Sussex Home Care Hub November Newsletter

Sussex In Reach Digital Team - November 2023

THE HOME CARE HUB Training & Support dedicated to Home Care The 2023/24 DSCR funding process is underway and application forms are available on request.

This funding has been made available to support CQC Registered Adult Social Care providers to adopt technologies that can transform care.

The fund will support the Adult Social Care sector to adopt Digital Social Care Records (DSCR), also known as digital care plans.

Grant amount: £1650.

The DSCR grant will be available as a single amount of £1650 to each Sussex based care setting (1 grant per setting) registered with CQC, procuring a digital social care record system from the Assured Solutions List between April 2023 and March 2024. (Conditions apply).

The specific choice of the system from the assured list, is determined by the individual care home organisation and to best meet their requirements.

Completion of a Data Protection Impact Assessment along with completion of your DSPT will be encouraged for all applicants.

To register your interest, please contact us: Sarah McNally sarah@sussexdigitalteam.co.uk Claire Badzek claire@sussexdigitalteam.co.uk

Contact us for help with your DSPT too if required.

Contents ● DSCR Funding ● Digital Maturity Survey ● DSPT - Protect your client's data ● Going Digital? ● BBC NEWS - Poor Homecare risk ● UK Landline Switch off - What you need to know. ● CQC - Single-Assessment Framework - Free Event ● Free Event - Single Assessment Framework ● UKSHA - Be WInter Strong ● Dont brush it under the carpet - Older People’s Suicide Awareness Campaign ● BGS - Free Frailty e-Learning ● Digitising Social Care: reflections on progress ● TestCard ● Be Winter Ready ● Free Event - TestCard - Your Digital Diagnostic Future ● Free Training & Events - November/December ● Digital Care Hub - Events and training ● MILE Newsletter - Podcasts for Leaders ● Contacts

Digital Maturity Survey As Technology becomes more popular in the Care industry, it is important to ensure that you have the correct infrastructure in place.

Here we have tools to help you assess your current systems and helpful resources to guide you when you need to make improvements.

Social Care Annual Digital Maturity Self Assessment This free, on line self-assessment tool has been specially designed to help you understand your strengths as well as what might be blocking your way. Completing the questionnaire will provide evidence for future funding to be made available to social care providers like you across Sussex to support your digitalisation.

This could mean funding towards fast broadband or WiFi coverage, falls prevention equipment, remote monitoring, EMAR, digital care planning system or staff training.

We recommend that all care providers complete this 5 minute survey at least once per year. It has been designed to help you understand where you might need to make changes or upgrades to your existing digital infrastructure in order to support the growing number of digital technologies now being used in social care.

This is not a test, it is a self assessment. We are not here to judge, only to help and you are welcome to complete the survey as often as you like, especially if you introduce a new technology. Based on your answers, the survey will put you into one of 4 groups with recommendations and if you fall into the Standards Exceeded, you can download a certificate.

See our Resources page to help you improve your Digital Maturity Resources

DSPT

Protect Your Clients' Data In today's digital age, data security is crucial for all homecare providers, even if you focus on private clients. The Data and Security Protection Toolkit (DSPT) is essential for safeguarding client information, meeting legal requirements, and instilling confidence in families. By completing the DSPT, you position yourself as a trusted partner capable of handling sensitive healthcare data securely.

Seize Future Opportunities Even without NHS contracts, the DSPT is vital for accessing patient information systems and unlocking potential business opportunities. Demonstrating your commitment to data security enhances your reputation and increases your chances of working with the NHS and local authorities.

Prepare for the Digital Future As the health and care industry digitises, completing the DSPT ensures you're prepared for future requirements, putting you ahead of the curve and safeguarding your data.

Secure Your Homecare Business Embrace the DSPT today to secure your homecare business's future, build trust with clients, and position yourself for new collaborations. Reach out to our experts at [contact information] to learn more about implementing the DSPT and benefitting your business. Secure your business's future today!

Contact Natasha natasha@sussexdigitalteam.co.uk for your free one to one support either in person or remotely or attend one of our workshops and events: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/dspt-sussex

Join our upcoming event:

DSPT - Interactive Workshop - We’re here to help!

Wednesday 13th Dec - 2.00 - 3.00pm https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/753773897017 Previously published at Approaching Standards or Standards Met. During this workshop we will look at the DSPT and help you navigate through the toolkit to achieve ‘Standards Met’ when you republish your DSPT.

Going Digital?

Looking to make the move to digital?

Check out the Assured Solutions for Digital Care Records List for all suppliers who meet the funding criteria. ∎ Access Care & Clinical ∎ Access Care Planning ∎ Birdie ∎ Carebeans Care Software ∎ Careberry ∎ Care Control Systems ∎ CareVision ∎ CareLineLive ∎ Cura Systems ∎ Dom Portal ∎ Fusion eCare Solutions ∎ iplanit by Aspirico ∎ KareInn Ltd ∎ Log my Care ∎ Nourish ∎ OneTouch ∎ PASS by everyLIFE ∎ Person Centred Software (PCS) ∎ Qwikify Digital Care ∎ Sekoia

BBC NEWS - Poor Homecare risk

Thousands at risk of poor home care because of low fees

By Alison Holt Social affairs editor

Thousands of people who need support at home face an increased risk of poor care because of low fees paid by the NHS and councils, care companies say.

Only one UK public authority in 20 pays enough to fund the minimum wage and other staff costs, research suggests.

This means some companies struggle to find enough staff to support people with complex needs, while others face going under.

Council bosses say they "can't perform miracles" on overstretched budgets.

The government says the sector is getting more than £8bn of extra funding over two years.

Social care, which supports people with tasks such as washing, dressing and medication in their own home, is mostly provided by private or not-for-profit companies and funded by public bodies such as local authorities or NHS trusts.

The financial pressure the councils and trusts are under means they are paying companies less than the work actually costs, according to the Homecare Association (HA), which represents UK home care providers.

The funding gap is likely to get worse, as data shared with the BBC by directors of council social care shows that a third of local authorities in England expect to make additional cuts to services in the next few months.

Victoria Pringle, the registered manager at Welcombe Care in Stratford-upon-Avon, says the fees they receive from public bodies are "really poor". She says potential staff are choosing higher-paid employment because of the cost-of-living crisis.

To help balance the books, her company is taking on more private clients who need care, but Ms Pringle says it is becoming harder for companies to stay financially viable.

The HA calculates that to ensure workers get the minimum wage - plus to cover travel costs, training, administration, regulation and insurance, with about £1 for profit and reinvestment - an hourly rate of £25.95 should be paid to care providers.

To measure how this compares with the reality, it asked all 276 UK councils and NHS bodies how much they paid on average for an hour of social homecare for someone aged 65 or over.

It found: ● £21.56 is the average hourly rate paid by public bodies across the UK ● £19.01 is the average hourly rate paid in Greater London - the most expensive place to live in the UK ● £16.04 is the lowest hourly rate paid, by Ealing Council in London In its report, it found only 14 out of the 276 bodies paid the companies enough to cover wages plus other business-related costs. And 18 paid fees that did not even meet the direct costs of employing a care worker.

The minimum wage in the UK is £10.42 per hour for people aged over 23. The devolved nations have committed to pay care workers the voluntary "Real Living Wage" of £12 per hour, which means their overall fees should be higher.

HA chief executive Jane Townson told the BBC that councils and NHS bodies were "driving down fee rates; driving down wages [and] driving down quality".

"Quality care, a strong workforce, and sustainable services cannot be delivered on the cheap," she says.

Read the full article at: Thousands at risk of poor home care because of low fees - BBC News

UK Landline Switch off - What you need to know The UK's traditional landline phone network is being switched off by December 2025. this means that all landlines will need to switch to a new digital technology, called Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). The switch won’t just affect landline phones, it will affect anything that connects to PSTN, including alarms, CCTV,, door-entry systems and importantly devices like CareLine personal alarms.

What is VoIP? - VoIP uses an internet connection to make and receive phone calls. This means that you can still use your landline phone, but you will need a broadband internet connection.

Why is the landline network being switched off? - The old copper wire phone network is expensive to maintain and is becoming less reliable. VoIP is a more modern and efficient technology, and it offers a number of benefits, such as: Clearer call quality More features, such as call waiting and caller ID Lower costs How will the switch off affect me?

Your landline provider will contact you in advance to tell you when you need to switch to VoIP. They will help you to choose the right service for your needs and will make the switch as easy as possible.

What do I need to do to prepare for the switch off? - You will need to check that you have a broadband internet connection. If you don't have broadband, you will need to get it installed. You will also need to check that your landline phone is compatible with VoIP. Most modern landline phones are compatible with VoIP, but if you have an older phone, you may need to buy a new one.

What if I don't want to switch to VoIP? - If you don't want to switch to VoIP, you will still be able to use your landline phone until December 2025. However, from 2023, new and recontracting customers will not be able to get a traditional landline phone service.

Will VoIP phones work in a power cut? - Unlike traditional phones, a phone connected to a broadband router will not work in a power cut, as the router gets its power from the mains. If you rely on your landline - for example, you don’t have a mobile phone, you’re unable to use a mobile phone or you don’t have mobile signal inside your home - your provider must make sure you are able to contact the emergency services during a power cut. This could be in the form of battery back-up so your landline will continue to work, or giving you a basic mobile phone to use in this situation.

How can I find out more? - If you have any queries or concerns about the migration to VoIP technology, contact your landline or broadband provider first of all. More information is also available at the Future of Voice website. If you have any questions about the landline switch off, you can contact your landline provider or visit the Ofcom website: Offcom

CQC - Single-Assessment Framework Important News: CQC's New Assessment Framework to Launch in South Region on November 21

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is set to launch its single-assessment framework in the South region on November 21, 2023.

During the period from November 21 to December 4, CQC will aim to assess 14 early-adopter providers in Sussex and other South region counties, while still continuing with the risk based assessments.

Come December, this approach will expand to all providers. in other regions.

For providers, CQC have produced addition guidance: additional guidance CQC have also produced a webinar recording to help care providers support this transition: webinar recording

Single-Assessment Framework - Free Event Single Assessment Framework CQC Changes to Inspection Systems CQC are developing a new approach to regulation called a Single Assessment Framework. This applies to providers, local authorities and integrated care systems.

They will continue to use: ● five key questions (safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led) ● four-point ratings scale (outstanding, good, requires improvement and inadequate).Under each key question there are a set of topic areas and quality statements. The statements describe what good care looks like and will link to the regulations.

What will be different? ● Gathering evidence: CQC gather evidence to support their judgements in a variety of ways and at different times – not just through on-site inspections. This means on-site inspections will support this activity, rather than being our primary way to collect evidence. ● Frequency of assessments: They will no longer use a service's rating as the main driver when deciding when we next need to assess. Evidence we collect or information we receive at any time can trigger an assessment. ● Assessing quality: Judgements about quality will be made more regularly, instead of only after an inspection. The assessments will be more structured and transparent, using evidence categories as part of the assessment framework and giving a score for what they find. hoping to make their decisions about ratings clearer and easier to understand.

The process will continue to be changed, refined and improved and our presentation will reflect this.

Join us for our webinar to learn more about the changes:

Single Assessment Framework CQC Changes to Inspection Systems.

Thursday 23rd November.

10.00 - 11.00am. eventbrite.co.uk/single-assessment-framework-cqc-changes If you want to hear the latest information on how the single assessment framework will work and what you need to do to prepare, this webinar is a MUST.

UKHSA - Be Winter Strong Get Winter Strong: revisiting respiratory Infection Guidance for a safer season As we brace ourselves for chillier days, more indoor gatherings and seasonal social events with friends and family, now is the ideal time to revisit the current guidance on face coverings, isolation, vaccination and other behaviours that can reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory infections known to peak during the autumn and winter period.

The recent emergence of COVID-19 variant BA 2.86 has led some people to ask if they should change their behaviour in response to this or any other new variant. However, there are currently no changes to the advice on what to do if you have, or think you may have COVID-19, influenza (flu) or any other respiratory infection.

The current guidance on living safely with respiratory infections The guidance on Living Safely with respiratory infections including coronavirus (COVID-19) issued in April 2022, still applies. It sets out a range of simple actions you can continue to take to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory infections, and protect those at highest risk: 1. Get vaccinated if you are eligible 2. Let fresh air in if meeting others indoors 3. Practise good hygiene: ● wash your hands with warm, soapy water ● cover your coughs and sneezes ● clean your surroundings frequently 4. Consider wearing a face covering 5.

What to do if you have symptoms If you have symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as COVID-19 or flu, & you have a high temperature or do not feel well enough to go to work or carry out normal activities, try to stay at home & avoid contact with other people, until you no longer have a high temperature (if you had one) or until you no longer feel unwell.

If you need to go out, then avoid close contact with anyone who you know is at higher risk of becoming seriously unwell. The full guidance on what to do if you have symptoms is available at: Guidance for Living Safely with respiratory infections including coronavirus (COVID-19).

Who can get free COVID-19 tests You may be able to get free COVID-19 rapid lateral flow tests if you have a health condition which means you're eligible for COVID-19 treatments, or work in healthcare or in a hospice.If you’re not eligible, you can buy rapid lateral flow tests from some pharmacies & retailers, in person or online.

What to do if you test positive for COVID-19 If you have a positive COVID-19 test result you should try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for 5 days after the day you took your positive test, even if you have no symptoms.

You should avoid meeting people at higher risk of becoming seriously ill with COVID-19 for 10 days after the day you took your test. See the full guidance on what to do if you test positive for COVID-19.

Who is eligible for COVID-19 vaccination Thanks to the success of our vaccine programme, we have built a strong, broad immune defences against COVID-19 throughout the population. However, some people remain more vulnerable to severe illness from COVID-19, and vaccination will provide the best protection against severe infection this winter.

Those eligible for an autumn COVID-19 vaccine are: ● residents in a care home for older adults ● all adults aged 65 years and over ● people aged 6 months to 64 years in a clinical risk group, as laid out in the Immunisation Green Book, COVID-19 chapter ● frontline health and social care workers ● people aged 12 to 64 years who are household contacts (as defined in the Green Book) of people with immunosuppression ● people aged 16 to 64 years who are carers (as defined in the Green Book) and staff working in care homes for older adults.

All the vaccines advised for the 2023 autumn booster campaign are expected to be effective at preventing serious illness and hospitalisation from COVID-19. If you are offered a booster vaccination, or any other COVID-19 or Flu vaccinations, please accept the offer as soon as you are able to. It is important to have your vaccine to build up your protection against severe illness before the winter.

When to consider wearing a face covering Along with the other measures set out in the Living with COVID-19 guidance, face coverings continue to be a useful tool in limiting the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses in some situations.

As existing guidance states, wearing a well-fitting face covering when unwell can reduce the number of particles containing viruses that are released from the mouth and nose of someone who is infected with COVID-19 and other respiratory infections. This is standard respiratory health advice and guidance on face coverings has not changed since it was published in April 2022.

Face coverings can also protect the person wearing them from becoming infected with other respiratory viruses.

There is further information on when people with symptoms of a respiratory infection or a positive COVID-19 test result should consider wearing a face covering available in the guidance for people with symptoms of a respiratory infection or a positive test result.

Get Winter Strong: revisiting respiratory infection guidance for a safer season - UK Health Security Agency (blog.gov.uk)

Older People’s Suicide Awareness Campaign

Don’t brush it under the carpet.

Today, 8 November 2023, Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust has launched a new campaign to improve mental wellbeing and raise awareness of self-harm and suicide in older people.

‘Don’t brush it under the carpet’ aims to reach and support older people who may be feeling depressed and alone and guide them to the right support. The campaign also aims to raise awareness of the issue of self-harm and older people, amongst carers, family members and health professionals to enable them to support someone they know who may be struggling.

Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust provides mental health, learning disability and neurodevelopmental services to people living in the south east. The NHS trust has been working in collaboration with partner NHS trust's, local authorities and local voluntary community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations to develop the 'Don't brush it under the carpet' awareness campaign.

The campaign is themed around common phrases and sayings that older people would be familiar with and relate to including 'don’t brush it under the carpet' and 'a problem shared is a problem halved'.

Dr Padmaprabha Dalby, Clinical Director at Sussex Partnership, said: "We want older people and their families to realise that emotional wellbeing difficulties can really affect anyone and there's no shame in asking for help.

Worries, low mood or depression can creep up on us and lead to poor sleep, lost appetite, feeling lethargic or unmotivated, avoiding things that used to be enjoyable and finding it harder to cope with physical health conditions or pain. This isn't something you have to be resigned to and there are treatments and support available."

Reaching out for support from family, friends or professionals can make a huge difference, including, in some cases, preventing self-harm or suicide. Many older people find it very difficult to discuss their mental health but there is still a significant need.

According to data extracted by Age UK, in people over 65: ​ Over half a million (579,803) experience anxiety disorder ​ Just under half a million (487,100) experience a major depressive disorder ​ Just under 200,000 (191,740) experience chronic depressive disorder.

You can find out more about the campaign and the support available on the campaign webpage: bit.ly/OlderAdultsHub. If you would like to help to support this campaign, please download our digital campaign toolkit below or email communications@spft.nhs.uk to request printed posters and postcards.

Shining A Light on Suicide Campaign.

BGS - Free Frailty e-learning The British Geriatrics Society has updated and relaunched its Frailty elearning course, which is free to all health and social care professionals. The British Geriatrics Society (BGS) has updated its popular Frailty elearning course for 2023 and is relaunching it, with funding from NHS England. This CPD accredited course is free for all health and social care professionals to access, until June 2024.

First launched in 2019, the updated course is part of a suite of frailty resources from the BGS. More than 2,000 learners have undertaken the course.

The frailty elearning course is suitable for any health and social care professional who provides care and services for older people living with or at risk of frailty. It is particularly aimed at professionals who deal with complex cases or who lead services (Tier 3 competency), complementing the elearning in place for Tiers 1 and 2. This includes not only geriatricians but also all health professionals with a high degree of autonomy providing healthcare for older people. This includes acute based medical staff as well as GPs, Advanced Clinical Practitioners, Pharmacists, Physician Associates, Nurses and Allied Health Professionals. Care at home, Care Home staff and Social Workers leading services are also eligible.

The course is delivered via self-paced online distance learning and is broken down into four modules: ● Understanding and Communicating Frailty ● Identifying Frailty ● Supporting People Living with Frailty ● Building Systems Fit for Frailty Successful completion of the course leads to 10 CPD credits (from the Royal College of Physicians London). It will equip professionals with the knowledge to be able to provide the best possible care for people living with frailty, including completion of Comprehensive Geriatric Assessments (CGAs).

Learners are able to choose the pathway best suited to their professional needs. Learners can choose a tailored pathway from: ● Acute pathway ● Community pathway ● Intermediate care pathway The elearning course is presented in an engaging interactive way to suit different learning styles. This includes videos from leading experts, such as Dr James Ray, Emergency Medicine Consultant, National Clinical Advisor Fiona Wisniacki, National Clinical Lead - SDEC (Same Day Emergency Care) and leading experts in Geriatric Medicine including Professor Jugdeep Dhesi, Dr Adrian Hopper, Professor Finbarr Martin.

To sign up for free, please click here.

Frailty elearning free to all | British Geriatrics Society (bgs.org.uk)

Digitising Social Care: reflections on progress

Digitising Social Care: reflections on progress Building momentum It’s been 18 months since the Digitising Social Care programme began, delivering the three year £150 million investment in digitally transforming adult social care, set out in the 2021 white paper, People at the Heart of Care.

We’ve made huge progress in that time, and the sense of momentum building from the sector, technology suppliers and innovators is tangible. Many providers have jumped at the chance to access the funding and support available and are positive about the opportunities technology opens up to improve the ways they work, and how they support people.

Providers have matched this enthusiasm with their own time and financial investment, in the knowledge that digital social care records (DSCRs) and care technologies can make their organisation more efficient and improve the quality and safety of care. It’s also been heartening to see the early adopters support others in the sector, sharing their experiences and best practice.

Now we have reached the halfway point in our programme I’ve been reflecting on the progress made and the lessons learnt. Major programmes rarely go entirely to plan, but we’re listening and learning and always striving to find the best way to respond to the sector’s needs.

Update: digital social care records Our flagship commitment within People at the Heart of Care was to scale the use of DSCRs to record and manage the delivery of care. Our original target was to ensure 80% of providers, and at least 80% of people in receipt of care, have a DSCR in place by March 2024.

As it stands, more than 60% of providers now use DSCRs - from a starting point of just 40% - with many more in the process of implementing the technology. Unfortunately, we’re not on track to meet our target in the spring, but we’re actively working to make sure providers don’t miss out.

Our analysis shows the very largest and smallest providers are least likely to have made the switch from paper to digital. There is also significant regional variation in uptake, with some parts of the country further ahead than others. While we expect some Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) to reach the 80% target on time, we know this won’t be the case everywhere.

With this in mind, we have developed a scheme specifically for the largest providers to access funding directly, rather than go through multiple integrated care boards (ICBs). We’ll be doing more work to understand the needs of the smallest providers & to explore how we can improve our support for ICBs with the furthest to go.

Read the full article here: Digitising social care: reflections on progress - Social care (blog.gov.uk)

Be Winter Ready Covid or Influenza?

Consider influenza as an alternative diagnosis in residents with suspected chest infection, fever or sudden decline in physical or mental ability.

If COVID-19 testing is negative, consider influenza.

COVID-19 outbreak definition Two or more positive or clinically suspected linked cases of COVID-19, within the same setting within a 14-day period.

This means the cases are linked to each other and transmission within the care setting is likely to have occurred.

Influenza outbreak definition At least one confirmed case of influenza (positive test) AND one or more cases of confirmed or suspected influenza (flu- like illness) within the same 48-hour period.

For this Winter’s guidance, please read the UKHSA Information: UKHSA Winter-readiness (infection prevention) information for care homes in South East England (ics.nhs.uk)

TestCard - Your Digital Diagnostic Future With Testcard technology, you can find out whether you are dealing with Flu or Covid 19 within minutes.

In collaboration with Guys & St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust, TestCard proudly presents ClearScreen – a cutting-edge digital solution that's changing the game in rapid diagnostic testing.

Harnessing the Power of Mobile Technology This digital solution combines a physical test kit with a user-friendly mobile app. The app employs a clinically-calibrated algorithm to read and deliver precise results on the spot. Say goodbye to long waiting times!

Streamlined Reporting and Compliance You will have a convenient web portal for result storage and seamless report generation. This not only ensures strict compliance but also simplifies record-keeping. Results can be effortlessly integrated into Electronic Patient Records (EPR).

Features You'll Love ● User-Friendly Guidance: step-by-step support to ensure accurate testing. ● Computer Vision Analysis: Get suggested readings, ensuring you're always in the know ● Instant record-keeping: Test results, images, & more can be recorded in the portal with just a few clicks. ● Seamless EPR Integration: Results can be seamlessly integrated into Patient eRecords if desired.

Versatility at Its Best ClearScreen is designed to read various CE-marked tests, including COVID/Flu A&B dual cassette, COVID-19 Antigen, Pregnancy, Strep A, and RSV. Your go-to choice for rapid and reliable diagnostics.

Success Stories from the Front Lines ● "ClearScreen provided immediate results, enabling prompt patient allocation. We saw a significant reduction in overcrowding and waiting for PCR results." - Dr. Rahul Batra, MD, Guys' and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust. ● Reporting to electronic patient records jumped from 15% to over 98% of all tests completed. ● Error rates decreased from 7% to 2% when using the digital reader, eliminating costly mistakes.

To learn more, come to our webinar on: 21st November at 1430 Introduction to TestCard

Free Training & Events - Nov / Dec Introducing TestCard: Your Digital Diagnostic Future!

Tuesday 21st Nov - 2.30 - 3.30pm - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/740797995747 In collaboration with Guys & St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust, TestCard proudly presents ClearScreen – a cutting-edge digital solution that's changing the game in rapid diagnostic testing.

Harnessing the Power of Mobile Technology This digital solution combines a physical test kit with a user-friendly mobile app. The app employs a clinically-calibrated algorithm to read and deliver precise results on the spot.

Say goodbye to long waiting times!

Streamlined Reporting and Compliance You will have a convenient web portal for result storage and seamless report generation. This not only ensures strict compliance but also simplifies record-keeping. Results can be effortlessly integrated into Electronic Patient Records (EPR).

Single Assessment Framework - CQC Changes to Inspection Systems Thursday 23rd Nov - 10.00 - 11.00am - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/754502997777 CQC are developing a new approach to regulation called a Single Assessment Framework.

This applies to providers, local authorities and integrated care systems.

They will continue to use: ● five key questions (safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led) ● four-point ratings scale (outstanding, good, requires improvement and inadequate).Under each key question there are a set of topic areas and quality statements. The statements describe what good care looks like and will link to the regulations.

What will be different? ● Gathering evidence: CQC gather evidence to support their judgements in a variety of ways and at different times – not just through on-site inspections. This means on-site inspections will support this activity, rather than being our primary way to collect evidence. ● Frequency of assessments: They will no longer use a service's rating as the main driver when deciding when we next need to assess. Evidence we collect or information we receive at any time can trigger an assessment. ● Assessing quality: Judgements about quality will be made more regularly, instead of only after an inspection. The assessments will be more structured and transparent, using evidence categories as part of the assessment framework and giving a score for what they find. hoping to make their decisions about ratings clearer and easier to understand.

CQC is about to embark on the first inspections under its new Single Assessment Framework, with a small group of ‘early adopters’ being inspected from 21st November 2023. CQC is expected to expand the new inspection and assessment regime to the rest of the South region from 4th December and in stages throughout the regions from then. As more information is being published, Nicole Ridgwell of Lester Aldridge LLP provides a legal insight into what we currently know & how we can prepare for the forthcoming inspections.

Free Training & Events - Continued Introducing Fusion & PainChek - Digital Solutions supporting care.

Thursday 30th Nov - 2.30 - 3.30pm - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/751553596037 Introducing Fusion & Painchek - Digital solutions supporting care needs Join us for an exciting online event on Thursday, November 30, 2023 at 14:30 GMT, where we will introduce you to Fusion and Painchek, two innovative digital solutions designed to support care needs.

Discover how Fusion seamlessly integrates various care processes, streamlining administration and enhancing communication among care providers. With its user-friendly interface, Fusion empowers caregivers to deliver personalised care efficiently.

Learn about Painchek, an advanced pain assessment tool that utilises facial recognition technology to assess pain levels in those unable to communicate their pain. This breakthrough solution ensures accurate pain detection, enabling caregivers to provide timely and appropriate interventions.

During this event, we will demonstrate the features and benefits of both Fusion and Painchek, showcasing how these digital solutions can support care provision. Don't miss out on this event, book your tickets now!

DSPT - Interactive Workshop - We’re here to help!

Wednesday 13th Dec - 2.00 - 3.00pm - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/753773897017 Previously published at Approaching Standards or Standards Met. During this workshop we will look at the DSPT and help you navigate through the toolkit to achieve ‘Standards Met’ when you republish your DSPT. By completing your DSPT, you will provide evidence that you meet all of the minimum legislative requirements of the DPA and UK-GDPR as well as some cyber security best practice. Standards Met is the level that all care providers should be aiming for as it demonstrates that they also meet the health and social care data security standards.

This interactive workshop will guide you step by step to completion and publication of your toolkit to standards met.

This event is part of the Better Security, Better Care programme, funded by NHS Transformation Directorate to support data and cyber security across the adult social care provider sector.

Digital Care Hub - Events and training What to check for in your technology contracts (for social care providers) Date: Wednesday 22 November 2023 - 14.00 - 15.30 - Location: Online / Zoom webinar Are you an adult social care provider who is thinking of purchasing a digital system but you don’t know where to start? Are you concerned about what should be included in contracts? Or are you unsure how to find the right software supplier for you?

In this webinar, sector experts and care providers will share their experience and expertise about procuring digital technologies. There will be a particular focus on contract negotiation and pre-procurement for digital social care records (care planning software).

This session is being run in partnership with NHS Transformation Directorate and Care England.

Who should attend?

These sessions have been designed for adult social care providers in England and are aimed at people who make decisions about the use of technology in care services.

This might include: ● Owners ● Registered Managers ● Nurses ● Senior Care Staff ● Care Staff ● Administrators ● IT Professionals ● Quality & Compliance Leads Monitoring your digital contracts well (for social care providers Date: Wednesday 29 November 2023 - 14.00 - 15.30 - Location: Online / Zoom webinar Do you have questions about how to get the most out of your relationship with your software suppliers? Do you want to know more about contract management and negotiation?

In this webinar, sector experts and care providers will share their experience and expertise about procuring digital technologies. There will be a particular focus on contract negotiation and pre-procurement.

This session is being run in partnership with NHS Transformation Directorate and Care England.

Who should attend?

These sessions have been designed for adult social care providers in England and are aimed at people who make decisions about the use of technology in care services.

This might include: ● Owners ● Registered Managers ● Nurses ● Senior Care Staff ● Care Staff ● Administrators ● IT Professionals ● Quality & Compliance Leads

Data & cyber security: what do new care services need to have in place from the start?

Date: Thursday 30 November 2023 - 12.00 - 13.30 - Location: Online / Zoom webinar Setting up a new homecare service can be difficult. Whether you’re starting from scratch, integrating a new type of service to your business, or adding to your portfolio – you’re probably working your way through a long to do list.

Join this Better Security, Better Care webinar in partnership with the Homecare Association to consider: ● ● ● ●

The data protection essentials you need to legally have in place.

What you need to consider when integrating digital systems.

Steps you can take to strengthen your data and cyber security arrangements.

National, regional and local support for care providers, including the Data Security and Protection Toolkit and Better Security, Better Care.

Cyber security essentials: implementing a robust continuity plan Date: Wednesday 6 December 2023 - 12.00 - 13.30 - Location: Online / Zoom webinar Cyber Attacks are becoming increasingly common and the social care sector are not exempt. This means we must ensure that every care service is equipped to minimise the risk and impact of a cyber attack.

Implementing and testing a robust business continuity plan is a key measure that can massively reduce both the impact of a cyber incident and the time it takes to recover from one.

This webinar, in partnership with The National Cyber Resilience Centre and the Institute of Public Care will cover: ● ● ●

The current context of cyber attacks.

Protecting your care service: business continuity plan deep dive.

Free support and resources to strengthen your care service’s resilience from Better Security, Better Care.

Digital Care Hub offer a range of training sessions and events.

Click the link to access full details of their Events: digitalcarehub.co.uk

MILE Newsletter

CMM OFF THE PAGE Episode 6: How care providers can excel in leadership 2nd August 2023 This episode of the Care Management Matters monthly podcast features a conversation all about the importance of good leadership in a care setting.

The conversation covers the differences between leadership and management, the role of leadership for retaining staff, as well as recommendations for reading and resources around the topic.

Episode speakers: ● Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive, Care England (host) ● Kathryn Smith, Chief Executive, Social Care Institute for Excellence ● Samantha Crawley, Chief Executive, Bracebridge Care Group Click here to listen to the episode → You can also watch a recording of the discussion on YouTube by clicking here →

Check out the MILE pathway Facebook page

https://mile-pathway-13th-november-newsletter

Contacts

Nada Wakeford nada@westsussexpartnersincare.org Brian Roberts brian@sussexdigitalteam.co.uk Sarah McNally sarah@sussexdigitalteam.co.uk Claire Badzek claire@sussexdigitalteam.co.uk Or phone us on 07860 630063 www.sussexdigitalteam.co.uk