The Abbeyfield Society in Cambridge nominated Nicola Munns into this competition; a 400-word statement was submitted stating why Nicola was ideal to represent Abbeyfield and why she had the skills to win. Following this she was short listed and asked to attend a two-day live competition at Leicester College on 10
th and 11
th March 2010.
The competition promotes the skills and knowledge required to work in the sector of health and social care. Nicola will have to work to a set brief where she will be able to demonstrate her theoretical knowledge and skills in a live environment. If Nicola wins her heat in Leicester she will be invited to attend the UK finals.
Day one of the competition:
Nicola will have to deal with an emergency situation in first aid and this activity will last for 30 minutes. This task is weighted up to 35% of the total marks and judges will be observing Nicola in the following areas:
- Assessment of the situation
- Taking appropriate action
- Communications skills with the client
- Demonstrating respect of the dignity and privacy of the client
- Theoretical knowledge
- Observing due care and attention to matters of Health & Safety
In order to prepare for the above Nicola will be attending a first aid update with the Red Cross and lots of role-play at BFH.
Day two of the competition:
Nicola will have to read a care plan and then proceed with assisting an individual (an actor) get up and out of bed, washed, dressed and ready to go on an outing. She will also need to demonstrate her ability to respond to an unexpected event. The activity will last for 60 minutes and Nicola will be marked up to 65% of the total marks. Judges will be observing the following:
- That Nicola's actions are centred on the needs, wishes and views of the client
- That Nicola demonstrates the principles of respect, dignity and privacy
- That Nicola ensures that the health and personal care which the client receives is based on the client's individual needs
- Demonstration of theoretical knowledge
- Demonstration of due care and attention to matters of Health & Safety
In order for Nicola to prepare for the above she will be revising all her theoretical theories in her Open University studies around person centred care and every day working practices, including lots of role play.
At the end of day two the judges will all gather and read out the results. It is unclear at this stage how many people will go through to the finals, but the number will be based on the highest scores/percentages.
Although Nicola is extremely competent and already works within all of the above frameworks this will be no easy task, especially with it being live and Nicola feeling understandable pressure in wanting to win and represent Abbeyfield. However, we have every faith in her skills as Nicola is a well-focused carer who endlessly works to improve her skills and to enhance the quality of life of all older people within her care.
Good Luck Nicola!