Assistant Director – Commissioning, Performance and Transformation
Minutes:
The Head of Service provided a verbal update on the ongoing response to the Covid-19 pandemic, specifically in relation to care home settings and care providers. Members heard that, from a commissioning perspective, services were now moving into a period of recovery, and that there had been no further outbreaks.
Members enquired about compulsory Covid vaccinations for those working in care settings, which had recently been reported in the national media, and were advised that further guidance would be forthcoming. Members were reassured that 94 per cent of care home staff in Darlington had received both Covid vaccinations, which exceeded the national threshold of 90 per cent. Discussion ensued on how such a high take up rate had been achieved.
Members entered into discussion on the measures in place to combat new variants of Covid, and were keen to receive clarification around the number of care home residents who had received their vaccinations. Members were informed that 100 per cent of residents had received their initial vaccination, and that 91 per cent had received their second vaccination.
Further discussion ensued on the return of day services, and Members were informed that this was a challenging area, that many residents had found alternative forms of support during the pandemic, and that it would be a slow pathway to recovery in terms of this service.
RESOLVED – That the contents of the update be noted.