16 March 2011
Jonathan Djanogly joined Crossroads Care Cambridgeshire at an Open Day on 11th March to launch their new facilities and promote new developments for carers.
Speaking to dozens of health professionals, dignitaries, carers and staff, Mr Djanogly MP said that he was impressed with the work and plans of the organisation, which were Big Society in action.
Cambridgeshire GP Dr Richard Withers spoke about GP commissioning and also about the benefits of NHS Cambridgeshire’s GP Prescription Service for carers, provided through Crossroads Care Cambridgeshire. He felt that participating in the innovative Carers Prescription Service had helped his surgery become more carer aware. “We have seen large benefits from what is a relatively small amount of money” said Dr Withers. “I hope the service is extended to carers throughout the county.” Dr Withers also commented on how much he’d learned from the information available at the Open Day. He was particularly interested in Crossroads Care’s new free Dementia HomeShare service, funded by a grant from the National Gardens Scheme.
The morning ended with Chief Executive Dr Helen Brown talking briefly about the importance of Dignity in Care. This was followed by volunteer Derek Swanson being lifted in a hoist to demonstrate some of the issues faced by people and carers in the Community. Crossroads Care Cambridgeshire have been able to purchase a hoist and hospital bed through a Futurebuilders grant and hope to be able to provide moving and handling training for carers.
Everyone enjoyed a fish and chips lunch. In the afternoon, there were lots of activities for carers, who also had the chance to see the hoist being demonstrated. Several carers took the opportunity to record a short video diary.
The grant came at an opportune time for Crossroads Care Cambridgeshire, who moved into new offices recently. Dr Helen Brown said, “We are very grateful to Barclays Bank and Telereal Trillium for supporting our move to their vacant offices and granting us a favourable lease. This has involved significant costs for us, but the larger premises offer exciting opportunities. The Social Enterprise grant has provided capital for investing in equipment to enable us to introduce efficiencies and purchase a minibus with facilities for people with disabilities too.”
New services and developments for carers were profiled on 11th March. These include:
- the opening of a free HomeShare care service for people with dementia, funded by a Dementia Centres of Excellence grant from the National Gardens Scheme (NGS) through Crossroads Care.
- Information about the first year of the NHS Cambridgeshire GP Prescription service which helps GPs to recognise and support carers through providing a break.
- Better countywide services for carers throughout Cambridgeshire with a single Crossroads Care organisation, as Crossroads Care Cambridgeshire merge with Crossroads Cambridge-city.
- Plans for Crossroads Care Cambridgeshire to extend its support for young carers into Fenland.