70 care homes assessed for ability to cope

Almost 70 care homes across Forth Valley have been assessed by health bosses to ensure staff are as prepared as possible for the challenges of coronavirus.

NHS Forth Valley say a wide range of actions have been taken to support the safety and wellbeing of care home residents and staff across Forth Valley during the Covid-19 pandemic.

NHS FV chief executive Cathie Cowan said there had been “excellent” partnership working, led by the two Health and Social Care Partnerships and supported by the

NHS Board, at a recent board meeting which took place by teleconference.

The health board has carried out an initial assessment of all 66 care homes in the area to ensure local staff are aware of infection control procedures and the safe use of PPE.

A daily care home meeting, chaired by Jennifer Champion, NHS FV Consultant in Public Health Medicine, has been taking place to identify and address any emerging issues or concerns.

A multi-disciplinary Outbreak Mobilisation Team has also been established to respond to and manage any future outbreaks of Covid-19 in local care homes. Dedicated mobile testing teams have been established so that appropriate infection control and isolation measures can quickly be put in place for any care home staff or residents with positive test results.

Local care staff have access to nursing, medical and pharmacy support as well as ongoing public health advice to help prevent the spread of infection. The two HSCPs in Forth Valley are also working closely with NHS FV to support local care home staff and ensure they continue to receive regular supplies of PPE from local hubs.

NHS FV board members were updated on the work underway to support local care homes at the recent meeting by teleconference.

NHS FV chair Janie McCusker said: “I have been impressed by the level of partnership working which has taken place over the last few weeks to support local care home staff and ensure they are able to safely care for residents during this pandemic.