenance of plant and safe systems
of work;
(b) safety in the collection, use, storage and transport of
loads and substances;
(c) provision of information, instruction, training and
supervision of employees;
(d) maintaining a safe workplace, access and egress;
(e) maintaining a safe and healthy working environment.
The employer also had a duty to “prepare and revise a
written statement of his general policy with respect to
the health and safety at work of his employees and the
organisation and arrangement […….] for carrying out that
policy, and to bring the statement and any revision of it to
the notice of his employees.”
Employees had a general duty to take reasonable care
of themselves, and of others who might be affected by
their acts and omissions at work. This might include:
their willingness to receive training; to work safely; to use
equipment or to exercise the right to refuse to carry out a
task if there is no ‘safe system of work’ in place.
Where an employer was found negligent, the line
manager or his equivalent was now also liable and could
be punished accordingly. (Section 37). If a person was
accused of negligence for failure to comply with health
and safety legislation he/she had to prove that it was not
reasonably practicable to have complied. (Section 40).
Failure to comply with this Act might result in criminal
prosecution.
It is not difficult to see how this law might have averted
the disaster at Aberfan. It is perhaps better to focus on
the many lives which have been saved and the many
tragedies which have been averted since due to a more
rigorous health and safety framework, whilst regretting
that it took the tragedy of fifty years ago to focus the
minds of legislators.
www.edgeservices.co.uk
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4 Winter 2016 Newsletter
Legal Cases
NHS Foundation Trust Fined over Patient
Death
Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust has been fined for
safety failings after a patient drowned during a canoeing
activity event.
Mansoor Elahi, 31, from Rochdale was an inpatient
at Birch Hill Hospital when the incident occurred at
Hollingworth Lake, Rochdale on 5 September 2013.
Manchester Crown Court heard how Mr Elahi was
participating in a pre-arranged canoeing activity provided
by an outdoor activities centre in partnership with
Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, when he removed
his buoyancy aid and jumped into the water in an attempt
to end his own life.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive
found that Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust had
failed to carry out a risk assessment for the activity or to
adequately assess Mr Elahi’s suitability to attend.
Speaking after the hearing, HSE Inspector Caroline
Shorrock said: “The Trust failed to adequately assess Mr
Elahi’s suitability to attend the rafted canoeing activity. Mr
Elahi’s actions were entirely foreseeable as he had tried
to enter the lake on a previous occasion. Had the Trust
carried out a suitable assessment they would not have
allowed a vulnerable person the opportunity to end his
life.”
Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust pleaded guilty
to breaches of Regulation 3(1) of the Management of
Health and Safety at Work Regulation 1999 and Section
3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
and was fined £30,000 and ordered to pay costs of
£51,223.88.
Support Worker Sentenced after Severely
Disabled Woman Choked and Died
A senior support worker from Leeds was sentenced after
a severely disabled woman choked and later died while
in her care.
Leeds Crown Court heard a senior support worker at
an adult day care centre in Leeds allowed a sweet
to be given to Alison Evers, a 34- year-old, severely
disabled woman who had not developed a rotary chew,
the circular motion that allows food to be ground down
enough to swallow, and therefore required a soft diet.
She choked and later died in hospital.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive
(HSE) into the incident found that the senior support
worker failed to take reasonable care for the safety
of Alison Evers in a way that almost immediately set
in motion a chain of events that directly led to her
death. She pleaded guilty to breaching Section 7(a) of
the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, and was
sentenced to 80 days imprisonment, suspended for
twelve months.
Care home Group Fined following Death of
Elderly Resident
A care home company based in Middlesex has been
fined after an elderly resident of a Surrey care home died
from scalding injuries.
The court heard how the 89-year-old lady was receiving
bathing care from two employees, when she received
significant scalding injuries. She subsequently died of her
injuries in hospital.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive
(HSE) into the incident found that the bathroom taps were
not adjusted to limit the temperature of the water to a safe
level for bathing and showering.
The investigation also found that while the company had
policies and procedures in place, they were deficient
and the company failed to effectively communicate
information and instruction to its staff so that control
measures could be implemented effectively.
The company pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1)
of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, and was
fined £100,000 and ordered to pay costs of £50,000.
HSE inspector Michelle Canning said after the hearing:
“This tragic and preventable incident highlights the
responsibility that all care providers have to protect
the safety of people in their care. People who live in
residential care and nursing homes are amongst some of
the most vulnerable in our society and rely on others to
provide a safe environment for them to live in.
“All healthcare premises have a legal duty to control the
risks of scalding injuries from bathing or showering and
there is guidance that is well established and simple to
implement.”
EDGE services

Winter 2016 Newsletter 5
Self-Funders in Care Homes
Struggle to get a “Fair Deal”
A new report from Age UK entitled
“Behind the headlines: Stuck in the
middle - self-funders in care homes”
has been compiled using information
gleaned by actual calls to Age UK’s
information and advice line and
highlights the plight of many of the
41% of residents in UK care homes
who as self-funders pay the full cost
of their own care.
In the last ten years there has been
a rise of almost a third in the number
of older people paying the full cost
of their own care and this now
equates to two in five care home
residents. This rise is a result of the
state-funded system declining while
demand from an ageing population
continues to rise.
The report suggests that often
problems can start to occur initially
when the decision to move a family
member into a care home is made in
a rush following a spell in hospital.
At such an emotional time reviewing
the fine print in a care home contract
and negotiating rates is probably
the last thing on anyone’s mind –
but the terms set at this point can
have an impact not only on an
older person’s quality of life but
also on their finances. According to
Age UK’s information line, having
organised a care home for an older
person, family members start to feel
powerless as they attempt to manage
the care, often finding themselves
in a difficult position when terms of
the contract might suddenly change,
affecting either the care given or the
prices being charged. Self-funders
also lack equal rights being largely
unprotected when it comes to being
able to remain in their care home as
they have no security of tenure, and
unlike council funded residents they
do not enjoy the protection of the
Human Rights Act. This invariably
makes family members reluctant to
complain or to challenge apparently
unfair actions by care homes, for fear
of being asked to leave.
The report also highlighted the extent
to which ‘self-funders’ are ultimately
subsidising a care system that is
under pressure, being increasingly
financially squeezed as cuts in public
funding for social care are in turn
forcing local authorities to drive down
prices. As a result many care homes
look to those self-funding to make
up the shortfall to keep their homes
open. The difference in what is paid
by councils compared to those paying
for their own care can be as much as
£200 a week.
Commenting on this situation,
Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director
at Age UK said: ‘More and more older
people are paying their own care
home fees and they are increasingly
at risk of a raw deal because they are
propping up a system that is seriously
underfunded. They not only often face
eye wateringly high weekly rates,
calls to our helpline show that in some
care homes they are being asked to
pay even more through various extra
charges as proprietors struggle to
balance the books.
‘Older people and their families
deserve greater legal protection from
care home contracts that are onesided
and extra charges that are over
the top. It also seems incredibly unfair
that a care home resident can be
evicted if they or their family are seen
to “rock the boat” by complaining.
Surely the time has come to give
these vulnerable older people their
proper legal rights”.
She continued by highlighting the
wider problems the care system
faces by saying, ‘A big underlying
problem is that our care system is
financially terribly shaky. The cost of
running a care home has risen but
the money councils have to buy care
has fallen: isn’t it inevitable in these
circumstances that many providers
will look to fill as much of the gap as
they can from self-funders? And isn’t
it equally unsurprising that so many
care homes are going to the wall?
“Sadly we are seeing more and more
rationing of social care and in this
instance it looks like Peter is being
robbed to pay Paul. It’s an awful
situation for everyone, most of all
for older people in need of a care
home place and their families. The
Government needs to grasp just how
much of a crisis our care system is in
and work with others, including Age
UK, to address it.’
Age UK offers a free advice service
for older people who are affected
by any of these issues. People can
call Age UK Advice free of charge
on 0800 169 2081, or by contacting
their local Age UK office or by going
to the website www.ageuk.org.uk for
further information.
www.edgeservices.co.uk
01904 677853

6 Winter 2016 Newsletter
People Handling and
Risk Assessment
Key Trainer’s Certificate
Our flagship course has established
EDGE as one of the leading providers of
training to the healthcare and social care
sectors.
Course Overview
This course will provide delegates with
the knowledge, skills and
confidence to train others in the
moving and handling of people and in
the conducting of manual handling risk
assessments.
Who Will Benefit?
This course is for delegates with a
responsibility for health & safety and
welfare of carers and clients with
regards to the moving and handling of
people.
Assessment and Certification
Course assessment comprises:
• a one hour ’open-book’ test to
determine delegates’ theoretical
understanding of the course content;
• delivery of a group mini-training
session in order to assess teaching
skills, organisation, and delivery of
appropriate course content;
• a practical skills assessment, which
takes place continuously throughout
the course.
Course Aims and Intended Learning
Outcomes
By the end of the course delegates shall:
• demonstrate a sound knowledge of
legislation and professional guidance
which affects them, their job, their
employers and employees;
• briefly understand the workings of the
spine and how to reduce the risks of
spinal injury;
• demonstrate an appreciation of the
principles of biomechanics;
• demonstrate an appreciation of
ergonomics;
• demonstrate a sound knowledge of
risk assessment;
• demonstrate a sound knowledge of
‘controversial techniques’;
• demonstrate a sound knowledge of
up-to-date practical skills in moving
handling clients in a care setting;
• demonstrate the skills and confidence
to convey manual handling knowledge
and skills to others.
Upon successful completion of the
course, delegates will receive a certificate
of achievement from EDGE Services,
which is valid for two years.
Public Training Courses
£750+VAT per delegate -
all locations apart from London
£880+VAT per delegate - London
Forthcoming public events in London,
York, Manchester, Glasgow, Cardiff,
Brighton, Warwickshire and Exeter.
In-House Training Courses
We can tailor-make this course to
suit your organisation’s specific
requirements.
£3,900 +VAT for up to ten delegates.
Go to our website or telephone EDGE
Services for further details.
Course Accreditations:
Forthcoming Public Training Dates Include:
9 - 12 January 2017, York
10 - 13 January 2017, Oxford
17 - 20 January 2017, London
24 - 27 January 2017, Glasgow
31 January - 3 February, 2017,
Edinburgh
14 - 17 February, 2017, Birmingham
21 - 24 February 2017, Manchester
19 - 22 July 2017, Birmingham
28 February - 3 March 2017, Exeter
21 - 24 March 2017, York
28 - 31 March 2017, London
28 - 31 March 2017, Cardiff
4 - 7 April 2017, Peterborough
10 - 13 April 2017, London
18 - 21 April 2017, Warwick
2- 5 May 2017, Manchester
9 -12 May 2017, Glasgow
30 May - 2 June 2017, London
20 - 23 June 2017, Brighton
27 - 30 June 2017, Birmingham
11 - 14 July 2017, York
25 - 28 July 2017, Oxford
1 - 4 August 2017, London
29 August - 1 Sept 2017, Glasgow
5 - 8 September 2017, Manchester
12 - 15 Sept 2017, Peterborough
19 - 22 September 2017, Cardiff
26 - 29 September 2017, York
10 - 13 October 2017, London
Course Materials Comprise of:
• A 200 page professionally bound,
full colour course text book.
• A delegate CD ROM containing all
notes, handouts, delegate quizzes
etc that you would need to deliver
your own training courses.
• A 27 page full colour ‘Ideas’ book
with training tips.
EDGE services
All the above and more are
included in the course price.

Winter 2016 Newsletter 7
People Handling and
Risk Assessment Key Trainer’s Certificate
(Refresher/Update)
Public Training Courses
£470+VAT per delegate -
all locations apart from London
£520+VAT per delegate - London
Forthcoming public events in London,
York, Manchester, Glasgow, Cardiff,
Brighton, Warwickshire and Exeter.
In-House Training Courses
We can tailor-make this course to
suit your organisation’s specific
requirements.
£1,950 +VAT for up to ten delegates.
Go to our website or telephone EDGE
Services for further details.
Course Accreditations:
Our flagship course has established
EDGE as one of the leading providers of
training to the healthcare and social care
sectors.
Course Overview
In order that trainers keep abreast of new
legislation and developments in manual
handling, EDGE Services recommend
a ‘Refresher’ course at least every two
years. This course will further advance
delegates’ professional development
and manual handling skills, and provide
the opportunity to trade experience with
others.
Who Will Benefit?
This course is designed for those who
have previously attended the EDGE
Services ‘People Handling & Risk
Assessment Key Trainer’s Certificate’ or
simliar course. Delegates not previously
trained by EDGE Services will be
required to provide proof of their original
qualification.
Assessment and Certification
Course assessment comprises:
• a practical skills assessment, which
takes place continuously throughout
the course;
• informal Q&A throughout the duration
of the course.
Course Aims and Intended Learning
Outcomes
By the end of the course delegates shall:
• have been reminded of, and made
aware of any relevant changes to,
legislation and professional guidance
which affects them, their job, their
employers and employees;
• have been reminded of the principles
of biomechanics and how they can be
applied to the efficient movement of
clients;
• have been reminded of ergonomics as
a means for the reduction of manual
handling injury;
• have been reminded of the importance
of risk assessment;
• have been reminded of the commonly
known ‘controversial techniques’ and
why some manouevres have been
classified as such;
• have had the opportunity to practise
up-to-date manual handling techniques
and to review new handling aids;
• have had the opportunity to assess
practical moves using current
assessment tools.
Upon successful completion of the
course, delegates will receive a
certificate of achievement from EDGE
Services, which is valid for two years.
Course Materials Comprise of:
• A 210 page professionally bound,
full colour course text book.
• A delegate CD ROM containing all
notes, handouts, delegate quizzes
etc that you would need to deliver
your own training courses. There
is also over one hour of filmed
practical skills.
All the above and more are
included in the course price.
Forthcoming Public Training Dates Include:
8 & 9 December 2016, Glasgow
15 & 16 December 2016, London
19 & 20 December 2016, Manchester
19 & 20 December 2016, Brighton
5 & 6 January 2017, London
5 & 6 January 2017, York
12 & 13 January 2017, Glasgow
30 & 31 January 2017, Oxford
7 & 8 February 2017, London
14 & 15 February 2017, Edinburgh
16 & 17 February 2017, Manchester
23 & 24 February 2017, Exeter
23 & 24 February 2017, Glasgow
2 & 3 March 2017, London
14 & 15 March 2017, York
16 & 17 March 2017, Glasgow
21 & 22 March 2017, Peterborough
21 & 22 March 2017, Oxford
4 & 5 April 2017, Birmingham
18 & 19 April 2017, Manchester
25 & 26 April 2017, London
27 & 28 April 2017, York
2 & 3 May 2017, Glasgow
18 & 19 May 2017, London
6 & 7 June 2017, York
13 & 14 June 2017, Cardiff
15 & 16 June 2017, Oxford
20 & 21 June 2017, Birmingham
27 & 28 June 2017, Manchester
29 & 30 June 2017, Glasgow
6 & 7 July 2017, York
13 & 14 July 2017, London
1 & 2 August 2017, London
www.edgeservices.co.uk
01904 677853

8 Winter 2016 Newsletter
Children Handling and Risk
Assessment
Children Handling and Risk
Assessment (Refresher/Update)
KEY TRAINER’S
CERTIFICATE
Public Training Courses
KEY TRAINER’S
CERTIFICATE
Public Training Courses
This four day course
will provide you with the
knowledge, skills and
confidence to train others
in the moving and handling
of children/young adults
and how to conduct manual
handling risk assessments.
£750+VAT per delegate
7 - 10 February 2017, Birmingham
31 Oct - 3 Nov 2017, Birmingham
In-House Training Courses
We can tailor-make this course to
suit your organisation’s specific
requirements.
This two day Refresher/
Update course will further
advance your professional
development and manual
handling skills, and provide
you with a valuable opportunity
to trade experience with
others.
£470+VAT per delegate
1 - 2 December 2016, Birmingham
26 - 27 January 2017, Birmingham
19 - 20 October 2017, Birmingham
In-House Training Courses
We can tailor-make this course to
suit your organisation’s specific
requirements.
£3,900 +VAT for up to ten delegates.
£1,950+VAT for up to ten delegates.
Go to our website or telephone
EDGE Services for further details.
Go to our website or telephone
EDGE Services for further details.
Course Accreditations:
Course Accreditations:
For more details please
visit our website www.
edgeservices.co.uk/courses
For more details please
visit our website www.
edgeservices.co.uk/courses
Understanding and Managing
Behaviour that Challenges
KEY TRAINER’S
CERTIFICATE
This four day course
will provide you with the
knowledge, skills and
confidence to train others in
de-escalation and breakaway
techniques, which can be
adopted to deal with individuals
exhibiting challenging
behaviour.
Public Training Courses
£750+VAT per delegate
4 - 7 April 2017, York
18 - 21 July 2017, Birmingham
17 - 20 November 2017, Glasgow
In-House Training Courses
We can tailor-make this course to
suit your organisation’s specific
requirements.
£3,900 +VAT for up to ten delegates.
Go to our website or telephone
EDGE Services for further details.
Understanding and Managing
Behaviour that Challenges (Refresher/
Update)
KEY TRAINER’S
CERTIFICATE
This one day Refresher/Update
course will further advance
your professional development,
de-escalation and breakaway
skills and provide you with a
valuable opportunity to trade
experiences with others.
Public Training Courses
£285+VAT per delegate
3 April 2017, York
17 July 2017, Birmingham
16 November 2017, Glasgow
In-House Training Courses
We can tailor-make this course to
suit your organisation’s specific
requirements.
£975 +VAT for up to ten delegates.
Go to our website or telephone
EDGE Services for further details.
Course Accreditations:
Course Accreditations:
For more details please
visit our website www.
edgeservices.co.uk/courses
For more details please
visit our website www.
edgeservices.co.uk/courses
EDGE services

Complaining Relatives Banned by Care Homes
A man has told the BBC he was
banned from visiting the Somerset
care home where his 93-yearold
father resided, as a result of a
complaint he made regarding the
quality of his father’s care. Paul
Doolan’s father, Terry, was registered
blind, needed hearing aids and used
a wheelchair. As a result of the ban,
Paul and Terry could only arrange
supervised meetings at a local
restaurant. This ‘deeply upsetting’
situation seems to have arisen,
Paul claims, as a consequence of
a complaint he lodged regarding
care staff’s failure to ensure that the
batteries in his father’s hearing-aid
were always adequately charged.
‘I had limited time when I’d go in to
see Dad,’ Paul says. ‘And because his
hearing aids weren’t working properly,
because his batteries had run out
or they weren’t clean, it took me a
quarter of an hour to sort this out [and]
to start speaking properly to him...
When I wasn’t there, he probably sat
in total silence and... stimulation was
very important.’
In August, 2012, Paul was accused
of demonstrating unacceptable
behaviour towards staff – which he
disputes ‘completely’ - and told to
‘cease visits’.
Terry was subsequently moved to
another care home. Defending the
care home, a spokeswoman said:
‘I can confirm that during the time
in question, the home followed all
regulations set by CQC [Care Quality
Commission] and all guidelines set by
our local authority.’
500 Hundred Care Providers Fail Food
Inspections
More than 500 UK care providers have failed hygiene
and food safety inspection including more than
200 residential, nursing and care homes. These
establishments failed to meet such standards and
received low grades, more than any other type of care
provider, at their most recent Food Standards Agency
(FSA) inspections. Around 200 nurseries, childcare
centres, playgroups and out-of-school care providers,
also failed to meet hygiene standards; as well as a
smaller number of hospices, homeless shelters, churches
and youth centres.
The FSA ranks food providers with a score between
In another case raised by the Victoria
Derbyshire show, siblings, Angela
and Mervyn Eastman, had to find a
new home for their mother Careena,
86, when she was evicted from an
Essex nursing home following a
single formal complaint about poor
care. Although the Eastmans had told
home staff that a gash on Careena’s
leg had not been properly treated,
they only raised a formal complaint
when other residents, known for
displaying aggressive behaviour,
were moved into the same area as
their mother without prior notice. Two
days later, saying the matter had been
‘thoroughly investigated’, the home
responded that it could not ‘deal with
family needs’ or ‘Careena’s needs’ and
issued Careena a ‘notice to quit’ the
home ‘within 28 days’. Mervyn calls
it ‘an excuse’ and ‘disproportionate’
whilst the home – which has been
rated as good in its two most recent
CQC inspections - countered that it
had a duty of care ‘to ensure that we
are always able to meet individuals’
needs, and where we cannot, we are
compelled to make unenviable and
difficult decisions to ensure that the
individual is supported to relocate to
a service where their needs can be
best met.’ With the help of the local
authority, Careena is now living at a
new home.
The CQC’s Andrea Sutcliffe told the
BBC: “Care homes are people’s
homes. They, their family and friends
should not live in fear of being
penalised for raising concerns. We
have published information to clarify
Winter 2016 Newsletter 9
people’s rights and our expectations
of providers so that people living in
care homes, their family and friends
can be more confident that their
concerns will be listened to and acted
upon by providers responsible for
delivering safe, compassionate and
high quality care.’
However, other voices contributing
to the BBC show suggested that
occurrences may be exaggerated.
One former care home worker said
that he was aware of only one case
of relatives being banned from a
family member’s care home in eight
years. The care worker reported
that, in that specific case, the family
were at fault, being aggressive and
fault-finding, their behaviour, staff
believed, deriving in part from their
own guilt.
Eileen Chubb, who campaigns for
better regulation of the care industry,
says she hears from 50 to 60 families
a year in similar positions to the
Doolans and the Eastmans. ‘Some
people raise a concern,’ she says,
‘and when it’s not dealt with and
they raise a concern a second time,
they’re seen as serial complainers.
That seems to be a tactic that’s used
against families who are raising
genuine concerns. The balance of
power is totally weighed against
the relative raising concerns, and
whatever the care home says is
taken at face value by all of the
authorities. So the relatives and the
residents are the people with the
least power, and it’s a major part of
the problem.’
zero and five, where zero means the provider ‘urgently
requires improvement’. Whilst 98% of hospitals and
other care providers reached a satisfactory grade,
establishments awarded only one or two are considered
to be failing in their duties.
Despite the significant majority of establishments
achieving three or above, Michael Harding, a food
hygiene rating scheme support officer at the FSA, noted
that any care organisation receiving an unsatisfactory
score was ‘a cause for concern’, because vulnerable
people, including children, older people and people who
are ill, were more likely to be using use their services.
He went on, ‘The food safety officer will be taking the
necessary action to ensure that the issues identified at
caring premises with a lower rating are addressed and
that vulnerable people are not put at risk.’
www.edgeservices.co.uk
01904 677853

10 Winter 2016 Newsletter
Winter Driving Advice
For Care Workers
Now that the clocks have gone back and Halloween and
Bonfire night are over, it feels as if winter is really and
truly on its way.
We are aware that a number of our newsletter readers
will be involved in domiciliary care and as such spend
a good part of their working day on the road, driving
between client visits. We therefore thought that now was
an opportune time to provide some tips and advice on
safer driving during the colder weather.
• When driving in wintery conditions it’s important that
you have good visibility at all times, so make sure your
windscreen, windows and mirrors are free from grit and
dust. You also need to check that all of the lights on your
car are working properly.
• Windscreen wipers need to be in good working order,
so they are able to clean your windscreen effectively. Also
adding a winter additive to your screenwash will stop it
from freezing and allow you to clean your windscreen
properly when necessary.
• It’s important to check your tyres at this time of year
making sure there is enough tread on each. The legal
limit is 1.6mm, however having at least 3mm depth will
help to disperse water on the road if you are driving in
heavy rain.
• Should you encounter snow then make sure before
you drive off that your bonnet and roof are clear. It can
be extremely dangerous to you and other road users
if snow blows off whilst you are driving along, and
remember in ice and snow stopping distances are 10
times longer. When pulling away on a snowy road use
second gear, easing your foot off the clutch gently to
avoid spinning. Also if heavy snow is forecast then it
might be worth putting a spade in your boot should you
need to clear the area around your parked car.
• Make sure that your phone is always fully charged
and ideally carry a blanket, a hi-vis vest, a torch and
some jump leads with you in your car during the winter
months.
• Finally always plan your journey, checking the
weather conditions in the area you are going to.
Care Company Sentenced over
Injury to Service User
A limited company providing housing support services for
vulnerable adults and children has been sentenced after
a service user was burnt at one of its properties.
The group has a variety of residential properties and on
18 April 2015, a female 49-year-old service user with
cerebral palsy, epilepsy and severe learning disabilities
was assisted to a shower room by a support worker. The
room was described in the investigation as being very
hot due to the radiator lacking an individual thermostatic
control.
While the support worker was aware the radiator was
hot, she did not consider it to be hot enough to burn. The
support worker showered the service user and began
drying her while she was sitting on a chair.
She then assisted the lady to step out of the shower area
and take hold of a grab rail which was positioned above
the radiator. While standing over the radiator her leg
came into contact with the radiator.
As the service user is non-verbal and has difficulty
balancing she was unable to move her leg away from
the radiator or to communicate with the support worker
to alert her. It is unknown exactly how long her leg was
against the radiator.
The support worker noticed a burn on the left side of the
injured lady’s left calf. She alerted the assistant team
manager and the lady taken to a specialist burns’ unit for
treatment on the burn that extended 20 centimetres up
her calf.
At a follow up appointment it was noted that the burn was
not healing properly and a skin graft was taken from her
thigh and applied to her calf. As a result the victim has
been left with permanent scarring.
During the course of the investigation it came to light
that the group had been alerted to the risk posed by
the radiator. In November 2011 a routine inspection
was carried out by their local council. The written report
following this inspection required the radiator to be
covered and a follow up email in 2012 asked whether
the radiator in the bathroom had been provided with a
suitable cover to protect clients from scalding.
Despite this being drawn to their attention,
the court heard the company’s
internal systems failed to ensure
action was taken. The company
registered in Edinburgh pleaded
guilty to breaching Section 3
of the Health and Safety at
Work etc. Act 1974 and was
fined £8000, reduced from
£12,000 for an early guilty plea.
EDGE services

Need to know
Falls Prevention in the Elderly
Winter 2016 Newsletter 11
In our last newsletter we printed
part one of a three part series on
falls in the elderly.
Part one discussed the prevalence
of falls across the UK and
considered ways to help prevent
falls in the elderly population. In
this newsletter we are considering
how best to manage a person
during a fall and the factors that
should be considered in doing so.
Your organisation’s general health
and safety policy/procedure or
manual handling policy/procedure
would generally indicate what is
expected of staff in the event of a
falling person. The decision about
how staff should manage this
situation is often dictated by the
organisation’s insurance schedule.
If no such statement exists in your
organisation’s policies this should
be bought to the attention of the
person/s responsible for health and
safety within the company.
Some organisations advise that
staff should not intervene with
a falling person and commonly
indicate that staff should step
away. Although, in reality, case law
has been critical of this stance.
Other organisations advise that
the only permitted intervention is
to protect the person’s head/face
from injury which might involve, for
instance, throwing down a cushion
or a pillow against any hard
surface that might be in the way
during the fall. Sometimes advice
includes giving staff permission
to attempt to re-direct the falling
person against a suitable surface
such as a bed, lounge chair etc.
Either way the advice to staff
should be clearly indicated in the
appropriate policy document.
In EDGE Services’ experience the
most common advice given to staff in
these circumstances is to undertake
a ‘controlled descent’. A controlled
descent or controlled lowering of a
falling person would generally involve
the following steps on behalf of the
handler:
•Release your hold of the falling
person and if possible step behind
their body.
•Take a step back with one foot to
form an off-set stable base with your
feet for stability.
•Flex both knees slightly for further
strength and stability – the forward
foot may have a slightly lower flexed
knee than the back foot. This position
will form a ‘slide’ of your thigh but
also give you as much strength and
stability as possible.
•Position your hands flat against the
person’s lower trunk, enable a sliding
action to occur through your hands.
•Allow the person to slide down the
front of your thigh moving backwards
as the slide happens to avoid the
person’s weight ‘resting’ on your bent
thigh for too long a period.
•As the person moves to the floor
try and move downwards to the floor
yourself to avoid bending your back
too much. This way you should end
up kneeling behind your client as
they come to rest on the floor.
•Ideally the client has come to rest
on the floor on their bottom; however
it may be that they eased themselves
forward during the fall and have
landed on their knees. Either way,
the handler should make a mental
note of how they descended as this
will play a significant part of the later
injury assessment process that will
be undertaken.
•A full assessment of possible harm
will be undertaken following the fall
and appropriate medical action may
need to be taken with immediate
effect.
There are significant risks
associated with undertaking a
controlled descent and these
would normally be indicated in the
appropriate policies/procedures to
ensure staff are fully informed.
These include:
•There is a greater risk of harm
to the handler if the falling client is
much larger in weight and/or height
than themselves.
•There is a risk that the handler
may lose their balance during the
descent of the client.
•There is a greater risk of harm if
the handler is pregnant or a new
mother.
•There is a greater risk of harm
if the handler has a current or a
previous musculoskeletal disorder.
•There is a greater risk of harm if
staff are not fully appraised of the
theoretical training on when it is
appropriate to intervene.
•There is a greater risk of harm if
staff are not fully appraised of how
they should intervene.
It should be noted that practical
training of a controlled descent is
not advised as the risk of injury
to both parties is great. Manual
handling trainers are advised to
either show a video of a controlled
descent or possibly use a pillow/
mannequin to represent the client
demonstrating the stance and
holds advised.
Finally, a thorough manual
handling risk assessment should
be undertaken in conjunction
with UK legislation to indicate the
hazards and likelihood of injury for
both the client and the handler/s
when considering the safest
options for any controlled descent.
www.edgeservices.co.uk
01904 677853

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you learn a great deal in a short period of time.
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