COSLA have released new guidance for commissioners:
https://www.cosla.gov.uk/sites/default/files/private/guidanceforcommissionedservices.pdf
It describes many of the issues which providers may face as a result of responding to Covid 19, and contains several recommendations which would be of benefit to the sector if adopted widely by HSCPS. Sadly, it is not as convincing as the document written by LGA but it should still be helpful to share with your local HSCP if you are encountering a different approach from the one outlined.
Some helpful points:
Care at Home specific
4. Commissioners can mitigate this by paying for care on plan or postponing this contractual obligation.
7. A number of areas have already given re-assurance to providers in relation to payment of planned care or commissioned services and the reasonable additional costs that providers will incur. This is considered good practice and will ensure a collaborative approach to dealing with the current crisis.
Care Home specific
10. Consideration should be given to making payment based on planned care to ensure they remain operationally viable. Additional costs should also be met and recorded through local mobilisation plans.
Relating to both Care Homes and Care at Home:
14. Scottish Government has agreed that any reasonable additional costs caused by Covid 19 for staff sick pay or for those self-isolating can be met and recorded through local Health and Social Care mobilisation plans. This would be costs that are over and above those already agreed as part of hourly rates.
Outstanding concerns:
Redeployment: being only between providers, and not offering access to HSCP resource
Homecare adjustment to care packages: allowing providers to adjust care packages whilst being presented, it is not presented as a preferred option.
Scottish Care will continue to lobby on your behalf both locally and nationally on the outstanding points and the achievement of the good practice contained within this document and beyond. If you need any support with this, please do get in touch.
