The Slanjava Summary | Health & Social Care News Roundup 02/11/25
- Slanjava Learning Ltd.
- Nov 2
- 4 min read
Welcome to this edition of the Slanjava Summary from Slanjava Learning Ltd | helping others to help others, sharing key health and social care updates from Scotland and across the UK.
Surge in racist incidents reported by nursing staff
Reports from the Royal College of Nursing show that racist incidents against nurses have increased by 55 percent since 2022. Staff report exclusion, verbal abuse and patients refusing treatment.
Why this matters:
Highlights the need for inclusive, respectful workplaces where discrimination is never tolerated.
Employers must ensure clear reporting routes and psychological-safety policies.
For training, integrate equality, diversity and inclusion themes across all learning programmes.
NHS leaders warn of longer waits without additional funding
According to NHS Confederation and NHS Providers, without an extra £3 billion waiting lists could lengthen and services be reduced. With non-urgent lists around 7.4 million, pressure on social care continues to mount.
Why this matters:
Community and care-home staff increasingly support individuals waiting for hospital care.
Training in safe medication, moving and assisting and emergency first aid reduces risk.
Organisations should showcase how skilled, competent staff add measurable value to care.
Care Inspectorate guidance on “Meaningful Connection”
The Care Inspectorate has launched new guidance and a self-evaluation tool to help services embed Meaningful Connection, prioritising relationships, belonging and emotional wellbeing.
Why this matters:
Promotes person-centred, trauma-informed care beyond task-based support.
Encourages staff reflection on connection, communication and dignity.
Can be integrated into induction and refresher learning for all roles.
Junior doctors’ leadership change could ease strike risk
Moderate voices have gained key positions within the BMA’s junior-doctors committee, potentially reducing the risk of further prolonged industrial action.
Why this matters:
Fewer disruptions support consistent training delivery and staffing.
Employers should maintain flexibility with virtual or hybrid sessions where possible.
Offers cautious optimism for workforce stability as winter approaches.
GP appointment waits reach record highs
Over 12.9 million GP appointments in England between January and August took place more than 28 days after booking, nearly triple 2021 levels (The Times).
Why this matters:
Primary-care delays increase pressure on community services.
Workers need confidence recognising deterioration and escalating concerns.
Reinforces the importance of accurate documentation and safe record-keeping.
Needle-free adrenaline nasal spray approved in the UK
The MHRA has approved Eurneffy®, the first needle-free nasal spray for adrenaline delivery during anaphylaxis (Anaphylaxis UK).
Why this matters:
Medication and first-aid courses should now include this option.
May improve access for individuals hesitant to self-inject.
Demonstrates how practice and training must evolve with innovation.
Safeguarding spotlight: abuse and neglect cases under investigation
Allegations of serious abuse and neglect at a Salisbury care home (The Telegraph) and ongoing investigations by the Lampard Inquiry into mental-health deaths highlight persistent safeguarding risks.
Why this matters:
Safeguarding and human-rights awareness must remain central to training.
Organisations should review supervision, whistle-blowing and incident-reporting processes.
Scenario-based learning helps reinforce early recognition of abuse.
Barchester Healthcare acquired in record £5.2 billion deal
Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care-home providers, has been sold to US investor Welltower Inc. in a deal worth around £5.2 billion, believed to be the world’s largest care-home transaction.
Why this matters:
Signals strong investor confidence in social-care infrastructure.
Could drive modernisation but may heighten commercial pressures.
Staff may see changes in governance, systems and training requirements as ownership evolves.
Furniture-safety rule change removes “swing-label” requirement
From 30 October 2025, the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 remove the need for manufacturers to attach a permanent “swing tag” to new domestic upholstered furniture.
Why this matters:
Affects procurement and inspection of furniture used in supported-living and residential care.
Fire-safety and facilities teams should update inventories and risk assessments.
Training in Fire Marshal and Health and Safety should reflect this change to maintain compliance.
Sector reflections
As November begins, the sector continues to balance progress and pressure with innovation, inclusion and safeguarding firmly in focus. Whether you work directly with individuals, manage services or deliver training, competence, connection and culture remain the cornerstones of safe, compassionate and high-quality care.
Find out more
Slanjava Learning Ltd provides accredited and bespoke Health and Social Care training throughout Scotland and the UK, including Medication Competency Assessor, Moving and Assisting of People, Fire Marshal and First Aid for Mental Health courses.
Stay Informed
For more updates, resources and accredited training opportunities, follow Slanjava Learning Ltd on LinkedIn and Facebook, or visit: https://www.slanjavalearning.co.uk
Kind regards,
Slanjava Learning Ltd | Helping others to help others
Proud recipient of the “Best Health & Social Care Training Organisation 2025 – Scotland” award from Corporate Vision Magazine.
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