Government sets out next steps to reform adult social care |
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People who receive care, staff and providers will benefit from a refreshed plan to bolster the adult social care workforce, speed up discharge from hospital and accelerate the use of technology in the care sector over the next two years.
The update builds on commitments outlined in the People at the Heart of Care white paper, published in December 2021, to support career progression in the sector and make sure those who receive care receive it in the right place at the right time.
In her latest blog, Lyn Romeo, Chief Social Worker for Adults, explains how the values, experiences and insights of her profession have informed this latest phase of reform. |
Help shape amazing careers in social care: add your voice to the call for evidence
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Spring COVID-19 boosters recommended for groups most at risk |
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The COVID-19 vaccination programme continues to focus on the prevention of severe disease arising from infections. Older people, residents in care homes and those who are immuno-suppressed are at the highest risk of severe COVID-19.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) recently advised an extra booster dose in Spring 2023 for these groups. Vaccination teams should already be making contact with care homes to arrange visits. Find out more in the recent letter to care colleagues from Claire Armstrong, Director of Adult Social Care Delivery at the Department of Health and Social Care. |
Guidance update: COVID-19 infection prevention and control in care settings
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[Image created by freepik.com] The Department of Health and Social Care and the UK Health Security Agency have recently announced changes to COVID-19 infection prevention and control (IPC) measures across adult social care.
This includes a focus on testing for those who are eligible for COVID-19 treatments, as well as changes to outbreak and admissions testing in care homes. For more information, please read this recent letter to the sector and review the updated guidance in the link below. |
SCIE issues updated guidance on carers breaks for care providers and others
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Carers breaks are an essential way to support unpaid carers, giving them much needed time to recharge their batteries and focus on their own health and wellbeing.
This guidance, published by the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) and funded by the Department of Health and Social Care, is aimed at commissioners, local authorities and others involved in planning, shaping and delivering support for adults with caring responsibilities.
It will also be of interest to a wide range of providers – including those from the voluntary, community, private and public sectors, not just those already providing carers’ breaks. Further advice and information for carers is available from Carers UK.
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Emergency alert system launches to keep people safe |
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A new emergency alert system has launched, allowing the Government and emergency services to send alerts directly to mobile phones when there is risk to life. Alerts include details of areas impacted and instructions on how to respond. A UK-wide test takes place on Sunday 23 April, following successful trials in Reading and Suffolk.
Some groups, including care providers, care home residents and others living or working in specialised settings, may choose to opt out to protect those who are easily distressed or confused. However, the Government recommends everyone participates to help keep individuals and communities safe.
Care providers can use this toolkit to share further details of the Emergency Alerts campaign. |
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