A statement from iCG

You may have seen an item on the ITV News this week, featuring parents reporting the restriction of visits to their children; adults with learning disabilities in supporting living (i.e. they live in their own homes, supported by a care provider). We are shocked that, allegedly, restrictions were introduced as a result of parents raising concerns and formal complaints about the quality of care.

The Independent Care Group (iCG) represents a range of independent social care providers, including a number of organisations that deliver specialist supported living services designed to help individuals, who often have multiple disabilities, live as independently as possible within their own home. The care provider delivers support to these individuals, which helps them with all aspects of life. This includes their relationships with family and friends, which are a central part of everyday life.

The vast majority of providers delivering specialist supported living services do so by enabling the people they support to live the life they choose and are driven by a values-based approach with a focus on high quality care and outcomes for the person being supported.

The Independent Care Group is proud to be the representative body of over 200 members that share the values of high-quality services and person-centred care. The news item, whilst disappointing, is not representative of most supported living models.

Any parents who have concerns that they are not being listened to by a care provider, or local authorities, should contact CQC (Care Quality Commission), the independent regulator of health and social care in England, who have powers to inspect care services where there is an identified risk.

Mike Padgham on BBC Breakfast this morning

iCG Honorary President Mike Padgham appeared on BBC Breakfast this morning giving the care home perspective on Health Secretary Wes Streeting's concern about the pressure facing the NHS with rising cases of flu across the UK.

See part of the interview here: https://x.com/BBCBreakfast/status/1999370868581867555

'Super Flu' - iCG calls for a collaborative approach across the sector

Flu and winter pressures hit health & social care the hardest at this time of year, especially in Emergency Departments.  The Independent Care Group (iCG) is calling for a collaborative approach across the sector and if necessary, to provide mutual aid in the event of a severe crisis.

A spokesperson from City of York Council has said  “From a Social Care perspective, we are working with health partners to support in any we can. This includes supporting with discharge to ensure flow remains in the system. There are several schemes across partner organisations that are also contributing to alleviating system pressures including things like rapid assessment in emergency departments to ensure only those who need it are admitted, extra discharge support services which support with discharge from hospital and the York Frailty Hub which has several arms delivering prevention and early intervention to try and capture people before they may need to access other services.

From a City of York perspective, we would always offer support to the broader system and enter any discussions around mutual aid or other support. The system has a multi-agency escalation process that brings together partners from across the system that meet daily so there is always full awareness and oversight of any specific challenges with partners able to ask for support/offer mutual aid etc. This system works extremely well and ensures we are working in a proactive way wherever possible.”

Chief Executive of the iCG John Pattinson said “we welcome the support of the wider system and the collaborative approach to ensure that those who need services will continue to receive them.  The independent social care network is a resilient one, but we do need to recognise that in unprecedented times like now, we may need to support each other in order to reach all the people we serve.  We will continue to support our members with the latest advice and guidance as the Government release it, but in the meantime, we are asking members to focus on good infection prevention and control practices and we are also asking relatives who may have symptoms of a cold or flu to consider if they really need to visit a care home in person.  Many care home still have the ability to provide other forms of contact to help prevent infection spreading.”