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Welcome to this week's newsletter, published for adult social care providers.
As Devon is now an ‘enhanced response area’ for COVID-19, our need for vigilance remains as important as ever, particularly in social care settings.
We once again thank you for your hard work under pressure in this challenging period and we will continue to help you keep abreast of developments.
Remember that we keep the content and structure of our PEN website up-to-date and your suggestions on how to improve the website are always welcome.
 Devon designated an 'enhanced response area'
Devon, Torbay, Plymouth, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly have all been designated an 'enhanced response area' by the government.
Here in Devon, most coronavirus cases are among late teens and younger adults. Socialising is seen as the main driver for the rise in case numbers. It's not unexpected, given the removal of restrictions and the opening up of opportunities to mix. Our popularity as a major visitor destination also makes us busy with crowds where coronavirus quickly spreads.
We need you to work with us too. Please do your bit by:
 Devon’s health and care system under extreme pressure
Devon's health and social care system is under extreme pressure due to high demand for services and the number of staff and patients affected by COVID-19. As a result, people are facing longer waits in emergency departments and planned procedures are being postponed.
The NHS is asking people to help by using services wisely and doing their bit to reduce the spread of COVID-19:
- keep hospital emergency departments for emergencies. If your condition isn’t an emergency, choose a different service
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use your local pharmacist for minor conditions such as insect bites, ear ache and skin rashes. They can provide expert advice and a fast route to medication.
- use the HANDi paediatric app for advice on common childhood illnesses
- use NHS 111 – online or by phone if you need advice or medical treatment quickly and can’t wait to see your GP. If you need to be seen by a minor injuries unit or emergency department they can book you in.
Reminder
Self-isolation exemption guidance for care workers
Please remember that the latest national self-isolation guidance for social care staff is available on our Provider Engagement Network website along with a Devon risk assessment form.
Care home staff vaccination: CQC's role
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has amended regulations so that, from 11 November 2021, anyone working or volunteering in a care home will need to be fully vaccinated against coronavirus, unless exempt.
The requirement forms part of the fundamental standards below which care should never fall. It will be monitored and, in appropriate cases, enforced by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
CQC will not begin monitoring this until it becomes a duty in November. They will continue to use their existing assessment and enforcement policies and take a proportionate approach.
They've published a statement explaining their role during the registration and ongoing monitoring and inspection of services, and during any enforcement activity.
Please return unwanted community equipment
The attached poster is to encourage loaned equipment to be returned to Millbrook Healthcare. Please use the poster and promote its use to recover equipment for recycling.
Some items of equipment are difficult to buy new at the moment and this is our only source to recycle as much equipment as possible to meet current clients needs.
 Supporting unpaid carers to get their COVID-19 vaccine
Do you look after someone who relies on your help? Would you like to have your COVID-19 vaccination but have difficulty leaving those you care for?
You can get help to organise your vaccination through the Devon Vaccine Support Team, including arranging your vaccination at a time to suit you, fast tracking your appointment to get you home more quickly or arranging transportation. To find out more please email the Devon Vaccine Support Team or call 01752 398836.
There are more services to help you, depending on where you live. Further information and advice is available from Devon Carers via their website,by calling their helpline on 03456 434 435 or emailing them.
 World Alzheimer’s Month
To mark World Alzheimer's Month, Exeter Dementia Action Alliance (EDAA) is inviting everyone to take part in its new Complete Cosy and Comfier Cosy challenges. They hope to encourage more people to go out on the Exeter Cosy Routes with the chance to get a bespoke medal, Tote bag and T-shirt.
All proceeds will go to support the work of EDAA in raising awareness and promoting wellbeing for people living with dementia. To register and find out more please visit their website.
Sign up, step up and get those free scones warm from the oven - just remember the cream goes on first!
Celebrating success - George is running the Great North Run in aid of unregulated services
George Coxon from Pottles Court care home, is raising money for charity and fellow provider organisation Headway Devon at The Great North Run on Sunday 12 September. Every penny donated will go to improve the lives of people supporting those affected by stroke, brain bleed, brain infection and head trauma.
To sponsor George, you can donate via JustGiving.com.
Remember to share your good news stories in this newsletter
Has your support helped transformed someone’s life? Have you got innovative practice to share? Send us your celebratory photos and words and we’ll help share good practice.
Revisit previous good news stories
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