Updating CQC on the impact of COVID-19
Thank you for your continued effort in completing the ‘Updating CQC on the impact of COVID-19’ online form for homecare providers. We are asking for all homecare providers to continue to complete the form from Monday-Friday, rather than seven days a week as may have previously been requested.
The information you provide helps us understand the impact of coronavirus on the people you care for, your workforce, and on your ability to deliver services.
Registered managers will receive a daily update to remind them to complete the form. The reminder emails include a link which is unique to your location ID – this link can be bookmarked so you don’t have to wait for the reminder and can complete the tracker at a time that suits you.
Visit our website for more information and answers to frequently asked questions, including what we’re asking for, why we’re collecting the data, and how the data will be used. You can also contact us if you have any queries or concerns.
Deaths of employees and volunteers in the adult social care sector
People working in the adult social care sector continue to demonstrate incredible professionalism and compassion to continue providing care and support in the most challenging of circumstances.
It is with deep sadness that we are learning of care workers who have died from COVID-19, and we know this is incredibly difficult for those affected.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has written to all local authorities and social care providers setting out their commitment to ensuring that employers, families, and the people who they cared for are given the support they need. The letter includes a request for providers to inform DHSC if a care worker has died and the process for doing this is outlined in the letter, which you can access here.
Updated DBS guidance
We have updated our interim DBS guidance to reflect the most current information on the DBS website regarding free of charge DBS applications and fast-track Barred List checks for COVID-19 recruitment.
You can visit our website for the latest information on any changes to the way we work during the COVID-19 outbreak.
COVID-19 testing in adult social care
The Government has launched a new online portal for care homes to arrange COVID-19 testing. All symptomatic and asymptomatic care home staff and residents in England are now eligible for testing. Testing will be prioritised for care homes that look after the over 65s. Visit the GOV.UK website to find out more and apply for coronavirus tests for your service.
Prior to the launch of the portal, the Minister of State for Care, Helen Whately, wrote to adult social care providers, setting out more information on the support available to the sector.
Care home connectivity
As they respond to COVID-19, care providers are utilising digital technology to protect the health and wellbeing of vulnerable residents. Technology is enabling among other things, video consultations with health professionals and ordering of prescriptions as well as supporting residents to talk with loved ones.
To further support the technology, NHSX and NHS Digital have negotiated a range of internet connection offers with telecom companies. details of which are available on the NHSX website. This is complemented by two new pieces of guidance: choosing an internet connection for your care home and how to use digital services in your care home.
Give feedback on care
It is more vital than ever that we hear people’s experiences of care during the COVID-19 emergency, and we have seen a significant drop in people using our Give feedback on care service.
From June, we’ll be launching a public campaign as part of our Emergency Support Framework to encourage people to feedback on care, working with Healthwatch, Experts by Experience, people who use services and voluntary and community organisations.
We want to encourage people who use services and those working in health and care to report poor care to give us their insight into what people are actually experiencing during this time. We want to hear about good care too so we can celebrate it and share good practice.
In Mid-May we will be testing some small-scale digital advertising to encourage people to feed back.
Ahead of the campaign starting, please encourage people working in and using your care to share their feedback. We want to hear about all types of experience – whether they’re to do with coronavirus or not.
How to check the identity of a CQC inspector
Only a CQC inspector will carry out an Emergency Support Framework conversation.
If you are concerned that someone contacting you if not who they say they are you should:
- consider whether they are asking you for information we should already have (such as the name of your registered manager)
- bear in mind that we won't ask you for staff details such as names and qualifications over the phone.
To check the authenticity of an inspector, please contact our enquiries team. Our team can check the inspector's name against our records while you're on the phone. Visit our website for further information.
All CQC offices are closed - please do not send post
Accessibility resources to help you communicate about COVID-19
Further information
Follow us on Twitter!
Keep up with our work with professionals and provider organisations in England by following us on Twitter @CQCProf.
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