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Updates to Coronavirus page

A number of new updates, key documents and useful resources have been added to the Coronavirus and safeguarding page. In no particular order these include:

  • COVID-19 guidance for the public on mental health & wellbeing
  • A Joint statement from the BMA, Care Provider Alliance (CPA), CQC and the Royal College of General Practice (RCGP) on advance care planning
  • Guidance from the DHSC guidance on residential care provision
  • Advice for NHS for visitors (25 March 2020)
  • Guidance from SafeLives on how domestic abuse victims can keep safe during the current COVID-19 pandemic, also see government advice: Coronavirus (COVID-19): support for victims of domestic abuse (29 March) 
  • The link to Norfolk County Council advise to providers (this is updated daily)

The Coronavirus Bill has passed through Parliament and has now received Royal Assent to become law as the Coronavirus Act 2020. The Act's purpose is to ease the burden on NHS and adult social care staff, be time-limited for two years, used when strictly necessary and to be switched off once no longer necessary. The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has issued guidance setting out how local authorities can use the new Care Act easements, see Annex D for Safeguarding Guidance.

Click here for the Coronavirus page.

We would ask all professionals and members of the public to be more vigilant at this time as the risk of adult abuse and harm are heightened as people have become isolated in their homes or in provider settings. There is no change to the safeguarding service that Adult Social Services offers, if you have concern call 0344 800 8020. There are some particular risks at this time including:

  1. Abuse being hidden because professionals and families are not visiting, and people are not attending routine appointments when someone would have been able to talk with them about any concerns
  2. Increased risks from others, including volunteers, as adults at risk of abuse and neglect are needing to depend on, or pay people they do not know so well for support
  3. Isolation has led to an increase in scams against vulnerable people
  4. Isolation can increase the risk of domestic abuse
  5. Some families are insisting on visiting their frail or unwell relatives, despite government guidance, putting them at greater risk of contracting the COVID-19 virus
  6. There is an increased risk to wellbeing through loneliness and isolation

 

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