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This issue lists the important changes to COVID-19 treatment and test kit eligibility, plus a poster to download and display.
There are also plenty of training opportunities - and DCC and training partner Flourish want to know what training courses you need most, so please tell them…
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.
Eligibility for COVID-19 treatments means eligibility for free COVID-19 LFD test kits.
Please note that from 1 May 2025 many groups that were eligible have ceased to be eligible…
Previous eligible groups included all those over the age of 70 and living in residential or nursing care homes. Now only those who have specific medical conditions that put them at high risk of developing complications if they get COVID-19 are eligible.
1. Who is eligible for COVID-19 treatment and free COVID-19 LFD test kits?
You're eligible for a COVID-19 treatment assessment, without being admitted to hospital, if all the following apply:
2. How do ASC settings know if their service users are eligible?
ASC settings should ask the service user’s GP whether their registered patients are eligible. You should do this BEFORE your service user develops symptoms of COVID-19
3. How do ASC settings get free COVID-19 LFD kits for their eligible service users?
These are available from local pharmacies who have signed up to provide this service.
Find a pharmacy that offers free COVID-19 rapid lateral flow tests for people who are eligible for COVID-19 treatments.
If you have difficulty getting rapid lateral flow tests, contact your
Click links for more info https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/find-your-local-integrated-care-board/
4. When should I get the COVID-19 LFD kits from the pharmacy?
You should always have a small stock of COVID-19 LFD kits in store within your care setting. This means that when a service user develops
acute respiratory symptoms (ARI), you can immediately test them for COVID-19. That way, if it is COVID-19 then you can make sure they get treatment as quickly as possible.
5. What should I do if a service user tests positive for COVID-19?
You can get COVID-19 treatments for eligible people from the GP, NHS 111 or the specialist hospital doctor.
If you have difficulty getting COVID-19 treatments, contact your
local integrated care board.
6. What should I do if a service user tests negative for COVID-19?
If you are concerned about the medical condition of a service user then contact the GP, NHS 111 or 999 as you would normally do for any other condition.
Otherwise, remember good infection control, respiratory and hand hygiene and keep the symptomatic service user away from others until they are well again.
7. What should I do if more than one person has symptoms of an acute respiratory infection and/or tests positive for COVID-19?
If you are able to test them for COVID-19 then test them as soon as possible.
Then report the outbreak to the South West Health Protection Team in UKHSA by completing a questionnaire using this link Report an outbreak of acute respiratory infection in an adult social care setting
8. What can I do to remind my staff of how to report an outbreak?
SW ARI OB - Poster
You should have a copy of this poster near the computer, tablet or telephone through which you will report the outbreak.
You should fill in your CQC Location ID (if you are CQC registered) on the poster before you pin it up.
Please view this link for useful guidance and risk assessments relating to bed equipment and seating.
This includes mandatory MHRA legislation around the use of bed grab rails and bed safety rails.
The resources in the link are continually reviewed and updated by the Independent Living Centre.
At this month’s international Recruitment drop-in session Lisa Mulholland from Stephens Scown LLP discussed significant changes in immigration rules affecting the social care sector. The route to settlement for sponsored workers has been extended from 5 years to 10 years, increasing costs for sponsors and placing the UK at a competitive disadvantage.
Key Impacts:
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Social Care: Potential hand back of thousands of care hours, prompting lobbying for changes.
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Recruitment Challenges: New rules require exhausting the pool of displaced workers before overseas recruitment.
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Visa Extensions: Care workers can extend visas; Ukrainian refugees face settlement challenges.
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Nursing Visas: Valid until 2028, but roles are no longer on the shortage occupation list.
These changes present significant challenges, requiring the sector to adapt and ensure compliance.
Join us at our next drop-in session on Tuesday 24 June
The healthcare community is set to benefit from the re-launch of the RESTORE2 and RESTORE Mini Tool education sessions. These sessions aim to enhance the understanding and implementation of the RESTORE2 tool, a nationally recognised physical deterioration and escalation tool for care services.
Learning Event Invitation
The team behind RESTORE2 invites healthcare professionals and care service providers to join a comprehensive learning event. This event will delve into how RESTORE2 can positively support the escalation of care for individuals within various settings. Attendees will gain insights into the practical applications of RESTORE2 and its benefits.
Key Highlights of the Event:
- Understanding the role of RESTORE2 in supporting care escalation.
- Exploring the benefits of RESTORE2 for care services.
- Learning how to implement RESTORE2 effectively.
Who Should Attend?
Whether you are a care service considering the implementation of RESTORE2 or a health or social care employee supporting care services, this session is essential. It provides a valuable opportunity to enhance your knowledge and ensure the 'Right Care at the Right Time in the Right Place' for those in your care.
Overview Video
For a brief overview of RESTORE2, attendees are encouraged to watch the introductory video available on YouTube. This video provides a snapshot of what RESTORE2 is and its significance in the healthcare sector.
Join us in this educational initiative to improve care services and ensure the best outcomes for those in need. There is no need to book.
Please click on the corresponding links to attend the events:
For further information contact: rduh.CommunityEducationAssuranceTeam@nhs.net
This education is available to all Care Homes / Care Providers within North, East, Mid Devon & Exeter.
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