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ASC Provider Briefing - 21 April 2023
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Dear Care Provider Colleagues,
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Welcome to this week's briefing.
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This week in the briefing: a notice regarding use of dechoker devices, information about the Government Emergency Alert on 23 April, an update from the Capacity Tracker, news about a Changing Places Toilet in Glastonbury, an invitation to Optimal Handed Care Review Day, the agenda for May's Learning and Engagement Meeting, and an invitation to Skills for Care Celebrating Nurses Day and the Chief Nurse Awards, as well as the usual event reminders.
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Please find the latest news and updates from Adult Social Care below:
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Use of dechoker (airway clearance) device
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Dear Care Home Representative
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Re: Use of dechoker (airway clearance) device: The Integrated Care System (ICS) is aware that some care providers have purchased and trained staff to use dechoker devices. It is important for you to know that NHS Somerset ICB and Somerset NHS Foundation Trust adheres to the advice of the UK Resuscitation Council which does not support the use of this device, see link below:
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All patients with a choking risk or who have experienced a choking incident should be referred to SLT for an initial assessment (triage) and/or face to face assessment of their needs. To refer to LD SLT, a referral form should be sent to CTALDHealthReferrals@SomersetFT.nhs.uk. Non LD referrals can be made via the attached health referral form.
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Please can you ensure that staff are compliant with mandatory first aid training and to ensure that the training used specifically includes how to manage a choking incident.
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Lynette Emsley RNLD, BSc (Hons), MSc
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Associate Director of Continuing Healthcare Services
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Directorate of Quality and Nursing
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NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board
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23 April – Government Emergency Alert Testing
In the early evening of Sunday, 23 April 2023 the government is testing its emergency alert system via all mobile phones in the UK. The alert may vary depending on phone settings but typically will consist of a loud, siren-like noise from the phone, phone vibration, and a message on the phone screen. Following the alert testing, mobile phone users will not be able to take control of their device again until they have acknowledged the message by following the instructions on the phone. We don’t have all information yet about what this will entail, but from systems abroad we believe that they will need to press somewhere on the screen to confirm that they have seen the message.
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The government is implementing an emergency alert system similar to systems used abroad. The alert system emits from mobile phone masts and will be used to communicate dangers regarding flooding, fire, terrorism, and other extreme risks to life and property. Alerts will only ever be sent from emergency services and the government and the legitimacy of any message can be checked online at About Emergency Alerts - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) From what we understand, the system is completely free, does not work via individual telephone companies, does not need any kind of app download, and does not track individuals
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How will our Service Users be impacted?
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Awareness of this event is key to preventing any panic amongst our service users – the alerts are noisy and may feel a bit frightening; they are designed to get our attention in an emergency. For the purpose of the test on 23 April, simply knowing that this is going to happen and to follow any on-screen instructions will be enough for many of our service users. However, for some services users, this alert system has the potential to cause genuine distress or to put people in danger. For example, some elderly service users with dementia or service users with severe PTSD may be unnecessarily distressed by these alerts, and some of our domestic violence survivor clients may have hidden mobile phones for safety reasons and may not wish for that device to be exposed. There may be other reasons why our clients may not wish to receive this alert.
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Adult Social Care data enforcement commenced 1 April 2023
This means adult social care providers who fail to submit their data through the Capacity Tracker each month could be issued with a financial penalty. The guidance on how to comply with the information provisions in the Health and Care Act 2022 and how they will be enforced is available online here. We encourage all providers to read through the guidance to ensure they are aware of what is expected and how to be compliant. If providers have any further questions or need advice, please contact the Team at capacitytracker-guidance@dhsc.gov.uk.
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The formal notice which details the data that needs to be submitted can be found here.
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Collection windows open on the eighth of each month and close on the fourteenth of each month unless this falls on a weekend or bank holiday, when the final day for submission moves to the next working day.
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To be compliant, providers must submit their data during the collection window
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Updating Capacity Tracker
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A system generated email is sent to all providers registered on Capacity Tracker as notice that the monthly collection window is open. The email contains two links:
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- Directs the user to the Capacity Tracker to review, update, and save their information
- Enables the user to provide a 'nil' return or to save the previously updated information
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Another system generated email reminder is sent 48 hours prior to the collection window closing, to those who have not completed any update.
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If a provider believes their type of service do not have a duty to provide data but have been approached by our delivery partners NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) or North of England Commissioning Support (NECS) to do so, please submit a 'nil' return as set out above.
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If a provider needs assistance updating the Capacity Tracker or need general advice and support, please contact the Support Centre on 0191 691 3729 or via email necsu.capacitytracker@nhs.net
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Feedback From Our Sector Engagement Activity
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Below are the top five queries we had from our engagement with providers over the last seven months.
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- Where a provider has more than one location, they were unsure if they should update information for each location. Providers should submit an update for all settings and locations, failing to do so will reflect as non-compliance.
- Providers were unsure if they should provide update for both types of provisions they offer. Where both home and residential care are offered by the same provider, said provider must update data for each care type.
- CQC is not always notified about changes so the data is not always up to date. For example: a setting is now dormant, changed ownership or closed locations. CQC must be notified as soon as possible to ensure we store the correct data and mitigate against the risk of being issued with a penalty.
- Capacity Tracker location contacts are not kept up to date. If an individual no longer works for a provider, the Capacity Tracker must be updated to ensure the correct contact information is held.
- Some providers are updating information in Capacity Tracker but not during the designated windows. The collecting windows are the 8th day of every month till the 14th day of every month – or next working day if the 14th is a weekend or Bank Holiday.
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The full list of frequently asked questions, including contact information to obtain guidance and support, can be found here.
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Flushing Away Inequalities – Accessible Toilet Arrives in Glastonbury
Glastonbury residents and visitors with disabilities can now enjoy a stress-free visit to the famous town, thanks to a new Changing Places toilet pod installed in St John’s Car Park.
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Last year Mendip District Council was successful in applying for government funding of £88,500 to use for Changing Places facilities within the area. Part of that funding has been used for the pod in Glastonbury.
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The local Glastonbury and District Mencap Society has also generously contributed funds towards the facility, with an expectation that further charitable funds will help deliver additional Changing Places toilets in the area.
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Changing Places facilities allow people with limited mobility to use toilets with dignity and greater safety.
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The pod in Glastonbury was installed by contractors, RISE Adaptations, and contains specialist equipment such as a ceiling hoist system, adjustable changing bench and a privacy screen. One wall features a beautiful image by local photographer Mike Jefferies, a view of the Avalon Marshes with Glastonbury Tor in the background.
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There are five Changing Places amenities in the area, including at Wells Town Hall, Shepton Mallet Tesco, Bath & West Showground, Cattle Market Car Park in Frome and now in St John's Car Park, Glastonbury.
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Cllr Liz Leyshon, Lead Member for Resources & Performance, said: “I’m really pleased that another Changing Place has opened in Somerset.
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“This type of facility is so desperately needed, especially in rural areas, and now that there are five of these specialist Changing Places in the northeast Somerset Council area, people with disabilities, their families and carers can visit our county knowing there are amenities available which they can safely and comfortably use.”
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Steve Jones, Chair of the Glastonbury and District Mencap Society, said: “This Changing Place will allow a wide range of people and their families to get out and about in Glastonbury without worrying about having a place to get changed.
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“Our thanks to the Council for making this happen, and we’re very glad to have played a part.”
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In addition to the pod in Glastonbury, there are proposals for further Changing Places facilities to be installed at Tor Leisure, St Dunstan’s House and in Clarks Village.
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Events
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Optimal Handed Care Review Day
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Tuesday 16th May - Morning Session 9am to 12.30pm, Afternoon Session 1.30pm to 4.30pm.
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We’re excited to be holding an Optimal Handed Care Review Day, where we will be sharing the progress towards reaching our program goals, to embed this approach into day-to-day practice in Somerset. The morning session is where we’ll be sharing our learning and achievements; discussing the barriers to implementation; designing leaflets; and developing our support networks.
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The afternoon session is open to care provider managers and key trainers from both domiciliary and care home settings.
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- sharing our success stories
- discussing the barriers to implementation which our OHC Ambassadors are experiencing
- exploring how to manage the required system-wide cultural change
- planning how we will cascade train our workforces
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Learning and Engagement Meeting
- Lucy Champion – IPC service update and presentation
- 2:25pm Emma Savage and Kerrie Jose – update on Patient Safety Incident Response Framework (PSIRF)
- 2:40pm Amy Rogers – Safeguarding session
- Jamie Brockhurst – Redcrier Training Offer
- Nigel Pluckrose – SILC update
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Opportunity for audience to share updates and ask questions.
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Transference of care discussion and future topics in the LEM - 2023 suggestions
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Skills for Care celebrating International Nurses Day
Skills for Care are delighted to host the following event as part of a celebration of all nurses, nursing associates and students who are currently working in social care settings and promote the Chief Nurse social care nursing awards…
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We are also looking for those who want to share a conversation about good practice and innovation with your colleagues, all support will be given to enable you by the Skills for Care national and local teams.. so please share.. let’s raise your profile and evidence and showcase the wonderful practice from within your organisations, please let me know if you are interested.
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Please read on….and share with colleagues.
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Celebrating International Nurses Day
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We think it’s vital to shine a spotlight on nurses and nursing associates working in social care to recognise the hugely important role that they play in the lives of people who draw on care and support. To do this, we’ll be celebrating International Nurses Day on 12 May, and we’ll be posting on our social media channels from 8 May. Join in the conversation using #WeAreSocialCareNursing and #IND2023.
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As part of our International Nurses Day celebrations, we're hosting a face-to-face event for the Southwest region on Wednesday 24 May, 10:00-14:30, Holiday Inn Taunton, with Lunch.
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The event is specifically for registered nurses and nursing associates working in a social model of care. This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with other nurses in your region, share good practice and contribute to professional discussion and debate, as well as taking the time to recognise the contribution you make. The event will be attended by Deborah Sturdy, the Chief Nurse for Adult Social Care, who is keen to hear your views.
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The events will include a chief nurse awards ceremony. Each region needs to identify and nominate at least one nurse/ nursing associate who is attending the event for a CNO award. Link to awards and nomination criteria here. Once nomination is completed we need to email Matt Davies at DHSC Matt.Davies1@dhsc.gov.uk with details of the nomination and region. He will then be able to expedite these nominations.
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Upcoming Event Reminders
- Mouth Care and Swallowing Matters, April 29th, 10am to 12pm. Details on PEN.
- Care Provider Learning and Engagement Meeting, 2nd May, 2pm to 4pm. Details on PEN.
- South West Care Home Network, June 22nd, 10am to 12.30pm. Details on website.
- Basic Dysphagia Awareness Training, Various dates. Details on PEN.
- Learning Disability Mental Health Upskilling Sessions. Various dates and locations, details on PEN.
- Dementia Wellbeing Roadshow. Various dates and locations, details on PEN. Booking for Virtual Dementia Tour.
- St Margaret's Hospice - Training for Care Professionals. Various dates, details on PEN.
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Please continue to share or promote these briefings and our webpage to others in your organisations.
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Our incident room mailbox and contact details (see below) remains operational during core working hours so please get in touch if you have any urgent concerns or queries we can look to assist you with.
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Somerset’s Provider Engagement Team
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Adult Social Care (ASC) COVID19 Response Team
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