Cornwall Partners in Care News

Held at Crossroads Care Home 26th February 2019

These are notes (not minutes) and reflect the opinions and understandings of those present

Tish chaired the Forum.

Tish began by updating the meeting on the most recent Partnership meeting, held on the 8th February. At the meeting the sector was promised an update on the uplift DPS rate by the 15th February, however since the meeting a communication has been issued to that this will not be happening. The sector still does not know the fee rates due to start in 2 months’ time. Tish has received an email from Julie David (Senior Procurement Manager) indicating that a statement should be issued by the end of this week.

CPIC are waiting to hear more information on the carers parking permit scheme.

The meeting also discussed the options available to Providers to join the RCHT’s Bronze conference call, which takes place on a Monday between a range of hospital departments to look at potential discharges. Providers have the option of joining this call if they have a client in Hospital, and can track their progress and assist with their discharge.

Loans equipment, particularly the problems arising during an emergency situation were discussed at the Partnership meeting. Please can Providers send any examples of issues obtaining loan equipment to Richard.

Tish will circulate the process of Moving and Handling equipment and is meeting with John Sherwood (Commissioning Manager for Loans Equipment) after the Forum.

One Provider commented that sometimes OT assessments are not good enough, and cited a situation where an OT didn’t even see the client moving, then went on holiday for several weeks with no handover to a colleague. Breakdowns in the process such as this affect the client.

Tish raised the point that wanting to get loans equipment in an emergency isn’t about eroding the roles of PT’s or OT’s, but to deal with situations when OT’s etc cannot help in time.

One suggestion was whether Providers could pick up loan equipment from the store, rather than waiting for a clean delivery lorry to be passing. This could help reduce the wait times.

It was reported that sometimes the brokerage phone lines divert to answerphones, particularly during the mornings, and that the online live chat doesn’t work. Other Providers do not seem to be experiencing the same issues. It was suggested that Providers can contact the specific broker for any package direct as their email address is with the package details.

The Council’s Data Control team have scheduled a visit with one Provider to carry out an audit. The Providers is unsure exactly what they want to see or why, although it might be linked to the security requirements of the DPS. Through discussion is seems that they may want to see any policies relating to data security, data breaches. The Council are also asking to see policies covering fire and flood, risk assessments, etc. It was noted that most Providers deliver care, they do not fully understand data security or IT services.

A discussion took place around the appearance of carers, as one Provider has received some comments over the length of staff members’ nails. One suggestion was that if clients have an issue with long or painted nails, the carers can always wear gloves. The general consensus was that their policies included references to nails being kept short. One Provider checks nails during staff meetings to ensure that they are sensible and look professional. It was noted that social care staff are not always doing sterile duties, so there is no need to be overly restrictive on nails as long as they do not pose a risk to the clients.

Most Providers are having technical issues submitted ECM data to the Council. Only one Provider present was sending information on a regular basis.

One Provider asked about peg feed training as they have approached Health but have been told it will not be for 3 months. As this is to assist with a health package, it was suggested that they contact the hospital who may be able to help.

A Provider is looking to change their office location in the near future and asked for advice on how best to inform CQC. It was suggested that this could be done via the CQC portal, and the Provider confirmed that they already have access.

The meeting closed at 12:00