The role of integrated care systems in improving dementia diagnosis
This latest long-read by The King’s Fund explores the opportunities Integrated Care Systems (ICS) have to improve dementia diagnosis, using three ICSs (Hackney, Cornall and Stoke on Trent) as case studies.
Skills for Care, workforce strategy blog
Jane Brightman, Director of Workforce Strategy at Skills for Care has written a blog outlining the expectation around the workforce strategy for adult social care.
LaingBuisson Social Care Summit 2024
There is still time to secure your early bird ticket to the summit, which takes place on Tuesday 11 June. Click here to access the offer, read the conference agenda and more.
The Careworkers’ Charity 2023 Impact Report
The Charity, who support care workers and advocate for the social care workforce, has published their achievements and milestones over the past year. Read the full report and comments from Karolina Gerluich, CEO here.
Implementing Universal Credit
The Public Accounts Committee has published its report into the progress of implementing Universal Credit. Recommendations include improving the clarity and transparency of UC's benefits and migration process, enhancing support mechanisms for claimants, and better monitoring the impact of UC on employment and fraud reduction. The document also emphasises the need for the DWP to capture lessons from the ongoing UC implementation to inform future phases, especially concerning the delayed migration of ESA claimants.
Ban on supply and sale of wet wipes containing plastic
The Government is to introduce a ban on the supply and sale of wet wipes containing plastic across the UK. This ban is intended to reduce plastic pollution and the volume of plastic litter, as well as microplastics entering waterways. Each UK administration will introduce regulations separately. Plastic-free wet wipes are already available for purchase. More from: Summary of responses and government response - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
New CQC assessment framework requires preparation from care providers
In a new blog, Anthony Collins Solicitors (ACS) say many social care providers are concerned that the new single assessment framework places too much reliance on past performance and could distort new assessment ratings. ACS consider how providers can prepare for assessment, and the key takeaways so far from the rollout of the new approach.
HR Dept – People Matter, April edition
The HR Dept’s latest edition of People Matter (April 2024) looks at celebrating success, achieving a work/life balance, managing redundancies effectively and sharing staff data during a mental health emergency. Homecare Association members are entitled to up to four free half hour sessions a year with The HR Dept, either telephone or face to face, to discuss human resources issues. Call the member helpline on 010 8661 8188 for details.
Findings from the ONS and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) Winter COVID-19 Infection Study from November 2023 to March 2024 showed a peak in Covid rates in a two-week period from mid-December. From data published by UKHSA the virus was less prevalent in those age 65 and above. People who had had a vaccine since September 2023 were less likely to test positive in the early waves of the study, but by later waves the difference was no longer noticeable. The most common symptoms reported by those who tested positive for COVID-19 included a runny nose, cough, tiredness, sore throat, and headache.
M25 weekend closure Friday 10 to Monday 13 May
National Highways is closing the M25 between junction 9 at Leatherhead and junction 10 at Wisley from 9pm Friday 10 May to 6am Monday 13 May. For more information, including advice for travellers, details of the diversion and plans for future closures, see National Highways website. (From Surrey County Council website.)
