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We would like to encourage you to get your free flu vaccine and COVID-19 booster as soon as you are invited to do so.
Cases of Coronavirus are already beginning to rise across the UK, and in Devon, and natural immunity against flu is relatively low, because despite it being present last winter, Coronavirus restrictions helped protect people from catching it. Please read the information in this newsletter on how to access your vaccinations.
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.
How to receive proof of your frontline staff status (COVID-19 and Flu)
If you do not have invoices/payslips/ID badges for your service you can request a letter from the council to prove you are a frontline health and social care worker, this can be used for the flu jabs and covid-19 boosters. This letter has been produced to enable providers of services DCC commission to enable their staff to have Critical Worker Status. It may also be used by self-employed PAs providing personal care to people receiving health and social care support. It has been issued in good faith and can ONLY be used by those workers, it is illegal to issue this letter to anyone not in one of those roles and such action may lead to prosecution.
To receive a letter, please complete this form.
Care Homes boosters
The NHS has begun to contact care homes about autumn booster vaccinations and We are reminding all care homes to start the vaccination booster consent process. Relevant consent forms and supporting information can be found on the GOV.UK website.
National booking system open for frontline staff boosters (Covid-19)
Please remember that the National Booking Service is now open for frontline workers to book at local vaccination centres. Please do everything you can to protect yourself and those you care for by booking in. For more information please refer to the government guidance.
Deliveries during the Royal Mail Strike
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Royal Mail will go on a scheduled strike for two days on Friday 30 September and Saturday 1 October. It is anticipated the strike will not affect the delivery of your test kits so you should receive your order as per normal.
If your service has not received your expected delivery after 48 hours (excluding weekends) please contact 119 for assistance.
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Admissions tests posted on Friday 30 September and Saturday 1 October will arrive at the laboratory on Tuesday 3 October. We would strongly recommend not posting tests on these dates due to the risk of the sample spoiling before it reaches the laboratory.
The Royal Mail priority post box service will return to normal on Monday 2 October, meaning test kits posted on Monday 2 October will arrive at the laboratory for processing on Tuesday 3 October.
We anticipate there maybe be a temporary increase in result turn around times on strike days, due to tests arriving later at the laboratory for processing than they normally would.
There will be no disruption to the courier collection service on the strike dates.
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Capacity Tracker Provider Sessions
Upcoming Provider Training Sessions
These sessions are for CQC regulated Care Homes, Dom Care & Supported Living providers - who are new to the Capacity Tracker System, or who would like a refresh of how to use the system.
In the session, we will cover:
- Registering new users & Approving accounts
- Updating information – provider details, contact details & opt in email preference, updating on behalf of multiple locations
- Updating information – frequency (DHSC mandated data & operational support)
- Questions
Joining Instructions
- All provider training sessions will be hosted on Microsoft Teams. No prior booking is required to join.
- Please join the session a few minutes beforehand to allow for a prompt start.
- Please remain muted and do not share screen during the session – use the chat or raise your hands to comment/ask questions.
- Estimated Duration of each session: 45 minutes
October 2022
Infection Prevention & Control (IPC) Leadership Programme for IPC Champions
Cohort 3 is to start in November.
The Florence Nightingale Foundation (FNF) has a renowned reputation across the UK for our bespoke leadership training. Our prestigious programmes are designed to build confidence, authority and influence in our delegates, enabling them to contribute to changes in practise at a local and national level to improve patient care and health outcomes.
Dates:
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Monday 7 November: Live compulsory introductory open session, four x 2 hour IPC focused sessions to be completed at your leisure. Drop in support sessions available
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Monday 21 November: live IPC consolidation session, followed by online co consulting action learning sets to consolidate learning
Eligibility Criteria:
- IPC Champions in England e.g. Health Care support workers, Allied Healthcare Professionals who have an interest in improving IPC
- Confirmed support from line manager
To apply please sign up here.
Closing date for applications is 6 October.
Staff development and wellbeing - new training opportunities
Government working with adult social care sector on plans to support staff development and wellbeing. Workforce Development Fund to continue throughout 2022/23 helping staff to improve their skills. Hundreds of thousands of training opportunities will be available for social care staff to develop their careers over the next three years as part of the government’s £500million support package. This comes as the Workforce Development Fund is confirmed for an additional year (2022/23) offering stability ahead of new and improved training opportunities.
Social care staff to benefit from improved career options and training - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Down Syndrome Act 2022 - Survey open now for feedback
This is a chance for anyone who supports people with Downs Syndrome to give feedback to the government about guidance they are developing, please do offer your views and good practice examples if you would like to. The survey is also open to people with Downs syndrome. You must respond by 8 November.
Down Syndrome Act 2022 guidance: call for evidence - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Are your contact details up-to-date?
We encourage providers to update their contact details (especially email addresses) with the Procurement team. We use these details to communicate with providers. It is very important that we reach the correct person in your organisation to receive appropriate referrals and timely updates from DCC, and that you do not miss out on any opportunities. Please ensure we have your most recent email address.
Make sure you get involved!
There are a variety of ways for you to engage with us. These include regular emails, newsletters, webinars and engagement meetings.
Get involved - Provider Engagement Network (devon.gov.uk)
Remember to share your good news stories in this newsletter
Has your support helped transform someone’s life? Have you got innovative practice to share? Send us your celebratory photos and words and we will help share good practice.
Revisit previous good news stories
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