Priory Group is continuing its investment in Northern Ireland with the opening of Bohill House Care Home, a care home for older people.
Bohill House Care Home, on the site of the former Bohill Hotel at Cloyfin Road in Coleraine is a purpose built nursing home with beds for 80 residents needing nursing or dementia nursing care. The home will be under the leadership of experienced manager Tracey Henry and will create up to 60 jobs in the area.
Priory Care Homes already operates Ben Madigan care home in Newtownabbey, Bannview House in County Down and Cairnmartin Court in Belfast. In 2010 the company recently outlined plans for at least 17 homes in Northern Ireland by the end of 2012, providing around 1200 beds, 1,000 jobs and representing an investment of £50m.
Care at Bohill House Care Home will be provided in single, en-suite accommodation finished to the highest standard. There will also be a choice of lounges and dining areas and a secure, enclosed landscaped garden.
The dementia house will reflect the very latest research in dementia care, focussing on a person’s abilities. Dementia-signposting will assist with orientation and a reminiscence room is planned.
All residents will have access to carefully planned activities and a wide range of professionals including a hairdresser, chiropodist, optician and GP.
Sharon Butler said: “Priory Care Homes is making significant investments in older people’s services in Northern Ireland over the next few years. Bohill House Care Home has been well received by healthcare professionals, particularly in light of the nursing and dementia nursing services it provides for the local community in Coleraine.
“The experience the Priory Group has in mental health, complex and long term care transfers very well into older people’s services. People are now living longer and have more complex needs and associated health issues that we have the experience to care for. We are building on our already strong and established areas of expertise and offering an even more comprehensive range of facilities for service users.”
The Priory Group now plans to rapidly increase its portfolio of care homes for older people with further new builds in England and Northern Ireland.
For more information on Priory Group click here
Friday, 4 March 2011
Wednesday, 2 March 2011
Priory supports brain injury awareness week with Leeds event
Experts from The Priory Highbank Centre, Neuro Rehabilitation Services, based in Bury, Lancashire are supporting Brain Awareness week with an event in Leeds raising awareness of the services and providing information and support to those that have been affected directly or indirectly, by a brain injury.
On Monday 14th March members of the clinical team from Priory Highbank Centre will be based on a trade stand at the White Rose Shopping Centre in Leeds to hand out free information & literature to the public.
Helen Powell, hospital director at The Priory Highbank Centre said: “Our aim is to provide information for anybody interested in understanding more about brain injury, whilst raising awareness of our services”.
According to brain injury charity Headway in the UK around one million people attend hospital as a result of brain injury; of these about 150,000 will have a minor brain injury resulting in unconsciousness for 15 minutes or less. Many will have short-term loss of attention, concentration and memory: usually they recover completely within 3-6 months.
Around 10,000 will suffer moderate brain damage causing unconsciousness for up to 6 hours. Some will still have physical and psychological problems after 5 years.
Up to 11,000 will suffer severe brain injuries and be unconscious for 6 hours or more. Of these, only about 15% will return to work within 5 years. Many will not work again and around 4,500 will require full time care for the rest of their lives.
More than 120,000 people in the U.K. are currently suffering from the long-term effects of severe brain damage caused by head injury.
The Priory Highbank, Neuro-Rehabilitation Services specialises in acquired brain injury and neurological rehabilitation. The service offers excellent care, support and encouragement to help patients regain their maximum physical, emotional and social capabilities in an environment that offers individual care and positive outcomes.
For more information about Priory Group and its services click here
On Monday 14th March members of the clinical team from Priory Highbank Centre will be based on a trade stand at the White Rose Shopping Centre in Leeds to hand out free information & literature to the public.
Helen Powell, hospital director at The Priory Highbank Centre said: “Our aim is to provide information for anybody interested in understanding more about brain injury, whilst raising awareness of our services”.
According to brain injury charity Headway in the UK around one million people attend hospital as a result of brain injury; of these about 150,000 will have a minor brain injury resulting in unconsciousness for 15 minutes or less. Many will have short-term loss of attention, concentration and memory: usually they recover completely within 3-6 months.
Around 10,000 will suffer moderate brain damage causing unconsciousness for up to 6 hours. Some will still have physical and psychological problems after 5 years.
Up to 11,000 will suffer severe brain injuries and be unconscious for 6 hours or more. Of these, only about 15% will return to work within 5 years. Many will not work again and around 4,500 will require full time care for the rest of their lives.
More than 120,000 people in the U.K. are currently suffering from the long-term effects of severe brain damage caused by head injury.
The Priory Highbank, Neuro-Rehabilitation Services specialises in acquired brain injury and neurological rehabilitation. The service offers excellent care, support and encouragement to help patients regain their maximum physical, emotional and social capabilities in an environment that offers individual care and positive outcomes.
For more information about Priory Group and its services click here
Tuesday, 15 February 2011
Innovation in Forensic Mental Health conference
Priory is holding a conference entitled 'Innovation in Forensic mental health'. It is aimed at healthcare professionals and will showcase a number of expert speakers.
Secure mental health services are currently facing the prospect of huge change. The conference, being held at The Royal Society of Medicine in London on May 20, will cover a variety of forensic mental health topics and create an active forum for communication and collaboration regarding new approaches to care delivery from services across the UK.
The Quality, Innovation, Productivity and Prevention (QIPP) programme is all about ensuring that each pound spent is used to bring maximum benefit and quality of care to patients. In one session, guests will hear from Elizabeth Allen National Lead for the Medium Secure QIPP Programme on how the national forensic QIPP programme will influence care in local organisations.
Delegates will also be able to hear from specialist speakers including Dr Graham Durcan, Associate Director for the Criminal Justice Programme at Centre for Mental Health, Dr Quazi Haque Priory Group and Institute of Psychiatry, Anne Beales MBE, Director of Service User Involvement at Together, a mental health charity and service provider, Jeremy Kenney-Herbert, Clinical Director at the Reaside Clinic, Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust, Dave Hearn, Security Team Leader for South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLAM) and Aideen O’Halloran, Clinical Director of Women’s Enhanced Medium Secure Service (WEMSS) at West London Mental Health Trust.
The conference will be beneficial to all healthcare professionals with an interest in forensic mental health, consultant psychiatrists, social workers, forensic healthcare managers and related voluntary agencies. The conference carries 6 CPD points for those who attend.
http://www.priorygroup.com/Events--Seminars/Events/Quality-Improvement-in-Forensic-Mental-Health.aspx
Secure mental health services are currently facing the prospect of huge change. The conference, being held at The Royal Society of Medicine in London on May 20, will cover a variety of forensic mental health topics and create an active forum for communication and collaboration regarding new approaches to care delivery from services across the UK.
The Quality, Innovation, Productivity and Prevention (QIPP) programme is all about ensuring that each pound spent is used to bring maximum benefit and quality of care to patients. In one session, guests will hear from Elizabeth Allen National Lead for the Medium Secure QIPP Programme on how the national forensic QIPP programme will influence care in local organisations.
Delegates will also be able to hear from specialist speakers including Dr Graham Durcan, Associate Director for the Criminal Justice Programme at Centre for Mental Health, Dr Quazi Haque Priory Group and Institute of Psychiatry, Anne Beales MBE, Director of Service User Involvement at Together, a mental health charity and service provider, Jeremy Kenney-Herbert, Clinical Director at the Reaside Clinic, Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust, Dave Hearn, Security Team Leader for South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLAM) and Aideen O’Halloran, Clinical Director of Women’s Enhanced Medium Secure Service (WEMSS) at West London Mental Health Trust.
The conference will be beneficial to all healthcare professionals with an interest in forensic mental health, consultant psychiatrists, social workers, forensic healthcare managers and related voluntary agencies. The conference carries 6 CPD points for those who attend.
http://www.priorygroup.com/Events--Seminars/Events/Quality-Improvement-in-Forensic-Mental-Health.aspx
Monday, 14 February 2011
Visit to Abbey Court in Bourne
I visited Abbey Court in Bourne this week. Peter and his team are doing a great job - the home is looking lovely and fresh and clean.
The team were really interacting with our residents really well and the residents I spoke to said that they really loved the home.
Well done Peter and all his team!
http://www.priorygroup.com/Personal-Site/Care-Homes-for-Older-People/Care-Homes-Overview.aspx
Sharon Butler, managing director Priory Care Homes
The team were really interacting with our residents really well and the residents I spoke to said that they really loved the home.
Well done Peter and all his team!
http://www.priorygroup.com/Personal-Site/Care-Homes-for-Older-People/Care-Homes-Overview.aspx
Sharon Butler, managing director Priory Care Homes
Priory care homes in Northern Ireland
I'd like to welcome Norma Munn, Tracey Henry and Eimer Hickey - our latest three new home managers in Northern Ireland.
Bohill Care Centre in Coleraine, Carlingford Lodge in Warrenpoint and Blair House in Newtonards are the next three homes to open in Northern Ireland a little later in the year.
After the festivities with Norman Whiteside at Cairnmartin and a great day with the local community at Bannview we need to keep up the standards of our official openings!
I was at Cairnmartin and it was great to see Lorraine, the social and leisure organiser with the P1 kids from Springmartin Primary School interact with our residents. Everyone really enjoyed themselves.
http://www.priorygroup.com/Personal-Site/Care-Homes-for-Older-People/Care-Homes-Overview.aspx
Sharon Butler, managing director Priory care homes
Bohill Care Centre in Coleraine, Carlingford Lodge in Warrenpoint and Blair House in Newtonards are the next three homes to open in Northern Ireland a little later in the year.
After the festivities with Norman Whiteside at Cairnmartin and a great day with the local community at Bannview we need to keep up the standards of our official openings!
I was at Cairnmartin and it was great to see Lorraine, the social and leisure organiser with the P1 kids from Springmartin Primary School interact with our residents. Everyone really enjoyed themselves.
http://www.priorygroup.com/Personal-Site/Care-Homes-for-Older-People/Care-Homes-Overview.aspx
Sharon Butler, managing director Priory care homes
Thursday, 13 January 2011
'Minds on Film' blog
http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mentalhealthinfo/mindsonfilmblog.aspx
Here's a link to a great blog written by Dr Joyce Almeida exploring the relevance of certain films to the field of mental health.
Dr Almeida is a consultant psychiatrist at The Priory Ticehurst House and The priory Grange Heathfield, both in East Sussex. The monthly blog 'Minds on Film' explores psychiatric conditions and mental health issues as portrayed in a selection of readily available films.
Here's a link to a great blog written by Dr Joyce Almeida exploring the relevance of certain films to the field of mental health.
Dr Almeida is a consultant psychiatrist at The Priory Ticehurst House and The priory Grange Heathfield, both in East Sussex. The monthly blog 'Minds on Film' explores psychiatric conditions and mental health issues as portrayed in a selection of readily available films.
Tuesday, 4 January 2011
Sharon Butler in Northern Ireland
Great day today - spent time with my team at Bannview and Cairnmartin, Northern Ireland
Homes are going well - met our new client at Cairnmartin, and assured family all will be well, Fiona and her team will make sure of this
Held heads of dept meeting at Cairnmartin - what a great bunch of people - thank you for your good ideas in taking the home forward - the 'bar' and 'chippy' are a great idea!
Sharon Butler
Homes are going well - met our new client at Cairnmartin, and assured family all will be well, Fiona and her team will make sure of this
Held heads of dept meeting at Cairnmartin - what a great bunch of people - thank you for your good ideas in taking the home forward - the 'bar' and 'chippy' are a great idea!
Sharon Butler
Friday, 17 December 2010
Another new home registered in Belfast
Great work team! Another new home registered - Cairnmartin in Ballygomartin Road, Belfast.
Good luck to Fiona Gray the home manager and Deborah Campbell the home manager at Bannview in Banbridge.
And to my team, thanks so much for your dedication, hard work and commitment over the past year. I really do appreciate and look forward to working with you on 2011.
Sharon Butler, managing director, Priory Care Homes
Good luck to Fiona Gray the home manager and Deborah Campbell the home manager at Bannview in Banbridge.
And to my team, thanks so much for your dedication, hard work and commitment over the past year. I really do appreciate and look forward to working with you on 2011.
Sharon Butler, managing director, Priory Care Homes
Monday, 15 November 2010
Angela's story - a journey from addiction to recovery
My miraculous journey from addiction to recovery and the programme at Hayes Grove Priory.
Mine is every alcoholics story……………..
I am so pleased to be given the opportunity to pass on my experience of addiction and my life today in recovery.
I feel I must start with what my life had become in respect of my alcoholism
I started drinking in my late teenage years and at that time I was drinking socially. My drinking gradually progressed over the years, and I realise now that I was drinking in a dependent way linked to life experiences that I was unable to manage.
This culminated in my chronic addictive behaviour in connection with alcohol. I became totally powerless over it. I can’t call my experience a life before I came into the Priory, I can only to refer to it as a lonely existence. As an honest person I became a dishonest shadow of myself – confused and isolated.
Before being admitted to the Priory I was not functioning at any level. I could manage to get out of bed daily but could not clean myself. I slept in my clothes, I was incontinent most of the time. I vomited every morning and had the shakes, my life was hell. My weight had plummeted, I had no appetite and felt very weak, physically and psychologically. My family were worried that I had alcoholic dementia due to my lack of memory. My daughter would cry, but I still could see nothing wrong with me. The alcohol nearly destroyed me and everything around me.
Eventually I became sick of being sick and having no power over the addiction. I asked my husband for help and remember saying “I’m sick of living in this hellhole”.
My first experience of Hayes Grove Priory was when I telephoned in May 2007. I arranged for a free assessment with an Addiction Therapist.
After the assessment I was admitted the same day for a detoxification, I felt numb, but knew, deep down that things would be alright. I felt I wanted to do something about my drinking. I do however remember some emotions, fear and apprehension. At that time my husband had also given me an ultimatum, stop drinking or the marriage is over.
The detoxification was horrendous mainly do to being so thin and weak. My family remained very concerned. The detoxification lasted around four days. Throughout my detox my experience of the medical team at Hayes Grove was how professional, kind, considerate and gentle they were. I did not feel judged. I felt very safe. In hindsight I now believe my strength both emotionally and physically started to improve at that point.
The Therapists had introduced themselves to me throughout the detox period. So after four days I felt strong enough to attempt to join the Addiction Programme. I attended all the sessions, and although foggy at times did grasp quiet early on the concept of recovery.
When I started to understand why I could not stop drinking and that I had an illness for me that was my turning point, and when I knew I would remain abstinent. The compulsion was lifted from me.
On week three of the programme I was introduced to Aftercare. I didn’t know what to expect but I trusted the Priory, and knew this would be part of my recovery for the next year or so. I was afraid of leaving the Priory cocoon, but now I knew I could still be connected to the Priory for another thirteen months which was invaluable as a continued support network.
After completing Aftercare I trained to become a Peer Supporter. I now help run the Aftercare Workshops weekly, which still gives me, in turn, support, and I now am privileged to see others grasp recovery. I find it joyous to see others get well, I understand their fears and can help to encourage them to attend weekly to maintain recovery.
The Priory encouraged me to attend the AA fellowship which adds another string to my bow of recovery.
I have remained abstinent since attending the programme, and have been well now for three and a half years.
To sum it all up – The Priory Hospital Hayes Grove Addiction Treatment Programme has saved my life, and has given me a new one.
Angela 2010.
( All the above are Angela’s own words )
Mine is every alcoholics story……………..
I am so pleased to be given the opportunity to pass on my experience of addiction and my life today in recovery.
I feel I must start with what my life had become in respect of my alcoholism
I started drinking in my late teenage years and at that time I was drinking socially. My drinking gradually progressed over the years, and I realise now that I was drinking in a dependent way linked to life experiences that I was unable to manage.
This culminated in my chronic addictive behaviour in connection with alcohol. I became totally powerless over it. I can’t call my experience a life before I came into the Priory, I can only to refer to it as a lonely existence. As an honest person I became a dishonest shadow of myself – confused and isolated.
Before being admitted to the Priory I was not functioning at any level. I could manage to get out of bed daily but could not clean myself. I slept in my clothes, I was incontinent most of the time. I vomited every morning and had the shakes, my life was hell. My weight had plummeted, I had no appetite and felt very weak, physically and psychologically. My family were worried that I had alcoholic dementia due to my lack of memory. My daughter would cry, but I still could see nothing wrong with me. The alcohol nearly destroyed me and everything around me.
Eventually I became sick of being sick and having no power over the addiction. I asked my husband for help and remember saying “I’m sick of living in this hellhole”.
My first experience of Hayes Grove Priory was when I telephoned in May 2007. I arranged for a free assessment with an Addiction Therapist.
After the assessment I was admitted the same day for a detoxification, I felt numb, but knew, deep down that things would be alright. I felt I wanted to do something about my drinking. I do however remember some emotions, fear and apprehension. At that time my husband had also given me an ultimatum, stop drinking or the marriage is over.
The detoxification was horrendous mainly do to being so thin and weak. My family remained very concerned. The detoxification lasted around four days. Throughout my detox my experience of the medical team at Hayes Grove was how professional, kind, considerate and gentle they were. I did not feel judged. I felt very safe. In hindsight I now believe my strength both emotionally and physically started to improve at that point.
The Therapists had introduced themselves to me throughout the detox period. So after four days I felt strong enough to attempt to join the Addiction Programme. I attended all the sessions, and although foggy at times did grasp quiet early on the concept of recovery.
When I started to understand why I could not stop drinking and that I had an illness for me that was my turning point, and when I knew I would remain abstinent. The compulsion was lifted from me.
On week three of the programme I was introduced to Aftercare. I didn’t know what to expect but I trusted the Priory, and knew this would be part of my recovery for the next year or so. I was afraid of leaving the Priory cocoon, but now I knew I could still be connected to the Priory for another thirteen months which was invaluable as a continued support network.
After completing Aftercare I trained to become a Peer Supporter. I now help run the Aftercare Workshops weekly, which still gives me, in turn, support, and I now am privileged to see others grasp recovery. I find it joyous to see others get well, I understand their fears and can help to encourage them to attend weekly to maintain recovery.
The Priory encouraged me to attend the AA fellowship which adds another string to my bow of recovery.
I have remained abstinent since attending the programme, and have been well now for three and a half years.
To sum it all up – The Priory Hospital Hayes Grove Addiction Treatment Programme has saved my life, and has given me a new one.
Angela 2010.
( All the above are Angela’s own words )
Tuesday, 2 November 2010
Coping with workplace stress
Employees all over the country are feeling the pressure of job insecurity as the recession bites in the private sector and massive cuts are threatened at public sector organisations.
There are a number of telltale signs of workplace stress which include:
• Disrupted sleep pattern
• Becoming increasingly emotional - anger, tearfulness, anxiety or depression
• Difficulty concentrating
• Becoming negative and lacking confidence
• Headaches, general aches and pains
• Loss of appetite
• Becoming overly-focused on work to the exclusion of other activities
• Forgetfulness
• A need to check and double check things
• Shutting out friends and family
• Feeling unable to cope
• Missing breaks
• Taking work home
It is quite natural to feel slightly worried or anxious if you are experiencing a particularly busy time at work or involved in an important project.
In fact, this can help people become more focused and more alert as the natural response of adrenaline kicks in.
However, it is when this escalates into acute anxiety that it can start hindering a worker’s ability to cope, have an adverse impact on their health and affect their ability to do a good job.
Job insecurity, which is rife in the current economic climate, is another trigger for work-related stress.
There are a variety of factors that can make people feel overly stressed at work:
A poor working environment
• Long hours
• How someone gets on with colleagues
• Job insecurity
• The management style of the company
• An imbalance between the requirements of the job and an employee’s capabilities
• inflexible working hours
• Too much or too little responsibility
Stress is the second biggest occupational health issue in the UK after back problems. It is estimated* that 11.4 million working days were lost in 2008/9 through stress-related illnesses.
If the warning signs of work stress are ignored, they can lead to bigger problems. This can go beyond interfering with job performance, but lead to physical and emotional health problems.”
Here's a guide to avoiding work-related stress.
• Prioritise your work-load and make sure you have a good work-life balance.
• Don’t over commit yourself. Delegate or drop things that are not absolutely necessary.
• Make sure your work environment is comfortable.
• Have regular breaks during the day – even a few minutes can help.
• Talk to someone about how you are feeling.
• Keep physically fit through regular exercise and healthy eating.
• Be aware of excessive smoking or drinking alcohol as this will only make matters worse.
If you are suffering from stress at work you should not suffer in silence but seek help at an early stage. Concerns should be raised with your manager or HR department.
There are cases where it becomes advisable to seek medical help via your GP who can refer you to experts such as the Priory.
Dr Ian Drever, Priory hospital Woking
There are a number of telltale signs of workplace stress which include:
• Disrupted sleep pattern
• Becoming increasingly emotional - anger, tearfulness, anxiety or depression
• Difficulty concentrating
• Becoming negative and lacking confidence
• Headaches, general aches and pains
• Loss of appetite
• Becoming overly-focused on work to the exclusion of other activities
• Forgetfulness
• A need to check and double check things
• Shutting out friends and family
• Feeling unable to cope
• Missing breaks
• Taking work home
It is quite natural to feel slightly worried or anxious if you are experiencing a particularly busy time at work or involved in an important project.
In fact, this can help people become more focused and more alert as the natural response of adrenaline kicks in.
However, it is when this escalates into acute anxiety that it can start hindering a worker’s ability to cope, have an adverse impact on their health and affect their ability to do a good job.
Job insecurity, which is rife in the current economic climate, is another trigger for work-related stress.
There are a variety of factors that can make people feel overly stressed at work:
A poor working environment
• Long hours
• How someone gets on with colleagues
• Job insecurity
• The management style of the company
• An imbalance between the requirements of the job and an employee’s capabilities
• inflexible working hours
• Too much or too little responsibility
Stress is the second biggest occupational health issue in the UK after back problems. It is estimated* that 11.4 million working days were lost in 2008/9 through stress-related illnesses.
If the warning signs of work stress are ignored, they can lead to bigger problems. This can go beyond interfering with job performance, but lead to physical and emotional health problems.”
Here's a guide to avoiding work-related stress.
• Prioritise your work-load and make sure you have a good work-life balance.
• Don’t over commit yourself. Delegate or drop things that are not absolutely necessary.
• Make sure your work environment is comfortable.
• Have regular breaks during the day – even a few minutes can help.
• Talk to someone about how you are feeling.
• Keep physically fit through regular exercise and healthy eating.
• Be aware of excessive smoking or drinking alcohol as this will only make matters worse.
If you are suffering from stress at work you should not suffer in silence but seek help at an early stage. Concerns should be raised with your manager or HR department.
There are cases where it becomes advisable to seek medical help via your GP who can refer you to experts such as the Priory.
Dr Ian Drever, Priory hospital Woking
Friday, 22 October 2010
Priory sponsors important report
Last night at The House of Commons, Norman Lamb MP kindly hosted the launch of the innvoative Depression, Disability and Employment report.
For the first time a mental health charity and a disability charity have come together, supported by the private sector, to collaborate on a report to explore whether viewing depression in terms of disability had the potential to improve people's opportunities for employment and other forms of social participation.
A staggering 97% of the people who took part in the research said that depression/anxiety had a substantial effect on their day to day activites; and 79% viewed their depression as a disability.
The report makes recommendations to policy makers, commissioners, front-line health and social service providers, employers, voluntary sector organisations and people living with depression.
For the first time a mental health charity and a disability charity have come together, supported by the private sector, to collaborate on a report to explore whether viewing depression in terms of disability had the potential to improve people's opportunities for employment and other forms of social participation.
A staggering 97% of the people who took part in the research said that depression/anxiety had a substantial effect on their day to day activites; and 79% viewed their depression as a disability.
The report makes recommendations to policy makers, commissioners, front-line health and social service providers, employers, voluntary sector organisations and people living with depression.
Monday, 18 October 2010
Visiting our new homes
I visited Cairnmartin last week and it's looking great. The gardens and landscaping are progressing really well and we're looking forward to getting the home registered and welcoming our first clients.
I emt with the community lead at Westwinds Estate, Newtownards and we're getting a lot of support there for our new home. Hopefully a lot of local people will apply for jobs. Thanks Jimmy for all your support.
Sharon Butler
MD Priory Care Homes
I emt with the community lead at Westwinds Estate, Newtownards and we're getting a lot of support there for our new home. Hopefully a lot of local people will apply for jobs. Thanks Jimmy for all your support.
Sharon Butler
MD Priory Care Homes
Thursday, 14 October 2010
Congratulations to Dr Dan!!
Everyone at Priory Group is very proud of our Driector of Dementia Services, Dr Daniel Nightingale, who has been nominated for two major awards. He is on the shortlist for a lifetime achievement award at the National Dementia Care Awards. These awards recognise and reward those who have dome most to help and care for people with dementia. Dr Dan has also been nominated in the Northern Ireland ICHP Awards for Training Initiative. Well done and fingers crossed for a big win!
I'd also like to welcome Lindsey Price to our progressive team. Lindsey will be managing our Cooper House care home in Bradford.
Sharom Butler
MD Priory Care Homes
I'd also like to welcome Lindsey Price to our progressive team. Lindsey will be managing our Cooper House care home in Bradford.
Sharom Butler
MD Priory Care Homes
Tuesday, 12 October 2010
Busy time at Priory Care Homes
It is a really busy time at Priory Care Homes. Priory Group has sponsored the Northern Ireland Care Awards with IHCP and we are looking forward to a great night and I really hope some of our team win an award - they certainly deserve it!
Dan Nightingale, Peter Gathercole, Diana Milner and I attended the first conference held by SJB Associates - it was a great day in the North East and we look forward to participating and hopefully speaking at the conference again next year. Thank you Diana, Peter, and Dan for your input.
Been to Amberley House in Stoke on Trent today. The Sensory room looks really good - the team has developed a themed Halloween room which looks great - well done to everyone.
We had a lovely visit, spending time in the gardens with some clients and having tea with them. It's great just to relax for a short time!
Sharon Butler
MD Priory Care Homes
Dan Nightingale, Peter Gathercole, Diana Milner and I attended the first conference held by SJB Associates - it was a great day in the North East and we look forward to participating and hopefully speaking at the conference again next year. Thank you Diana, Peter, and Dan for your input.
Been to Amberley House in Stoke on Trent today. The Sensory room looks really good - the team has developed a themed Halloween room which looks great - well done to everyone.
We had a lovely visit, spending time in the gardens with some clients and having tea with them. It's great just to relax for a short time!
Sharon Butler
MD Priory Care Homes
Monday, 11 October 2010
Going back to my roots for latest care homes
I am very excited about the upcoming developments in Northern Ireland. Our new home in Banbridge will open later this month. Deborah Campbell, the new manager is raring to go and looking forward to welcoming the first clients into our lovely new home.
Cairnmartin will also be opening soon on Ballygomartin Road, Belfast. Fiona Gray is our manager here. I am particularly excited about this home as I attended the local Cairnmartin Second School and nursed at Ards Hospital so I know the area and the people very well.
By the end of 2010 we hope to have 17 homes in Northern Ireland, providing around 1200 beds.
Sharon Butler
MD Priory Care Homes
Cairnmartin will also be opening soon on Ballygomartin Road, Belfast. Fiona Gray is our manager here. I am particularly excited about this home as I attended the local Cairnmartin Second School and nursed at Ards Hospital so I know the area and the people very well.
By the end of 2010 we hope to have 17 homes in Northern Ireland, providing around 1200 beds.
Sharon Butler
MD Priory Care Homes
Thursday, 19 August 2010
Details announced on new Sheridan School in Norfolk
Sheridan School, part of Priory Education Services, has appointed a new principal to consolidate its expansion and the implementation of new services in Norfolk.
The specialist school unveiled its new purpose-built facilities in December 2009, based on the site of the former Comfort Inn in Northwold. The school relocated to this new larger facility from its former home in Southburgh.
Sheridan School now provides education and care for both boys and girls, with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties and associated Iearning difficulties including autistic spectrum disorders. A lack of suitable provision, particularly for girls, of this type of service has been identified in the region.
Andy Clark, who has spent over 25 years working with challenging young people in a variety of settings, is Sheridan School’s new principal. He has experience in residential homes with education facilities, secure units, youth offending teams and local authority specialist education provision. Andy has also established and managed pupil referral units and external provision for students with complex needs as part of a support service for mainstream schools.
When not working Andy is kept busy with his chickens, three dogs and riding his unique custom-built motor cycle, a project which took him three years to complete.
Helen Sharpe, managing director of Priory Education Services said: “The new purpose-built school has allowed us to broaden our intake to offer care and education to children and young people on the autistic spectrum, who are in need of a safe and supportive environment, and also to admit girls and day pupils. These developments have been prompted by discussions with local authorities, which identified a lack of appropriate provision within the area.
“We are pleased to welcome Andy to Sheridan School at a very exciting time as we build on the success of the school in providing high quality care and education to an increasing number of students.”
Andy Clark said: “This is an important school providing much needed specialist education for the region. I am delighted to be joining Priory, which is a company with an excellent reputation in this field.
“I am looking forward to working with the team at Sheridan School, and particularly with the fantastic young people who attend the school.”
The specialist school unveiled its new purpose-built facilities in December 2009, based on the site of the former Comfort Inn in Northwold. The school relocated to this new larger facility from its former home in Southburgh.
Sheridan School now provides education and care for both boys and girls, with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties and associated Iearning difficulties including autistic spectrum disorders. A lack of suitable provision, particularly for girls, of this type of service has been identified in the region.
Andy Clark, who has spent over 25 years working with challenging young people in a variety of settings, is Sheridan School’s new principal. He has experience in residential homes with education facilities, secure units, youth offending teams and local authority specialist education provision. Andy has also established and managed pupil referral units and external provision for students with complex needs as part of a support service for mainstream schools.
When not working Andy is kept busy with his chickens, three dogs and riding his unique custom-built motor cycle, a project which took him three years to complete.
Helen Sharpe, managing director of Priory Education Services said: “The new purpose-built school has allowed us to broaden our intake to offer care and education to children and young people on the autistic spectrum, who are in need of a safe and supportive environment, and also to admit girls and day pupils. These developments have been prompted by discussions with local authorities, which identified a lack of appropriate provision within the area.
“We are pleased to welcome Andy to Sheridan School at a very exciting time as we build on the success of the school in providing high quality care and education to an increasing number of students.”
Andy Clark said: “This is an important school providing much needed specialist education for the region. I am delighted to be joining Priory, which is a company with an excellent reputation in this field.
“I am looking forward to working with the team at Sheridan School, and particularly with the fantastic young people who attend the school.”
Wednesday, 21 July 2010
Priory links up with Coleg Gwent
Priory Education Services has formed an innovative partnership with Coleg Gwent to provide specialist educational facilities for students with Asperger’s syndrome and tackle the long-term employment issues associated with the condition.
In 2007, the National Autistic Society launched a report calling for better support and services for young people during the crucial transition stages between school, higher education, training and employment.
The ‘Don’t write me off’ campaign found that only 15% of adults with autism in England were in full-time paid employment, which could be greatly increased if the right planning, support and service is offered to people with autism during the transition stage.
NAS Head of Policy Amanda Batten said at the time: "Young people with autism can find change particularly hard to deal with, so the transition from school to adulthood can be very difficult. Many are failing to fulfil their potential due to a lack of appropriate support at this vital stage in their lives. It is imperative that there is early and effective transition planning for every young person with autism. Many have a great deal to offer and should have access to appropriate support.
"If transition fails, young people can find themselves embedded more firmly than ever in the family home, increasing stress on the family and resulting in more isolated lives. Making transition work benefits everyone.”
Research* in 2007 found that only 15% of adults with autism are in full-time paid employment, which could be greatly increased if the right planning, support and services is offered during the transition stage between education and work. Priory Education has colleges in England, which students from Wales have in the past attended. Outstanding outcomes were achieved at the Swindon centre in 2008/2009. 100 per cent of students progressed to employment, supported employment, further or higher education or independent living destinations.
A report by the National Assembly Specialist Provision for Young People with Autism in Further Education in May 2010 concluded that ‘the gap between strategy and policy for provision for young people with autism within further education, and delivery and implementation must be closed if Wales is truly to meet its objective of putting the citizen at the centre of its public services system.’ Priory Coleg Wales will provide a solution to that delivery and implementation.
Priory Coleg Wales is a co-educational college for students aged 16 to 25 designed to meet the academic, social and emotional needs of its students. The Coleg will accept its first students in September 2010.
Priory Coleg Wales is set within the grounds of Coleg Gwent, the largest further education college in Wales with 5 separate campuses. The learning centre is located on the Pontypool campus and comprises of classrooms, IT facilities, a therapy room, learning kitchen and dining room.
The learning centre is a safe area within a mainstream setting providing retreat when students feel challenged by social situations. It is also the base for the College’s in-house programme of support. Local buses and transport are used to travel between the campuses with the help of support workers where required, but with the overall aim of increasing independent travel skills for the future.
A number of therapies are also offered to students to help with their on-going personal development including art therapy, speech and language therapy and counselling.
The Priory Coleg Wales will initially create 10 jobs in the area, potentially reaching 50 plus jobs in the next couple of years.
Simon Coles, School Principal of Priory Coleg Wales said: “The philosophy of Priory Coleg Wales is based on providing as many learning opportunities within mainstream educational settings as possible to provide students with choice, equality and diversity.
“Our young people will benefit from successful partnership agreements with local colleges and have access to over 150 academic and vocational courses including A levels and GCSEs. We aim to meet individual needs through tailored programmes of education and care with additional support for literacy, numeracy and independent living skills if required.
“Work-based learning, work experience and employability skills are embedded into the study programmes to help with transition and preparation for further study or employment. The ultimate outcome is for students to be prepared for a fulfilling adulthood, to feel empowered to make choices and to optimise their independent living skills.”
Fiona Rawlings, Deputy Director of Coleg Gwent’s Pontypool Campus said: “We are delighted to be working with the Priory Group on this exciting project. It will provide a wonderful educational opportunity for these learners and we are looking forward to welcoming the first cohort in September.”
In 2007, the National Autistic Society launched a report calling for better support and services for young people during the crucial transition stages between school, higher education, training and employment.
The ‘Don’t write me off’ campaign found that only 15% of adults with autism in England were in full-time paid employment, which could be greatly increased if the right planning, support and service is offered to people with autism during the transition stage.
NAS Head of Policy Amanda Batten said at the time: "Young people with autism can find change particularly hard to deal with, so the transition from school to adulthood can be very difficult. Many are failing to fulfil their potential due to a lack of appropriate support at this vital stage in their lives. It is imperative that there is early and effective transition planning for every young person with autism. Many have a great deal to offer and should have access to appropriate support.
"If transition fails, young people can find themselves embedded more firmly than ever in the family home, increasing stress on the family and resulting in more isolated lives. Making transition work benefits everyone.”
Research* in 2007 found that only 15% of adults with autism are in full-time paid employment, which could be greatly increased if the right planning, support and services is offered during the transition stage between education and work. Priory Education has colleges in England, which students from Wales have in the past attended. Outstanding outcomes were achieved at the Swindon centre in 2008/2009. 100 per cent of students progressed to employment, supported employment, further or higher education or independent living destinations.
A report by the National Assembly Specialist Provision for Young People with Autism in Further Education in May 2010 concluded that ‘the gap between strategy and policy for provision for young people with autism within further education, and delivery and implementation must be closed if Wales is truly to meet its objective of putting the citizen at the centre of its public services system.’ Priory Coleg Wales will provide a solution to that delivery and implementation.
Priory Coleg Wales is a co-educational college for students aged 16 to 25 designed to meet the academic, social and emotional needs of its students. The Coleg will accept its first students in September 2010.
Priory Coleg Wales is set within the grounds of Coleg Gwent, the largest further education college in Wales with 5 separate campuses. The learning centre is located on the Pontypool campus and comprises of classrooms, IT facilities, a therapy room, learning kitchen and dining room.
The learning centre is a safe area within a mainstream setting providing retreat when students feel challenged by social situations. It is also the base for the College’s in-house programme of support. Local buses and transport are used to travel between the campuses with the help of support workers where required, but with the overall aim of increasing independent travel skills for the future.
A number of therapies are also offered to students to help with their on-going personal development including art therapy, speech and language therapy and counselling.
The Priory Coleg Wales will initially create 10 jobs in the area, potentially reaching 50 plus jobs in the next couple of years.
Simon Coles, School Principal of Priory Coleg Wales said: “The philosophy of Priory Coleg Wales is based on providing as many learning opportunities within mainstream educational settings as possible to provide students with choice, equality and diversity.
“Our young people will benefit from successful partnership agreements with local colleges and have access to over 150 academic and vocational courses including A levels and GCSEs. We aim to meet individual needs through tailored programmes of education and care with additional support for literacy, numeracy and independent living skills if required.
“Work-based learning, work experience and employability skills are embedded into the study programmes to help with transition and preparation for further study or employment. The ultimate outcome is for students to be prepared for a fulfilling adulthood, to feel empowered to make choices and to optimise their independent living skills.”
Fiona Rawlings, Deputy Director of Coleg Gwent’s Pontypool Campus said: “We are delighted to be working with the Priory Group on this exciting project. It will provide a wonderful educational opportunity for these learners and we are looking forward to welcoming the first cohort in September.”
Wednesday, 14 July 2010
Priory set to help A Level students
Priory research is being used in 'Issues' - a study guide for A Level students. The research looked at people's knowledge of and attitude towards the recommended safe drinking guidelines. It includes advice from Dr Mark Collins on alcohol consumption.
Hopefully the advice will not only help with exams but also guide the teenagers towards healthy attitudes towards drinking.
Hopefully the advice will not only help with exams but also guide the teenagers towards healthy attitudes towards drinking.
Louisa celebrates 107th birthday
How amazing! Louisa Watts, a resident at Bentley Court care home in Wolverhampton, is celebrating her 107th birthday on 18th July.
Louisa has had a difficult year. The home she previously lived in was closed by the local Council but thankfully she is now happy and content at Bentley Court. She will be surrounded by friends and family on Sunday and I'm sure will have a wonderful day, including a greeting from The Queen.
Louisa has had a difficult year. The home she previously lived in was closed by the local Council but thankfully she is now happy and content at Bentley Court. She will be surrounded by friends and family on Sunday and I'm sure will have a wonderful day, including a greeting from The Queen.
Thursday, 1 July 2010
Imagine a world without colour...
Can you imagine a world without colour? It wouldn’t just be drab
and dreary. In fact, you would be entering a world that was very
unpredictable and extremely frightening.
Additionally, colour can play a huge impact on an individual’s diet
and nutrition. To demonstrate this, let us consider the Colour
Museum in Bradford: there I saw an advertising leaflet which
showed a plate of attractive-looking food in one half, and in the other half a monochrome version of the same plate. Now the peas were grey, the broccoli almost black and the off white potatoes marked with grey patches.
Imagine what that must be like – to perceive food like that day after day?
I invited some friends to dinner after seeing this just to do a little experiment (they never complain, just as long as I don’t make them go in to my laboratory!!).
I boiled some potatoes and separated them into 4 batches, dyeing them red, orange, green and blue with food colouring and then putting them in the oven for a few minutes to toughen the outsides a little and disguise their origin (just for the record, I am not a great chef and don’t cook very often so there’s no point anybody expecting me to cook a meal at any time, ever!).
At dinner, my friends were told that the vegetables had been bought at a range of ethnic shops. The red and orange potatoes were much enjoyed, the green were not all that popular and nobody touched the blue ones.
This may seem logically irrational, but actually it makes immensely good biological sense. We have millions of years of evolutionary experience to help us spot the foods that are good to eat – the ripe red apples for example. Similarly, we are able to spot the bad stuff: the meat that is green in colour, or the potatoes with blue-black patches on the outside. Without colour, those tasks would not be possible and we would have survived less well. It is therefore hardly surprising that we have innate responses to colour, and that these are often difficult to verbalise. Nevertheless, that does not make them any less real or any less important.
In a world where orientation to time and place may be deficient, where immediate memory may be impaired and where visual acuity is likely to be present, colour psychology has a very important role to play in the lives of people living with the everyday challenges of dementia.
It is paramount that we make use of the research and resources available to us when planning the design of both interior living environments and exterior leisure areas for people living in our facilities.
The book Designing Interiors for people with Dementia is a valuable resource and can be purchased from the Dementia Services Development Centre at the University of Stirling for approximately £15. The back cover consists of a piece of yellow Perspex which, when viewed through, will give you a rough indication of what the world looks like for many older people with dementia. Couple this with something like macular degeneration or glaucoma and the experience will change your perception and challenge current belief systems and personal biases.
So, whenever you are in the process of creating specific environments for people living with dementia, consider the impact that colour has not only on their visual system, but also their personality, character and behaviour as a whole. Include colour psychology as part of our holistic approach to care.
Dr Dan Nightingale
and dreary. In fact, you would be entering a world that was very
unpredictable and extremely frightening.
Additionally, colour can play a huge impact on an individual’s diet
and nutrition. To demonstrate this, let us consider the Colour
Museum in Bradford: there I saw an advertising leaflet which
showed a plate of attractive-looking food in one half, and in the other half a monochrome version of the same plate. Now the peas were grey, the broccoli almost black and the off white potatoes marked with grey patches.
Imagine what that must be like – to perceive food like that day after day?
I invited some friends to dinner after seeing this just to do a little experiment (they never complain, just as long as I don’t make them go in to my laboratory!!).
I boiled some potatoes and separated them into 4 batches, dyeing them red, orange, green and blue with food colouring and then putting them in the oven for a few minutes to toughen the outsides a little and disguise their origin (just for the record, I am not a great chef and don’t cook very often so there’s no point anybody expecting me to cook a meal at any time, ever!).
At dinner, my friends were told that the vegetables had been bought at a range of ethnic shops. The red and orange potatoes were much enjoyed, the green were not all that popular and nobody touched the blue ones.
This may seem logically irrational, but actually it makes immensely good biological sense. We have millions of years of evolutionary experience to help us spot the foods that are good to eat – the ripe red apples for example. Similarly, we are able to spot the bad stuff: the meat that is green in colour, or the potatoes with blue-black patches on the outside. Without colour, those tasks would not be possible and we would have survived less well. It is therefore hardly surprising that we have innate responses to colour, and that these are often difficult to verbalise. Nevertheless, that does not make them any less real or any less important.
In a world where orientation to time and place may be deficient, where immediate memory may be impaired and where visual acuity is likely to be present, colour psychology has a very important role to play in the lives of people living with the everyday challenges of dementia.
It is paramount that we make use of the research and resources available to us when planning the design of both interior living environments and exterior leisure areas for people living in our facilities.
The book Designing Interiors for people with Dementia is a valuable resource and can be purchased from the Dementia Services Development Centre at the University of Stirling for approximately £15. The back cover consists of a piece of yellow Perspex which, when viewed through, will give you a rough indication of what the world looks like for many older people with dementia. Couple this with something like macular degeneration or glaucoma and the experience will change your perception and challenge current belief systems and personal biases.
So, whenever you are in the process of creating specific environments for people living with dementia, consider the impact that colour has not only on their visual system, but also their personality, character and behaviour as a whole. Include colour psychology as part of our holistic approach to care.
Dr Dan Nightingale
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