There has been much information produced by the Department of Health about the flu pandemic and you are probably aware about the increase in cases which are expected within October and November. Such an increase will present significant difficulties for maintaining services, given the likelihood that more people will need help at a time when many staff will be absent through being ill themselves or caring for relatives. Please be assured that in conjunction with partner agencies, the Department has developed plans to minimise disruption to services whilst maintaining services to those at greater risk.
Dependent on the severity of the pandemic, the department will have to prioritise services and I am sure that you will understand that priority must be given to those most in need and at risk. It is thought that the worst of the difficulties will only be experienced for a few weeks, and we will get back to providing normal services as soon as possible after the peak of the pandemic has passed.
Residential Care
Discussions have been held with all the providers of residential care and they have made plans to respond to difficulties that may arise. All people in residential care will be given the highest priority but there may be a reduced number of staff or new staff caring for residents. Relatives may not be able to visit as often or activities within the home may be reduced.
If you have any concerns about how your care may be affected please ask a member of staff.
Day and Home Care
People who attend day services or who have home care support at home will have a variety of care and support needs. Every attempt is being made to maintain services but, if the support you receive is not thought to be critical and you are not given the highest priority, then it is possible that services will be reduced or even stopped for a short time. We are considering the circumstances of every single person who receives a service and will prioritise those in most need. You can help us do this by discussing with relatives or friends if they can help out in an emergency or if you can make alternative arrangements , which would mean that staff can concentrate on those not able to do this.
Direct Payments
If you arrange your own care through the Direct Payments Scheme you should be considering what alternative arrangements can be made if your carer(s) become ill. There may be other people, family or friends that could help out in an emergency or you may need to obtain staff from another agency. We strongly recommend that you discuss these issues with your carer(s) and prepare for problems that may occur. There can be no guarantee that the Department of Adult Services can provide alternative care, although if your circumstances warrant you being assessed as highest priority, every attempt will be made to so.
Please remember that emergency arrangements will only be used if the effects of the flu pandemic are severe and create the need for this to happen. We are planning ahead, just in case, and hope that you will do the same wherever possible.
For information about help that may be available in an emergency, phone the Central Duty Team.
For further advice about the Swine Flu pandemic, visit the Direct Gov website (external link).
