PEN weekly newsletter 24 October 2024

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  Supporting health and social care providers in Devon

A big thank you to care homes in Devon from the NHS for their participation in the current vaccination campaign, please keep up the good work and record it on the Capacity Tracker.

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.


Housing with Support Forum on 31 October

The next Housing with Support Forum will be held on Thursday 31st October between 11am and 12 noon.

More information the joining link will be circulated this week.


COVID-19 Testing on Hospital Discharge Reminder

Winter is approaching, and this means there is likely to be a rise in COVID-19 across Devon.

The previous guidance around testing for COVID-19 and hospital discharge was that testing was always carried out by the hospital, before discharge was arranged.

Please remember that, as of April 2024, this guidance has now changed. Following the success of the vaccination programme, there has been a national decision to scale back testing, and to remove specific COVID-19 guidance; COVID-19 is now defined as part of a list of viral acute respiratory infections (ARI), alongside influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

As a result of these changes, COVID-19 testing is no longer routinely required on discharge of asymptomatic patients to care settings. There may be occasions where testing remains appropriate, such as if the patients’ ward is experiencing an outbreak; if you have any concerns about a discharge, please contact the hospital discharge team in the first instance for a discussion.

If you need further information or wish to discuss further, please contact the ICB IPC team on d-icb.ipc@nhs.net and your query will be directed appropriately.

See the April 2024 national guidance update here:

Infection prevention and control (IPC) in adult social care: acute respiratory infection (ARI)

COVID-19: testing from 1 April 2024

See South West Councils guidance on discharge and infection here:

Infection Risk Assessment Guide for care homes admitting patients with infections  (swcouncils.gov.uk)

UKHSA Care Home and Residential Care Guidance - South West Councils (swcouncils.gov.uk)


Remember to report to Care Home Vaccination success in the Capacity Tracker

53% of Devon Care Homes have been visited by the vaccination team. Devon is currently leading on performance for visits completed in the South West and nationally. Many thanks to Devon care homes  for enabling the vaccination visits to be carried out so effectively.

Polite reminder to update the Capacity Tracker with the Covid-19 and Flu vaccination uptake numbers, so the data truly reflects Devon’s success so far.

If you have vaccination queries please call the Devon Vaccination Support Team - d-icb.devonvaccinationsupport@nhs.net or telephone 01752 398836


Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Support

The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is dedicated to safeguarding the public by aiding employers in making safer recruitment decisions and barring individuals who pose risks to vulnerable groups.

DBS offers comprehensive support through its Outreach Service, which includes answering queries, providing advice on safer recruitment, and delivering workshops and webinars. These sessions cover topics such as understanding DBS check levels, the Enhanced DBS application process, and the legal duty to refer individuals for barring. DBS operates under several legislative frameworks, ensuring their services are robust and legally compliant across England, Wales, Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Man, and Northern Ireland.

Further information can be found in this presentation: DBS Overview

For tailored support, contact Mel Berry at mel.berry2@dbs.gov.uk or the regional outreach team at DBSregionaloutreach@dbs.gov.uk  


Connecting Devon and Somerset's Mobile Boost scheme re-opens

Are you a business or household struggling with poor indoor mobile coverage and connectivity?

Connecting Devon and Somerset’s (CDS) Mobile Boost scheme offers businesses and homes in Devon, Torbay, Plymouth and Somerset vouchers of up to £1,300 towards technology to help improve indoor mobile coverage and connectivity.

Hear Peter Samwell, a resident living near the Blackdown Hills, describe the benefits of the scheme at:. https://youtu.be/rzsQ5elQhO8

For more information about the scheme and to make an application visit the Connecting Devon and Somerset (CDS) website Mobile Boost Voucher Scheme - a guide - Connecting Devon and Somerset


Carnival Fun for Edenmore Nursing Home Residents, Empowering Lives and The Vibe Project  - Good News Stories

Residents of Edenmore Nursing Home enjoyed a delightful evening filled with laughter and excitement during a special visit to the local Ilfracombe carnival.

“Everyone in the carnival came over to us, and some even had photos with our family members!” said Registered Manager Gayle Cooper “the family members had so much fun, I’m sure a return visit is in order for next year!”

The North Devon Nursing Home is committed to ensuring a continuation of life for the family members at Edenmore by providing them with fulfilling and active opportunities. This visit into the community to see the carnival is a perfect example of that commitment.

To find out more about Edenmore Nursing Home please visit www.edenmorenursinghome.com

Empowering Lives and The Vibe Social Club Carnival Float!

Empowering Lives and The Vibe Social Club were so pleased to win second place with their Hawaiian Float in the Barnstaple Carnival this year, here they are having fun!

Carnival celebrations

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

Issue 197, 24 October 2024


Are your colleagues missing out? Ask them to sign-up to this PEN newsletter here!


NHS

Keyboard

DCC COVID-19 updates

Coronavirus advice to the public


National COVID-19 guidance updates

The GOV.UK website

The NHS.UK website


National vaccination publication collection

The national government page contains vaccination guidance, training resources, consent forms, letters, leaflets, posters and more.


PEN newsletter archive

View previous issues


proud to care

Affordable, Devon-based, Quality Assured Healthcare Training from Life Lessons

Life Lessons Training offers over 35 different Healthcare courses including mandatory training, induction training and update training. We can come to you and do some in house training or you can come to us, the choice is yours!

Contact Rosie by leaving a message on 07543 678002 or emailing rosie@lifelessonstraining.com or visit www.lifelessonstraining.com


NICE newsletters and alerts sign up

Keep up to date with the latest news and guidance that may impact on your service and clients via the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)

Sign up to receive NICE newsletters here.


Do you want to work for yourself or improve your existing self-employed service?

Microproviders are local people offering good quality, reliable and professional support to others in their community. Anyone can do this but sometimes they need a hand to get started or to check they are getting it right. Simon Tickner is the Microprovider Project Worker for Devon and can offer free support if you are keen to know more. For more info check out the website PA/Microproviders - Disability Focus or drop an email to simon.tickner@disabilityfocus.org


Devon Wellbeing Hub Testimonial – the importance of asking for help

Please find a link to a testimonial from a healthcare colleague who explains how the Devon Wellbeing Hub helped him navigate a challenging time in his life and why he would recommend the service to others: https://www.dpt.nhs.uk/news/devon-wellbeing-hub-testimonial-the-importance-of-asking-for-help


Scams Awareness – Financial/Investment Scams

Between 21 and 27 October, Citizens Advice are sharing help and information for everyone looking for help to identify financial scams.   In 2023 their Consumer Service helpline saw investment / financial planning / advice featuring in 4 of the top 5 trading practices flagged as scams, as well as 4 of the top 5 top trader purchase methods flagged as scams. This made up 1591 complaints - or 5.8% of all suspected scam complaints.

Find out how you can take part The resource pack for our upcoming Scams Awareness campaign is now live.

If you would like further help and advice about scams, including awareness information and training, please contact Denise Dearden at DCC.