The government has announced that care providers across the UK will receive an extra £546m in infection control funding in order to protect residents and staff over winter.
The Infection Control fund, set up in May, has been extended to March 2021 to ensure that care providers have the resources needed to halt any transmission of COVID-19 through the winter period.
The fund can be allocated to paying staff who are isolating or to hire more staff in order to restrict movement between homes.
COVID-19 winter safety
The extension brings the total funding for infection control measures in care homes to over £1.1bn.
Health and Social Care Secretary, Matt Hancock said: “From the very beginning we have done everything possible to make sure our social care system is protected and has the resources it needs to keep our brilliant workforce and those they care for safe. This new funding of over half a billion pounds will support not only care home residents, but also some of the most vulnerable in society living at home and in supported living.
“I know this will give peace of mind to so many, and we will set out further detail in our Adult Social Care Winter Plan this week.”
Data published by the Department of Health & Social Care (DHSC) in July showed that the funding has helped providers to take key steps to improve infection prevention and control in care settings, including restricting staff movement in care homes and paying staff to self-isolate.
Minister for Care, Helen Whately said: “I know just how hard social care staff have been working over the last six months to provide compassionate care for our loved ones and keep them safe in the face of this global threat. I am committed to ensuring the social care system has everything they need for the winter months ahead.
“Today, we have set out additional funding to bolster infection prevention and protect our loved ones receiving care.”
Quinyx: Easy-to-use workforce management for your care organisation
