The CQC Emergency Support Framework (ESF) was launched on 1st May, running until 30th September. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, routine inspections of residential care homes and other providers were suspended, so the ESF offered a structured framework for regular conversations between the CQC and care providers. Although they were not inspections, the ESF provided a source of intelligence the CQC could use to monitor risk and identify where providers needed extra support to respond to emerging issues, and to ensure they delivered safe care which protects people’s human rights. It was also designed to aid understanding of the impact of coronavirus on staff and people using care services.

The ESF covered the following four areas:

• Safe care and treatment
• Staffing arrangements
• Protection from abuse
• Assurance processes, monitoring, and risk management

During this period the CQC contacted our specialist residential care homes for adults with acquired brain injury at The Richardson Mews, The Coach House and 144 Boughton Green Road and our specialist residential care homes for adults with learning disabilities at 2 & 8 Kingsthorpe Grove.

For all of the homes contacted, the CQC concluded:

• Infection risks to people using the services are being thoroughly assessed and managed.
• The services have reliable access to the right personal protective equipment and C-19 testing for both staff and people who use the services.
• The locations’ environments support the preventing and containing the transmission of infection.
• Working arrangements and procedures are clear and accessible to staff, people who use the services, their supporters, and visitors to the services.
• Medicines are being managed safely and effectively.
• Risks to the health of people using the services are being properly assessed, monitored and managed.
• There were enough suitable staff to provide people with safe care in a respectful and dignified way.
• There were realistic and workable plans for managing any staffing shortfalls and emergencies.
• People were being protected from abuse, neglect, discrimination, and loss of their human rights.
• Safeguarding and other policies and practice, together with local systems, are properly managing any concerns about abuse and protecting people’s human rights.
• The provider is monitoring and protecting the health, safety and wellbeing of staff.
• The provider’s systems and methods for monitoring the overall quality of the service and for responding to business risks and issues as they arise are effective.
• Staff are supported to raise concerns and give feedback about the service.
• Care and treatment provided to people is being properly recorded.
• The provider is able to work effectively with system partners when care and treatment is being commissioned, shared or transferred.

In addition, the summary from 2 & 8 Kingsthorpe Grove reported:

You had encouraged anyone with symptoms to self-isolate in their rooms. Staff engage all people with activities and help them make video calls to family and friends. You are supporting people to understand the risks associated with COVID 19 and to wear appropriate PPE as required. You are kept updated regarding COVID 19 through newsletters and government updates. You are sharing good practice, offering and gaining support from other care homes.

With regard to The Richardson Mews and The Coach House, the ESF summary reported:

From our discussion and other information about this location, we assess that you are managing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. You have systems in place which have ensured you have remained up to date with all relevant guidance. Management plans are in place to manage the assessed risk around COVID 19. To date there have been no confirmed cases of COVID 19 in either home.

With regard to 144 Boughton Green Road, the ESF summary reported:

You have enough staff on duty and have a contingency plan in place if staffing becomes a concern. You support staff by completing risk assessments, team meetings, providing specialised PPE and through supervisions.

As we are moving into the next phase of this pandemic, we want to thank our dedicated teams of managers and staff as well as our service users. They have all demonstrated strength, reliance, creativity and patience during this very challenging time.