Bed-blocker fears over care home Covid jab rules
NEW covid jab rules for care home staff could lead to Nuneaton’s hospitals being hit by bed-blockers, it has been claimed.
There are concerns at the George Eliot Hospital that new rules coming into force for those who work at care homes could exacerbate issues it already has with discharging elderly patients.
In a report to board members, Glen Burley, the Eliot’s chief executive, said that they have already noticed a “significant problem” with access to domiciliary care for elderly patients. This is leading to delays in discharges from hospital but they fear the situation could get even worse.
This is due to staffing levels - and the impact of the pending rules about them having to be double-jabbed to work in care homes. “The concern with the domiciliary and care home sector is that job opportunities in other sectors are more attractive from a pay, conditions and responsibilities perspective,” he explained.
“This sector also faces the prospect of a further loss of staff from November 11, 2021, at which point any staff who have not been double-vaccinated face the prospect of dismissal following the proposed law change.
“Current estimates are that this could reduce the workforce by a further 10 to 15 per cent.
“The impact will be variable, which in turn could lead to the closure of some care homes.”
The issue will be debated among board members during the meeting.
The concern with the domiciliary and care home sector is that job opportunities in other sectors are more attractive from a pay, conditions and responsibilities perspective