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As we start to plan for autumn and winter, Devon County wants to hear if any care homes have beds which can be used to add capacity over the winter months, and the deadline for responding has now been extended until next week. The autumn will also see the roll-out of the next COVID-19 boosters and today’s newsletter contains information to help prepare for that important work.
We do our best to keep the content and structure of our PEN website up-to-date in these fast-changing times and your suggestions on how to improve the website are always welcome.
Winter Capacity Beds expression of interest deadline extended to 25 August
Devon County Council would like to find out if there is any latent capacity that can be used to support hospital discharges this winter. We are asking all care home providers if they are interested in supporting this by completing an Expression of Interest Form.
We are particularly interested in these types of beds:
(1) Pathway 2 Beds We are looking for flexible providers who are able to support a home focussed ethos, by opening a cluster of beds (minimum group of 5 beds) within a designated space such as a unit, wing or floor which would work with an MDT to support individual's over 65 with rehabilitation. These beds would be for short stays, to support the persons transition home, so the provider must be willing to work on a continual throughput of residents.
(2) Beds for Older adults with dementia and complex mental health / cognitive support.
We are looking for providers with a flexible approach, who can support any number of beds for older adults with dementia, complex mental health, support for memory & cognition and expressive behaviours.
The cohorts supported would be older adults, however if you run a learning disability or mental health care home, and are wanting to diversify then this could be considered.
The deadline for expressions of interest has been extended to 25 August and the Expression of Interest Form should only take about 8 minutes to complete.
If you would like to talk to someone about these beds, you can email Amanda Wells, Business Relations officer.
Autumn Booster Vaccination Consent Resources for Care Homes
Given the timescales to commence a booster vaccination programme for care home residents, care home staff should start the consenting process of residents and care home staff by mid August in advance of the Autumn booster vaccination.
Consent needs to be obtained before starting any medical treatment, test or physical investigation / examination or before providing personal care for a patient; this is standard NHS practice and is a legal requirement.
The Green Book Chapter 2 provides guidance on the consent process for vaccinations and guidance is also set out in the Roving and Mobile SOP (Section 5.1) and within the national protocol framework.
Where it has been established that the person lacks capacity to consent, a best interests decision should be taken in line with the checklist in section 4 of the Mental Capacity Act. The decision maker should make a record of their best interests decision. If a capacity assessment is done and the decision is that the individual did have capacity to consent, this should also be documented.
Relevant consent forms (see for care home residents and for social care staff), other supporting forms and associated information (including easy read versions) can be found on the GOV.UK website. These forms should be adapted locally to apply to the specific dose being administered (first, second, third, primary dose or any subsequent booster doses) being given. The current forms will not be amended.
Consent remains valid unless the individual who gave it withdraws it. If there is new information between the time consent was given and when the immunisation is offered, it may be necessary to inform the patient and for them to re-confirm their consent.
Integrated Care System Workshops on the future health and social care workforce
‘One Devon’, the Integrated Care System for Devon, is hosting a series of stakeholder workshops to bring together people to reimagine what they want health and social care in the South West to look like.
Workshop places can be booked via this Eventbrite link and due to the number of stakeholders involved, the organisers request that you only register for one of the dates.
Posture Support Training for Care Homes - reminder!
The NHS Independent Living Centre are a free, impartial service for anyone in Devon to access for equipment advice, information and assessment. They are offering a face-to-face training for care home staff and managers which will explore why posture is important, the risks of unsupported posture and will also explore simple and effective ways of improving posture in sitting and lying. There will be live demonstrations from local reps and the opportunity to get hands on with equipment'.
The training is on Tuesday 6th September 2022, 12.30-3pm at Tiverton Rugby Club, Coronation Field, Bolham Road, EX16 6SG
There are only limited spaces available, so please book now to avoid disappointment (maximum of two members of staff per care home). The trainers are ILC Specialist Occupational Therapists Meg Braide & Gina Woodard, contact Independent Living Centre by emailing or call on 01392 38018
PA and Microprovider forums: feedback survey
After our last survey in March, we changed the forums to the popular request of monthly locality Zoom meetings on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but attendance has remained low. PAs who have attended have given positive feedback that they have found the sessions useful. We welcome your views on the following to help us with future planning. Please have a go at taking the survey and respond by 9am on Monday 29 August.
If you have any questions, please contact socialcarebusinessrelations-mailbox@devon.gov.uk
Skills for Care’s Moving Up programme now open to promote ethnic diversity leadership roles reminder
The programme is aimed at leaders from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds who want to take the next step in their career, with an understanding of the specific barriers which people from a diverse background may face in progression.
The programme includes a mix of self-learning modules and live online sessions, and covers topics and skills including networking, building self-confidence, leadership skills, creating a personal brand, and identifying your own skills and weaknesses.
There will be two cohorts available for this year’s programme with the first starting on 15 September 2022 and the second on 10 October 2022. From start to finish, the length of each cohort will be approximately three months.
The programme costs £750 +VAT, and employers can claim back £500 per participant through the Workforce Development Fund.
Skills for Care’s Moving Up programme supporting diverse leaders launches for 2022
Better Security, Better Care: free local support to complete the Data Security and Protection Toolkit
The DSPT (Data Security Protection Toolkit) is a free online self-assessment toolkit that helps evidence that your organisation manages personal data, both digitally and in paper form, in a safe and secure way. It helps demonstrate compliance with data protection legislation, answers two of the CQC Key Lines of Enquiry and provides reassurance to residents, clients, families, and professionals that you manage data appropriately. Importantly, it provides opportunities; ongoing use of NHSmail and potential sharing of care records.
The CQC are taking a greater interest in this side of social care, and they have released the following statement:
Devon Care Homes Collaborative, in partnership with the NHS Devon and the Better Security Better Care programme, are running weekly webinars and 1-2-1 workshops to help you complete the Toolkit.
If you are looking to get started on your DSPT Journey
If you are looking to get started, come along to an introductory webinar happening twice weekly throughout August and September. These sessions will cover an introduction to the DSPT, getting you registered and logged in, and what your next steps might be.
Data Security and Protection Toolkit: Getting Started dates
To book your free 1-2-1 session please email: sara.small@devoncarehomes.org
A local DSPT helpline has also been launched to help answer any questions you might have. This is operating Monday to Friday 2-5pm. Please ring 01626 912790 for any assistance.
For further information please email info@devoncarehomes.org
Return to Heat Health Alert Level 1
The Heat Health Alert is now back at level 1, meaning the UKHSA Interim guidance for dynamic risk assessment for COVID-19 management during extreme heat in adult social care settings and services no longer applies. Providers should please return to their arrangements prior to this guidance being issued.
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