Adult social care update
A message of recognition and thanks, from our new Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Sajid Javid.
To my social care colleagues,
As we lift more restrictions in the weeks ahead, I can’t think of any group that has borne these restrictions so heavily as those who work in our care sector.
Throughout this pandemic, you’ve taken on so many extra responsibilities, and done so with dedication and compassion. Whether you’ve been visiting people’s homes, or working in care settings, you’ve combined care with controlling COVID-19. I understand how it has made your job so much harder, but the whole country has seen it hasn’t stopped you from delivering the very best care. You’ve kept people safe and kept up their spirits, and I know the return of small pleasures, like visits indoors from family members and walks in the garden, is making a great deal of difference.
You’ve helped us through this pandemic; now you’re helping us vaccinate our way out of it. I’ve been impressed by how you worked so closely with NHS colleagues to offer COVID-19 jabs to all older residents in those few short weeks after we began vaccinating. It was an astonishing pace, and I’m so grateful. I now ask that those working in care, who are yet to get the jab, make it their top priority. It’s a step we know saves lives.
The importance of social care - and the people who deliver it - has played a big part in many of the jobs I’ve taken on in government. As Local Government Secretary, I was your voice calling for billions of pounds of extra funding into the sector. As Chancellor, I worked to put in billions more.
As Health and Social Care Secretary, it’s now my job to help put social care on a sustainable footing for the future. I’ll be working closely with the Prime Minister and so many others on that vital national challenge. I’m determined we get it right. Any proposal we bring forward will build on the spirit of integrated working you’ve embraced so enthusiastically, because we know we’re at our best when we work as one.
This past 18 months, you’ve all moved mountains to keep people safe. You don’t only have my gratitude, but my word that I will now do everything I can to look out for you.
Adult social care given extra £250 million to continue COVID-19 protections Image created by www.freepik.com Over a quarter of a billion pounds has been given to extend adult social care coronavirus (COVID-19) support. These funds will boost the Infection Control Fund and vital COVID-19 testing, bringing total sector funding to over £2 billion.
This is on top of prioritising the sector for vaccines, providing regular, rapid testing to care homes and new regulations to make vaccines a condition of deployment in care homes.
COVID-19 booster vaccines for vulnerable groups may be offered from September Millions of people most vulnerable to COVID-19, including care colleagues, may be offered a booster vaccination from September, following interim advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). This is to make sure protection from first and second doses is maintained ahead of winter and against new variants.
Care Home Open Week: sharing happiness It's Care Home Open Week! As restrictions on visits and admissions ease further, care homes, like Priscilla Wakefield House, are taking the careful opportunity to reconnect with the community and show friends, families and local organisations how they are keeping residents safe, well and happy.
Care Home Open Week: a visit from our Minister for Care Minister for Care, Helen Whately, made her first in person visit to a care home since the pandemic began, in support of Care Home Open Week.
The visit, to Karuna Manor Care Home in Harrow, London, was made possible after intensive COVID-19 safety procedures and confirmation of a 99% vaccination rate among residents.
The home is one of more than 400 participating in this year’s events.
Liberty protection safeguards - implementation guidance Image created by www.freepik.com Liberty Protection Safeguards (LPS) will provide protection for people aged 16 and over who are, or need to be, deprived of their liberty to enable their care or treatment, when they lack the mental capacity to consent to these arrangements.
This guidance provides information about national plans for workforce training and implementation of the safeguards in England.
Blogwatch: a safe space to be yourself Image created by www.freepik.com Although anyone can experience mental health issues, those who identify as LGBTQ+ are more likely to develop problems including low self-esteem, depression and anxiety.
Andrew Seed, Integrative Psychotherapist at Cygnet Hospital Ealing, reflects on how creating a safe space for service users and staff is vital, to celebrate and support their gender and sexual identity.
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