Failings in the care system highlighted by a recent BBC Panorama programme, have led four North Wales experts to join forces in a bid to prevent further abuses taking place.
The CareChecker team, who have all worked in both the delivery and inspection of care services for many years, are calling for root and branch changes within the care sector.
They worry that the documentary, which revealed abuses at the Castlebeck-owned Winterbourne View unit, could generate a raft of meetings, strategic groups and debates, which while positive, may take a long time to bring about change.
Laraine Bruce, who has worked in the care sector for over 30 years in commissioning, provision and regulation, and who received an MBE for her voluntary advocacy work, said: “It is a frightening reality that we do not really listen to what people in care settings want to say. We think that we do, but as often evidenced, this is not happening. In all other ‘industries’, the opinions of the ‘consumers’ are actively sought, valued and acted upon.
“Consultation as to what sort of breakfast cereal we prefer is major business and involves many creative thinkers, designers etc. Why therefore, is the most important service of all, that of supporting and caring for our fellow man, not given equal priority? As a society we should feel shame when we acknowledge this to be a fact.”
Deeply distressed by the scenes aired in the documentary, and by the recognition that this unbelievable situation was without doubt happening elsewhere, CareChecker was established.
Roger Rowett, who has a wealth of experience in inspection and regulation, said: “Whilst our primary focus will always be to listen to what individuals are saying about the services they are receiving, we will check to see if providers are also listening. We believe that if all services genuinely want to hear the views of the people they support and respond to these, the chance of abuse occurring will be far less likely”.
CareChecker is a service that stands firmly alongside all people who depend on services. However, it does not have to be a service that stands alone. If supported by all people who share their hopes, by those organisations that have responsibility for our most vulnerable members of society and politicians who are willing to go the extra mile then CareChecker believes that cultural change can really happen. It has to.
Further details can be found at www.carechecker.co.uk
The ‘CareChecker’ team includes:
Laraine Bruce MBE – Laraine has 30 years experience in the sector. In 2001 she received an MBE for services to people with Learning Disabilities in Wales. Shecurrently works as an independent consultant and trainer. Most of her training is in the field of learning disability and focuses on a Person Centred way of thinking and working.
Roger Rowett – Roger has worked extensively within the care and education sectors, both as a provider and within regulation and inspection (CSIW & Estyn) over a 30 year period. He offers a range of consultancy and training services that focus on organisational development and self evaluation using an ‘Appreciative Inquiry’ approach to help uncover and disseminate best practice.
Roger Bruce – A former Metropolitan Police officer and teacher who has worked for the past 20 years in the field of learning disability. Roger was the former Chief Executive of Cartref Ni, one of the leading domiciliary care providers in North Wales.
Rebecca McConnell – A qualified nurse and Registered Care Manager. She currently works for a domiciliary care agency based in North Wales that provides support to adults with learning disabilities. Rebecca is passionate about the rights of people to be treated with dignity and respect, and is trained in Person Centred Planning.
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