For Professionals
Care Homes Support
Good infection prevention and control practices are essential to ensure that people accessing health and social care services receive safe and effective care. Infections in care homes may be serious. They may worsen underlying medical conditions and affect recovery. Infections may be caused by organisms resistant to antibiotics which can be more difficult to treat.
The Health and Social Care Act 2008 states that all registered providers must provide adequate infection prevention and control arrangements. This will ensure residents are cared for in a safe and clean environment where the risks of healthcare associated infections are minimised. In Sandwell MBC there is a specialist service to help Care Homes manage infection prevention.
Community Infection Prevention Team
We provide specialist infection prevention and control advice (IPC) support to the Care Homes in Sandwell.
Linda Farley
Infection Prevention Nurse Specialist
Phone
Vanessa Pluck
Infection Prevention Control Audit Nurse
Phone
We are responsible for the local infection prevention and control programme within care home. This involves identifying
- The risks to the patients and staff from infection
- Support for implementing and monitoring actions to manage those risks.
The team will
- Conduct regular audit to ensure that the policies have been adhered to.
- Help with action plans and re-audit.
- Provide advice on environment infection prevention
Training and Education
- Assist with training needs assessment for staff
- Practical hand hygiene training for staff
Significant Events
- Support with outbreaks of infectious conditions
Monday to Friday – 9am – 4pm
Please contact us via email health_protection@sandwell.gov.uk
National Guidance
Information resources for care home workers about preventing and controlling infection in care homes. These can help Care Home staff develop good infection prevention practices within the Care Homes.
Here are links to some of the national documents for infection prevention.
Health and Social Care Act 2008: code of practice on the prevention and control of infections This document sets out the code of practice (the code) on the prevention and control of infections under the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (H&SCA 2008). This act sets out the overall framework for the regulation of health and adult social care activities by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Care homes: infection prevention and control
Information resource for care home workers about preventing and controlling infection in care homes.“ A document to assist staff to take all reasonable steps to protect residents and staff from acquiring infections and prevent cross infection.
Infection prevention and control: resource for adult social care This resource should be used as a guide in the practice of adult social care, to ensure people receive person-centred support that follows effective IPC measures.
Care Quality Commission
The Care Quality Commission is an executive non-departmental public body of the Department of Health and Social Care of the United Kingdom. It was established in 2009 to regulate and inspect health and social care providers in England. The link below is for the CQC guidance for Care Homes on the infection prevention standards. This will help Care Home Managers prepare for CQC inspections.
Adult social care:information for providers
National infection prevention and control manual (NIPCM) for England
This is an evidence-based practice manual for use by all those involved in care provision in England. It should be adopted as mandatory guidance in NHS settings or settings where NHS services are delivered, and the principles should be applied in all care settings. This manual was developed to ensure standardization of practices across the country. Contents include:
- Standard infection control precautions (SICP) are to be used by all staff, in all care settings, always, and for all patients whether infection is known to be present or not, to ensure the safety of those being cared for, staff and visitors in the care environment.
Hand hygiene
Hand hygiene is the single most important thing we can do to prevent the spread of infection.
Audit Tool
hands poster
Outbreaks
The symptoms can appear very quickly and include:
- Headache
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Aching muscles
- Joints
There are 2 types of influenza affecting people:
- influenza A
- influenza B
Further information can be found on the NHS website
Complications include bacterial pneumonia, and can be life threatening especially in:
- older people
- Those with certain underlying health conditions
Flu vaccination
Flu vaccination is safe and effective. It’s offered every year through the NHS to help protect people at risk of getting seriously ill from flu.
Visit the NHS website to find out more about the flu vaccination for adults
Frontline health workers
Frontline health and social care workers will usually get the flu vaccine through their employer.
If you cannot get a flu vaccine through your employer, you can get it at a pharmacy or your GP surgery if you’re employed:
- by a registered residential care or nursing home
- by a registered domiciliary care provider
You can have the flu vaccine at the same time as other vaccines such as the COVID-19 vaccine
How to get the flu vaccine
If you’re eligible for an NHS flu vaccine, you can:
- Contact your GP surgery to book an appointment
- Find a pharmacy that offers NHS flu vaccination (if you’re aged 18 or over)
- Book a flu vaccination appointment online or in the NHS App(if you’re aged 18 or over) – from 15 December 2023, you will not be able to book a flu vaccination appointment using this service
You can have the flu vaccine at the same time as other vaccines such as the COVID-19 vaccine
Care Outbreak Risk Assessment (Care OBRA) Tool:
This is an online Care Outbreak Risk Assessment (Care OBRA) Tool for all Adult Social Care providers reporting a single case of Influenza (Flu) or a suspected or confirmed outbreak of acute respiratory infections, defined as:
Two or more cases of Acute Respiratory Infection (COVID-19, Flu or unknown infection) within 14 days and potentially linked to the same care setting i.e. Cases are probably linked to each other and transmission in the care setting is likely.
Use this link to notify outbreaks of Acute Respiratory Infections to UKHSA
There is some guidance to help Care Homes to ensure outbreaks of infection are dealt with appropriately and effectively. Following these measures will ILI – Managing Outbreaks in Care Homes
COVID-19
Most people infected with the virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. However, some will become seriously ill and require medical attention. Older people and those with underlying medical conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, or cancer are more likely to develop serious illness. Anyone can get sick with COVID-19 and become seriously ill or die at any age.
Find out more on the World Health Organization website:
This is an online Care Outbreak Risk Assessment (Care OBRA) Tool for all Adult Social Care providers reporting a single case of Influenza (Flu) or a suspected or confirmed outbreak of acute respiratory infections, defined as:
Two or more cases of Acute Respiratory Infection (COVID-19, Flu or unknown infection) within 14 days and potentially linked to the same care setting i.e. Cases are probably linked to each other and transmission in the care setting is likely.
Use this link to notify outbreaks of Acute Respiratory Infections to UKHSA
Coronavirus guidance can be found in the following link
It is very important that all staff receive their vaccination. This will help prevent outbreaks within our care homes and prevent more serious disease.
Frontline healthcare workers are eligible for a free COVID vaccination.
Please see the following link to book an appointment to receive your vaccination
Should staff work with symptoms of Respiratory Infections
The following link provides advice to Care Home Managers on allowing staff to work
Guidance for managing healthcare staff with symptoms of a respiratory infection including coronavirus (COVID-19), or a positive test result for COVID-19
Infection prevention and control in adult social care: COVID-19 supplement
Sets out how to reduce COVID in adult social care settings
This guidance outlines COVID-19 infection prevention and control (IPC) measures for staff, service users and visitors in adult social care settings and services in England. This guidance should be read by adult social care providers, managers of social care services, adult social care staff, and by service users and visitors where relevant.
It is essential that all care workers receive training in donning and doffing personal protective clothing. This link will help to ensure staff complete this procedure properly
This guidance outlines the procedure for non-aerosol generating procedures
Posters
Sandwell Faith Sector Network –
A Voice for communities
The Sandwell Faith Sector Network (SFSN) vision is to be a critical friend to the civic leadership of our borough. We realise the potential of refreshing the links with the communities of faith who comprise such a high proportion of our borough. By widening the participation in decisions, we can address all kind of issues affecting our diverse communities. Areas of focus include health and wellbeing, police, council services and integrity of public practice. Providing a voice for the community we present as the trusted voice for the community.
The membership of the Sandwell Faith Sector Network consists of two levels of membership:
- Core Membership Board; attendance to all meetings, participation (2 persons per faith group minimum).
- Wider network membership.
Core Membership Board is made up of:
Abrahamic Foundation (Islam)
Holy Trinity Church (Christianity)
Open Haven Church (Christianity)
Balaji Temple/Durga Bhawan (Hinduism)
Guru Nanak Gurdwara (Sikh)
To find out more about the work of Sandwell Faith Sector Network (SFSN), please email: Shahin_Akhtar@sandwell.gov.uk
You can also read more about the work of the network in the Sandwell Faith Sector Network Booklet.
Safeguarding
Department for Education (DFE) After-school clubs, community activities, and tuition safeguarding provider guidance : This comprehensive document outlines the key principles and best practices for safeguarding children in out of school settings. It covers various aspects such as risk assessments, staff training, reporting procedures, and creating a safe and positive environment for children. You can access the DFE safeguarding guidance by visiting the DFE website.
Sandwell Specific Safeguarding Guidance for Out of School Settings: In addition to the DFE guidance. We have developed a localised resource that highlights specific considerations and recommendations tailored to our community in Sandwell. This guidance takes into account local policies, procedures, and support networks, providing you with valuable insights and practical advice to enhance safeguarding in your setting. You can find this guidance on the Sandwell Children’s Safeguarding Partnership website.
DFE out of school setting poster: This is a poster which can be put up on notice boards for parents/ carers to see that you have considered and implemented safeguarding practice, procedures within your setting in accordance with the DFE out of school settings guidance. You can find this poster on the DFE website.
Drug and Alcohol Strategy
Drug and alcohol use affect not just those who misuse drugs and alcohol but also their families, loved ones, carers, wider communities, services and businesses. We want Sandwell to be a place where everyone can have the best start in life, live well and age well, safe from the harms caused by drugs and alcohol. Preventing and reducing these harms is central to improving the safety, wellbeing and prosperity of Sandwell.
Sandwell’s Public Health team have spoken to local service providers and partners, people with lived experience, and the wider community to understand what needs to be done. This has led to a strategy and to a list of recommendations of how we are going to prevent and reduce drug and alcohol related harms.
Why do we need a Drugs and Alcohol strategy?
There is no single action that can be taken to prevent and reduce drug and alcohol harms, but there are many ways in which services, communities, individuals and society can work collectively to do so. The Sandwell Drug and Alcohol Partnership (SDAP) brings these people and groups together to develop and deliver better ways of working.
What does this strategy aim to achieve?
The overall aim of the new strategy is to reduce drug and alcohol-related harms and overall use in Sandwell. The strategy has been co-produced working in partnership with key stakeholders, including service providers, those with living and lived experience, and the wider community.
- Addressing Supply
- Delivering a World-Class Treatment and Recovery System
- Achieving a Generational Shift in the Demand for Alcohol and Drugs
- A review of recovery support and lived experience mechanisms for Sandwell
To find out more, access a full copy of our Drugs and Alcohol Strategy.
How was the strategy developed?
A Drug and Alcohol Needs Assessment was carried out in 2022 which reviewed local drug and alcohol needs and the current response to them. Interviews with partner and community organisations, and with individuals with lived experience, provided valuable insights into the perspectives of those directly and indirectly affected by drug and alcohol use. Access a full copy of the Drugs and Alcohol Needs Assessment.
Who will be responsible for delivering the Strategy and Action Plan?
The Sandwell Drug and Alcohol Partnership will be responsible for taking forward the agreed Strategy commitments and keeping these on track. There will be local oversight from both the Safer Sandwell Safer Partnership and the Sandwell Health and Wellbeing Board.
The Sandwell Drug and Alcohol Partnership also links into the West Midlands Combatting Drugs Partnership led by the Office of the Police Crime Commissioner – this allows for more joined up action at a regional level especially in relation to supply and criminal justice elements.
The Sandwell Drug and Alcohol Partnership also links in with various other boards via its members including Domestic Violence, Safeguarding and Reducing Reoffending groups amongst others.
How will we monitor delivery of the Strategy?
Annual delivery reports detailing progress against key identified outcomes such as drug and alcohol related deaths, hospital admissions and treatment completions will be uploaded onto this webpage in due course.
Further Resources and Support:
If you are a professional dealing directly or indirectly with people affected by drugs or alcohol you may find the following resources useful.
Drugs Screening Tool
Drugs Screening Tool
Substance Misuse
Alcohol Use
Sandwell Mental Health and
Wellbeing Training
There are many local and national courses available for anyone interested in learning more about Mental Health and Wellbeing.
The Recovery College
The Recovery College provides an educational learning environment for people who have an interest in, or personal difficulties with, mental health.
Our courses celebrate our successes and build on existing skills and strategies rather than highlighting problems or failures.
Suicide Prevention Training for Professionals
The aim of the training offer is to provide suicide prevention knowledge and skills to the workforce to intervene early and equip them with the skills and knowledge to have supportive conversations. It aims to encourage all staff to work together to support the communities of Sandwell, and each other, to prevent loss of life to suicide.
The training offer provided to staff working in Sandwell is aligned to the competency groups below.
- Core competencies: these are intended for everyone, irrespective of their role to have as a minimum. They focus on being aware of mental health and suicide and can contribute to a supportive culture. We believe the Zero Suicide Alliance Suicide Awareness Training is suitable for everyone as a minimum level of training.
- Enhanced competencies: these are intended for members of staff who have more interaction with at risk groups and their role allows them increased opportunity, and responsibility, to make adjustments in their practice and/or environment. We have funded Papyrus to deliver their SP-EAK training to suit this group of staff. Find out more here
- Targeted competencies: these are intended for members of staff who need a greater depth of knowledge of how to support individuals with particular mental health or emotional wellbeing difficulties. They may also advise and support other members of staff on social emotional mental health support. We have funded Papyrus to deliver their ASIST training to suit this group of staff. Find out more here
The table below provides competency groups suggestions for staff from the private, public and voluntary sector. These levels are suggestions only and staff will need to consider the amount and degree of interaction they have with individuals and their designated responsibilities to choose the appropriate training for them.
Suggested staff roles per competency group
| Core | Enhanced | Targeted |
|---|---|---|
| Caretakers/Cleaners/Facilities Staff | Probation Officers | Family Support Workers/Adults Support Workers |
| Back office and administration staff | Leisure/Sport Coaches | Targeted Youth Worker |
| Catering Staff i.e. school lunch supervisors,cafes, restaurants, pubs etc. | Neighbourhood Officers | Health Visitors |
| Contact Centre Staff | Sessional Youth Workers | School Health Nurses |
| Transport drivers incl. school transport service,taxis and public transport | Attendance Officers | Attendance Officers |
| Librarians | Community Group Workers | GPs |
| Street Wardens, Park attendants, Environmental Health Officers | Dentists/Pharmacists | Staff working in Refuges |
| Receptionists | Early Years Workers | Early Years Workers |
| School Governors | Childminders | Residential Workers |
| Senior Managers/Boards/Trustees with little direct contact with members of the publiceptionists | Teachers/Further Educations Lecturers and staff | Pastoral/ Student Support Services |
| Chaplaincy/Faith Leaders | Social Work Assistants | Safeguarding Leads/Welfare Officers |
| Security Workers i.e. at colleges, youth clubs, supported housing etc. | Foster Carers | Foster Carers |
| Connexions, Job Centre Plus and other Careers/ Employments Advisors | Day Centre Assistants | Targeted Support Services i.e. substance abuse, sexual health, mentoring |
| Volunteers with or without direct contact with members of the public | Police Officers including PCSOs (without specialised roles) | Social Workers |
| Hairdressers, nail technicians, beauticians, barbers etc. | Prison Workers | Staff working with people with disabilities/ additional needs incl. SENCO |
| Other retail staff | Faith Leaders | Staff working with refugees/asylum seekers |
Staff Competency Framework
Mental health should be everybody’s business. Therefore, this Multi-Agency Social Emotional Mental Health Competency Framework for staff working with Children and Young People in Sandwell is aimed at all staff- from caretakers to teachers, community transport drivers to youth workers, by outlining role appropriate levels of skill, knowledge and training. It aims to encourage all staff to work together to support the children and young people of Sandwell, and one another- knowing their limitations and how to escalate concerns.
This framework has separate competencies for those working with children and young people at different ages: early years, primary school, secondary school and college, with clear enhancements included where necessary for children and young people with additional needs.
The framework itself is comprised of four components:
- Groups of competencies: core, enhanced and targeted
- Suggestions of staff roles for whom each group of competencies is most likely to be relevant
- A self-assessment tool
- Suggested training options to gain the needed skills and knowledge
Implementing the framework follows three overarching steps for members of staff:
- Align to a competency group
- Complete the self-assessment
- Undertake the training
Endorsed by the Health and Wellbeing Board and the Thrive Board, we are encouraging professionals to use the framework as part of their continual professional development through appraisals and one-to-ones.
Disclaimer: When downloading the framework, we are asking professionals to provide their name, job role, the organisation they work for and email address. This is so we can monitor engagement with the framework, distribute updated versions of the framework to those who are already using it and periodically we will be gathering feedback from professionals to understand the impact on work practices.
Please fill in the form to access the Competency Framework
SEMH Competency Framework contact form
Suicide Prevention Strategy
When someone takes their own life, the impact on families, friends and the local community is devastating. As well as the immense pain and grief caused to loved ones, there are often wide-reaching and long-lasting effects on everyone involved We believe that suicide is not inevitable. Sandwell Council along with partner organisations is committed to meeting the ambition that by 2030, no-one will die of suicide in Sandwell.
Sandwell’s public health team have spoken to local service providers and people with lived experiences to understand what needs to be done. This has led to a strategy and to a list of recommendations of how we are going to make sure death by suicide becomes a thing of the past. We can’t do this alone.
Why do we need a Suicide Prevention strategy?
Everyone’s situation is different and there are many reasons why someone may decide to take their own life. There is no single action that can be taken to prevent suicide, but there are many ways in which services, communities, individuals and society can work collectively to do so. The Sandwell Suicide Prevention Partnership brings these people and groups together to develop better ways of working to prevent the loss of life to suicide.
What does this strategy aim to achieve?
01
Work in partnership to fulfil the ‘Zero Suicides’ Ambition.
02
Ensure the highest quality of care and support guaranteed by professionals.
03
Encourage a better awareness of suicide within local organisations and our communities.
04
05
Create an open culture where we listen to those with lived experience.
06
How was the strategy
developed?
A Suicide Prevention Needs Assessment was carried out in 2021 to better understand the local situation in light of the Covid-19 pandemic and its impact on the ability to provide services and support. This explored what services were already available, how accessible these services were and whether they were functioning effectively or not.
Interviews with partner and community organisations, and with individuals with lived experience, provided valuable insights into the perspectives of survivors and those bereaved by suicide.
What is the Action Plan?
The findings were used to develop 10 recommendations, which form the basis of our Action Plan:
01
Raise awareness of suicide prevention and bereavement support through training for all frontline staff
02
Pilot town-based, community-led forums
03
Support community organisations with funding applications
04
Work with Community Development Workers to identify gaps in accessibility.
05
Encourage referrals from GP’s to targeted services and establish an explicit pathway
06
Expand awareness and access of bereavement support to all First Responder and bereavement-related partners so that an offer of support can be made immediately
07
Identify and prioritise high-risk populations through working groups
08
Improve data collation and intelligence gathering
09
Engage with media organisations to work co-operatively on the reporting of suicides
10
Commission further assessments on a larger scale that considers further populations
Who will be responsible for delivering the Strategy and Action Plan?
The Sandwell Suicide Prevention Partnership will be jointly responsible for taking forward the agreed actions and keeping these on track. There will be local oversight from the Sandwell Mental Health Strategy Group and the Sandwell Health and Wellbeing Board. The Sandwell Suicide Prevention Partnership sits alongside the Black Country Suicide Prevention Partnership, which oversees development within the Black Country and has wider links across the West Midlands region. The group also links in with various other boards via its members including Children’s mental health groups, Drugs and Alcohol Groups and Safeguarding Groups.
Better Mental Health Strategy
The Sandwell Better Mental Health Strategy 2024-2029 launch event took place on 10 October 2024 to coincide with World Mental Health Day. The event included the formal launch of the strategy, keynote speakers from Sandwell Council and partner organisations including Black Country Healthcare Foundation Trust & West Midlands Combined Authority. There were also a number of workshops which provided the opportunity to contribute to the Better Mental Health Action plan.
Please find below the Better Mental Health Strategy alongside the presentations from the launch event. If you would like to know more about the strategy, do not hesitate to get in touch.
Sandwell’s Better Mental Health Strategy
Better Mental Health Strategy Recommendations & Action Plan Overview
Better Mental Health in the Workplace
WMCA Mental Health Commission
Working Together: BCHFT as Lead Provider
More Resources and Information
Sandwell Trends
Sandwell Trends has been developed to make data about Sandwell available to everyone. The website contains a range of resources, reports and information which help to describe the borough and its population across a variety of topic areas and perspectives. This includes the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment, a series of ward & town profiles & a library of useful publications. Please explore our key topics which give insight into Sandwell and its towns.
Pharmacies for BP Checks
High blood pressure can increase the risk of developing serious problems, such as heart attacks and strokes, if it’s not treated. Having this quick test is the only way to find out what your blood pressure is – and it could save a life. It is sensible to get your blood pressure checked regularly from 18 years old. If you are concerned about someone in your care, you can access this quick link to direct people to the right care.
Dentistry
Opticians
An optician can examine the internal and external structure of eyes to detect conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration and cataracts. They may also test the ability to focus and coordinate your eyes and see depth and colours accurately. If you are concerned about someone in your care, you can access this quick link to direct people to the right care.
Gambling Harms
Gambling commission figures state that 48% of adults will have gambled in the past 4 weeks. The gambling market in Great Britain for April 22- March 23 was worth £15.1 billion. The PHE Gambling Related Harms Evidence 2021 review estimates 63% of Sandwell’s population would have participated in gambling in the previous 12 months
Gambling is classed as:
- Gaming: including card games, fruit machines, video-draw poker machines, slot machines, casino games, online apps and websites
- Betting: including sporting events, elections, snow on Christmas day
- Lotteries: including lotteries, instant scratch cards, raffles and bingo including those on social media .
- Speculation: gambling on business, insurance or stock markets
Problem gambling is gambling that ‘disrupts or damages personal, family or recreational pursuits.
Public Health England estimates that about 1 in a 100 people in the UK can be considered as a problem gambler, and that a further 4 in a 100 people are classified as at-risk gamblers,
Public Health England also estimates that more than 400 suicides per year may be associated with gambling harms.
Family, friends and work colleagues can be affected by gambling too.
West Midlands Gambling Harms Clinic
The West Midlands Gambling Harms Clinic is a free and confidential service open to anyone who:
- is 18 years old and above.
- is registered with a GP in the Black Country including Sandwell.
- Has problems with their gambling, resulting in harm to themselves and other people.
The service provides gambling treatment programmes delivered either virtually or at the clinic, as well as a digital programme which can be accessed 24/7.
They offer additional interventions for specific problems experienced by individuals, and support and advice to family members and carers.
The service is delivered by Inclusion, which is part of the Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. They are a a clinical team made up of psychologists, therapists, mental health nurses and psychiatrists.
Access the secure online Professionals referral form for the Gambling Harms Clinic:
Self-Referral form for individuals:
Training Offer
In partnership with colleagues across the West Midlands the West Midlands Gambling Harms clinic have created a brief advice and guidance online awareness platform to support the development of understanding more about the clinic, the impact of gambling harms and how to make a quick referral into the team.
It takes around 15-20 minutes to complete and is full of resources. The ambition is to raise awareness of gambling harms and support more people to refer into the clinic for treatment.
Aquarius
The Adult Gambling Support Service which is available to support people 16 years and over affected by gambling, either their own or the gambling of a family member, partner or friend through 1:1 and group support sessions.
Email: gambling@aquarius.org.uk
Call: 0300 456 4293
Visit: aquarius.org.uk
For Professional
Care Homes Support
Good infection prevention and control practices are essential to ensure that people accessing health and social care services receive safe and effective care. Infections in care homes may be serious. They may worsen underlying medical conditions and affect recovery. Infections may be caused by organisms resistant to antibiotics which can be more difficult to treat.
The Health and Social Care Act 2008 states that all registered providers must provide adequate infection prevention and control arrangements. This will ensure residents are cared for in a safe and clean environment where the risks of healthcare associated infections are minimised. In Sandwell MBC there is a specialist service to help Care Homes manage infection prevention.
Community Infection Prevention Team
We provide specialist infection prevention and control advice (IPC) support to the Care Homes in Sandwell.
Linda Farley
Infection Prevention Nurse Specialist
Phone
Vanessa Pluck
Infection Prevention Control Audit Nurse
Phone
We are responsible for the local infection prevention and control programme within care home. This involves identifying
- The risks to the patients and staff from infection
- Support for implementing and monitoring actions to manage those risks.
The team will
- Conduct regular audit to ensure that the policies have been adhered to.
- Help with action plans and re-audit.
- Provide advice on environment infection prevention
Training and Education
- Assist with training needs assessment for staff
- Practical hand hygiene training for staff
Significant Events
- Support with outbreaks of infectious conditions
Monday to Friday – 9am – 4pm
Please contact us via email health_protection@sandwell.gov.uk
National Guidance
Information resources for care home workers about preventing and controlling infection in care homes. These can help Care Home staff develop good infection prevention practices within the Care Homes.
Here are links to some of the national documents for infection prevention.
Health and Social Care Act 2008: code of practice on the prevention and control of infections This document sets out the code of practice (the code) on the prevention and control of infections under the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (H&SCA 2008). This act sets out the overall framework for the regulation of health and adult social care activities by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Care homes: infection prevention and control
Information resource for care home workers about preventing and controlling infection in care homes.“ A document to assist staff to take all reasonable steps to protect residents and staff from acquiring infections and prevent cross infection.
Infection prevention and control: resource for adult social care This resource should be used as a guide in the practice of adult social care, to ensure people receive person-centred support that follows effective IPC measures.
Care Quality Commission
The Care Quality Commission is an executive non-departmental public body of the Department of Health and Social Care of the United Kingdom. It was established in 2009 to regulate and inspect health and social care providers in England. The link below is for the CQC guidance for Care Homes on the infection prevention standards. This will help Care Home Managers prepare for CQC inspections.
Adult social care:information for providers
National infection prevention and control manual (NIPCM) for England
This is an evidence-based practice manual for use by all those involved in care provision in England. It should be adopted as mandatory guidance in NHS settings or settings where NHS services are delivered, and the principles should be applied in all care settings. This manual was developed to ensure standardization of practices across the country. Contents include:
- Standard infection control precautions (SICP) are to be used by all staff, in all care settings, always, and for all patients whether infection is known to be present or not, to ensure the safety of those being cared for, staff and visitors in the care environment.
Hand hygiene
Hand hygiene is the single most important thing we can do to prevent the spread of infection.
Audit Tool
hands poster
Outbreaks
The symptoms can appear very quickly and include:
- Headache
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Aching muscles
- Joints
There are 2 types of influenza affecting people:
- influenza A
- influenza B
Further information can be found on the NHS website
Complications include bacterial pneumonia, and can be life threatening especially in:
- older people
- Those with certain underlying health conditions
Flu vaccination
Flu vaccination is safe and effective. It’s offered every year through the NHS to help protect people at risk of getting seriously ill from flu.
Visit the NHS website to find out more about the flu vaccination for adults
Frontline health workers
Frontline health and social care workers will usually get the flu vaccine through their employer.
If you cannot get a flu vaccine through your employer, you can get it at a pharmacy or your GP surgery if you’re employed:
- by a registered residential care or nursing home
- by a registered domiciliary care provider
You can have the flu vaccine at the same time as other vaccines such as the COVID-19 vaccine
How to get the flu vaccine
If you’re eligible for an NHS flu vaccine, you can:
- Contact your GP surgery to book an appointment
- Find a pharmacy that offers NHS flu vaccination (if you’re aged 18 or over)
- Book a flu vaccination appointment online or in the NHS App(if you’re aged 18 or over) – from 15 December 2023, you will not be able to book a flu vaccination appointment using this service
You can have the flu vaccine at the same time as other vaccines such as the COVID-19 vaccine
Care Outbreak Risk Assessment (Care OBRA) Tool:
This is an online Care Outbreak Risk Assessment (Care OBRA) Tool for all Adult Social Care providers reporting a single case of Influenza (Flu) or a suspected or confirmed outbreak of acute respiratory infections, defined as:
Two or more cases of Acute Respiratory Infection (COVID-19, Flu or unknown infection) within 14 days and potentially linked to the same care setting i.e. Cases are probably linked to each other and transmission in the care setting is likely.
Use this link to notify outbreaks of Acute Respiratory Infections to UKHSA
There is some guidance to help Care Homes to ensure outbreaks of infection are dealt with appropriately and effectively. Following these measures will ILI – Managing Outbreaks in Care Homes
COVID-19
Most people infected with the virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. However, some will become seriously ill and require medical attention. Older people and those with underlying medical conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, or cancer are more likely to develop serious illness. Anyone can get sick with COVID-19 and become seriously ill or die at any age.
Find out more on the World Health Organization website:
This is an online Care Outbreak Risk Assessment (Care OBRA) Tool for all Adult Social Care providers reporting a single case of Influenza (Flu) or a suspected or confirmed outbreak of acute respiratory infections, defined as:
Two or more cases of Acute Respiratory Infection (COVID-19, Flu or unknown infection) within 14 days and potentially linked to the same care setting i.e. Cases are probably linked to each other and transmission in the care setting is likely.
Use this link to notify outbreaks of Acute Respiratory Infections to UKHSA
Coronavirus guidance can be found in the following link
It is very important that all staff receive their vaccination. This will help prevent outbreaks within our care homes and prevent more serious disease.
Frontline healthcare workers are eligible for a free COVID vaccination.
Please see the following link to book an appointment to receive your vaccination
Should staff work with symptoms of Respiratory Infections
The following link provides advice to Care Home Managers on allowing staff to work
Guidance for managing healthcare staff with symptoms of a respiratory infection including coronavirus (COVID-19), or a positive test result for COVID-19
Infection prevention and control in adult social care: COVID-19 supplement
Sets out how to reduce COVID in adult social care settings
This guidance outlines COVID-19 infection prevention and control (IPC) measures for staff, service users and visitors in adult social care settings and services in England. This guidance should be read by adult social care providers, managers of social care services, adult social care staff, and by service users and visitors where relevant.
It is essential that all care workers receive training in donning and doffing personal protective clothing. This link will help to ensure staff complete this procedure properly
This guidance outlines the procedure for non-aerosol generating procedures
Posters
Sandwell Faith Sector Network –
A Voice for communities
The Sandwell Faith Sector Network (SFSN) vision is to be a critical friend to the civic leadership of our borough. We realise the potential of refreshing the links with the communities of faith who comprise such a high proportion of our borough. By widening the participation in decisions, we can address all kind of issues affecting our diverse communities. Areas of focus include health and wellbeing, police, council services and integrity of public practice. Providing a voice for the community we present as the trusted voice for the community.
The membership of the Sandwell Faith Sector Network consists of two levels of membership:
- Core Membership Board; attendance to all meetings, participation (2 persons per faith group minimum).
- Wider network membership.
Core Membership Board is made up of:
Abrahamic Foundation (Islam)
Holy Trinity Church (Christianity)
Open Haven Church (Christianity)
Balaji Temple/Durga Bhawan (Hinduism)
Guru Nanak Gurdwara (Sikh)
To find out more about the work of Sandwell Faith Sector Network (SFSN), please email: Shahin_Akhtar@sandwell.gov.uk
You can also read more about the work of the network in the Sandwell Faith Sector Network Booklet.
Safeguarding
Department for Education (DFE) After-school clubs, community activities, and tuition safeguarding provider guidance : This comprehensive document outlines the key principles and best practices for safeguarding children in out of school settings. It covers various aspects such as risk assessments, staff training, reporting procedures, and creating a safe and positive environment for children. You can access the DFE safeguarding guidance by visiting the DFE website.
Sandwell Specific Safeguarding Guidance for Out of School Settings: In addition to the DFE guidance. We have developed a localised resource that highlights specific considerations and recommendations tailored to our community in Sandwell. This guidance takes into account local policies, procedures, and support networks, providing you with valuable insights and practical advice to enhance safeguarding in your setting. You can find this guidance on the Sandwell Children’s Safeguarding Partnership website.
DFE out of school setting poster: This is a poster which can be put up on notice boards for parents/ carers to see that you have considered and implemented safeguarding practice, procedures within your setting in accordance with the DFE out of school settings guidance. You can find this poster on the DFE website.
Drug and Alcohol Strategy
Drug and alcohol use affect not just those who misuse drugs and alcohol but also their families, loved ones, carers, wider communities, services and businesses. We want Sandwell to be a place where everyone can have the best start in life, live well and age well, safe from the harms caused by drugs and alcohol. Preventing and reducing these harms is central to improving the safety, wellbeing and prosperity of Sandwell.
Sandwell’s Public Health team have spoken to local service providers and partners, people with lived experience, and the wider community to understand what needs to be done. This has led to a strategy and to a list of recommendations of how we are going to prevent and reduce drug and alcohol related harms.
Why do we need a Drugs and Alcohol strategy?
There is no single action that can be taken to prevent and reduce drug and alcohol harms, but there are many ways in which services, communities, individuals and society can work collectively to do so. The Sandwell Drug and Alcohol Partnership (SDAP) brings these people and groups together to develop and deliver better ways of working.
What does this strategy aim to achieve?
The overall aim of the new strategy is to reduce drug and alcohol-related harms and overall use in Sandwell. The strategy has been co-produced working in partnership with key stakeholders, including service providers, those with living and lived experience, and the wider community.
- Addressing Supply
- Delivering a World-Class Treatment and Recovery System
- Achieving a Generational Shift in the Demand for Alcohol and Drugs
- A review of recovery support and lived experience mechanisms for Sandwell
To find out more, access a full copy of our Drugs and Alcohol Strategy.
How was the strategy developed?
A Drug and Alcohol Needs Assessment was carried out in 2022 which reviewed local drug and alcohol needs and the current response to them. Interviews with partner and community organisations, and with individuals with lived experience, provided valuable insights into the perspectives of those directly and indirectly affected by drug and alcohol use. Access a full copy of the Drugs and Alcohol Needs Assessment.
Who will be responsible for delivering the Strategy and Action Plan?
The Sandwell Drug and Alcohol Partnership will be responsible for taking forward the agreed Strategy commitments and keeping these on track. There will be local oversight from both the Safer Sandwell Safer Partnership and the Sandwell Health and Wellbeing Board.
The Sandwell Drug and Alcohol Partnership also links into the West Midlands Combatting Drugs Partnership led by the Office of the Police Crime Commissioner – this allows for more joined up action at a regional level especially in relation to supply and criminal justice elements.
The Sandwell Drug and Alcohol Partnership also links in with various other boards via its members including Domestic Violence, Safeguarding and Reducing Reoffending groups amongst others.
How will we monitor delivery of the Strategy?
Annual delivery reports detailing progress against key identified outcomes such as drug and alcohol related deaths, hospital admissions and treatment completions will be uploaded onto this webpage in due course.
Further Resources and Support:
If you are a professional dealing directly or indirectly with people affected by drugs or alcohol you may find the following resources useful.
Drugs Screening Tool
Drugs Screening Tool
Substance Misuse
Alcohol Use
Sandwell Mental Health and
Wellbeing Training
There are many local and national courses available for anyone interested in learning more about Mental Health and Wellbeing.
The Recovery College
The Recovery College provides an educational learning environment for people who have an interest in, or personal difficulties with, mental health.
Our courses celebrate our successes and build on existing skills and strategies rather than highlighting problems or failures.
Suicide Prevention Training for Professionals
The aim of the training offer is to provide suicide prevention knowledge and skills to the workforce to intervene early and equip them with the skills and knowledge to have supportive conversations. It aims to encourage all staff to work together to support the communities of Sandwell, and each other, to prevent loss of life to suicide.
The training offer provided to staff working in Sandwell is aligned to the competency groups below.
- Core competencies: these are intended for everyone, irrespective of their role to have as a minimum. They focus on being aware of mental health and suicide and can contribute to a supportive culture. We believe the Zero Suicide Alliance Suicide Awareness Training is suitable for everyone as a minimum level of training.
- Enhanced competencies: these are intended for members of staff who have more interaction with at risk groups and their role allows them increased opportunity, and responsibility, to make adjustments in their practice and/or environment. We have funded Papyrus to deliver their SP-EAK training to suit this group of staff. Find out more here
- Targeted competencies: these are intended for members of staff who need a greater depth of knowledge of how to support individuals with particular mental health or emotional wellbeing difficulties. They may also advise and support other members of staff on social emotional mental health support. We have funded Papyrus to deliver their ASIST training to suit this group of staff. Find out more here
The table below provides competency groups suggestions for staff from the private, public and voluntary sector. These levels are suggestions only and staff will need to consider the amount and degree of interaction they have with individuals and their designated responsibilities to choose the appropriate training for them.
Suggested staff roles per competency group
| Core | Enhanced | Targeted |
|---|---|---|
| Caretakers/Cleaners/Facilities Staff | Probation Officers | Family Support Workers/Adults Support Workers |
| Back office and administration staff | Leisure/Sport Coaches | Targeted Youth Worker |
| Catering Staff i.e. school lunch supervisors,cafes, restaurants, pubs etc. | Neighbourhood Officers | Health Visitors |
| Contact Centre Staff | Sessional Youth Workers | School Health Nurses |
| Transport drivers incl. school transport service,taxis and public transport | Attendance Officers | Attendance Officers |
| Librarians | Community Group Workers | GPs |
| Street Wardens, Park attendants, Environmental Health Officers | Dentists/Pharmacists | Staff working in Refuges |
| Receptionists | Early Years Workers | Early Years Workers |
| School Governors | Childminders | Residential Workers |
| Senior Managers/Boards/Trustees with little direct contact with members of the publiceptionists | Teachers/Further Educations Lecturers and staff | Pastoral/ Student Support Services |
| Chaplaincy/Faith Leaders | Social Work Assistants | Safeguarding Leads/Welfare Officers |
| Security Workers i.e. at colleges, youth clubs, supported housing etc. | Foster Carers | Foster Carers |
| Connexions, Job Centre Plus and other Careers/ Employments Advisors | Day Centre Assistants | Targeted Support Services i.e. substance abuse, sexual health, mentoring |
| Volunteers with or without direct contact with members of the public | Police Officers including PCSOs (without specialised roles) | Social Workers |
| Hairdressers, nail technicians, beauticians, barbers etc. | Prison Workers | Staff working with people with disabilities/ additional needs incl. SENCO |
| Other retail staff | Faith Leaders | Staff working with refugees/asylum seekers |
Staff Competency Framework
Mental health should be everybody’s business. Therefore, this Multi-Agency Social Emotional Mental Health Competency Framework for staff working with Children and Young People in Sandwell is aimed at all staff- from caretakers to teachers, community transport drivers to youth workers, by outlining role appropriate levels of skill, knowledge and training. It aims to encourage all staff to work together to support the children and young people of Sandwell, and one another- knowing their limitations and how to escalate concerns.
This framework has separate competencies for those working with children and young people at different ages: early years, primary school, secondary school and college, with clear enhancements included where necessary for children and young people with additional needs.
The framework itself is comprised of four components:
- Groups of competencies: core, enhanced and targeted
- Suggestions of staff roles for whom each group of competencies is most likely to be relevant
- A self-assessment tool
- Suggested training options to gain the needed skills and knowledge
Implementing the framework follows three overarching steps for members of staff:
- Align to a competency group
- Complete the self-assessment
- Undertake the training
Endorsed by the Health and Wellbeing Board and the Thrive Board, we are encouraging professionals to use the framework as part of their continual professional development through appraisals and one-to-ones.
Disclaimer: When downloading the framework, we are asking professionals to provide their name, job role, the organisation they work for and email address. This is so we can monitor engagement with the framework, distribute updated versions of the framework to those who are already using it and periodically we will be gathering feedback from professionals to understand the impact on work practices.
Please fill in the form to access the Competency Framework
SEMH Competency Framework contact form
Suicide Prevention Strategy
When someone takes their own life, the impact on families, friends and the local community is devastating. As well as the immense pain and grief caused to loved ones, there are often wide-reaching and long-lasting effects on everyone involved We believe that suicide is not inevitable. Sandwell Council along with partner organisations is committed to meeting the ambition that by 2030, no-one will die of suicide in Sandwell.
Sandwell’s public health team have spoken to local service providers and people with lived experiences to understand what needs to be done. This has led to a strategy and to a list of recommendations of how we are going to make sure death by suicide becomes a thing of the past. We can’t do this alone.
Why do we need a Suicide Prevention strategy?
Everyone’s situation is different and there are many reasons why someone may decide to take their own life. There is no single action that can be taken to prevent suicide, but there are many ways in which services, communities, individuals and society can work collectively to do so. The Sandwell Suicide Prevention Partnership brings these people and groups together to develop better ways of working to prevent the loss of life to suicide.
What does this strategy aim to achieve?
01
Work in partnership to fulfil the ‘Zero Suicides’ Ambition.
02
Ensure the highest quality of care and support guaranteed by professionals.
03
Encourage a better awareness of suicide within local organisations and our communities.
04
05
Create an open culture where we listen to those with lived experience.
06
How was the strategy
developed?
A Suicide Prevention Needs Assessment was carried out in 2021 to better understand the local situation in light of the Covid-19 pandemic and its impact on the ability to provide services and support. This explored what services were already available, how accessible these services were and whether they were functioning effectively or not.
Interviews with partner and community organisations, and with individuals with lived experience, provided valuable insights into the perspectives of survivors and those bereaved by suicide.
What is the Action Plan?
The findings were used to develop 10 recommendations, which form the basis of our Action Plan:
01
Raise awareness of suicide prevention and bereavement support through training for all frontline staff
02
Pilot town-based, community-led forums
03
Support community organisations with funding applications
04
Work with Community Development Workers to identify gaps in accessibility.
05
Encourage referrals from GP’s to targeted services and establish an explicit pathway
06
Expand awareness and access of bereavement support to all First Responder and bereavement-related partners so that an offer of support can be made immediately
07
Identify and prioritise high-risk populations through working groups
08
Improve data collation and intelligence gathering
09
Engage with media organisations to work co-operatively on the reporting of suicides
10
Commission further assessments on a larger scale that considers further populations
Who will be responsible for delivering the Strategy and Action Plan?
The Sandwell Suicide Prevention Partnership will be jointly responsible for taking forward the agreed actions and keeping these on track. There will be local oversight from the Sandwell Mental Health Strategy Group and the Sandwell Health and Wellbeing Board. The Sandwell Suicide Prevention Partnership sits alongside the Black Country Suicide Prevention Partnership, which oversees development within the Black Country and has wider links across the West Midlands region. The group also links in with various other boards via its members including Children’s mental health groups, Drugs and Alcohol Groups and Safeguarding Groups.
Better Mental Health Strategy
The Sandwell Better Mental Health Strategy 2024-2029 launch event took place on 10 October 2024 to coincide with World Mental Health Day. The event included the formal launch of the strategy, keynote speakers from Sandwell Council and partner organisations including Black Country Healthcare Foundation Trust & West Midlands Combined Authority. There were also a number of workshops which provided the opportunity to contribute to the Better Mental Health Action plan.
Please find below the Better Mental Health Strategy alongside the presentations from the launch event. If you would like to know more about the strategy, do not hesitate to get in touch.
Sandwell’s Better Mental Health Strategy
Better Mental Health Strategy Recommendations & Action Plan Overview
Better Mental Health in the Workplace
WMCA Mental Health Commission
Working Together: BCHFT as Lead Provider
More Resources and Information
Schools
Sandwell Trends
Sandwell Trends has been developed to make data about Sandwell available to everyone. The website contains a range of resources, reports and information which help to describe the borough and its population across a variety of topic areas and perspectives. This includes the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment, a series of ward & town profiles & a library of useful publications. Please explore our key topics which give insight into Sandwell and its towns.
Pharmacies for BP Checks
High blood pressure can increase the risk of developing serious problems, such as heart attacks and strokes, if it’s not treated. Having this quick test is the only way to find out what your blood pressure is – and it could save a life. It is sensible to get your blood pressure checked regularly from 18 years old. If you are concerned about someone in your care, you can access this quick link to direct people to the right care.
Dentistry
Opticians
An optician can examine the internal and external structure of eyes to detect conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration and cataracts. They may also test the ability to focus and coordinate your eyes and see depth and colours accurately. If you are concerned about someone in your care, you can access this quick link to direct people to the right care.
