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A) Emergency Support Framework
CQC has published a blog on the Emergency Support Framework this week. If you have a call coming up shortly, do have a read and also have a look at the QCS guidance we published on our website.
B) Disparities in the Risk and Outcomes of COVID-19
Public Health England published a report which highlights the high death rates among people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities (BAME). The report confirms that the impact of COVID-19 has replicated existing health inequalities and, in some cases, has increased them. A second report which contains measures to protect minority groups from COVID-19 is expected to be published next week.
C) Vulnerable Groups Risk Assessments
CQC, within the staffing arrangements section, has the following: ‘How are you proactively supporting staff who may be at increased risk of getting COVID-19 (including Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) colleagues, older colleagues, pregnant women, returnees, people with underlying health conditions)?’ For social care providers in England, there is no formal guidance on this, unlike for NHS providers. If you are a QCS customer, we have produced a templated risk assessment for vulnerable staff groups which is now live in our risk assessment section.
D) Adult Social Care Infection Control Fund
The Adult Social Care Infection Control Fund is worth £600 million. The primary purpose of this fund is to support adult social care providers, including those with whom the local authority does not have a contract, to reduce the rate of COVID-19 transmission in and between care homes and support wider workforce resilience. A small percentage of it may be used to support domiciliary care providers and support wider workforce resilience to deal with COVID-19 infections. DHSC has published guidance to support providers with any questions they may have. QCS has produced a summary document on the Infection Control Fund which is available on our website.
E) Opening your Homes to Visitors
QCS published a blog this week written by Julia Jones, one of the co-founders of John’s Campaign. Johns Campaign is highlighting the important role carers have in terms of the health and wellbeing of people who require care and support. The COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging for everyone, and for those in care homes, not being able to see their loved ones is distressing. As the lockdown eases, the challenge of how care homes enable residents to connect with their loved ones is a hot topic. We have created a risk assessment for QCS customers to support the thinking on how homes can re-open safely.