Issue - meetings

[To receive an update on Adult Services and Educational Settings.]

Becky Wilkinson, Head of Adult Improvement provided an update around adult social care.

It was noted that discretion for allowing visiting relatives into care homes lay with the Director of Public Health as long as the local infection rate remained above average. The protocol had been refreshed to allow essential visits, which included visiting patients receiving end of life care or if a lead professional deemed the visit as vital to the patient’s mental health. The Act ensured that the decision would also take into account the best interests of everyone at the care setting. It was clarified that the number of care homes now closed for new admissions during the outbreak had risen to seven. 41 EMI beds had been opened up due to isolation periods reaching an end.

National Portal testing was in place and turnaround time for test results had improved whilst the flu vaccination programme was underway with extra provision planned for November. It was reported that response plans were in place for a second wave and that the deadline had been met for the money received from the Government Infection Prevention Fund to be distributed to care homes.

In response to a query around access to personal protective equipment (PPE) for carers, it was clarified that it would be provided as soon as the service was aware it was required and that any gaps in provision would be investigated.

Emma Bennett, Director of Children’s Services delivered the update on Educational Settings.

It was reported that attendance had remained fairly stable with only a slight dip since last week. Work had been ongoing with school headteachers to reduce bubble sizes, ensuring fewer children had needed to self-isolate relative to case numbers.

It was highlighted that the increase in elective home education, with COVID cited as the primary reason, had become a concern and follow-up work was being undertaken to ensure parents fully understood the impact of removing their child from their school place and what responsibilities they would be taking on.

It was reported that the Education IMT met three times a week which enabled members to keep active oversight of school estates and reinforce communications messages.

It was noted that, following the latest Government announcement regarding access to FSM support over the Christmas period, work was ongoing to establish what would be required in terms of planning and response.

Resolved:

That the Adult and Educational Settings update be noted.

[To receive an update on Adult Services and Educational Settings.]