Social care weekly update from our team of care specialists. It includes updates on Testing for homecare workers, NHS and social care funding and more. Download here!
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COVID-19: Testing for homecare workers – Updated 18th March
The guidance has been updated to reflect the addition of PAs to testing. For more information click here.
COVID-19: Shielding advice for the clinically extremely vulnerable to stop from April – Press Release 18th March
The government have advised that from 1st April those people classed as clinically extremely vulnerable will no longer be required to shield. For more information click here.
NHS and social care funding – Statement 18th March
A statement by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care announced that adult social care funding will increase by £341 million to support with the cost of infection control and testing. For more information click here.
COVID-19: Containing and managing local coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreaks – Updated 18th March
The guidance has been updated following the publication of the government’s roadmap; making clear national and local roles and responsibilities. For more information click here.
COVID-19: NHS test and trace: what to do if you are contacted – Updated 18th March
This guidance has been updated to include information about the free medicines delivery service for people who are self-isolating. For more information click here.
Homecare – Care workers are not entitled to minimum wage for sleep in shifts, rules Supreme Court – Published 19th March
The Supreme Court has ruled in favour of Mencap and dismissed an appeal to pay national minimum wages to care workers doing sleep-in shifts. For more information click here.
COVID-19: Managed quarantine: what to expect – Updated 19th March
This guidance has been updated to clarify quarantine time periods if you test positive for COVID-19. For more information click here.
Skills for Care – Wellbeing Resources – March 2021
Skills for Care have released a selection of new wellbeing resources. For more information click here.
COVID-19: Personal Protective Equipment: local contacts for providers – Updated 22nd March
Several local authority lists have been updated to include ‘extra-resident unpaid carers’ and ‘education (and childcare) services’. For more information click here.
COVID-19: Test and Trace Support Payment Scheme: claiming financial support – Updated 22nd March
This guidance has been updated to reflect that you can claim up to 42 days after the first day of your self-isolation period. The scheme has also been extended to parents and guardians who need to take time off work to care for a child who is self-isolating. For more information click here.
COVID-19: Coronavirus Act One Year Report: March 2021 – Updated 22nd March
This report documents the powers in the Coronavirus Act which are still active. For more information click here.
COVID-19: Vaccination Programme Communication Toolkit – Published 22nd March
The Department of Health and Social Care have published a communication toolkit which is a summary of resources available online around the COVID-19 vaccine and would be beneficial to share with staff. For more information click here.
COVID-19: Admissions and care of people in care homes – Updated 23rd March
The PDF version of the guidance has been removed. For more information click here.
COVID-19: Testing for adult social care settings– Updated 24th March
This page collates all testing guidance available for testing staff, services users and visitors for all adult social care settings. For more information click here.
COVID-19: Testing in adult care homes – Updated 24th March
This page collates all testing guidance available for testing staff, services users and visitors in adult care homes. For more information click here.
COVID-19: PPE Portal – how to order COVID-19 personal protective equipment – Updated 24th March
This guidance has been updated on visor order limits. For more information click here.
COVID-19: Getting Tested – Updated 24th March
This guidance has been updated to include links to the new pages on testing in adult care homes and adult social care settings. For more information click here.
COVID-19: Making a support bubble with another household – Updated 24th March
This guidance has been updated to clarify the rules on the eligibility fo support bubbles providing care and support and advice on self-isolation. For more information click here.
CQC: Update on CQC’s Regulatory Approach – Updated 24th March
The CQC have provided a statement on their new regulatory approach and changes that will come into effect from April 2021. For more information click here.
COVID-19: NHS Test and Trace in the Workplace – Updated 25th March
The section regarding action cards has been updated. For more information click here.
Policy Updates
- All coronavirus policies and Resource Centre documents continue to be reviewed and updated in light of these government updates
- A new poster on ‘Visiting Professionals Testing Requirements’ is available on the Resource Centre providing actions for staff to take
- A staff guidance document ‘Having the COVID-19 Vaccine – Staff Guide’ is available in the Resource Centre