Norfolk Cabinet considers care market challenges
Covid-19 has had a big impact
Challenges facing Norfolk’s care market will be considered by the county council’s cabinet.
The statement also covers the impact of Covid 19 on the residential care and nursing home market and the work done to support Norfolk care homes, including £12.39m in additional funding during the Covid 19 pandemic.
Cllr Bill Borrett, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Services, said:
"The past year has been unlike anything we’ve seen before in social care. The Market Position statement reflects that and points out not only to the hard work that’s already been done but the new landscape of the care market that Covid has created.
"There are real challenges ahead, the most important being the need for a new and well-funded solution to Adult Social Care at a national level, but there are also some much closer to home. All of us need to realise just how vital the work of this sector is: the clap for carers showed that the nation understands just how important carers are to our society, and now is the time for all us to take a fresh look at the challenges and opportunities in this sector. With demand for care growing, we need to understand the importance of working in care."
Alongside the additional funding, Norfolk County Council has also supported the local care market to secure PPE during the pandemic. Between 8 April-20 August this year, the Council distributed to care homes over 2.6 million items of PPE, including:
852,000 aprons
5,500 gowns
1 million pairs of gloves
49,000 pairs of over-sleeves
688,000 masks
3,300 goggles
2,200 visors
2,000 litres of hand gel
The Council continues to work hard to provide a swift and effective response to outbreaks in care settings, and to prevent the spread of Covid 19 in the care sector.
Norfolk County Council continues to lobby with key groups like the LGA and County Councils Network for a fair sustainable settlement for local government.
The full Adult Social Care Market Position Statement will be considered at the Cabinet Meeting on today (2 November).