Social Care In Vision (Last update 07.05.20) | QCS

Social Care In Vision (Last update 07.05.20)

Dementia Care
May 7, 2020

To help you keep up to date with the social care sector, we have summarized some of the key highlights from the week. You can download the summary here. 

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Alternatively, please read the highlights here:

A) Skills for Care Launches advice Helpline for Managers

The service will offer bespoke advice to managers, including the latest information, resources, funding, online learning and other opportunities provided by Skills for Care, as well as direction to support from other agencies.

B) New App Launched by the Department of Health and Social Care

A new workforce app has been launched. The app is intended as a digital hub for social care news, updates and guidance during the COVID-19 pandemic. It includes e-learning resources on crucial areas such as how to correctly use PPE and practical advice and support on mental health and wellbeing. It also signposts to offers for care workers, such as free car parking and discounts from major brands. The wider ambition in the future is for the app to act as a networking platform to bring the social care workforce together in one place to share learnings, best practice and inspiring stories from across the sector throughout the outbreak. https://workforce.adultsocialcare.uk/join. It is also available in Google Play and Apple Stores.

C) COVID-19 Swabbing

The National Care Forum surveyed its members about the new testing arrangements. The survey represents the perspectives of a wide range of organisations who between them employ 31,262 staff. Of these 6,469 were identified as being a priority for testing (due to having symptoms) and attempts were made to get them tested. Less than a quarter (1,436) were tested (22%). If you are registered with QCS we have a new policy and procedure to support your staff and service users with COVID-19 swabbing. Its available in the COVID-19 hub.

D) Cyber- security

There has been focus in the press this week on the need to remain alert to increased activity relating to cybercrime during the COVID-19 and take proactive steps to protect yourself and your organisation. Cyber criminals are using the pandemic for commercial gain, deploying a variety of ransomware and other malware. The National Cyber Security Agency reported in April that in the UK, the NCSC had detected more UK government branded scams relating to COVID-19 than any other subject. To support provider we have launched a Cyber-Security Awareness Campaign with free material available to download from our website.

E) CQC – Publish an Emergency Framework  

In a bid to respond to COVID-19 across the Health and Social Care sector, CQC have published an Emergency Framework. Rolling out from this week to Adult Social Care, and then on to other health and social care provision. Abi Spence the QCS Registration and Inspection specialist has written a blog and what the changes mean