Vacancy: Staff Nurse in Omagh Care Homes

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The Springlawn Group of Care Homes is seeking to recruit a staff nurse in Omagh to lead care teams across their 4 care homes in the area. This is a full-time permanent position.

This position is suitable for overseas applicants who have passed the NMC’s CBT test of competence or have full registration with the NMC and can work 37.5 hours per week

About The Staff Nurse in Omagh Post

To support the Home Manager in providing leadership to the care team in a private residential nursing home with a positive caring outlook. Providing care services including;

  • administration of medication,
  • maintenance of patient’s records
  • liaising with families
  • dealing with professional visitors, for example, Social Workers or Doctors.

This post will have a key responsibility for the quality of nursing assessment, care planning and implementation. It also covers evaluation of care staff training. This is to ensure that at all times residents continue to receive an excellent standard of care.

The registered NMC staff nurse is required to perform all duties in accordance with the NMC register and RQIA guidelines.

The staff nurse is responsible for the promotion of teamwork within the Care Homes.

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: £15.00 to £18.00 /hour

Education:

  • Diploma of Higher Education (Preferred)

Licence:

  • NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council) (Required)

Language:

  • English (Required)

About The Springlawn Group of Care Homes

The Springlawn Group of Nursing Homes was established in 1988. The vision was and remains to create a friendly, welcoming and person-centred environment, which makes residents feel at home at all times. The ultimate aim was to avoid having an institutional or clinical feel to the nursing homes. As a result, all of our homes boast beautifully kept bedrooms and living areas. They also include tidy, spacious exterior gardens and courtyards which are accessible to all residents. Our homes provide the highest standards of nursing and dementia care in a pleasant and welcoming environment.

The homes are:

Springlawn House, 44 Dromore Rd, Omagh BT78 1RB, a 36-bedroom nursing home which offers residential and full nursing care.

Hillcrest Nursing Home, 23b Old Mountfield Road, Omagh BT79 7EL -which features 39 single en-suite bedrooms. This facility specialises in general nursing as well as dementia nursing. So, it has its own separate Dementia Residential Unit of 17 rooms on the ground floor.

Hillside Residential, 23a Old Mountfield Road, Omagh BT79 7EL –  a specialist facility which focuses particularly on functionally mentally ill patients. It consists of 12 single rooms and care is provided by care assistants who encourage and promote the independence of all residents.

Hillview Lodge, 23 Old Mountfield Road, Omagh BT79 7EL – a private nursing home with 20 en-suite rooms, 16 consisting of general nursing and 4 consisting of dementia nursing.

How to Apply for the Staff Nurse in Omagh Post

To enquire or to request a job application form, please call Sylvia at  02882251222  or email her at hr@springlawngroup.com   You can also download an application form here.

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Extra Christmas Visiting Hours at Springlawn House

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Visiting hours at Springlawn House have been increased for the Christmas period. The news was announced by manager, Clara Robinson, who said extra staff cover has made this possible.

“From now until Sunday 3rd January, visiting hours go up to four 30-minute slots per day,” says Clara. These slots are: 11am to 11.30am, 2pm to 2.30pm, 3pm to 3.30pm and 4pm to 4.30pm.

Clara adds that all visits still need to be booked in advance by emailing them on springlawn@hotmail.com or phoning  028 8224 4550.

Extended Visiting Hours

“We’re delighted to be able to extend visiting times so families can see more of their loved ones over Christmas. We are very grateful to our part-time and seasonal staff who have made this possible.”

“Management and staff at Springlawn House want to thank the families and the community for their ongoing support and understanding. We have been overwhelmed with all your kindness and encouragement to get us through this difficult time.”

Visiting Hours and Guidelines

Clara reminds everyone that Government guidelines restrict visitor numbers to one person per resident. “This is to minimise the risk of other households mixing when attending visits. Visits must be booked in advance to allow deep cleaning of the area used following each visit. Also, there will be no window visits  with downstairs residents.

“It is important to remember that all of our residents remain in the high-risk category from COVID 19.  This is due to age, and medical conditions, which is why visits are phased and strictly managed.” You can read the full Visitor Policy and Guide here.

Putting Residents First

“We understand the frustration and emotions over not being able to see your loved ones. However, be assured that we continue to strive to uphold our standards of care and keep them safe. This has been our number one priority from the beginning.”

Clara emphasises that despite how hard this has been, it has worked.  “Thankfully, no residents have been struck by the Covid infection here at Springlawn House since the pandemic began.”

Our Thanks to All the Families

“It has been a very difficult and challenging year. We have faced the threat of infection and the limitations of lockdowns and social distancing. However, as a team, we have embraced the changes we had to make and moved forward together.”

“We thank you for embracing those changes with us, and for supporting us and your loved ones.  We thank you for every card and gift, for every email and phonecall, for every photo and Facebook Like.”

“None of us knew in advance that we would have to adapt to pandemic restrictions with virtual visits and social media. But together with you, we’ve all done more than our best and succeeded in protecting your loved ones from Covid.”

“So, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We wish you all a very Happy Christmas and much better 2021!”

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Springlawn House Launches #FindBrittney Campaign

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Springlawn House has launched a #FindBrittney campaign, to locate and thank a mystery pen pal from Texas. Brittney’s colourful, hand-crafted response to a pen pal appeal was a beautiful boost to residents, says Manager, Clara Robinson. Springlawn House is part of the Springlawn Group of Nursing Homes in Omagh.

“Last September we launched an initiative to find pen pals for residents because visits are limited during Covid-19,” says, Clara. “We were overwhelmed with heart-warming support from people hoping to virtually befriend our residents.”

Brittney’s Surprise Package from Texas

“One set of letters, however, came as a huge surprise to us all. The package was from Texas, in the USA. It contained nine personalised letters – one for each resident who featured in the pen pal campaign. Each letter was enclosed in a coloured envelope with beautiful hearts, feathers and butterfly decorations. But there was no surname or address.”

“All that is known of Brittney is that she is a stay-at-home mother from San Antonio, Texas,” says Clara. “She also described how she took careful steps for infection control by closing each letter with washi tape instead of sealing the envelopes by mouth.”

“Springlawn House has worked hard to successfully remain infection free throughout the pandemic, so we really appreciated this extra effort. Our staff have been dedicated to residents’ care and connections at this time of social distancing.”

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#FindBrittney Social Media Campaign

Clara says Brittney’s letters made such a positive impact on residents that her team would love to return the kindness. “Management at Springlawn House are so grateful for the correspondence that we are calling on the power of social media to help us #FindBrittney”.

“Brittney didn’t give a return address, but we would love to find her to send a Thank You parcel from us all. She said she didn’t expect a response back, she just wanted to send smiles. This lady had never made contact with the home before, so it was a real surprise.”

“Our Facebook post to #FindBrittney has been shared to almost 10,000 people so far, but we haven’t been able to find her yet. If we do, we’ll send her an Irish hamper packed with treats like Tayto crisps and Dairy Milk chocolate.”

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Springlawn House Residents Love New Pen Pals

“Residents have been talking about how nice and exciting it was to receive a letter from the US.” Some were amazed at how far away their letters had come from, she adds.

“The pen pal initiative has given everyone a lift at Springlawn House. Each resident taking part is now connected with a person who shares similar interests.

Ms Robinson says they have tried to make a positive out of the limited visiting hours that the pandemic has imposed. “It has given us a chance to build on our relationships because we have more one-to-one time with our clients. We get to sit down with them for longer and get to know more about their background.”

“I am so proud of my very strong work team. We have great support from the families, who trust in us to look after their family. They have been so understanding. And our Facebook Page has proved a great way to keep residents and families in touch, virtually.”

Clara says Springlawn House would like to thank anyone who has helped with the #FindBrittney campaign so far. She adds that they would love Brittney to get in touch with them at springlawn@hotmail.com .”

Find out more about Springlawn House by visiting the Springlawn Group  of Nursing Homes on Facebook or on the Springlawn House page of the group website.

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Activity Therapist – Position Vacant

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PLEASE NOTE: THIS POSITION IS NOW FILLED

Creative Activities Therapist Needed in Omagh

Are you creative, warm, organised and friendly? We are in need of a full- time Activity Therapist at Hillcrest Residential Dementia Facility in Omagh.

The Role of The Creative Activities Therapist

This is a creative job, with lots of scope to bring your talents and skills to the fore. You will be responsible for planning, delivering and evaluating creative, stimulating and relaxing activities for the residents of the residential Dementia Floor at Hillcrest.

You will have strong organisational skills, be an excellent communicator and be committed to improving your skills through releveant research and training.

Some experience of working with older people is desirable but not necessary. You will be supporting the work of the carers, working closely with them to ascertain the needs of individual residents; in order to be able to provide personalised activities.

The activities, outings and events you organise will enrich the lifes of the residents and support their independence and dignity.

About Hillcrest Residential Dementia Facility

 Opened in 2009, Hillcrest Residential Dementia Facility is the newest addition to Springlawn Nursing Group. This specialist dementia care unit features 17 large en suite bedrooms on the ground floor.

This small and secure unit includes a cosy kitchen where clients can bake and gather for tea and a chat. It also has an enclosed garden, and clients can tend the fruit, vegetables and flowers in the raised beds. Or they can simply sit and enjoy the environment.

As part of our dementia care philosophy, residents are surrounded by picture and objects from their past. A dedicated activity therapist encourages residents to take part in various activities like bowls, arts, crafts and flower arranging. Our therapist also takes residents out on day trips to Omagh and surrounding villages.

How To Apply

For a complete list of the duties and an application form to apply, email hr@springlawngroup.com

Rate of pay will be discussed at interview stage.

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Carers and residents raise £615 for the Alzheimer’s Society

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During the coronavirus lockdown one of the employees of Springlawn House lost a loved one to Alzheimer’s. This personal tradgedy led her to start a fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Society. What began as a personal endevaour grew when the rest of the staff at Springlawn said they would like to be involved and then clients added their support.



Springlawn House staff and residents set off on a three mile walk on the 15th August, taking in the scenery off the backroads and returning to a celebratory BBQ at Springlawn House afterwards.

One of the carers, Seamus raised an impressive £200 on his own for this charity which is close to the hearts of everyone at Springlawn House.

 

Springlawn House would like to thank all the staff, residents, residents’ families and everyone in the community who so generously donated towards this wonderful cause. 




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Springlawn House Visiting Policy – Updated Sept 2020

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Following guidance issued by the Department of Health in July, Springlawn Nursing Home reviewed our suspension of visiting and we aim to support our residents to see their families again in person. However, due to new Government guidelines in September 2020, visitor numbers are now reduced from two people to one person per resident. This is to minimise the risk of other households mixing when attending visits.

In addition, we have reviewed our appointments and have reduced the number of appointments available each day to maintain safety of clients and ensure ongoing thorough cleaning. All visits must be booked in advance – we must all adhere to the home policy of restricted visiting times to allow deep cleaning of the area used following each visit

No window visits (downstairs clients) will be allocated and any requests for visiting must be arranged by following the home policy

It is important to note that all of our residents remain in the high risk category from COVID 19 (Coronavirus) due to age, and medical conditions, therefore our visits will be phased, strictly managed and reviewed daily in accordance with guidance and the wellbeing of residents. Please see video below to explain what to expect when you get here.

Springlawn has carefully considered how we can implement visiting as safely as possible, our policy has been developed following a thorough risk assessment of the nursing home with the aim to minimise the risk of infection, and ensure the safety of our residents, staff, visitors and outer public as much as possible.

The following policy will be effective from week commencing Wednesday 22nd July – updated on 24th September – and provides all information you need to know as a visitor.

Principles for Visiting:

Where possible virtual visiting remains the preferred option as this will support in reducing the risk of spreading COVID-19.

Our face to face visits MUST be pre arranged to reduce the number of people entering the home and to allow for adequate cleaning between visits. Our prearranged visits must be booked via telephone which will allow you to make an appointment for the next available visiting slot. Please note visiting slots cannot be block booked this is to ensure all residents have an opportunity to receive visitors.

When booking your visiting slot you will be asked to complete our screening questionnaire. Upon your arrival you will then be asked to sign this form declaring all information remains unchanged and we will also record your temperature at this point.

Visits will now be restricted to one designated visitor for no more than 30minutes (this will be reviewed weekly).

Visitors must wear face masks that they must provide themselves and masks must be in place before entering the home.

No visitors under the age of 16 will be permitted and only in exceptional circumstances will children be granted visits.

You are asked not bring anything with you into the home, such as food parcels, presents, etc unless discussed with the nurse manager following a thorough risk assessment, this is to reduce the risk of spreading infection.

Protocol on Arrival:

The visitor must go to the front door to make staff aware they have arrived, please do not make your way into the home ring the bell and wait for a staff member to come to you. At the front door visitors must sign their screening questionnaire and a staff member will also check and record your temperature.

The side entrance is now our designated visiting area, so you will be redirected to enter this area via the side door eliminating footfall through the nursing home.

Visitors must only enter when their mask is in place and they must use the hand sanitizer provided upon entering the visiting room.

If visitors wish to discuss the well being of the resident with the manager or nurse in charge, please do this via telephone, this will ensure visiting time is maximised with your loved one.

The visitor’s room has screen protection in place to accommodate social distancing and reduce the spread of infection and visits may require supervision depending on the residents needs.

Toilet facilities cannot be used by visitors; again this is to reduce the spread of infection.

Protocol on Departure

Staff will make you aware when visiting time is over, you must use the hand sanitizer provided before you leave and please ensure you keep your mask in place until you have left the building

You will exit from the same door you entered.

Additional Visiting Arrangements

Should a resident wish to have a visit from a Minister of Faith, an agreed and pre-arranged visit can be accommodated. This visit will not be counted as or replace a resident’s scheduled visit with family/friends. Visiting Ministers of Faith must adhere to the detail of the care home’s visiting policy.

End of Life Visiting

Families must seek permission in advance from the nurse in charge to visit end of life residents in their own room.

The nurse in charge will complete a thorough risk assessment to ensure it is complexly safe to allow this visit. The capacity of family to provide informed consent relating to the risks associated with visiting will be taken into account as will the capacity of the patient to receive visitors.

If visiting is then approved by the nurse in charge suitable times for visiting will be discussed, only one visitor will be permitted at a time for an agreed amount of time. The nursing home may limit the frequency of visits, duration of visits, or numbers of visitors in accordance with the risk to other patients, other care staff, or other practical considerations in the care home.

In all cases, visitors must agree to undertake all actions ad precautions issued by the nursing home for visiting and end of life visiting. Any decision to deny visiting rights will be made following a risk assessment and which will be communicated clearly with the resident and their family members/friends.

Our visitor’s policy will remain under constant review and we will continue to update you on any changes.

A Special Note of Thanks

This has been an extremely difficult period for everyone and we at Springlawn Nursing Home greatly appreciate how supportive you have been and we fully comprehend that you want to see your loved one as soon as possible. We ask for your patience on our phased visiting approach as our number one priority is the safety of our residents.

We look forward to hearing from you and thank you once again for your continued support.

For enquiries please call +44 28 8224 4550 or email: springlawn@hotmail.com

In the meantime, you can view this VISITORS GUIDE VIDEO so you know what to expect when you get here:

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Thumbs Up for Springlawn Safety and Residents Wellbeing

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Springlawn House is delighted with inspection findings that we prioritise safety compliance and resident’s wellbeing. Springlawn House manager Clara Robinson says she is very happy with the results of the unannounced RQIA inspection . The Department of Health entrusts RQIA (the Regulation & Quality Improvement Authority) to continue responding to ongoing areas of risk identified in care homes. So, this is why unannounced inspections are carried out, Clara explains.   

Springlawn House RQIA Report  

“We are both proud and relieved that we have had no Covid deaths in our homes and we’ve also had no symptomatic cases, from staff or clients.” 

“At Springlawn we have prioritised maintaining the highest safety standards to protect our residents. So, we are delighted that this work is recognised in the RQIA report.”  

The report also states that: “areas of good practice were found in relation to teamwork, staff support, feedback from patients and the pleasant atmosphere and ambience of the home.”  

Residents’ Experience  

The Inspector, Mr. John McAuley found that, “feedback from patients throughout this inspection was positive and complimentary in regard to their life in the home, their relationship with staff and the provision of meals.”  

Mr. McAuley’s report stated, “Staff interactions with patients were polite, friendly, warm and supportive. Patients were at ease in their environment and interactions with staff”  

“There was a pleasant atmosphere throughout the home, with patients enjoying chat with staff. Staff were attentive and patients’ expression of needs were promptly responded to by staff.”  

What Residents Say about Springlawn House  

We loved these comments from residents which were in the report: 

 “They (staff) are all too kind to me.”  

“I am very happy here. They (staff) couldn’t do enough for you. They (staff) are lovely and kind. The food is lovely too. I have no complaints.”  

“Everything is very good here.”  

“You won’t find much wrong with here. All is grand, as far as I can see.”  

“There’s a nice atmosphere here.”  

“All is very good here. I am very happy.”  

 Cleanliness and Safety at Springlawn House  

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 The report stressed the measures Springlawn has introduced to ensure patient and staff safety.   

“The environment was clean and tidy while staff demonstrated a good understanding of infection, prevention and control measures in place. Feedback from patients evidenced that they were very satisfied with the standard of care being provided.”  

“Staff were knowledgeable in relation to best practice guidance with regard to hand hygiene and use of personal protective equipment; staff were also observed to wash their hands and use alcohol gels at appropriate times.”  

The report noted the safety measures Springlawn has put in place to deal with the pandemic. Including good signage outlining advice and information about COVID-19, adequate PPE and alcohol-based hand sanitisers.  

 “Laminated posters depicting the seven stages of handwashing were also displayed. The laundry department was tidy and well organised.”  

Patient-centred Safety Measures  

“Patients were all being cared for in their individual bedrooms and staff were knowledgeable of the need for social distancing and isolation of patients, when appropriate.”  

The report also found that staff had communicated the need for additional safety precautions to residents.  

“Discussions with some patients in relation to the enhanced IPC measures, confirmed that they understood and accepted the need for these.”  

A Homely Environment  

The report praised the cleanliness and comfort of Springlawn House.   

“The home was clean and tidy throughout; the décor and furnishings were also well maintained. Residents’ bedrooms were comfortable and personalised through individual choice. Bathrooms and toilet facilities were clean and hygienic. The grounds of the home were exceptionally well maintained.”  

“An activities co-ordinator facilitated a small group of patients in a game of bingo and later attended to other patients on a one to one basis.”  

Staff Satisfaction at Springlawn House 

Mr. McAuley found that staff on duty confirmed that they were satisfied with the staffing levels.   

“Staff spoke positively about their roles and duties, the provision of training, managerial support, teamwork and morale. Staff also stated that they felt patients received a good standard of care, were treated with respect and dignity.”  

The report noted that, “Throughout the inspection, patients within the home were attended to by staff in a prompt and respectful manner.”  

 “Patients stated that they felt safe and that there was always staff available if they required assistance.” 

For information or to make an appointment, please email  springlawn@hotmail.com  

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Coronavirus Protection for Care Home Residents

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The Springlawn Group of Care Homes has implemented necessary precautions to protect our clients and staff from COVID-19  – the Coronavirus. We have taken our lead from the Western Health & Social Care Trust.

We are asking the public, family and friends not to visit clients in our Nursing Homes unless absolutely essential. If you feel that it is necessary to visit, we ask that you firstly contact the Home and inform us of this.

We appreciate your support and patience during this tough time.  We have taken these precautions to ensure the safety of our clients and staff. We will continue to review the situation and communicate any further updates.

Please practice good hand hygiene when in attendance to the Home and follow guidance on keeping yourself and others safe. To be of assistance, we have put together this short guide:

The Symptoms of Coronavirus

  1. If you have a runny nose and sputum, you have a common cold
  2. Coronavirus pneumonia is a dry cough with no runny nose. COVID-19 will first infect the throat, so you’ll have a sore throat lasting 3 to 4 days
  3. The virus then blends into a nasal fluid that enters the trachea and then the lungs, causing pneumonia. This takes a further 5 to 6 days.
  4. With the pneumonia comes high fever and difficulty in breathing.
  5. The nasal congestion is not like the normal kind. You feel like you’re drowning.

It’s imperative you then seek immediate attention.

How to Prevent the Spread of Coronavirus

It’s important to know how the virus works and spreads, because there is a lot of confusion and misinformation out there. This way we can all play our part in protecting ourselves and others from COVID-19.

  1. This new virus is not heat-resistant and will be killed by a temperature of just 26/27 degrees. It hates the sun.
  2. If someone sneezes with it, it takes about 10 feet before it drops to the ground and is no longer airborne.
  3. If it drops on a metal surface it will live for at least 12 hours – so if you come into contact with any metal surface – wash your hands as soon as you can with a bacterial soap.
  4. On fabric it can survive for 6-12 hours but normal laundry detergent will kill it.
  5. Drinking warm water is effective for all viruses. Try not to drink liquids with ice.
  6. Wash your hands frequently as the virus can only live on your hands for 5-10 minutes, but – a lot can happen during that time – you can rub your eyes, touch your nose or mouth unwittingly and so on.
  7. You should also gargle as a prevention. A simple solution of salt in warm water will suffice.
  8. Can’t emphasise enough – drink plenty of water!

Spread The Word – Not the Virus

Share this information as widely as you can, both online and verbally.

If you are worried that you or someone in your family may be at risk, NHS 111 offers direct guidance and have set up an online coronavirus helpline.  You can also call 111, letting them know that you are a carer.

Read these NHS answers to common questions about COVID-19 here.

If you have elderly relatives still living at home, please see the advice from AGE UK here.

 

 

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