April 21, 2026
Hi Anne
 
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21 April 2026

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Click here   for details of how to join our members WhatsApp group.

     

Escorting Residents and Service Users to Hospital 
Updated Guidance

Many of you will know that our WhatsApp group recently hosted a very active and constructive discussion around the issue of escorting residents or service users to hospital. This topic continues to raise important operational and safeguarding considerations for providers, and the shared experiences within the group have been incredibly valuable.


Several challenges were highlighted, including:


  • Insurance limitations, where providers may not be covered for staff to escort individuals to hospital.

  • Staffing pressures, as releasing a team member can leave services short‑staffed and potentially unsafe.

Nicola Whittingham, Registered Manager at Newbridge House Care Home in Wolverhampton, shared details in the WhatsApp group concerning a recent incident in which paramedics became rude and confrontational and insisted that a staff member accompany a resident, despite this not being feasible for them as a provider.


Situations like this underline the need for clear, consistent guidance.

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To support you, we now have  two updated policies  available in PDF format via the links below.


  1. A policy for Care Provider staff, outlining responsibilities, limitations, and appropriate responses when escorting is requested.

  2. A policy for patients and families, helping them understand what providers can and cannot do, and setting clear expectations.


We strongly encourage all members to familiarise themselves with these documents and refer to them whenever such situations arise.

     

A quick note about our WhatsApp group

This discussion is a great example of how valuable our WhatsApp group has become. It’s a safe space where members can raise issues, share experiences, and get rapid peer support on real‑world challenges. If you’re not yet part of the group and would like to join, please click on the link below — we’d be delighted to add you.

     

📝 Power of Attorney Day – 22 April 2026 🛡️

Power of Attorney Day   is a national campaign encouraging people to plan ahead and ensure their wishes can be protected. For many residents and service users, having a Power of Attorney in place is essential — it helps ensure the right decisions can be made about their health, welfare, and finances if they’re ever unable to do so themselves.


For care providers, supporting residents to put these arrangements in place also strengthens CQC compliance, particularly around person‑centred care, safeguarding, and ensuring people remain in control of their choices.


Through West Midlands Care Legal Services , WMCA offers care providers access to expert legal planning advice for residents and service users at very competitive rates — helping everyone stay prepared and protected. Click on the image below for more information.

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For all the latest news and updates relevant to the social care sector, check out the "News and Info" section of our website.

     

Online Training

Click on images below to find out more.

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Click for a full list of upcoming events

     
   
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Need Help completing the DSPT?

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West Midlands Care Association is your local  Better Security Better Care  support organisation, offering free online resources, workshops and one-to-one support to help CQC registered providers complete the DSPT.


We also have a new offer, a free onsite, in-person  Digital Health Check .


Click the button for more info.

     

Our Partners

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West Midlands Care Association  enquiries@wmca.care  01384 943000

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This email was sent by news@wmca.care to an@wmca.care
West Midlands Care Association | Globe House Park Lane Halesowen B63 2RA
West Midlands Care Association 
Authorized representativeCEO  |  Email addressenquiries@wmca.care  |  Phone01384943000

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