Issue - meetings

The Board considered a report from the Strategic Director – People, which provided details of the risks associated with the recent Government legislation published on the need to vaccinate people working or deployed in care homes.

It was reported that the regulations must be implemented by 11 November 2021 and although this legislation was expected to reduce the health risks to care home residents and staff, it would introduce a number of consequential risks, which threatened the operation of local health and care systems.  The report explained these risks and the immediate actions that would be needed to prepare for workforce reductions that were expected to arise because of this legislation.

Members were advised that in the 11 days since the publication of this report, the information had changed considerably and the number of staff across the whole sector that were not vaccinated had reduced from 200+ to just 33.  Nonetheless, the risks associated with non-vaccination of care home staff was still present, as described in the Statement of Risks (paragraph 3.4) and the subsequent impact assessment carried out against these risks (paragraph 3.5).

Further to Members’ questions, the following information was noted:

·         In-house care homes were almost full at the moment but there were no staff reductions;

·         Those staff at risk of losing their jobs were being supported with finding other roles and contact with agencies had been made;

·         Since the pandemic some care homes had shut parts of their building and these may or may not re-open;

·         The recruitment and retention of staff in the care sector was challenging – it was noted that some work was being carried out by the Liverpool City Region in this area;

·         Some staff were unvaccinated due to being exempt – they were subjected to rigorous testing prior to being in contact with residents; and

·         Vaccination of domiciliary care staff was not yet mandatory; they were also subject to rigorous testing and use off PPE.

The Board requested an update on the situation at a future meeting.

RESOLVED:  That the report and comments made be noted.