Ladysmith Care Home in Grimsby chose to access the MCA Training Pathway to strengthen staff knowledge and confidence, recognising it as a valuable opportunity to learn directly from specialists in the field. The team also benefited from in-house support delivered by Steph Tyson – Practice Development, Assurance & Education Lead of the Focus Group, who provided additional MCA training, including one-to-one sessions.
What Difference Has the MCA Training Pathway Made at Ladysmith?
Senior staff are now better equipped to audit and monitor the quality of MCA practice, which has led to a noticeable improvement in staff understanding and awareness across the team
Everyday working practices have also improved, with stronger compliance around DoLS conditions and more consistent, up-to-date, and person-centred care planning. The training has supported more open and effective working relationships with professionals and families, with senior staff feeling more confident when discussing MCA-related matters and appropriately challenging decisions when required, including those involving Lasting Powers of Attorney
Most importantly, the MCA is now firmly embedded in daily practice. Staff use it routinely to guide decision-making and ensure people’s rights are respected. As a result of the training, the team was also able to identify that the capacity assessments within their electronic care planning system were not MCA-compliant. This issue has since been raised with the system provider, and staff now use documentation aligned with the local MCA and Deprivation of Liberty Policy.
Staff have shared their thoughts on the MCA training pathway;
“I found the training really enjoyable!”
“I wouldn’t be where I am now if I had only done online training”
Carol Woodliffe, Home Manager, explained that Ladysmith chose the MCA Training Pathway to build knowledge and confidence, valuing the opportunity to learn directly from experts and benefit from additional in-house support. Since completing the training, senior staff have become more confident in completing MCA assessments, and understanding across the whole team has significantly improved. The training has also helped the home identify and address outdated MCA processes within their electronic care planning system. Carol highly recommends the MCA Training Pathway to other providers and thanked the team for their ongoing support.
Well done Ladysmith on a fantastic achievement!
