Decision details

To provide an extension of COVID designated setting beds for a period of 8 weeks. These beds provide two weeks of bed based care for people who are Covid positive with care and support needs leaving hospital who are not able to return home. At the current time usage of the Covid positive beds is low, however, it is recognised that should the beds remain unused for Covid positive discharges, they could be repurposed and piloted as Transfer of Care beds. This would allow individuals who no longer require an acute bed but who are unable to return home immediately, a short term stay within a residential setting whilst their at home arrangements can be made.
It is intended to fund this cost from the proposed earmarked reserve of £1m for AHWB to meet cost pressures in adult social care.
However this earmarked reserve for 2022/2023 will only be approved as part of the Council’s final accounts process for 2021/2022.
Therefore, if not approved the £56k cost of this decision will be managed as part of the overall care ladder spend in 2022/2023.

To extend the provision of 10 block purchased beds in Church View for a period of 8 weeks.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED AND
REJECTED:
Option 1: Let contract end and discharge to community care home beds
The option for the contract to end naturally on 30th April 2022 following cessation of the national funding pot was explored. A review is required on the use of the beds within Church View including their future use as Covid positive beds or alternatively as Transfer of Care beds. Rejected
Option 2: People remain in hospital until they are no longer a COVID risk to their future placement
Given the pressure on the hospital system currently and the very challenging situation combined with the risk of hospital acquired infection, this is not an appropriate option. Rejected
Option 3: Extend existing arrangement for 8 weeks
Extending the current arrangements will provide a safe place (designated setting) for people to be stepped up and stepped down into. This will provide continued safe care and support to an experienced designated setting. The 10 beds will deliver flow through the hospital and prevent potential hospital admissions for a further period of up to 8 weeks whilst the situation is assessed in relation to Covid rates and review the risk assessments for care homes to accept Covid positive residents through the work from Infection Prevention and Control team, including risk reduction and confidence. Should the Covid positive bed usage remain low, a review will be completed during the 8 week period (provisionally after 2 weeks) and the beds will be piloted as Transfer of Care beds, allowing step down from hospital for Covid negative people who need a short term period of care whilst at home arrangements can be finalised. Preferred
It is intended to fund this cost from the proposed earmarked reserve of £1m for AHWB to meet cost pressures in adult social care. However this earmarked reserve for 2022/2023 will only be approved as part of the Council’s final accounts process for 2021/2022.
Therefore, if not approved the £56k cost of this decision will be managed as part of the overall care ladder spend in 2022/2023.