In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, we have in place measures and procedures to ensure that staff and service users are safe, services experience minimal disruption and there is a speedy return to normal levels of business functioning.
In addition to this, we have developed a Covid-19 policy and procedure, business continuity and contingency plans that allow the safe delivery of care and support with the Service Users and staff most at risk identified in advance.
Staff will receive Covid-19 related documents as part of their induction and will be asked to sign every document as proof that they have read and acknowledged the documents.
- All business data, records, and operating systems are cloud-based and can be made available for access from any location in the world (using an approved and secured mobile device) – in the case of Covid-19, this will mean work can continue regardless of any self-isolation or lockdown measures to minimise the risk of spread of infection.
- The telephone system is cloud-based and can be diverted to mobile phones outside of the office if required.
- We will be monitoring the situation by the hour and taking the necessary steps to ensure the protection of all our staff and service users.
- We will encourage service users and staff to wash their hands using soap and warm water continuously throughout the day.
- We will communicate to all our staff, the latest COVID-19 Public Health England guidance via email and instant messaging.
- We will maintain regular communication to ensure any affected, or suspected staff are not attending places of work.
- We will constantly monitor the situation and assure you we will do everything we can to ensure continuity of care while protecting all service users from the virus.
- We will constantly monitor the situation and assure you we will do everything we can to ensure continuity of care while protecting all service users from the virus
- On-call members of staff will be expected to cover any outstanding shifts to ensure care can be delivered safely.
- All staff will be expected to continue working as normal however liaising with management regarding any concerns or cases that may/does affect them.
- If staff test positive for the Covid-19 virus, or are unwell, they must stay at home for 14 days in accordance with Public Health England advice.
Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, we have in place a Covid-19 Risk Assessment rating to assess all service users on a red, amber, green system based upon their level of need and your circle of support.
All office staff are provided with adequate technology in terms of mobile phones and laptops to allow them to perform the job in a secure way without taking any risks.
Staff will be advised of the following precautions:
- They must wash their hands and apply PPE before doing absolutely anything. Even before talking to the service users.
- To clean any mobility equipment on each visit. This includes hoists (hoist remotes controls also), walking frames.
- To disinfect regularly all the door handles, light switches, and anything that hands come into contact with.
- To dispose of PPE by double bagging inside the home and taken to the outside bin.
- To clean down steering wheels and gear sticks in their cars
Service users will be advised of the following precautions:
- Limiting visitors. Especially those who have access to the wider community who could bring the infection into their home. This includes cleaners, hairdressers, and even relatives. If relatives must visit, then please keep at least 2 meters away from them and ask that they wash their hands as soon as they come in.
- To try and keep a good supply of antibacterial liquid soap and paper towels.
- If they develop any of the symptoms of Covid-19 it is important to inform us.