Adult Social Care Update
A message from Sajid Javid, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
Over the last two years of life in the midst of a pandemic, many of us have experienced a wide range of emotions, including anxiety, fear and grief, not least those of us working in or with the care sector as we watched residents, colleagues, friends and families succumb to COVID-19. Now, as our world beating vaccination programme continues to drive up immunity, these emotions are giving way to more positive feelings of hope, optimism and cautious relief the worst is hopefully behind us. This makes it the right time to reassess how we target support for the care workforce, whilst continuing to protect their health and wellbeing and those in their care. No matter how effective vaccines and other protections may be, there will always be individuals and communities at higher risk than others. Therefore, as we learn to live with COVID-19, I have set out our strategy to make sure testing is targeted to protect those who need it most.
Free asymptomatic lateral flow testing will be provided to staff in adult social care services during periods of high prevalence, as well as for a small number of care home visitors and visiting professionals who provide personal care. All other visitors will no longer need to test.
In addition, free asymptomatic testing will be provided to care homes all year for outbreak testing for staff and residents, and for residents upon admission.
I also want to reassure anyone living and working in care settings that the government will continue to support the sector with vaccinations and personal protective equipment (PPE) as circumstances demand. These measures will work alongside updated guidance informed by best practice and lessons learned.
At the same time, there will be no let-up in our viral vigilance. Plans are already in place to rapidly scale up of testing capabilities should new health threats emerge. We will continue to work closely with NHS services and local authorities to target support where needed.
In the meantime, I encourage all care managers to support staff to get their COVID-19 vaccine and booster doses, as and when they are eligible. Older eligible adult care home residents should also be supported to receive their Spring boosters.
Targeted testing and comprehensive vaccination, whilst critical to ending this pandemic, are not enough in and of themselves. Enhanced infection prevention and control (IPC) must be the enduring mantra for all care and health professionals.
If you haven’t registered already, I urge you to join the IPC Champions Network. Endorsed by our Chief Nurse for Adult Social Care, Deborah Sturdy, the network can help you become an IPC guru, share vital knowledge with others, and save lives.
I hope these changes provide comfort, confidence and clarity as we enter this new phase of our relationship with the virus. Most of all, I want you to know we could have not achieved such enormous progress if it hadn’t been for your bravery, dedication and resolve.
Thanks in no small part to you, we are once again becoming a healthier, happier and more open society. This government and our sector partners will support you to protect these hard won successes and keep you safe, well and able to do what you do best: make a positive difference to so many lives.
Living with COVID-19: updated guidance round up [Image created by freepik.com] Following recent Living with COVID-19 announcements, a supplement has been added to the infection prevention and control resource for adult social care. This guidance applies to adult social care settings and services in England and should be used as a basis for any infection prevention and control response.
Guidance relating to COVID-19 testing for adult social care services has also been revised. The United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has updated documents setting out testing services available for staff, residents and visitors for all adult social care services.
Minister for Care and Mental Health, Gillian Keegan, has also written to care colleagues outlining the recent changes. You can read her letter here.
Another very deserving care colleague receives a Chief Nurse for Adult Social Care Award Ajeesh Thomas (second from left), a senior care coordinator at Ebury Court Care Home in Romford, has been recognised for his outstanding performance and contribution to the health and safety of care home residents.
The Chief Nurse Adult Social Care awards have been developed to reward the significant and outstanding contribution made by social care workers and nurses in England.
This Silver Award, presented by Chief Nurse for Adult Social Care, Deborah Sturdy OBE (first from left), recognises the commitment Ajeesh has made to improving the wellbeing of residents, in addition to training, coaching and supporting his colleagues.
Blogwatch: Infection prevention and control forever [Image created by freepik.com] "The coronavirus pandemic has brought infection prevention and control (IPC) into sharp focus" says Chief Nurse for Adult Social Care, Deborah Sturdy, in her latest blog, marking the publication of updated IPC guidance and resources.
"In our daily lives, whether at home or work, IPC measures have received much greater attention as we all learn how to deal with a persistent and evolving threat.That’s why we must continue to build on what we have learnt and apply that learning to each and every infection outbreak."
Capacity Tracker update [Image created by freepik.com] Capacity Tracker (CT) data collection will continue into 2023. Following review with provider groups, CQC and local authorities, many infection control fund and flu vaccination questions are to be removed. The frequency of workforce and COVID-19 vaccination questions will also be reduced to weekly and a field for second boosters added where relevant.
Further phases of the review will focus on improving questions on workforce, visiting and maximising the value of CT to providers. CT users should have received more detail already. If not, please email: necsu.capacitytracker@nhs.net
Help us shape the future of health and social care integration [Image created by freepik.com] The recently published integration white paper has benefited from the experience and insights of many stakeholders. It features a number of questions relating to further sector engagement, as DHSC works with individuals and organisations to shape the implementation process.
The expertise and input of partners across health and care systems will be essential to making the white paper’s vision a success.
A dedicated mailbox has been set up to receive responses to these questions, which will close on 7 April 2022. Your views matter. Email us at the link below...
World Autism Acceptance Week This year, World Autism Acceptance Week celebrates a shift in focus, away from simply raising awareness, to increasing acceptance and understanding of autism. Celebrities, including Christine McGuinness and Chris Packham, are sharing advice, resources and fun challenges to help our communities become more open and supportive.
Care colleagues working with or supporting adults with learning disabilities and autistic adults, particularly during the pandemic, will be acutely aware of their needs, issues and aspirations.
Meanwhile, last year, the government launched a multi-million pound strategy to speed up diagnosis and improve support and care for autistic people.
Transforming Social Care: all your questions answered in one place [Image copyright Lauren Hurley/DHSC]] A reminder to visit Transforming Social Care, the one stop shop for anyone keen to learn more about the future of social care in England.
The Government has a long-term vision putting people and families at the heart of services. It is a vision promoting independence and community living, as well as providing more support for the adult social care workforce.
Visit our site to learn more about what’s changing and how the reforms will benefit you.
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