From the Editor After months of work to keep people as safe and well as possible, it is finally starting to feel like things are beginning to slow down. For many, this has been a trying time of rapidly implementing new policies, keeping staff levels up, and anticipating what lies around the corner, and that isn’t about to change. But a sort of settling seems to have occurred for some, getting used to a new way of working and a different environment with an additional set of priorities.
MOVING ON The public is returning to the high street and to work, measures are in place to help protect those who use public transport, and the number of deaths is continuing to drop. Despite the PPE and queues, you could be forgiven for thinking things are returning to normal. But the nation must not forget social care. The care workers they clapped and sparkled for are still putting themselves at risk for the sake of others, care providers are
still taking strict precautions, and care is costing more to provide with very little, if any, increase in fees. Managers face round-theclock concerns about whether their services are safe, what other measures might need to be put in place and how they can get some normalcy back without compromising on the protection of their clients. The people the sector supports have been classed as some of the most at risk from the deadly virus, causing concern for them, their relatives and the people who are supporting them. And for those services that have sadly lost people to COVID-19, there is a fear that staff and the people they support might begin to suffer from post-traumatic stress.
RETURNING TO REFORM Just before the outbreak, Government was looking to start cross-party talks on social care – we were about to have some movement on what reform
Editor, Angharad Burnham talks about why it's so important that social care isn't forgotten as England moves further out of lockdown.
the sector wanted and needed. Murmurings about this have picked up again and people are starting to look ahead at what might be next, what this sector could look like and how it could be valued. These talks must now include the ways that coronavirus has changed things, and what more needs to be put in place to support providers not just to carry on as they were, but to never have to face a pandemic unprepared again. It is not and was never enough to offer more money or a new funding model – though of course these would be appreciated. The sector needs, more than ever, a way to form closer relationships with
services and offer better support for its staff.
MOMENTS OF POSITIVITY In the face of this pandemic, the sector has come together and offered some fantastic care and support. We are delighted to be able to celebrate some of these moments with our Markel 3rd Sector Care Awards this year. Nominations have opened and are free to enter. We are hoping to see many entries showcasing examples of outstanding care throughout and in spite of COVID-19. Enter yourself or a deserving team or colleague at www.3rdsectorcareawards.co.uk.
Email: editor@caremanagementmatters.co.uk Twitter: @CMM_Magazine Web: www.caremanagementmatters.co.uk
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CMM July 2020
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