Coronavirus COVID-19 Care Provider Information

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Business Continuity Planning & ASC Support

Find links to guidance, templates and RAG rating examples.

We are contactable 7 days per week, should you require support with your business continuity plan.  Our working hours can be found on our how to contact us webpage. 

Coronavirus COVID-19 and adult social care in Staffordshire

Message from Dr Richard Harling, Director of Health and Care
(Director of Public Health and Director of Adult Social Services) 

6 May 2022

1. Across the West Midlands, the overall rate of positive PCR test results in Care Homes has reduced (4.5%); 322 of these positive test results were for residents.  In addition, the number of positive LFD test results in Care Homes reduced (2.1%). 

2. Staffordshire reported 2 new Care Home outbreaks and overall saw the biggest reduction, in the West Midlands, in on-going cases (83 care homes in totality).

3. 70% of Care Homes across the West Midlands have updated the capacity tracker in the last week; whilst the number of Home Care submissions is significantly lower (38%).

Key Covid 19 guidance updates

4. On 3 May 2022 the Infection Prevention and Control in adult social care: Covid 19 supplement guidance was updated; there is a useful summary of changes / additions at the outset of the guidance.  The key changes include:

• Addition of the recent guidance changes on Covid 19 symptoms for both staff and people we support.
• Updates on aerosol generating procedures in clinical and community settings – noting FFP3 face masks are only required when supporting people with suspected or confirmed Covid 19 (or other infections spread by the airborne route). 
• Addition of guidance for live in carers – noting they should follow the standard ASC staff testing guidance, the circumstances in which PPE should be worn (and the requirement for risk assessments) and how to respond in the event of a Covid 19 case.
• Clarification that all visitors to Care Homes are encouraged to wear face masks, and not just those delivering personal care; in addition, children under the age of 11 may choose to wear face coverings.

Market sustainability and fair cost of care

5. We are preparing for the Staffordshire submission of the Market Sustainability and Fair Cost of Care exercise.  As an authority, we are required to submit toolkits which present the cost of care for the delivery of Home Care for people aged 18 years and over and for a Care Home placements for people aged 65 and over, in Staffordshire.

6. All contracted Home Care providers have been contacted and requested to complete the Home Care Cost of Care Toolkit for care delivery (in Staffordshire) by 17 May 2022.  Submissions should be emailed to: faircostofcare@staffordshire.gov.uk

7. CHIP are hosting 2 further webinars demonstrating how to complete the Home Care Cost of Care Toolkit.  These sessions are free, but booking is required.  Please note, the webinars are a repeat, so you would only need to attend one session: 

• Home Care CoC Toolkit Demo and Q&A – 11^th May from 10.00–11.30
• Home Care CoC Toolkit Demo and Q&A – 19^th May from 10.00–11.30

8. The government have commissioned iESE to develop the Fair Cost of Care Toolkit for Care Homes.  We believe this toolkit will be published week commencing 16 May 2022.  Once the Toolkit has been published, we plan to commence our engagement with the Staffordshire market on the Fair Cost of Care.  

9. iESE are currently running open sessions on the Care Home Toolkit, including what it will do, updates on its development and how local authorities will be gaining access to it upon release.  You can register your interest in these sessions here.

10. For any queries and/or support requests in relation to Staffordshire response to the Market Sustainability and Fair cost of Care exercise please email faircostofcare@staffordshire.gov.uk    

Useful information

11. Don’t forget, the closing date for Dignity in Care Award nominations is 31 May 2022.  If you know someone who has gone above and beyond, placing dignity at the centre of what they do, now is your chance to recognise and celebrate them.

12. We are offering adult social care providers a time-limited, one-off supply of the following PPE:

• Medium size gowns (70 / 75 per box).  Use by date July – September 2022
• XL Nitrile gloves (100 per box).  Use by date: 2023
• S Nitrile gloves (100 per box).  Use by date: 2023
• Aprons (500 per box).  No use by date
• Hand Sanitizer (300 / 400 / 500ml).  Use by date: 2023 - 2025

Please email: emergency.ppe@staffordshire.gov.uk.  Ideally, providers will collect from Stafford and delivery will only be made in exceptional circumstances.

13. Apprenticeships are exciting and beneficial for both apprentices and employers.  Government funding can be accessed to cover the training and assessments costs associated with apprenticeship.

Other

14. Please see our how to contact us webpage for further information.