Background to the Care Home Sector Clinical Care Network
At the request of the Minister of Health on the 24 June 2020, the Chief Nursing Officer established a Task and Finish Group to enable the learning from the transmission of Covid-19 into Care Homes during the first surge of the pandemic to be identified and used to mitigate the impact of a potential second surge.
Learning during the Covid-19 pandemic further highlighted the already recognised challenges faced by the independent care home sector and the high level of frailty and clinical acuity of residents in care homes. One of the key priority areas of the Rebuilding programme is a focus on Nursing and Residential Care homes.
The vision: a network with a focus on clinical care in the care home sector
The clinical care network is envisaged as the overarching network of the multiple care home sector related networks already in place. These networks all have a specific aim and area of expertise. The clinical care network will bring these networks together and allow for two way communication by forming a representative voice for the care home sector with other organisations that are integral, including the Department of Health.
As the network has a clinical focus, the network is chaired by two co-chairs who have a clinical background. The vision is for the network to be co-chaired and led by the independent sector itself, however, due to the ongoing challenges faced by care homes from managing the impact of Covid-19, support will, in the interim, be provided by the Chief Nursing Officer’s Directorate in the Department of Health.
The aim of the network is for connected learning and development with the shared purpose of enhancing clinical care within care homes, to ensure that individuals living in care homes are supported to live the best life possible.
Who is it for?
The network is open to all staff working within all registered care homes in Northern Ireland, both residential and nursing homes.
What topics are discussed?
Suggestions for topics to be discussed by the network can be emailed to CNODirectorate.ECCF@health-ni.gov.uk.
Examples of topics covered by the network in 2021 are:
January 2021 - Recognising Deterioration: the use of Wellness Checklist and RESTORE 2
February 2021 – Discussion with Department of Health policy officials working on the development of an Adult Protection Bill for Northern Ireland regarding the relevance and impact on the care home sector of the legislative options being consulted on.
March 2021 - PHA regional work on eating drinking and swallowing following the Safety and Quality Reminder of Best Practice letter.
April 2021 – Nutritional requirements & Food First
May 2021 – CHCCN workshop - overview of ECCF and Wellness Pathway, RESTORE and ReSPECT
June 2021 – NIPEC – Future Nurse, Future Midwife resources
July 2021 – Link Nurse Framework, update on Subgroup Workforce and Learning Needs Analysis tool
August 202 – Review of topics to date and exploring future topics
November 2021 – Implementation of RESTORE2 by Corriewood
December 2021 – Shared Decision Making and Resilience and self-care amongst care home staff
Notes of previous meetings
- January 2021
- February 2021
- March 2021
- April 2021
- May 2021
- June 2021
- August 2021
- November 2021
- December 2021
When do meetings occur?
Meetings are planned for the fourth Thursday of every month
How do I join?
If you would like to join the network please email your request to join to CNODirectorate.ECCF@health-ni.gov.uk.