Inform Newsletter June 2015 | Page 2

An overview on where we are Our national trade association for not for profit care providers has published a useful report titled ‘Survive or Thrive? – Securing financial sustainability in social care – the provider perspective’ which can be seen at www.nationalcareforum.org.uk. The publication of this report is well timed post-election and provides a constructive summary from the provider perspective on the fragile state of the care market pending the arrival of the new care act in April 2016. The report throws no punches on the future being even more financially tougher for health and social care agencies, but signposts possible areas of opportunities for providers such as Avante Care & Support to build on innovation and creativity in developing new models of care, continuing to be more efficient and effective, engaging with local communities for change and working together with Local Authorities to find solutions. None of this will be easy but already there are examples and opportunities emerging for Avante Care & Support particularly around innovation. Without a doubt a more direct communication with health colleagues is needed to pursue ‘step down beds’ from hospital. Already we have had the Members of: • • • • 14 National Housing Federation The National Care Forum Kent Community Care Association IAHSA positive experience of the NHS pilot at Bridge Haven and such initiatives allow us to build and give us a ‘foot print’ for further opportunities. We know Medway will be tendering for a similar model which will provide an opening for Amherst Court. Building on such ideas and creating models that are attractive and offer solutions for our commissioning colleagues must be central to all our thinking. I am delighted to see the initial success of our own in-house ‘mock inspections’ led by our Operational Team. Over the next few months all our registered and community services will receive an unannounced inspection which will assist and support in the learning for all of us regarding standards of care delivery. Finally, it is welcomed to be able to comment on Bob Bushell becoming our patron. Many of you will have met Bob over the years and know of his enthusiasm and interest in all our services. As a long standing Board member Bob will now continue to play an active role in the daily lives of our different services through his visits and he will be an excellent Ambassador of the organisation. A Company Limited by Guarantee (Registration No. 2565021, England) A Registered Charity (Registered No.1002727) Registered office: De Gelsey House, 1 Jubilee Way, Faversham,Kent ME13 8GD Tel: 01795 597400 Email: [email protected] Web: www.avantecare.org.uk