‘Care homes have been going through some of the worst times imaginable’
A team set up at the start of lockdown to respond to the impact of Covid-19 in care homes has now helped more than 2,000 people across the city
ACROSS-AGENCY support team set up in April to respond to Covid-19 has now helped more than 2,000 people across 104 care homes in Stoke-onTrent.
The news comes as latest figures reveal that the number of coronavirus cases in the city continue to increase. Consequently, the service last month was restarted to help support the increase on demand in care homes.
Through their work, the care home team, which is made up of experts from Stoke-on-trent City Council, Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Combined Healthcare and University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust, has supported more than 2,000 care home residents in the city since April 2020.
They provide professional advice in a number of areas to combat the spread of coronavirus, including on testing for residents and staff, infection control arrangements, clarity on the use of PPE and support on how to access it.
Support is provided both virtually and face-to-face depending on preferences from the care home.
A specially-designed checklist covering 19 areas was devised to work through potential issues
within the homes, which also included taking account of residents’ wishes such as individual care plans and end-of-life preferences.
Abi Brown, above, leader of Stokeon-trent City Council said: “Care homes have played an invaluable role throughout the pandemic, going through some of the worst times imaginable up and down the country. Our care home support team provided support, advice, guidance and training.
“The team has continued to support each home to complete a comprehensive checklist and where necessary the team has commissioned additional assurance through support from UNHM and a follow up visit using the Care Excellence Framework.
“Our aim was to support all homes across the city so we could try and get ahead in protecting residents; this is something we did successfully.
“Now we are seeing a rise in cases, we are once again offering support as we must continue to protect the most vulnerable, save lives and support our frontline care workers.”
Ian Turner, deputy chief nurse and director of infection prevention and control at MPFT, said: “Our team has provided valuable support and advice to care homes across the city throughout the Covid-19 pandemic and is increasing the level of this support to care homes.
“This has involved carrying out site visits to look at the care home environment and offer professional advice. The feedback we’ve received has been very positive, with care home staff appreciating the support provided and the opportunity to discuss complex cases. MPFT remains committed to working alongside our partners to continue to offer this important service.”
Jane Munton-davies, associate director of Stoke Community Mental Health Services for Combined Healthcare said: “We have enhanced our support to care homes, providing seven day a week, 8am to 8pm specialist input to support people experiencing difficulties relating to mental health and/or dementia. The care home liaison service works closely with local care homes and primary care to ensure that the needs of this vulnerable group are met appropriately at this difficult time.”