Deborah Sturdy is the Chief Nurse for Adult Social Care
Learning Disability Week, in common with many awareness raising events this year, focuses on post-pandemic reconnection. People with learning disabilities and those who support them continue to process the difficulties of the last two years and reacquaint themselves with society.
Carers Week has always been about increasing visibility and support for those who give their time, energy and commitment to care for family, friends and loved ones. Which is why, as we emerge from the privations of the pandemic, this year’s theme of making carers more ‘visible, valued and supported’ has never been more relevant.
For pretty much every major disease or human condition, there is a social care dimension. For many reasons, some of them cultural and institutional, this vital thread in the wider web of health and care is frequently lost, as attention tends to be focused on the more clinical aspects of an innovation or strategy. Dementia care is no different.
Today is International Nurses Day and, while many outside the caring professions tend to think of nursing in a purely clinical context, those working in or with the adult social care sector know it is so much broader in scope, complexity and provision.
We are pleased to present two more inspirational stories of Chief Nurse for Adult Social Care Award winners. If you haven't nominated your colleagues for a Gold or Silver award yet, what's stopping you? Click the clinks at the bottom of the post to find out how and do it today!
One of the main reasons Deborah Sturdy launched the Chief Nurse for Adult Social Care Awards in 2021 was to celebrate the range, experience and diversity of England's talented care workforce. In the first of two linked blog posts, read inspiring stories of recent Silver and Gold award winners; colleagues who have demonstrated inspirational leadership, kindness and support for individuals, teams and residents.
"The coronavirus pandemic has brought infection prevention and control (IPC) into sharp focus" says Chief Nurse for Adult Social Care, Deborah Sturdy, in her latest blog, marking the recent publication of updated IPC guidance and resources.
One of the reasons, if not the main inspiration, Deborah Sturdy accepted the post of Chief Nurse for Adult Social Care had been her desire to honour, support and encourage this country's amazing care profession through some very challenging times. Read her latest blog, marking a day of reflection and remembrance for social care.
If the last two years have taught us anything, it’s the fundamental truth that collective action, free of self-interest, prejudice or judgement, can achieve amazing things. International Women’s Day has chosen ‘break the bias’ as this year’s theme. I believe we can all draw strength from its ideal in these worrying times.
Inclusion, acceptance and respect are all essential qualities in the world of social care, as much for those who provide services as they are for those who receive them. Deborah Sturdy, Chief Nurse for Adult Social Care, believes LGBT+ History Month is the perfect opportunity to celebrate diversity across the care sector.