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WQ.339/2020
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES BY DEPUTY M.R. HIGGINS OF ST. HELIER
ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 22nd SEPTEMBER 2020
Question
Will the Minister advise members what review, if any, the Government has undertaken with care homes about the collective response earlier in the year to the onset of the Coronavirus pandemic and its impact on care homes; and will he state what steps, if any, he is taking to ensure that any mistakes or deficiencies within the response have been addressed and that any successes will be built upon?
Answer
During the initial stages of COVID, a daily meeting was initiated with representatives of community providers, both from within and external to Government, inclusive of care homes and home care providers. The meeting was to ensure good communication, understand issues and offer support as necessary. The increased interface between health and community colleagues saw the identification of high-risk islanders and allowed for effective preventative medical management
This group took some time to review what had worked and what did not. It was clear that there was a limited understanding within Government of what was provided, and how, by external partners and there is now a much greater understanding between the different sectors.
It was evident that there was a need for accurate and timely information and good communications, particularly in relation to clinical guidance and workforce.
There is a continuation of this meeting on a weekly basis, with a larger group of stakeholders. This will continue to offer improved communications and to explore issues as a single system, including COVID preparedness, winter pressures, vaccination programme, immigration policy etc. It will also be the vehicle to offer additional support if required.