Praisefor health partners

Partnership working has helped bolster support for care homes say NHS Lanarkshire.

A number of care homes have been at the centre of outbreaks of COVID-19 – with nearly half of all deaths linked to the virus in homes.

There are 80 care homes in Lanarkshire, the majority of which are owned by independent sector providers.

The pandemic has, and continues, to pose significant challenges to some homes.

NHS Lanarkshire, along with South and North Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnerships (HSCPs), work closely with care homes and a range of supports has been enhanced to strengthen preventative measures and the management of outbreaks.

Gabe Docherty, director of public health in NHS Lanarkshire said: “The care home sector has been routinely involved in engagement with health and social care partners.

“The challenges presented by COVID-19 has, however, seen us step up that approach. This includes a programme of supportive discussions involving care home management, care home liaison, infection prevention and control nurses, HSCP staff and the Care Inspectorate.

“This engagement helps to identify what is working well and identify areas where further support would be beneficial. In response to this unprecedented challenge, as well as enhanced communication, a number of key actions have been taken to strengthen the management and oversight of care home outbreaks, enhancing supports offered routinely to the sector.”