You will have seen in the press some concerning news regarding the spread of Flu across the country.
To support you to provide the best care, and to protect your staff, their families and those whom you care for, we wanted to remind you how important it is to encourage staff and clients to be vaccinated, and to remember basic IPC guidance.
Vaccinations
- Current data indicates that flu rates are tracking higher than in previous years. Getting vaccinated is the most effective way to “Stay Strong” this winter, protecting not just your own health, but also the people you support.
- Flu vaccinations are free to frontline care staff – This letter can be taken to any pharmacist in Hertfordshire so care professionals can be vaccinated for free.
- NHS Mobile Vaccination Bus will be visiting Watford and Hatfield to offer free flu vaccinations to eligible individuals, with no appointment needed
Hatfield – Click here
Watford – Click here
PPE
- While there is no requirement for care professionals or clients to wear face masks to provide standard personal care, we would encourage all care providers to review their PPE stocks and make plans should more items be needed. Stocks of PPE are held by most major retailers, with no shortages reported.
- NOTE: People might be asked to wear a face mask when visiting hospitals. Be guided by the hospital teams as to any PPE needed for inpatient, outpatient or A&E visits.
- Current guidance on use of PPE in care settings: Infection prevention and control in adult social care: acute respiratory infection – GOV.UK
Hand hygiene
- Information on hand hygiene, as well as a number of related topics, can be found here
Avoid unnecessary hospital admissions
Hospital admission should be avoided if possible. Below are your local admission avoidance service contacts:
• East and North Hertfordshire: Early Intervention Vehicle and Hospital at Home – 0300 123 7571
• South and West Hertfordshire: HAARC Vehicle 0345 601 0552 and Urgent Community Response 03000 200 656
Refresh and educate
HCPA have hosted some amazingly helpful webinars recently, covering all aspects of infection prevention and control including outbreak management. Preparing for winter:
- Keeping people and staff safe – Slides / Recording of event
- Care Provider Winter Preparation – Slides / Recording of event
Resources made for you
- HCPA seasonal support webpage, including contacts for hospital admission avoidance support, IPC and business continuity planning: Seasonal Support – HCPA
- HCPA care provider checklist for enhanced winter care: Click here for checklist
- For residential services – reporting outbreaks: Click here for the flow-chart
If you’ve got questions
The HCPA Care Provider Hub is here for you: 01707 708 108 / assistance@hcpa.co.uk
This is a free “ask us anything” service, supported by a wealth of guidance and resources held here: www.hcpa.info/provider-hub
We’ll be available throughout most of the festive season (excl bank hol)