Local MP, Caroline Dinenage, has welcomed the new adult social care winter plan that has be announced today, aiming to protect care home residents and workers as COVID-19 cases spike and winter approaches.
Measures include supplying people receiving adult social care and care workers with free PPE, a new dashboard to monitor infection rates carefully and allow local authorities to respond quickly and the appointment of a new Chief Nurse for Adult Social Care.
An extra £546 million has also been invested into the Infection Control Fund, to help limit the movement of staff between settings and reduce transmission.
Health and Social Care Secretary, Matt Hancock, said:
“We are entering a critical phase in our fight against coronavirus with winter on the horizon. Our priority over the next 6 months is to make sure we protect those most vulnerable receiving care and our incredibly hard-working workforce by limiting the spread of the virus and preventing a second spike.
“This winter plan gives providers the certainty they need when it comes to PPE and provides additional support to help care homes to limit the movement of staff, stop the spread of coronavirus and save lives. We will be monitoring the implementation of this carefully and will be swift in our actions to protect residents and colleagues across the country.”
Local MP, Caroline Dinenage, who was the Minister of State for two years commented:
“I know that there are concerns about the safety of care home residents and staff as we see COVID-19 cases spike.
“I am pleased to see that the Government is putting preparations in place to ensure the safety of those receiving adult social care and care workers themselves.”