MHA shortlisted for two prestigious awards

24 October 2017

The high quality of care at MHA has been formally recognised after it has been shortlisted for two prestigious awards.

MHA’s approach to improving quality in its care homes and retirement living schemes which are registered with the inspection body the Care Quality Commission have led it to being a finalist in the Innovation in Care category in the 2017 LaingBuisson awards.

In addition, the older person’s charity’s caring approach and how it cares for, and works with, residents and their families means it has been shortlisted for the End of Life Care Award in the Third Sector Charity awards.

MHA supports more than 7,500 older people across its 88 care homes and 70 retirement living schemes. A drive in quality means that 88 per cent of its services requiring inspection by the CQC are rated as ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ – 82 per cent of its nursing homes are rated ‘good’ compared to 68 per cent nationally.

Director of Quality Annie Webber says being a finalist in the Innovation in Care Award is recognition for all the staff involved, from the quality and operational teams working in partnership right through to all the staff in homes and schemes.

She added: “One of our values is ‘to be the best we can’ and our work in driving up quality really embodies this.

“Our residents are central to what we do so for us it is about looking at the quality of life they have in our care homes and also the quality we deliver for end of life care. We take pride in making sure everything we do is the best for our residents. Notwithstanding this, we have also invested in new systems and processes to enhance our aim to continuously improve in our strive for excellence.

 “In recent years we’ve taken a systematic look at our approach to quality and designed a new model where quality and operational teams work hand in hand to raise standards. We share best practice and learning across all care homes, support care teams with developmental training and use data to make informed decisions.”

MHA’s approach to end of life care is encapsulated in its specially designed programme called ‘The Final Lap’ which aims to make sure all its care homes are places where death and dying are faced openly, positively and with support.

The programme was implemented long before various Government initiatives to improve end of life care. MHA’s approach and resources have been shared with organisations nationally and internationally to promote excellence in end of life care.

The Chaplaincy service in all MHA’s homes has been the key to opening conversations with residents and relatives, as Director of Chaplaincy and Spirituality Chris Swift explained.

“MHA differs from other care providers in offering a Chaplaincy service in all its care homes, as we believe the spiritual wellbeing of our residents is as important as their physical and mental wellbeing,” he said.

“They provide a source of counsel to residents and relatives, creating a culture of care and openness right from when a resident moves into one of our homes. This means that the last wishes of our residents can be easily articulated, clearly recorded and observed with the utmost respect and dignity as the Chaplains work closely with the team at the home.

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