Legal Update: Craig Ward of Law Talks
Legislation Update
Consultation
The health and safety executive seeks your views on amendments to regulation 3(2) of the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995. The amendments, if adopted would change the reporting rules concerning the incapacity period; from over three days to over seven days following an injury to someone at work.
See www.hse.gov.uk/consult/condocs/cd233.htm for further details
Legal News
Mental Health Strategies
Mental health has for many years been sidelined. In a new strategy the Government aims to improve the lives of those with mental health difficulties, together with their carers and relatives.
For further details see www.dh.gov.uk/prod_consum_dh/groups/dh_digitalassets/documents/digitalasset/dh_124006.pdf.
Scottish welding of health and social care
An integrated model of health and social care has been seen in England for a little while. Scotland is now moving towards health and social care integration, hopefully improving access to services and cutting delays. The delivery of a seamless service in England has improved older people services, whilst reducing emergency admissions to hospital.
There are however criticisms of service provision under this model. The question is, is integration more cost effective whilst providing a better level of care service. If you are concerned about the care someone is receiving, they may wish to contact their local authority, seeing how they can assist further.
Care home fees set to rise
Local authorities are facing pressure to pay more for care home placements. Mister Justice Hickinbottom found that Pembrokeshire Council had failed in its obligations to give suitable consideration for the needs of residents and providers, when it froze its 2010/11 fees at 2009/10 prices.
This may have a knock-on effect for self funders in care homes. It is advisable for all self funders to consider whether any other funding is available to them, such as continuing NHS healthcare or registered nursing care contribution.
Better child protection
The Munro Review of Child Protection: Interim Report, The Child’s Journey, has been recently published. The report details key protection issues. Importantly Prof Munro asks for your assistance. She says, “I am seeking further help from each profession within the sector to develop the reforms proposed in this report, and would like to work with a range of groups to develop them”. See www.education.gov.uk/munroreview for the report and further details.
Health and Safety Roadshow
It must be spring, as the health and safety roadshow is back. At organised events around the country the Health and Safety Executive once again is promoting safety at work. Details of forthcoming events may be found at www.hse.gov.uk/events/index.htm.
Food safety
If you’ve ever wondered about how safe your food is, then visit the Food Standards Agency’s open access repository. The site contains useful information such as; diet and health, consumer choice and standards, together with a range of reports. See www.foodbase.org.uk for further details.
Craig Ward
Solicitor
Craig Ward is Author of the book ‘Lasting Powers of Attorney: A Practical Guide’ (The Law Society)