For: Providers of services for people with a learning disability and/or autism
CQC publishes data on deaths of people with a learning disability
Supported by the Office of National Statistics (ONS), we have completed a targeted piece of analysis to better understand the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) on people with a learning disability, some of whom may be autistic, and how the number of deaths during this period compares to the number of deaths last year.
This analysis looked at all deaths notified to CQC between 10 April and 15 May from providers registered with CQC who provide care to people with a learning disability and/or autism (including providers of adult social care, independent hospitals and in the community) and where the person who died was indicated to have a learning disability on the death notification form.
This data shows that between 10 April and 15 May this year, 386 people with a learning disability, some of whom may also be autistic, died who were receiving care from services which provide support for people with a learning disability and/or autism. This is a 134% increase in the number death notifications compared to the same period last year.
Every death in these figures represents and individual tragedy for those who have lost a loved one. The figures show that the impact on this group of people is being felt at a younger age range than in the wider population - something that should be considered in decisions on testing of people of working age with a learning disability and/or autism.
Visit our website for more information.
For: Providers that access Globalscape
Globalscape system works: planned downtime
A number of registered providers use CQC’s secure file transfer system, Globalscape, to send us information securely. Due to planned system works, Globalscape will be unavailable from 5pm on Friday 5 June to 7am on Monday 8 June.
There will also be a change freeze from 3pm on Friday 5 June to 7am on Monday 8 June, during which time no changes can be made to the system.
Following the works, please ensure you use the following URL: https://www.cqcsecure.org.uk/. The application and your username and password will not change.
For: all providers
Innovation and inspiration - how providers are responding to COVID-19
Health and care providers from all sectors have shared examples with CQC showing how they have innovated and adapted working practices to respond to the challenges of dealing with coronavirus (COVID-19).
The short examples, from small home care agencies to large acute hospitals, are also a celebration of the dedication and resourcefulness of health and care providers and staff. Visit our website for more information.
We would like to thank everyone who has shared their examples with us - we were overwhelmed with the response. We'll be updating the case studies regularly, so please do continue to share your examples with us by email. You can also join the conversation on Twitter via @CQCProf and #RespondingToCovid.
For: all providers
COVID-19: review of disparities in risks and outcomes
Public Health England has published the findings of an inquiry commissioned by the Department of Health and Social Care into disparities in the risk and outcomes of COVID-19.
The review looked at different factors including: age and sex; where people live; deprivation; ethnicity; people's occupation; and care home residence.
The largest disparity found was by age. Among people already diagnosed with COVID-19, people who were 80 or older were 70 times more likely to die than those under 40. Risk of dying among those diagnosed with coronavirus was also higher in males than females; higher in those living in the more deprived areas than those living in the least deprived; and higher in those in Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) groups than in White ethnic groups. Visit the GOV.UK website to see the full report.
For: all providers
Life assurance scheme for frontline health and social care workers
A new life assurance scheme has been introduced for eligible frontline health and social care workers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The scheme covers staff who provide hands-on personal care for people who have contracted coronavirus or who work in health or social care settings where the virus is present. The scheme recognises the increased risk faced by staff during the crisis. It covers coronavirus-related deaths of workers in frontline health and social care roles during the outbreak. A payment of £60,000 will be made to the estate of eligible individuals who die from coronavirus contracted during their frontline essential work.
The scheme is now live, and further information, including on how to make a claim, can be found here.
For: all providers
Government to offer antibody tests to health and social care staff and patients in England
The Government has announced that antibody tests will be available to NHS and care staff, eligible patients and care residents in England to see if they have had coronavirus as part of a new national antibody testing programme.
Tests will be prioritised for NHS and care staff, and clinicians will be able to request them for patients and people using services in both hospital and social care settings if they deem it appropriate. For more information, visit the GOV.UK website.
For: Independent healthcare services
Legionella and pseudomonas risks
There is the risk of legionella and pseudomonas proliferation in little used water systems, which can lead to disease transmission through aerosol from taps and showers. This may be of particular relevance if providers or services have been closed for some time during the coronavirus pandemic.
It is particularly likely where rooms or buildings have remained dormant and is especially the case when ambient temperatures are above 20 degrees, as has been the case in the UK over recent months.
The Health and Safety Executive has guidance on legionella risks during the coronavirus outbreak and on safe water management in healthcare premises. This guidance provides information on your duties and how to manage legionella and pseudomonas proliferation through: temperature controls; flushing outlets; and chlorination of systems. Please pay particular attention to how to bring little-used outlets back into use without causing harm to yourself or others.
For: all providers
Beat the Heat - keeping people safe and well
Public Health England, the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England have updated their Heatwave Plan for England and added some hot weather and COVID-19 specific resources.
During previous heatwaves, people in residential and care settings have been at particularly high risk of illness and death. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is especially important that you know what actions to take to keep people using services safe from high temperatures.
The plan and a number of resources, including a poster, flyer and checklist, can be found on the GOV.UK website. Hydration is also important in the warmer weather, and providers may wish to remind themselves of guidance relating to Regulation 14: Meeting nutritional and hydration needs.
For: all providers
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 the end of 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.
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.
All CQC offices are closed - please do not send post
Useful guidance and updates
Accessibility resources to help you communicate about COVID-19
Further information
Follow us on Twitter!
Follow @CQCProf on Twitter to get regular updates about the work we are doing with professionals and provider organisations in England.
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