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What's New in Social Care and Healthcare this Week? (29/01/24)
The social care and healthcare news cycle rarely sleeps, and such is the case this week. Here at Sanctuary Personnel, we provide you with all the latest, noteworthy news stories for you to take on quickly and easily – we know how busy you are, and we value your time. So, with that said, here's what's been going on.
1. MPs Criticise Authorities in Response to Death of Alfie Steele
In a tragic case of child neglect, MPs have criticised the failure of authorities in handling the case of nine-year-old Alfie Steele. Alfie was subjected to severe abuse, leading to his death, despite over 60 complaints to police and social services.
Wyre Forest MP Mark Garnier and Birmingham Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton expressed frustration over repeated failures to protect children like Alfie. The safeguarding review revealed significant shortcomings in agency responses, treated in isolation rather than collectively.
2. Social Care Charging Reforms May Yet See Further Delays
The UK government may face further delays in implementing social care charging reforms. Sir Chris Wormald, a senior civil servant, indicated that the pressure on councils might hinder their ability to manage complex new tasks associated with these reforms.
Initially planned for October 2023, the reforms, including a lifetime cap on social care costs, were postponed to 2025. This delay, originally due to financial constraints, now also reflects concerns about local authorities' capacity amidst various pressures.
3. Thousands of Sexual Abuse Complaints in NHS Mental Health Trusts
An investigation by Sky News and The Independent has uncovered nearly 20,000 complaints of sexual assault, abuse, and harassment in NHS mental health trusts in England since 2019.
The investigation, prompted by former British youth swimmer Alexis Quinn's allegations of sexual assault in psychiatric care, reveals a distressing pattern of sexual safety incidents in mental health wards.
Despite government efforts to eradicate mixed-sex wards, hundreds of allegations continue to emerge, highlighting a systemic issue in NHS psychiatric care. This situation has been described as a national scandal, demanding urgent attention and action.
4. Disposable Vape Pens to Be Banned for Children
The UK government plans to ban disposable vapes as part of efforts to curb the increasing trend of vaping among young people. Statistics from Action on Smoking and Health (Ash) indicate a rise in vaping among 11 to 17-year-olds, from 4.1% in 2020 to 7.6%.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, emphasising the need to address this worrying trend, is expected to detail the plans during a school visit. The ban targets disposable vapes, which are seen as a significant factor in youth vaping. The government aims to implement the ban by early 2025, with a six-month adjustment period for retailers.
Health Secretary Victoria Atkins expressed confidence in the bill's passage before the upcoming general election. The move follows efforts to create a "smoke-free generation," including a ban on cigarette sales to individuals born after January 1, 2009.
5. Playing Instrument Later in Life Beneficial, Study Finds
According to a study published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, UK researchers suggest that playing musical instruments or singing could enhance brain health in older adults. Involving over 1,100 participants, primarily aged 68, the University of Exeter study explored how musical activities impact cognitive abilities.
The findings reveal that playing instruments, particularly piano or keyboard, significantly benefits memory and complex problem-solving skills. Interestingly, simply listening to music showed no cognitive health improvement.
The study, supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research, underlines music's potential role in public health strategies to mitigate cognitive decline and dementia risks in ageing populations.
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