The Committee reviewed and confirmed all actions from the previous meeting.

The Committee noted the national data was showing an increase in the cases of the Delta variant. This is clearly a concern and would need to be carefully monitored.

Regional reports were received and whilst it was again noted that infection rates amongst individuals we support, and colleagues are at low levels there were, however, colleagues who were still testing positive. It was accepted that this needed to be reviewed to establish circumstances.

The Committee discussed in detail the increasing likelihood that all colleagues working within National Care Group in England will be required to be vaccinated if they are to continue to be able to work in services. The implications of this locally needed to be fully risk assessed to understand the challenge the approach being prompted by the Government would present. It was noted that a different approach was taken in Wales at this point but that the Welsh Government was keeping this under review.

National Care Group continues to respect the views of those not wishing to have the vaccine but hopes that concerns can be addressed. The Committee was asked to encourage colleagues to receive the second vaccine when available in advance to the expected change in regulatory requirements indicated above.

Version 9 of the Care Home Visiting Policy had been distributed and Committee members confirmed this had been cascaded as appropriate.

The Committee were again advised that central supplies of PPE were available if required.

“The picture across National Care Group continues to be well managed by all and this should give everybody assurance that we continue to be in a strong place. The challenge that changes that will be implemented in respect of compulsory vaccinations is very real but we will continue to provide every opportunity”
Mike Cleasby, Director of Quality