September 2021
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It has been an unprecedented time for social care across the UK. People have been left waiting for ambulances for up to 40 hours due to a lack of paramedics. As the government requests assistance from the M.O.D, care providers across Edinburgh await a response to their request for support from Edinburgh Council.
In the absence of a response, we are pulling out all the stops to support existing service users now and over the Autumn and Winter periods. There are key things you can do to help including:
Vaccinations
Flu Vaccinations
Influenza kills 25,000 people across the UK every year. Whether you work for SCA or you or your loved one receives support from us, please consider getting vaccinated. You are not only protecting yourself but potentially others at risk.
Covid Vaccinations
If you haven’t already had both doses of the vaccine, please act now. If you are house bound contact your G.P for advice, or if you are mobile, please use a drop-in centre. You can find a list of these here.
Covid Boosters
Just like the Flu Vaccine, those who had their Covid Vaccination earlier in the year will be entitled to a booster. Whether you work in social care or you or your loved one receives support from us, please consider getting your booster when they are available.
Herbert Protocol
You may have seen on the news how the Herbert Protocol is helping safeguard those with dementia. It is a simple form which gathers useful information on those with Dementia. In the case of a missing person the completed form can be given to the emergency services and save valuable time in locating them safely. You will be glad to hear that SCA implemented the protocol last year and continue to keep these updated.
Technology Hub
Following a successful visit by Martin to the tech hub last month (see video and blogpost below), we are offering referrals to everyone who may be interested in getting more support at home. Shaz our business manager is contacting the next of kin of those with Dementia as a specialist assessment by the hub to improve their lives. If you wish to lean more, please call the office and ask for Shaz.
For those who don’t know Martin, you can find out more in Martin’s own words here:
Read more on our blog: Smart Technology to support safe and independent living
Investing in training
This month we have secured places with the open university for 4 staff to undertake their “Leading, Managing and Caring” course. If the review of the course is positive, then a further 4 places will be made available. If you work for SCA and would like to be considered for the course, please let Shaz know.
Staff Promotions
We continue to invest in our staff, and I am delighted that we have been able to offer 3 staff Team Leader positions with SCA. As part of our commitment to their promotions they will be supported in undertaking the open university “Leading, Managing and Caring” course.
Further positions are being created so if you feel the time is right to kick start your career, please let Shaz know.
Final Thoughts
I know that day in day out all we hear about is covid and its affect on all of us. We are all in this together and should feel proud of the way in which we are supporting each other. My heart goes out to those who have lost someone from covid, and my thanks go to those who are working tirelessly to make sure everyone’s needs are being met.
Often, we forget that our Team is made up of those you see and those working behind the scenes. This includes families, office staff, directors and partners, who are there 24/7. We will get through this, with the support of each other. Remember, if you need to chat, please contact the office, we are here to listen and do what we can to help you.
