COVID-19: CQC update for adult social care providers

care quality commission

The independent regulator of health and social care in England

COVID-19 Update

 

1 April 2020

 

A weekly update for providers and professionals working in adult social care, sharing the latest guidance on COVID-19 and CQC's approach during this period.

DHSC update on plans to support access to PPE

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has written to health and care sector providers to update on plans to support access to personal protective equipment (PPE) during the current response to COVID-19.

This includes the development of a Parallel Supply Chain to support the normal supply chain with a focus on delivering core PPE products for COVID-19. DHSC has also mobilised the National Supply Disruption Response (NSDR), which can be contacted in the event that providers have an urgent requirement for PPE, which they are unable to secure through their business as usual channels.

Visit our website to read the letter in full.


Coronavirus Act 2020

The Coronavirus Bill has passed through Parliament and has now received Royal Assent to become law as the Coronavirus Act 2020. The Act's purpose is to ease the burden on NHS and adult social care staff, be time-limited for two years, used when strictly necessary and to be switched off once no longer necessary. 

The Act has five key areas:

  • increasing the available health and social care workforce
  • easing the burden on frontline staff
  • containing and slowing the virus
  • managing the deceased with respect and dignity
  • supporting people

During this period, CQC's role is to support providers and to be a sounding board for the difficult decisions you will be making daily. We will support on an individual service level, as well as working to capture the impact of COVID-19 on health and social care providers. 

The Department of Health and Social Care has issued guidance setting out how Local Authorities can use the new Care Act easements. Please look out for more from CQC as we continue to develop our regulatory response. 


Letter from the Secretary of State to the social care workforce

The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Matt Hancock, has written to the social care workforce to say thank you for their continued commitment, hard work and help on coronavirus so far. 

Read the letter in full.


Joint statement on advance care planning

Having a personalised care plan in place, especially for older people, people who are frail or have other serious conditions, has never been more important than it is now during the COVID-19 pandemic. We have set out considerations for providers when undertaking advance care planning, in a joint statement with the BMA, the Care Provider Alliance and the Royal College of General Practitioners. Read the statement in full.


Delegating medicines administration

As providers respond to COVID-19, there is likely to be an increase in delegated tasks. We have updated our information on delegating medicines administration, setting out the key principles and responsibilities to consider. 

Visit our website for more medicines information for adult social care services.


Give feedback on care

It is really important that we continue to hear from you and people who use services to support our understanding of their experiences and our interim inspection approach. We would encourage you to promote CQC’s Give Feedback on Care online service through your communication channels.  


Free parking and Santander Cycle rides for London adult social care workers

From this week, those working in home care and adult social care are ably to park for free at any Transport for London (TfL) car park. Critical workers are encouraged to display supporting evidence in their windscreen, such as photocopies of their work pass with sensitive information removed, or a letter of evidence from their employer. 

TfL is also offering home care and adult social care workers free access to the Santander Cycles scheme in London. They will cover the cost of a 24-hour access period every day, with each access period including all journeys under 30 minutes for free - no matter how many journeys are taken. For more information, and instructions on how to redeem this offer, email providerengagement@cqc.org.uk.


Useful guidance


Accessibility resources to help you communicate about COVID-19


Further information


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