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his month, the CQC announced it was time to have a conversation on whether hidden cameras and secret shoppers should be considered as a means of monitoring care homes and care agencies. Outlining these options as part

Hidden cameras in care an invasion of privacy or a necessary precaution?

of her A fresh start report (analysed in more detail elsewhere in this edition by our Managing Director Kevin Craig), Andrea Sutcliffe, the newly appointed Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care, proposed that these methods might be used as a means of monitoring care standards. Sutcliffe referenced television documentaries which use hidden cameras in bags or clothing to catch wrongdoers. She said ... balancing the idea that youve got a camera which may well be monitoring and checking that people are doing the job properly but actually at the same time is potentially exposing vulnerable old people or indeed younger people with disabilities is tricky. So weve got to have that conversation about what is right and proper and appropriate and what would be the safeguards if people were going to take it forward. Sutcliffe also suggested using secret shoppers members of the public who would use the service and report back to the care watchdog on their experiences. These secret shoppers could include care home residents and their relatives. Whilst hidden cameras may in the future have a designated role to play in the monitoring of care provision, legal experts have noted that the use of such technology must be balanced against organisations obligations under applicable data protection laws. Others have suggested that hidden cameras may well breach Human Rights legislation. If used at all, hidden cameras would need to be shown to be proportionate to the end attempting to be achieved and a full privacy impact assessment carried out before these measures are implemented. Others have argued that a care home is just that a vulnerable persons home and therefore, there is a need to consider the
12 Healthcare Business

mental wellbeing of those being subjected to potential invasions of privacy. A resident living with dementia may not be in a position to decide whether or not they would want to be filmed. Perhaps the idea that in order to promote and sustain ethical practice we need to introduce more surveillance and spotchecking is ultimately misguided. The end of the horrendous violations showcased in a series of high profile exposs have been attributed to secret filming. But, perhaps, what ought to be taken from this is not the success of covert filming, but rather the failure of other processes to protect service users. There are also many practical questions to be answered. Who would be responsible for paying for and installing the cameras, for maintaining them and for monitoring the recordings? Given that there are just short of 18,000 residential and nursing homes in the country, the logistical and financial issues involved are enormous. Many commentators have questioned this perceived focus on creating a surveillance culture, arguing that attention should be given to promoting excellence in care provision and in training new carers. Davina Ludlow, director of carehome.co.uk, a leading guide to care homes, expressed concern over Ms Sutcliffes proposals. She said: We need to train, support and inspire the next generation of carers; not create a Big Brother culture where people are afraid to do this vital job. The coming conversation about hidden cameras will no doubt be a heated one. There are many who will argue that covert filming risks violating the dignity of service users and demoralising those who care for them. A much more effective approach may be to learn from practitioners and services that provide exemplary care and aim to roll out the education and support systems that are required to make this happen across the board. Not just because people feel they are being watched.

Meridian announce first HARMONY accredited dementia care home

ingsfield care home in Ashtonunder-Lyne has become the first Meridian Healthcare home to achieve HARMONY accreditation. The HARMONY dementia care programme was developed in 2012 by Meridian to improve the quality of life of residents with dementia related conditions, including those with advanced dementia. HARMONY was piloted at Kingsfield in 2012 and won the interest and respect of local healthcare commissioners and the sector as a whole. Following the publication of the pilot findings, the programme is to be rolled out to other homes within the group during 2013/14. HARMONY helps our care homes to work towards an agreed set of outcomes for our residents commented Sharon Wood, Meridians QA and dementia lead. She continued, Homes seeking accreditation must demonstrate that the positive changes made have helped people in their care eat better, retain more independence, sleep better and if possible require fewer anti-psychotic mediations. As part of our accreditation, we need to see positive interactions taking place

Zara Rubin is an Account Executive at PLMR, the leading For more information about public affairs and public relations consultancy for the health & social HARMONY visit: www.meridiancare.co.uk/harmony care sector.

between residents and their carers. Janet Pearson from Kingsfield accepted the accreditation plaque on behalf of her team at Kingsfield at a recent event for all Meridian managers. [Pictured, L-R, Janet Pearson and Sharon Wood] The programme has generated interest from around the world, with the most far flung request for information coming from Australia.