By Charlotte Webster-
Social workers will face extra administrative work because of the need to arrange longer home care visits as the UK prepares for a widespread coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, a sector leader has warned.
With the effect of the coronavirus more severe in people with weakened immune systems, older people and those with pre-existing conditions who are part of adult social care services are likely to face increasing pressures in the weeks and months ahead. Britain is believed to be facing increasing risks of the virus spreading as passengers from highly infected areas continue to flood the Uk without testing, in the hope that those who show mild symptoms will either get tested or self isolate.
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Crisis planning including an increased use of agency staff would be necessary to manage a potential rise in demand for social care services. Preparation for social care workers to take time off work due to the coronavirus or contact with someone who has tested positive was met with provision by the British government in yesterday’s budget to pay all workers who are absent to work due to the coronavirus or contact with another who has tested positive for it.
UNISON welcomed many aspects of the budget but bemoaned the fact social care did not get a mention in the budget. Unison’s general Secretary Dave Prentis said:
“This was a Budget to calm the nation and showed the government’s been listening – to a point.
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“While a blank cheque to ease the NHS through the virus crisis will reassure health staff and under-pressure hospitals, social care and local councils barely got a mention.
“Workers across the country will be relieved they’ll get sick pay or immediate access to universal credit should they fall ill or have to stay at home.
“But many will still worry how they’ll make ends meet on current statutory sick pay rates.
“It’s just a pity it’s taken a national crisis for the government to see the value of our public services and the need to invest in them properly.
“Government, businesses and unions all need to work together to get the country through the next few difficult weeks and months.”
Meanwhile officials of United Kingdom Homecare Association’s (UKHCA) who have expressed concerns about sufficient staff to support older people in a scenario of increased pressure on social care arising from the coronavirus have been in meetings most of today discussing ways of addressing the issue. An insider told The Eye Of Medi.Com that developments have been ”fast paced” with changing perspectives on how to deal with the matter unfolding.
Meanwhile, the Care Provider Alliance (CPA) have been actively communicating with the Department of Health and Social Care] with a view to addressing the important issues facing care providers.
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