Empowering Choices workshops are very much needed. Through social media and recently on TV in panorama programmes we have been reminded yet again how many professionals in hospitals and care settings ignore essential legislation ( Mental Capacity Act, Care Act and Human Rights) that is there to protect us from abuses.
To name just a few examples where the MCA would have helped- Tommy Jessop, actor, activist, and self advocate for learning disabilities shared horrific cases of adults with learning disabilities being ignored by professionals. The cases of abuse and neglect of legislation is prevalent too with other disabilities. For example, at Birmingham Trust a patient with hearing needs was ignored six times. In this case, the staff did not follow the Mental Capacity principle 1, the need to “assume capacity” nor did they follow principle 2 of enabling individuals to communicate or understand information in the format accessible to them. Instead, decisions without patient consent happened not just once but six times. This is unacceptable. So is the behaviour of a regulator such as CQC turning a blind eye to care homes restricting visits to residents. This is a clear breach of the MCA and Human Rights.
Everyone has a right to have their voices heard. No one should be making assumptions about others or making judgements about whether their lives are worth less than others. Nor should we be making decisions on behalf of others when they can do so themselves if given the right support. Too many lives have been cut short because of discrimination and poor practices. We can and must do better for everyone.
Over the last few weeks we have been delivering “ Empowering Choices” workshops in care homes/hospices In York and across North Yorkshire. A series of homes (12) have booked this course which is encouraging because it shows that care home staff are willing to engage and learn when provided with training tailored to their environment and challenges.
Our workshops have so far been positively received. We have been thrilled to see changes of attitudes and behaviour during the workshop. This is fantastic because when delegates understand the legislation and how they can apply them in their settings, the lives of individuals in their care will become better.
The feedback from these workshops has been encouraging with 100% circled “outstanding” on the feedback form. Here are some of the comments reflecting the style and impact of the training: “ It flows well and everything linked together” “Engaging and active” “ The MCA came alive” “I will have a one to one chat with all residents to find out more about them…. and respect their choices and wishes” “ To empower the residents to be more independent ensuring risk assessments are in place”
When delegates gain an understanding of the legislation and apply it better in their settings this improves the quality of life for everyone. This needs to be followed up with consistent listening and meaningful engagements with individuals. When followed this will not only help the individuals receiving care, it will also improve care homes’ occupancy rates and staff retention/recruitment. This is no small thing with the current crisis of recruitment and retention as highlighted in the recent Skills for Care report “ The state of the adult social care sector and workforce in England” .
In health the benefits are better outcomes with less complications. Giving patients the information they need in an accessible format enable them to make decisions relating to treatment. This will help avoid so many cases where negligence and/or incorrect assumptions have caused harm to patients.
Therefore it is a WIN WIN for everyone to understand and apply the legislation designed to protect us at our most vulnerable. We need everyone who works in health and social care from the front line, to management, regulators and owners to take more time to listen and understand individuals’ needs and wishes
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