News and Resources
- What we’ve been up to lately at the RCPA!
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- RCPA meeting with MP
Last week the RCPA and Board members had the pleasure of an exclusive meeting with Gideon Amos, MP, Lib Dem for Wellington, and Taunton. We presented the challenges and issues currently facing the ASC sector, both nationally and locally, along with opportunities and perspectives, especially in the first 100 days of a new govt. We have followed up with a summary, including member feedback over the last several months with the request and hope that Gideon can raise these in Parliament and advance the cause of ASC. Gideon mentions the meeting with us on Facebook – please visit our FB page (https://www.facebook.com/rcpaltd).
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- International recruitment
Following raising awareness around IR for social care with our initial masterclass hosted in conjunction with Somerset Council’s P2C last Summer, we hope to update members and how we can support in this area soon. A reminder about those DHSC upcoming webinars posted in previous bulletin:
17/09/2024
Region: Southwest 1
Time: 10:00 – 11:00
Webinar link here
20/09/2024
Region: Southwest 2
Time: 10:00 – 11:00
Webinar link here
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- OMMT
The funding issue continues (cost of training, plus backfilling staff) along with ensuring enough experts by experience available to deliver the facilitator and co-facilitator training. We continue to press home with the ICB the importance of parity of access to training with funding due to end next March and some clear guidance around CQC expectations e.g. we hear reports of assessors/inspectors asking for evidence from providers around OMMT specific training. Currently this can be ‘OMMT style’ training. Please visit the resources section on our website for current guidance – ‘Training’ and see below re Govt ‘commitment’ to OMMT which appears to be ‘double speak’ for kicking the can further down the road. We have also raised this with Gideon Amos, MP, hoping he has an opportunity to raise this important issue in Parliament and through trade association contact with CQC.
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- Pain relief post falls
Following a consensus and suggestions for a Patient Group Directive (PGD) regarding appropriate analgesia along with a falls’ flow chart, we await further information as to how we can progress this. This is at Community Consultant level.
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- Trusted Assessor service update
It’s been five years since the service began and continues to go from strength to strength with a team of four permanent staff and three Reservists. At this stage, the TAs assess for care homes only. We have been approached by other areas/LAs wishing to replicate a similar service and see what ‘good looks like’; other activity includes posting a blog and a care home article shortly to be published. In addition to this, the TAs work with Bournemouth University to support nursing students in placements, important for legacy and mentoring. They are now busy preparing for the conference. Key to success of the service has been communication, adaptability, and flexibility in response to demand as they navigate the ever-changing complexities around discharge planning. Ahead of challenges associated with winter surges and responsiveness, the TAs will commence a three-month rotation pilot on Monday 16th September. Each permanent TA will work from a different base – YDH or MPH, and with a different colleague for at least one month. There will be no disruption to the usual service other than as a care provider you will get to meet new TAs, and vice versa! The TAs plan to contact providers to introduce themselves over the coming weeks…
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- Somerset Council’s Adult social care briefing
The RCPA will be participating in a task and finish to improve communication with providers following feedback to Somerset Council. Please forward any suggestions you may have and how we can best represent your views to hilary.robinson@rcpa.org.uk. e.g. what do you want to see more/less of, day and frequency of circulation- Monday?
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- Representation at several strategic and system wide meetings and Boards –
Somerset Board, Safeguarding, MCA and Dols, People Delivery, Leadership, Academy, Housing, Social Care Nursing Advisory Council (SCNAC).
- Adult Social Care training
The govt has announced this is not going ahead with plans announced by previous govt: https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-statements/detail/2024-07-30/hcws50. (Note the ‘commitment’ to OMMT but silent around funding).
- CQC Update
Review of PIR
The CQC has begun to review its Provider Information Return. It will not be incorporated into the provider portal. There will be a consultation launching which providers can respond to.
Designing the CQC Handbook:
CQC wants to coproduce the provider handbook with the sector. They want to know what good looks like. They have set up a survey which closes on 17th September.
Message from Interim CEO:
The interim CEO of CQC, Kate Terroni issued a message this week about the next steps they are taking to rebuild trust.
- Mpox Update
In a previous bulletin we mentioned about waiting to hear updates. Still awaiting on social care guidance from UKHSA/DHSC. In the meantime, UKHSA has published a blog post which includes information about what mpox is, the different clades, the key symptoms and how UKHSA is working with partners to respond to the outbreak. It has also produced a toolkit and resources to help organisations share information as appropriate and will be updated as the situation develops.
- Fire safety updates 2nd September 2024
Building regulation in England covering fire safety matters within and around buildings
Fire safety: Approved Document B – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Events
- RCPA MNM (Members Network Meeting) – 17th September
Tuesday 17th September 14.00-15.00hrs via TEAMs (please find link to join below). Open forum and conversation to discuss topics/issues of the day/share best practice.
Microsoft Teams Need help?
Meeting ID: 319 134 990 459
Passcode: QRySBN
- RCPA Annual Conference
‘THE Care Conference for Somerset, hosted by the RCPA’
Train to Retain
Venue: Taunton Racecourse
Date: Tuesday 12th November 2024
Times: 9.00am until 4.15pm
Member fee – £70 per ticket
Non-member fee – £100 per ticket
For information on the guest speaker, workshops available and the full programme, please see attached.
To book your space, please fill out the attached booking form and return to admin@rcpa.org.uk
From our Partners
- Borderless
Webinar: Navigating the Transition to eVisas: Essential Guidance for Employers
Join us on Thursday, September 12th, at 11 am for a webinar featuring Matthew Bond, CEO and Co-Founder of Borderless, and Lul Salah, Senior Immigration Advisor. With their extensive experience in UK immigration and sponsorship management, Matthew and Lul will guide you through the Home Office’s transition to eVisas, explaining how this significant change will impact your responsibilities as an employer. Gain essential insights on how to prepare your business and support your employees during this transition.
Register now to ensure your organisation is ready for the shift to digital immigration status!
What you will learn:
- What Are eVisas and What to Expect
- Preparation Strategies
- Compliance vs. Non-Compliance
- Consequences If You Get It Wrong
- Q&A Session
Digital News
- Better Security, Better Care
Better Security, Better Care are launching a new webinar series exploring topics in the DSPT in greater detail. The first one in this series is being held later this month.
DSPT In-Depth – IT Systems and Devices September 24th 14:00-15:00 –