I had the pleasure of being taken round Princess Alice Hospice last week by Jane Berg, the Head of Education. I was impressed by the quietly joyful yet peaceful and friendly culture. Everyone was engaging and thoughtfully aware of those around them. The design is a source of inspiration for care homes designing for quality and relationship activated compassionate care. The space is light and corridors and all areas are generous and uncluttered with clear navigation signage. The ground floor has individual rooms with beds and bathrooms with sensory features. Every area is punctuated by several informal roomy and intimate multifunctional sitting areas. Nothing too big but accommodating of larger groups as well as small ones.
I was impressed with the multi faith room with a book of memories recording a memory of a loved one. This is a bright and colourful peaceful place providing tranquillity and sanctuary, with relaxing smells and candle lights. The children’s area is open and engaging, similarly with a wall to write memories of a loved one- some very moving messages. There was a strong housekeeping presence, where fresh flower features were seen in most areas. There is dedicated flower room, in house laundry and room for uniforms to be fitted and stored. The emphasis on good housekeeping reminded me of my days as a Housekeeper at the Charing Cross hotel London before I embarked on my OT training.
There were spaces for special events such as staff training or promotions. Everywhere was spotless and it made you feel welcome. The two volunteer receptionists were quick to identify who you needed to speak to.
Upstairs there was a large day area and offices and training spaces for different functions including the different community geographic areas served. I was particularly struck by the ECHO hub where virtual training takes place using technology to link speakers joined by 12-15 care homes for an interactive seminar on topics selected by the group including 2 case studies from within the participating care homes. This is a hub and spoke model of learning and appears to be gathering momentum owing to its success. This is worth further investigation. My next assignment is to attend one to observe how the system works.
The care home education is a seminal focus of the educational role of the hospice acting as a regional centre of excellence. I believe that if care homes become learning centres where coaching and, on the job, learning with supervision becomes the norm. This, along with imaginative design with plenty of space for engagement with families and others provides a deeply person centred experience by those being cared for, working and visiting - an exemplar showing how the care sector too can demonstrate a palpable vision to become beacons of excellence in caring for older people.