05 Feb 2020

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Special Brief – 1 May 2020

Friday 1 May

As you may recall, VODG recently undertook a project on behalf of NHS Digital looking at digital, data and cyber security issues. The commissioners of that project have asked whether or how providers are being impacted by a lack of good broadband or mobile phone reception during the current coronavirus situation. If your organisation is experiencing any challenges of this nature and you're happy to feedback details, please email me at [email protected]

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the VODG member Keeping in touch call earlier this week, and thank you to our colleagues at Trowers & Hamlins for the session on insurance and indemnity. We hope you found the session insightful and enjoyed the interactive elements of the call - your contributions were all very helpful. We are using the feedback to inform our future planning.

Please note, a finance and funding Keeping in touch call will take place on 20 May. Please see below for more details and to register.

Erika Murigi | Head of Communications and Public Affairs

Coronavirus (COVID-19): key messages

The government has increased testing so that anyone over the age of 65 with symptoms can get a test, as well as care home staff and residents who will be eligible for testing whether or not they have COVID-19 symptoms. The availability of home testing kits has also been increased. More information here.
We have been advised that local authorities will receive the second £1.6billion funding package from central government in May. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has written to local authorities to reiterate guidance recently issued by the Local Government Association and ADASS.
The Department of Health and Social Care will formally launch a Care Workforce App next week. It is intended as a digital hub for social care news, updates and guidance. It will include e-learning resources on areas such as how to correctly use PPE and practical advice and support on mental health and wellbeing. It also signposts to offers for care workers, such as free car parking and discounts from major brands. We will be in touch ahead of the public launch of the app and platform next week with further information on communications to the sector.
All feedback, please email [email protected]

Coronavirus (COVID-19): news

NHS-funded nursing care rate announced for 2020 to 2021

The NHS-funded nursing care rate is being increased to £183.92 from 1 April 2020.

Treasury cut taxes to reduce PPE costs

PPE purchased by care homes, businesses, charities and individuals to protect against COVID-19 is now free from VAT for three months.

CQC launches emergency support framework

The Emergency Support Framework is part of CQC's regulatory approach during the pandemic.

Further expansion of access to coronavirus testing

Anyone in England with coronavirus symptoms who either has to leave home to go to work or is aged 65 and over will now be able to get tested.

Daily death reporting now includes all positive COVID-19 deaths

A new method of reporting daily COVID-19 deaths has been developed by Public Health England.

Visa extensions for frontline health and care workers

Free visa extensions will be automatically granted to more crucial overseas health and care workers.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance

Supporting patients of all ages who are unwell with coronavirus (COVID-19) in mental health, learning disability, autism, dementia and specialist inpatient facilities

Sets out key principles for providing care to individuals who are in mental health, learning disability and autism and dementia settings who have suspected/confirmed COVID-19 or who have existing co-morbidities that make them clinically extremely vulnerable if they contract COVID-19.

Changes to the law on education, health and care needs assessments and plans due to coronavirus

Guidance on temporary changes to education, health and care legislation during the outbreak.

Modification notice: EHC plans legislation changes

Secretary of State for Education's notice to modify the duty relating to education, health and care (EHC) plans during the outbreak.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): sector response

Nursing and Midwifery Council - Strategy 2020 - 2025

NMC's new strategy has been developed to reflect pandemic response.

Skills for Care Update

Features details of webinars on topics including attracting workers and using technology to support your staff.

The Care Act and the ‘easements’ to it

CQC information about Care Act easements and which local authorities are using them.

CQC statement on regulatory approach during pandemic

CQC chief inspectors issue statement setting out the approach to regulation during the pandemic.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) resources

Trowers & Hamlins | legal update | FAQs for employers on coronavirus (COVID-19)

Includes updates on the Job Retention Scheme and amendments surrounding statutory sick pay.

Trowers & Hamlins | legal update | HR Law

May edition of Trower & Hamlins newsletter including updates and analysis of HR law developments.

Coronavirus, people’s voice and advocacy: a myth buster

Information for advocates and health and social care professionals, people who use services and their families. From VoiceAbility, Kate Mercer Associates and NDTi.

The Care Act easements - Easy Read

Easy read explaining the Care Act easements created under the Coronavirus Act 2020. From Mencap.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): meetings

Trowers Tuesdays | Working from home: can behavioural science help? | 5 May | 11.30 |

Webinar will explore what behavioural science tells us about challenges employers and employees face when working from home.

VODG member Keeping in touch call: focus on finance and funding | 20 May | 15.00 - 16.30

An opportunity for VODG member finance directors to discuss finance and funding issues. Register here.

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