We hope you enjoyed a good Easter. We didn’t circulate a general round up last week due to the Easter period and holidays for some, hence this week’s bulletin is jam-packed with information; apologies in advance as there is quite a lot to digest but equally important!
News and Resources
- Members’ call 16th April now rearranged for Wednesday 24th April 14.30-15.30hrs.
Please contact admin@rcpa.org.uk for the TEAMs link for this session only. Due to potential broken link with series of meetings, we will cancel and re-issue a new link. We apologise for the inconvenience. Ahead of next member’s call, please can you think about the future of RMNs and members’ calls, i.e. format, content, and frequency. Also, on the agenda following member feedback and what’s on the radar now-DPS and indemnity insurance levels, delegated clinical tasks, the capacity tracker and Carefind (see below for info and training sessions), new death certificate revamp (below) and potential impact on providers. We are looking at a combination of meetings to include F2F and virtual, also looking at where we can host meetings, so if you have any free space and can help with this, we’d love to hear from you! We’re looking for facilities with plenty of parking and ideally rotating between different locations across Somerset to make them accessible.
- CQC survey
Thank you for completing the survey circulated before Easter. We have now collated the feedback and hope to update you with the outcome soon.
- ***MEDICAL EXAMINERS TO SCRUTINISE CAUSES OF DEATH IN REVAMP OF DEATH CERTIFICATES in health care settings***
This following high profile cases including Letby and Shipman. Please see a press release announcing that from 9 September 2024, medical examiners will look at the cause of death in all cases that have not been referred to the coroner. This follows the laying of regulations before parliament and setting out a timeline for the new system to be implemented so that all those involved in the death certification process have the chance to prepare before it comes into force.
- ***Capacity Tracker and Care Find updates***
Please find attached some useful information regarding CT and CareFind, in case you missed it (please note: for care homes only at this stage) including details of training sessions, useful contact numbers and Carefind go live dates. Good news is that the DHSC reporting window says there has been an increase from 92% to 96% uptake in the Southwest alone for care homes on the CT and 78% increasing to 92% uptake for homecare.
CareFind Overview:
CareFind, developed by NECS with the support of DHSC & NHSE, is a new public-facing website that is available to Care Home providers to promote their services to the public for free.
We are due to ‘go live at the end of April’. Thousands of Care Homes have enrolled & we don’t want you to miss out on this exciting opportunity.
CareFind Benefits & Rationale
- CareFind has been endorsed by DHSC & NHSE + there has been a lot of ASC involvement from governance groups (strategically) & regional/national care provider associations (operationally).
- Free ‘give back’ to Providers who update CT – that can aid financial sustainability. It is ‘free’ on a permanent basis to providers & members of the public!
- Supports the DHSC Care Data Matters Roadmap & the Secretary of State’s technology vision to facilitate access to timely information:
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- to help care seekers make informed decisions about their care
- to improve patient experience and choice
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- Large proportion of those needing care – fund their own care (ca 140,000).
- Straightforward & quick to update/maintain – choice of update methods; Y/N toggle button (easy process).
- Minimising burden – by maintaining information in CT, CareFind listings are automatically promoted (no duplication)
- Providers in control of what information to display/include (e.g. price).
- CareFind will not display the number of vacancies (as commercially sensitive; available only to Health & Social Care organisations via the Capacity Tracker).
- Charities & LA’s can signpost self-funder enquiries – those looking for respite or LT care.
CareFind Support
There is plenty of support available:
- Training Sessions (April-May 2024)
- Short Video (to help Care Homes complete their profile)
- FAQs
- Support Centre Assistance: T 0191 691 3729, E necsu.capacitytracker@nhs.net
Events
Members’ call
The next members’ call will be held Wednesday 24th April 14.30-15.30hrs.
via TEAMs, Please contact admin@rcpa.org.uk for the meeting link.
The Big Somerset Picnic 2024
Somerset Day, organised by the not-for-profit Passion for Somerset CIC, inspires and empowers communities, businesses and all who live and work in Somerset to share a passion for our county. This year we want everyone to join in and celebrate with the Big Somerset Picnic over the weekend of 11th and 12th May. Please find attached more information.
Save the Date: RCPA’s Summer Seminar – Thursday 6th June, Canalside Bridgwater. More information to shared very soon.
From our Partners
RWK Goodman latest e-bulletin – The CQC’s Single Assessment Framework is here, but are providers ready for it? | RWK Goodman
Borderless – Worried about the recent government changes?
Navigating these changes can be challenging, so here’s a brief overview of the latest updates effective April 4th:
- Shortage Occupation Codes have now been replaced by the Immigration Salary List. Any jobs on immigration salary list can be paid a salary of £23,200 or as per the salary on the ‘lower going rate’ section, whichever is higher.
- All COS’s must now explain how employees meet Health and Care Worker eligibility, including visa requirements and employment by a Home Office approved care provider.
- All Health and Care employers are now required to be registered with CQC to sponsor new workers.
Have more questions?
Borderless is here to guide you through the entire process. Our platform and team of experts make it easy and affordable to sponsor, employ and maintain compliance.
Workforce Development Fund
We have been notified by Skills for Care that this is the final year of the Workforce Development Fund. The DHSC is launching a new learning and development fund called the Adult Social Care Training and Development Fund. This new fund will not be administered by Skills for Care. It will be available to eligible adult social care employers in England, who will be able to claim reimbursement for training costs for qualifying staff. Reimbursement will require evidence of spend.
The DHSC has published guidance about the new learning and development fund which will be launched in the summer. Skills for Care have updated their website, www.skillsforcare.org.uk/fundingupdate with further information and which includes a link to the guidance document which has been published on the gov.uk website.
Please note that queries regarding the new fund should be directed to ASCreimbursement@dhsc.gov.uk.
We will keep you updated as and when we have further information about the new fund.
Our Services
Online Member Forum – If you have any general queries or would like to share information with other RCPA members, please do remember to use our Member Forum. If you have forgotten your log in details, please email us at admin@rcpa.org.uk
Free DSPT Support – Our Project Delivery Officer, Dan Plummer, is offering free support to complete the Data Security & Protection Toolkit. The June deadline for renewing this information is looming so please do contact Dan at daniel.plummer@rcpa.org.uk
DBS & HR Services – RCPA members receive a discounted rate on DBS checks, with a dedicated account manager and an easy-to-use online system. For more information contact Diana at admin@rcpa.org.uk
Trusted Assessor Scheme – The service is a collaborative enterprise between the RCPA, care providers, Somerset Council and local acute hospitals of Musgrove Park and Yeovil. The scheme forms part of a framework of services in Somerset designed to improve and enhance the pathway into and out of hospital for people in receipt of care and support.
To find out more about the service, please download our leaflet.
Policies and Procedures – RCPA members have the opportunity to receive a comprehensive package of policies and procedures, with monthly updates, all included in your membership fee. To sign up to receive these documents please email admin@rcpa.org.uk
If any RCPA members have a special event or announcement that they would like to share via our bulletin, please do get in touch.