Newcross Healthcare Solutions’ Post

This week, I am focusing on exploring additional ways to support care homes. Are you a care home owner, manager, or do you work in a care home? Your insights are invaluable to us. If you are facing challenges in getting residents seen by a GP, what are the primary obstacles you are encountering? For those with family members in care homes, are you experiencing difficulties in accessing healthcare for your loved ones? Can you easily communicate with a GP to address any concerns? If you are facing any issues, what specific challenges are you facing? Your comments are highly appreciated as they will contribute to our efforts to enhance support for residents and enhance accessibility for staff and family members in care homes. Let us know your thoughts to help us make a difference. Please comment below or send me a message. #carehomes #residential #nursing #accessinghealthcare #primarycare #medicalcare

Reflecting on the Role of Nurse Aides and Caregivers in Canada’s Healthcare Landscape – 2024 As we approach the end of 2024, it's crucial to recognize the invaluable contributions of nurse aides, personal support workers (PSWs), and caregivers who form the backbone of Canada’s healthcare system. Their commitment, compassion, and dedication are essential in delivering quality care, particularly as we face an aging population and increasing demand for healthcare services. Key highlights for 2024: Workforce Strain and Support: Despite the growing demand for care, nurse aides and caregivers continue to face significant challenges, including high workload pressures, burnout, and low pay relative to their critical role. The need for better support, recognition, and fair compensation has never been more urgent. Training and Development: Training programs for nurse aides and caregivers have been enhanced in 2024, with a stronger emphasis on specialized care, such as dementia and palliative care. This investment in education is crucial for improving care quality and providing the right tools to meet patient needs. Technology Integration: The integration of digital tools and health technology has begun to ease administrative burdens for caregivers, allowing them more time to focus on patient care. From electronic health records to remote monitoring, technology has proven to be a powerful tool in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of care delivery. Mental Health Support: With the mental and emotional toll of caregiving, there has been a growing focus on mental health support for caregivers. Initiatives aimed at providing resources and counseling are essential to sustaining this workforce. Recognition and Advocacy: 2024 saw increased advocacy for the recognition of nurse aides and caregivers as essential workers. Public and policy support is critical for creating systemic changes that will ensure a sustainable and compassionate care environment. As we look ahead to 2025, it's vital that we continue to prioritize the well-being, training, and fair compensation of nurse aides and caregivers. They are not just a part of the system; they are the heart of it. Their resilience, dedication, and humanity deserve both recognition and support. Here’s to a future where healthcare workers, especially caregivers, are empowered to provide the best care possible. #NurseAides #Caregivers #PSWs #Healthcare #Canada #EndOfYearReflection #WorkforceWellbeing #SupportCaregivers #Recognition #MentalHealth #CompassionateCare

I recently read an article about the impact of social determinants on health outcomes, and it struck a chord with me. As a future nurse, I want to advocate for increasing access to healthcare for underserved communities. Understanding the broader context of patient care is crucial, and I’m committed to learning more about how to support vulnerable populations in my future practice. It’s essential that we address these disparities to improve health equity for all. #HealthcareAdvocacy #Nursing #FutureNurse

🚨New Blog! 🚨 We take a deeper look at the changing Personal Support Worker landscape in Canada and why there is a growing need for future PSWs. Here is a snippet: As of 2022, approximately 350,000 PSWs were employed across all sectors in Canada. Of these, about 77,000 worked in home care, 98,000 were employed in the hospital sector, and 167,000 worked in residential care settings, such as long-term care homes and nursing homes. This workforce is crucial in helping support individuals with chronic health conditions, disabilities, and those who require assistance due to aging. Read the full article below! https://lnkd.in/gqNXgPNi #PersonalSupportWorker #PSW #Nursing #Healthcare #Canada

I didn’t want to be a nurse. If you’d asked me back in 2014 where I would end up in my career, I would have told you plainly: I’d made a mistake in becoming one. I wanted no part in these overwhelmingly dysfunctional systems. But this wasn’t a new feeling for me. At the age of eight, standing at the reception window of a New Zealand Emergency Department (barely tall enough to see over the counter) I made my first official complaint about my mother’s healthcare in my unofficial capacity of a Child Carer. The subsequent investigation and the nurse's standing down for serious misconduct was a bittersweet victory, emphasising the challenges of being an advocate in a world that often overlooks wisdom, truth and insight when it isn't packaged in a form of what they expect or are prepared to accept. I learned that day that speaking up for what’s right can bring consequences, and that advocacy in healthcare is often met with resistance, especially when it challenges what’s expected or acceptable. Fast forward to my own career as a Registered Nurse, where being an advocate for patients and their families always came at a high personal cost. Healthcare, as it stands, relies on people with good intentions to keep dysfunctional systems working. The result is often exhausting, heartbreaking, and isolating—especially for those of us who see and question the limits of “the way things have always been done.” For those of us who see beyond the standard frameworks, this becomes a relentless cycle, and the cost of being an advocate can be severe, but ultimately worth it as you navigate how the commitment to seeing change conflicts with a system resistant to it. But questions remain: how do we shift healthcare from being problem-focused to truly solutions-focused? How can we encourage “intelligent disobedience” to bring constructive change, so that advocacy is valued and not merely tolerated? How do we inspire a culture that doesn’t just survive within constraints but seeks to improve and transform the system itself? For those of you who’ve been on this path, what’s worked in fostering this kind of culture among peers, colleagues or within organisations? How do we begin to make sustainable, actionable improvements and break down limiting norms and find ways to incorporate “intelligent disobedience” where it’s most needed? I’d love to hear your thoughts, stories, and strategies. Let’s start a conversation about transforming—not just maintaining—healthcare as we know it. I’m asking for a friend. [Image of Elizabeth Zizik and friend at 2014 nursing graduation in a brick alleyway] #AskNurseElle #SolutionsFocused #IntelligentDisobedience #ProfessionalDisobediance #NursingLeadership #2e #Giftedness #HealthNZ #NZRN #RegisteredNurse

Looking to support your healthcare workers and prevent burnout? Here are some key tips from UNC Health. 🏃♀️Encourage regular exercise and other restorative activities 💤Look for warning signs of burnout 🙅Respect others boundaries Click the link below to read the full article: https://hubs.li/Q02qNYy00 #Healthcare #Burnout #Nurse #RN #RPN #LPN #PSW #Support #Article

The Troubling Divide Between Doctors and Nurses in the NHS The NHS is one of Britain's most treasured institutions, providing vital care to millions. However, it has long been plagued by a stark imbalance between two of its most essential workforces - doctors and nurses. Recent high-profile scandals and new figures have thrown this divide into stark relief. The pay gap tells much of the story. Two ads on the same Trust website: consultant psychiatrist can earn between £99,532 and £131,964 per year. For a band 6 community psychiatric nurse, the range is just £35,392 to £42,618 - less than a third of the top consultant salaries. Nurses routinely struggle to make ends meet while doctors enjoy very comfortable incomes. This financial disparity is symbolic of a much deeper imbalance of power, prestige and accountability within the NHS. The Francis Report into the horrific failings at Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust found that the "consultant body largely dissociated itself from management", highlighting a lack of responsibility. We've seen further examples of doctors appearing unaccountable in recent years. One medical professional displaying breathtaking arrogance in the Infected Blood Inquiry stated: "Personally I don't think there is any reason to undertake another Public Inquiry in this area"..."I think it would lead to more distress than it would lead to enlightenment and it would create no benefit in my view to anybody." Meanwhile, popular TV dramas like "This is Going to Hurt" romanticise doctors as overworked heroes battling a broken system. What's glaringly omitted is the vast auxiliary workforce of nurses who face many of the same struggles - for far less pay and status. The COVID-19 pandemic briefly shone a light on the heroic work of NHS nurses and other staff. But that spotlight quickly faded, as evidenced by the latest insultingly low pay offers from government.  With nurses increasingly able to prescribe, diagnose and take on leadership roles, we must question what precise value highly-paid doctors still provide in areas like psychiatric care. Certainly, no amount of privilege should permit unethical behaviour and unaccountability. It's time for an open and frank discussion about the power dynamics at play within the NHS. Nurses are skilled professionals deserving of respect and fair compensation - not an afterthought obscured by a culture that protects and enriches one profession at the expense of others. Only by nurturing greater equality and mutual accountability can we build a stronger, more just healthcare system for the future. #workplacebullying #abuse #mentalhealthmatters #organisationalpsychology #employmentlaw #executivecoaching

Vermont’s Game-Changer: Community Nurses Providing Free Healthcare Today we want to share another amazing community based public health initiative. Vermont is leading the charge in community health with a heartwarming initiative that brings healthcare directly to the people. 🏥❤️ This brilliant strategy involves leveraging community nurses to provide free healthcare to residents, ensuring no one gets left behind. Here’s a deep dive into this inspiring effort and the key learnings from it. 👇 Vermont Public Community-Centred Care In many small Vermont towns, healthcare access can be challenging due to limited resources and geographical barriers. By employing community nurses, towns like St. Johnsbury and Newport are bridging the gap, offering vital services such as blood pressure checks, diabetes management, and health education. This approach not only improves health outcomes but also strengthens the community bond.🚑📚 What Can We Learn from this Initiative? 🚶♀️🩺Accessibility is Everything: Having nurses embedded in the community means healthcare is just a doorstep away, increasing access for those who might otherwise forgo care due to distance or transportation issues. 🤝💬Trust and Familiarity: Community nurses build strong relationships with residents. This trust is crucial for effective healthcare delivery, as people are more likely to seek and follow medical advice from familiar faces. 🔍❤️🩹Preventative Care Focus: These nurses emphasize preventative care, catching potential health issues early and reducing the need for emergency interventions. This proactive approach saves lives and reduces healthcare costs. Direct Insights from the Field 🏡🌿In Newport, Nurse Karen O’Neill has been pivotal in educating residents about managing chronic illnesses. Her personal connections with patients have led to increased adherence to treatment plans and healthier lifestyles. 🏥⬇️Meanwhile, in St. Johnsbury, the initiative has seen a remarkable reduction in emergency room visits, showcasing the impact of consistent, community-based care. The Bigger Picture 🌍✨Vermont’s model gives light as a potential blueprint for other states grappling with healthcare accessibility issues. It’s a testament to the power of community and the impact of personalized care. 👇💬Let’s celebrate and learn from Vermont’s innovative approach. How do you think other communities can adopt similar models? Share your thoughts below! #HealthcareInnovation #CommunityCare #Nursing #Vermont #PublicHealth #HealthAccess #PreventativeCare #HealthcareHeroes #WellnessJourney #HealthEquity #PatientCare #HealthcareReform #CommunityHealth #ChronicIllnessManagement #HealthcareForAll #NursingLeadership #RuralHealth #HealthcareTransformation #HealthyCommunities #CommunitySupport https://lnkd.in/gURxePP7

"Excellent facilitator who adapted the training to the needs of the group, a brilliant and informative day" Thank you to Jo, i hope you won't mind me sharing your comments and reponses. It was an absolute pleasure to train senior nurses who specialise in dementia nursing (if not a little unnerving; major imposter syndrome!) at South Yorkshire Primary Care Trust yesterday. Whenever I doubt myself, it is so encouraging to know that our training really does make a difference to our trainees and their practise, in particular when they are nurses caring with people living with dementia with over 20 yrs experience each and some of them former Admiral Nurses!!! I am always the first to say that despite working in Memory Clinics, Hospital and Care Homes for over 35 yrs I am always learning - so it is wonderful to train staff who have those shared values and are inspired by sharing best practice and having discussions during the training day - we soooo do not box tick!!! our days are very interactive. I'm not in the habit of showing off!! but today i will :) because i think it shows that we need to have extensive practitioner experience to really make the training work (and with a touch of research expertise on the side)- following our training these nurses are more likely going to prevent people from being admitted to hospital unnecessarily, thereby improving the quality of life of patients and families (we are collecting data to measure this). The evaluation of the training I have created with our contributors of people living with dementia, carers and other practitioners and researchers who specialise in this area of care is as important to me as the training itself, to know that it is making a difference and that I can make additions and amendments in the moment with whoever I am training means that it is dynamic and relevant, even if i'm a bit pooped by the end of the day!! keeps me on my toes Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust #Primarycaretrusts #NHS #nurses #dementia #socialcare #care #GPsurgeries #carehomes #dementiacare #Alzheimers #dementiatraining #dementia A little snippet from the evaluation form

𝗡𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘂𝗽, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝘁’𝘀 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘄𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻. Last night, I asked nurses on TikTok why so many are walking away from the bedside. The responses came flooding in - filled with deep frustration and burnout. Here’s what I heard loud and clear: ➡️Understaffing and Workload: Nurses are facing unsafe patient ratios and often expected to do non-nursing tasks, leaving them overwhelmed and unable to provide quality care. ➡️Burnout and Mental Health: The emotional and physical toll of the job has left many nurses feeling exhausted, drained, and disillusioned. ➡️Toxic Work Environments: Many nurses describe feeling unsupported by leadership, working in cultures where bullying and hostility are far too common. ➡️Low Pay and Lack of Appreciation: Nurses feel their compensation doesn’t reflect their responsibilities, especially given the increasing demands and emotional burden they carry. ➡️Abusive Behavior from Patients and Families: Many are facing verbal and sometimes physical abuse, compounding their stress and emotional fatigue. These issues aren’t just personal grievances—they reflect a systemic problem driving compassionate, skilled nurses away from the bedside. As a nurse who’s dealt with burnout and as a result, made a career pivot myself, I’m passionate about helping others find their path forward. That’s why I created pivotpath—to show nurses 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘶𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭-𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨. ☀️ If you’re a nurse looking for a new direction, pivotpath is here to help. ☀️ 🧠 And to my fellow leaders, I’d love to hear your thoughts—what can we do to start fixing these systemic problems? How can we create safer, more supportive environments that retain the talent and 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁 of this profession? #nurseburnout #shortstaffed #pivotpath #beyondthebedside #nursing #nursevoices #nurseleaders #listenup #changeforhealthcare