Runcorn Care Home Workers Achieve End of Life Care Award

TWO Runcorn care home workers have enhanced their end of life care skills and knowledge after passing a rigorous programme of training.

Carers Alexandra Groundwater and Alison Clifton, from Simonsfield Care Home, have completed the Six Steps to Success in End of Life Care programme.

Based on national frameworks, the programme was developed in the North West by the Cheshire and Merseyside Clinical Network and the Greater Manchester, Lancashire and South Cumbria Clinical Network.

The aim is to enhance end of life care provided by care homes through supporting staff to develop their roles.

Alexandra and Alison are now certified to train their colleagues in the Six Steps programme.

Debbie Smith, home manager at Simonsfield Care Home, on Boston Avenue, said: “I’m extremely proud of the girls in achieving this award and they can now train and support the rest of their colleagues here at Simonsfield Care Home.”

The Six Steps programme involves a series of workshops, including:

• Step 1 – Discussions as end of life approaches
• Step 2 – Assessment, care planning and review
• Step 3 – Co-ordination of end of life care
• Step 4 – Delivery of high quality care
• Step 5 – Care in the last days of life
• Step 6 – Care after death.

Debbie added: “End of life is a difficult subject to talk about but it is so important that our residents and their families feel comfortable, looked after and supported through what can be a very distressing time.

“At Simonsfield Care Home, we pride ourselves on the quality of care we provide, including end of life, and the Six Steps certification is another mark of excellence we are extremely proud to have achieved.”