Tuesday 27 October 2015

The Butterfly Effect

Every day millions of carers touch the lives of those around them.  They are people like you and me, sons and daughters, husbands and wives, brothers and sisters, friends, neighbours or even strangers.

What we and they do is not complicated, I call it the butterfly effect, where the smallest of actions can have a life changing effect on others.  We offer a shoulder to cry on, a warm smile when your sad or companionship when your lonely.  We will care for you when your ill, hold your hand when your dying and when your gone make sure your loved ones are not alone.

Being a carer is not for everyone, but for those who can put others needs before their own, it brings it's own rewards.  Think of all the people whose lives would be poorer had you not been there for them

For our part we promise to support you, developing your skills, knowledge and career.  Together, every day we make the world a little bit better. 

Stephen

Thursday 1 October 2015

Focus Area - Infection Control

As you all know on this month our focus area is Infection Control.  Johanna has already posted information on our Google Community about:
Respiratory and Cough Hygiene
Patient Placement
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 
Hand Hygiene. 

I urge everyone to read them even if you think you already know everything about infection control.  It is good practice to keep yourself up to date as recommendations and best practice can change.  
Remember "Repetitio est mater studiorum" - repetition is the mother of learning. Discuss or share your ideas. 
It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that we prevent infections as we are working with vulnerable adults.  Why Infection Control is so Important?  As Service Users (SU) come into contact with many staff members there is the potential to spread infections and microorganisms.  LINK 1
Most people know that washing hands and using gloves is a good practice but why we need to wear aprons?  Aprons are worn to stop contamination of care workers’ clothes and skin.  It is used when there is a risk of splashes or sprays of body fluids and when the care worker’s clothes might get wet (body wash/shower).  Here is a great video what explains that we do not see all bacteria and how easy it is to spread them around: LINK 2  So please use aprons all the times, it takes only 5 seconds to put on. 
If you are unsure about something do not hesitate to ask.  Here are some more usefulmaterial.  LINK 3  LINK 4