OFFICIAL: ASC updates
INFECTION PREVENTION & MANAGEMENT WITH HEALTH ALERTS
Regulation 9: Visiting in care homes during infectious illness outbreaks.
On April 6th, 2024, legislation was passed to ensure that care home residents are not cut off from their friends and family and that any measures that reduce visits should be proportionate and risk based. Newly published guidance accompanies the legislation and is aimed to provide clarity to HPTs, community infection control teams and care home managers.
Please check your local policies and resources to assure yourselves that you are in line with the principles outlined in the guidance. Access at: Supporting safer visiting in care homes during infectious illness outbreaks - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
CQC guidance in relation to regulation 9: Visiting In Care Homes
Gloves Awareness Week 2nd – 6th May 2024
Prior to the pandemic gloves 1.7 billion gloves were worn by staff in the NHS if you put this end to end, they would almost reach the moon, Glove use greatly increased during the pandemic and many staff are continuing use for purposes that they would not have pre-pandemic. Encourage staff to use gloves appropriately. Gloves must be worn when exposure to blood and/or body fluids, non-intact skin or mucous membrane is anticipated.
Please see poster: GAW-2022-Public-patient-poster-FINAL.pdf
And video: https://www.rcn.org.uk/Get-Involved/Campaign-with-us/Glove-awareness
Reporting of COVID tests for Care Homes:
The recent guidance that was sent out regarding reporting using the spreadsheet that required entry of the settings, 8 digit identifier was not functioning. This has now been rectified along with the guidance to contact 119 for issues.
Speech and Language Therapy referral change for North Somerset care home residents.
Following an extensive trial period, Sirona care & health’s Adult Speech and Language Therapy Service is changing the way it provides support for care and residential home residents with swallowing issues in North Somerset.
The new process will use our swallowing self-management resources for care homes in North Somerset. Care home staff will complete an initial questionnaire and will be provided immediate guidance and next steps based on the responses provided. This may involve being directed to supporting resources, or being directed to contact the team for more support.
See our website story for more details about the new process and the positive impact it has had on the care homes involved. If you need more support or have any questions, please contact Sirona: SLTcarehomesadvice@nhs.net.
Increased number of SCABIES outbreaks in residential care settings:
There has been a notable rise in the number of Scabies outbreaks in recent months across BNSSG. Scabies is caused by mites that burrow into the skin, it can spread through close contact with infected individuals or through personal items such as towels and bedding. Scabies can take up to 8 weeks to present with symptoms, usually intense itching, especially at night and a raised rash or spots. Please remind staff to be vigilant for signs of scabies and ask a GP to assess. If diagnosed as scabies, this should be reported to UKHSA who will advise on treatment, often involving whole home staff and residents being treated on the same day. Staff are reminded to adhere to bare below the elbows guidance when providing personal care or handling linen.
Scabies’ resources:
NHS general information including pictures: Scabies - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Scabies Infection Control & Management sample policy: Scabies (infectionpreventioncontrol.co.uk)
NICE Guidance for preventing Infections in Care Settings: Infection prevention.pdf (nice.org.uk)