Action plan to support social care sector launched

The government has launched its new action plan to support the social care sector through the coronavirus outbreak.

It includes better access to testing, additional PPE items, more staff, and a new brand to recognise the sector’s contribution to society.

Everyone going into a care home from hospital will be tested with immediate effect. Currently the first five residents with symptoms are tested to provide confirmation of whether there is an outbreak.

Homes will be supported to order PPE quickly, including through direct dispatches via Royal Mail, a 24/7 hotline and a new pilot website. 

An NHS-style single identity will also be created to celebrate and recognise the care sector. This will be based on the existing CARE badge, which was launched as a unifying symbol of pride for the social care sector by Care England and the National Care Forum.

This will make it simpler for care-givers to access benefits such as priority shopping hours, in the same way as NHS staff.   

The action plan also outlines plans to expand the social care workforce by tens of thousands through a new recruitment campaign that will highlight the vital role of care staff, backed by a new online learning platform to rapidly upskill new staff.

Minister for Care Helen Whately said: "The care workforce is playing an essential role in the fight against Covid-19, and they deserve the same recognition and support as NHS staff.  

"This virus has brought many challenges to the sector and today we are setting out how we will ensure care staff have all they need to do their jobs safely.  

"We are keen to get as many people on the care frontline as possible which is why we’re launching a campaign to attract people to the sector to support the national effort. I urge former social workers, occupational therapists and nurses to return to the sector to join the fight to protect our most vulnerable." 

The plan also gives guidance to help minimise the spread of infection within all care settings. This includes advice on safe discharge from the NHS, including testing prior to discharge and when isolation is recommended.

This follows the announcement by the Health and Social Care Secretary yesterday that all care home residents and social care staff with COVID-19 symptoms will be tested as capacity increases.