NHS Chief Executive Amanda Pritchard has unveiled the nationwide implementation of "Martha's Rule" across NHS hospitals in England, a policy designed to empower patients and their families with the ability to request an immediate reassessment of care if a patient's health worsens.
This policy, inspired by the tragic case of 13-year-old Martha Mills who passed away after her care needs were not escalated in time, will be introduced in over 100 NHS facilities, offering a 24/7 mechanism for seeking second opinions. The initiative aims to enhance the responsiveness to acute patient deterioration. Pritchard emphasises that swift clinical reviews could lead to quicker identification and treatment of critical conditions.
Dan Scorer of Mencap has praised the initiative, highlighting its potential to significantly improve care for individuals with learning disabilities, who face a higher risk of preventable mortality.
Martha’s parents, who have advocated for this change, stress the importance of incorporating family insights into patient care, arguing that it can be crucial in noticing changes that busy medical staff may overlook. The implementation of Martha’s Rule is seen as a vital step towards better healthcare outcomes, especially for vulnerable groups, by ensuring their conditions are promptly and effectively addressed.
A new, innovative “Buddies Project”, spearheaded by Bild, the Restraint Reduction Network (RRN), and Reach Out, has been introduced to connect individuals with learning disabilities and autism in mental health hospitals with mentors who have personal experience of inpatient care.
So far, 24 people have been paired with buddies, offering vital support and companionship to those in isolation. Kirsten, a Buddy Coordinator, highlights the project's value in reducing loneliness among patients, whose main interactions are often with hospital staff. The project facilitates connections with buddies who share similar experiences, offering unbiased and non-judgmental support.
The process involves mental health ward staff identifying patients under heavy restrictions for pairing with a buddy. Scheduled online meetings allow patients to discuss anything from personal interests to life in the hospital, empowering them to control the conversation.
The scheme has been praised for creating meaningful friendships and providing participants with hope and a reason to look forward to each day. Currently limited to the West Midlands, there are hopes to expand the project nationally, recognising its potential to reintegrate patients into their communities. Bild's CEO, Ben Higgins, emphasises the project's success and the aspiration to secure future funding to continue its expansion beyond March 2024.
The Palace of Westminster has welcomed six new employees with Down’s syndrome as part of an innovative programme. Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle hailed their employment as a significant and overdue step. With less than 5% of people with learning disabilities in paid work, the WorkFit programme by the Down’s Syndrome Association aims to increase this rate, supporting around 1,200 individuals.
The new staff, working in roles like catering and service delivery, are part of a push to provide meaningful employment opportunities. Among them, James Hamilton expressed pride in his first paid job, highlighting the value of earning a wage for his work. Amy, another new hire, enjoys her catering role and the community it brings.
The initiative has been praised for its immediate positive impact in Parliament, with Sir Lindsay Hoyle emphasising the talent and contribution of these individuals. The WorkFit programme boasts a 92% job retention rate, offering a range of employment opportunities without the need for job coaches, thanks to a supportive "buddy" system.
Carol Boys, CEO of the Down’s Syndrome Association, underscored the importance of work in enhancing the lives of people with Down’s syndrome, noting the programme’s success in helping individuals secure and maintain employment.
Jefferson House, a Winsford-based independent school specialising in one-to-one teaching for boys aged 11-18 with complex needs, has achieved an 'outstanding' rating in their latest Ofsted visit. Owned by Your Chapter and part of the Educ8 group, Jefferson House stands out for its commitment to delivering personalised education and support, catering to a small group of students to ensure focused attention and care.
Following a comprehensive three-day inspection in November 2023, Ofsted's recent report highlights the exceptional progress the school has made since its last assessment in February 2019, where it received a 'good' rating. The report praises the school for the outstanding quality of support provided by its specialist staff, who foster trusting and beneficial relationships with the pupils, creating a positive and happy school atmosphere.
The Ofsted report praised Jefferson House for fostering high aspirations and understanding students' special educational needs (SEND), with a personalised curriculum leading to significant achievements. It also highlighted the school's success in teaching students’ responsibility for their behaviour, with many reporting major improvements since their enrolment.
In summary, Jefferson House's 'outstanding' rating from Ofsted reflects its excellence in providing a supportive, tailored educational experience for boys with complex needs, setting a strong foundation for their future successes.
