Regulating during COVID-19: why raising concerns about care is more important than ever
While routine inspections have been paused, we have continued to inspect in response to risk and concerns raised, and services have remained subject to close monitoring using a range of intelligence sources, including the Emergency Support Framework (ESF). We are planning a phased return to regular inspections, starting with targeted and focused inspections prioritising higher risk services before managing a return to routine inspections in the autumn. We will take into account learning from this period. This is the start of the conversation around inspection activity and we will keep you updated as our plans develop. There will also be opportunities to share your views.
During the pandemic there has been an increase in calls to CQC's national contact centre from staff raising concerns about care. We have done some work to analyse this and seen that the biggest increase has come from staff in the adult social care sector. We have seen a 55% increase in calls from adult social care staff raising concerns, with the most common topics including lack of PPE or infection control issues.
The voices of staff are crucial to understanding the quality of care on the frontline and listening to them will be key to fighting infection in health and care settings. We have strengthened our processes to help ensure that we can listen and respond as effectively as possible.
Visit our website for more information.
Data collection survey rolled out to extra care and supported living services
CQC has taken a lead in collecting information to help to understand the impact coronavirus is having on homecare services. We have now rolled out this data collection to extra care and supported living services. Earlier this week, we wrote to providers of these services to advise them that from 17 June we will be asking them to complete a short online form each weekday.
Where a provider offers more than one type of service, they only need to complete one survey per location.
More information on data collection from adult social care providers during the coronavirus pandemic is available on our website.
Help us improve the way we work
The Care Quality Commission is currently undertaking work to understand how we may need to change the way we work to support the delivery of our future strategy.
To help with this we would like to undertake some interviews with people who provide services in health and social care, to better understand your views on how we currently operate, the way you interact with us and how that could change in the future.
These would be short conversations arranged at a time that suits you, and would support how we develop the way we work with providers in the future.
If you’re interested in taking part in these interviews please complete this short form to register your interest and we will be in touch. We may not be able to conduct interviews with everybody who expresses an interest, but if we can't speak to you we will offer other opportunities to feed back.
Share your feedback
We're currently seeking feedback from people who work in health and social care services on a variety of topics, you can let us know your thoughts on:
You can find all of these opportunities and more on our digital engagement platform
CQC Connect is returning
Our podcast series, CQC Connect, is coming back. After a short break we will be producing new episodes every month from next week. You'll be able to find these and existing episodes on Soundcloud and through your favourite podcast provider
Planned downtime of provider portal
Due to technical updates, the provider portal will be unavailable from 6pm on Friday 19 June until 7am on Monday 22 June.
Registration application forms and notification forms can be downloaded from our website and returned via email if you urgently need to submit them during this period.
New blog: Our Emergency Support Framework conversation
In a new blog, an adult social care inspector reflects on one of their Emergency Support Framework conversations. They discuss a memorable call with a residential care home without nursing, supporting people living with a learning disability or dementia involving glitter! Read the blog.
Guidance updates
Admission and care of residents in a care home during COVID-19
Guidance on how to protect care home residents and staff during the coronavirus outbreak has been updated and can be accessed on the GOV.UK website.
How to work safely in homecare and care homes
Updated guidance has been published for those working in homecare and care homes on the use of personal protective equipment. Click on the links below to access the guidance:
Support for people working in adult social care
In the current climate, you may be feeling stressed or anxious. You might be having more tough days, feeling worried or overwhelmed or you maybe you have things on your mind that you want to talk through. There are a number of helplines and resources to offer support, detailed below.
Samaritans helpline
Samaritans have introduced a confidential emotional support line for social care staff that is free to access from 7am-11pm, seven days a week. You can speak to a trained Samaritans volunteer who can help with confidential listening and signposting to specific support you might find helpful. Call 0300 131 7000
Bereavement and Trauma Line
There is a team of fully qualified and trained professionals ready to help you at the Bereavement and Trauma Line. This assistance is available from anywhere in the country and is provided by Hospice UK. Specialist counsellors and support workers are available to support all adult social care staff:
- who have experienced a bereavement
- whose wellbeing has been affected by witnessing traumatic deaths as part of their work
- to discuss any other anxiety or emotional issues they are experiencing as a result of the coronavirus epidemic.
All calls will be treated in the strictest of confidence and this will be explained to you when you call. This service is open to you and all adult social care staff and is available, seven days a week, between 8am and 8pm. You do not need a referral. Call 0300 303 4434
Recognising signs of abuse or neglect: guidance for those working in the community
The current lockdown restrictions mean that vulnerable children and adults may be particularly isolated. This means that the family, community and professional networks they usual rely on may be unavailable or had to access.
The Home Office, in collaboration with a number of other Government departments, has produced information and guidance for those working in the community who may not be trained to recognise the signs of abuse of neglect. The guidance covers signs to spot and what to do if there is a concern.
The guidance can be found on the Home Office Brandworkz portal, and includes print and online versions of the guidance, as well as a poster which can be downloaded and printed for display in staff rooms.
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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