TCS complex latest clinical guidelines and updates
Latest guidelines and updates
Ensuring your safety and the safety of our clients is our highest priority. That’s why we are dedicated to keeping you informed with the most up-to-date industry standards and safety guidelines.
Below, you’ll find the latest TCS and industry updates, guidance, and resources designed to support you in your role.
TCS updates
Throughout October, we welcomed three new clinical leads to our ever-growing team. This expansion has helped further enhance our services by bringing fresh expertise and new perspectives, allowing us to continuously improve the quality of care we provide. You may have noticed a new clinical lead in your care package over the past few months. They are eager to meet our clients and collaborate with you. Please join us in giving our new clinical leads a warm welcome to TCS.
Accommodation reminder:
We’ve recently noticed a few instances where submitted receipts have been sent in the incorrect format. To make sure you’re reimbursed quickly and correctly, please follow these steps when submitting accommodation receipts:
- Only pre-approved accommodation that TCS has agreed upon will be reimbursed
- For approved stays, you’ll be paid up to £60 (or the exact cost, whichever is lower)
- Please submit a receipt that includes the name of the accommodation provider (e.g., hotel name) and a valid VAT number, as per our internal expenses policy, which can be found here
- If your stay spans multiple nights that have been approved, ensure the receipt clearly shows this and that there is no outstanding balance on any additional room charge
Use of WhatsApp:
It is paramount that we protect the privacy and security of both you and those we care for; therefore, we have removed the use of WhatsApp from our entire service with immediate effect.
There should be no WhatsApp groups related to those we care for, and WhatsApp should not be used or installed on package phones. While WhatsApp offers some encryption, it does not meet the stringent security standards required for handling sensitive information.
Therefore, to guarantee we comply with data protection laws and the Acacium Group policy, which can be found here, and ensure that you and those we care for feel confident that personal information is handled with the utmost care and confidentiality, we have ceased the use of WhatsApp.
Thank you for your continued support and cooperation with this matter. If you have any questions or concerns or need further clarification, please do not hesitate to reach out to your clinical lead.
Industry updates
Flu jabs
The NHS is urging eligible individuals to get their flu jab this autumn to boost protection ahead of winter. As immunity wanes and viruses change yearly, the flu vaccine helps prevent serious illness and hospitalisations, particularly during peak flu season in December and January.
The NHS has started vaccinating people against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), for the first time in its history.
RSV, a leading cause of infant mortality around the world, is a common cause of coughs and colds but can lead to severe lung infections like pneumonia and infant bronchiolitis, which are highly dangerous to older people and young children.
As part of winter preparations, the NHS will vaccinate pregnant women and older adults, including those turning 75 on or after the 1st of September this year.
Safety updates
Making equipment checks faster and safer
Before starting a shift with a new client, you are required to complete an equipment checklist. This ensures you are familiar with all the equipment the client has and are competent to use it.
We’re working on automating our current process to make it faster and easier for you. The equipment checklist will be sent to you automatically and will flag if it’s not completed before your shift starts. This update is designed to support you in your role at TCS, helping you deliver ‘Outstanding’ CQC-rated care and ensuring your time is used effectively.
Lateness to shift
We understand that emergencies, incidents, and unplanned traffic can happen from time to time, which may impact your prompt arrival to shift. If, for any reason, you are running late to shift, please ensure you contact the care coordination team immediately to inform them of this. The care co-ordinator will then be able to contact the staff members on shift to inform them of this and your estimated time of arrival.
Informing our care coordination team of these issues supports us to maintain our clients’ safety and continue to provide them with the best possible care at all times.
Learnings from incident trends
Important reminders for your safety while on duty
There have been a few instances where team members have faced challenges during shifts, particularly with sleeping on duty and staying alert and focused.
Here are a few key points to keep in mind:
Mobile phones:
It’s important to stay fully engaged while with a client. Personal mobile phone use is not permitted during this time to ensure the safety of the client and your colleagues. However, phones may be used for Digital Nurse Logs or contacting the office when necessary.
Headphones:
For safety reasons, please do not use headphones in one or both ears during your shift. This helps to maintain awareness of your surroundings and ensures the safety of the client, their families, and your co-workers.
Bedding:
We kindly remind you that bedding should not be used, nor should makeshift beds be created during your shift.
You can find guidance and tips here to help you prioritise your sleep and overall wellbeing, ensuring you stay energised and balanced while on shift.
Mobile phone usage
Please remember that mobile phones should only be used when caring for clients in emergencies. We have had an increase in reports of phone usage during shifts and care delivery, which poses a risk to the safety and wellbeing of the individuals we care for.
Please only use your mobile phones in an emergency. Where there is no access to a home phone in packages, a package phone should be present for all TCS contact to go via.
Hospital admissions
Unfortunately, we have seen an increase in hospital admissions this year. If the client you are caring for requires a hospital admission on your shift, please ensure you contact TCS at the earliest and safest possible opportunity to inform TCS of this hospital admission.
When an individual we care for is admitted to hospital, we have to agree on an honorary contract with our funder and the hospital, which we need to implement as soon as possible at the point of admission. Your updates and information are vital to us.
Helpful tips for skin integrity
Please keep the skin integrity of our clients at the forefront of your mind while caring for them. The following suggestions are basic care principles but are important in helping to prevent skin integrity issues –
Regular skin assessments:
Conduct frequent skin assessments, especially for clients at high risk of developing pressure ulcers.
Proper hygiene:
Use mild, non-alkaline cleansers and low-pH moisturisers to maintain skin health. Avoid harsh soaps and detergents.
Moisturising:
Apply moisturisers regularly when directed to keep the skin hydrated and prevent dryness.
Protective measures:
Use barrier creams and dressings when directed to protect vulnerable areas. Ensure proper padding and avoid quickly moving clients during transfers.
Nutrition and hydration:
Encourage a healthy diet and adequate fluid intake where applicable to support overall skin health.
These practices help maintain skin integrity and prevent complications, ensuring better care for our clients and protecting their skin.
Our dedicated teams
We have a dedicated operational and clinical 24/7 support service for you to contact at any time you need. The team’s contact details are below, and they are available to support you when you needed.
Learning disabilities, autism and mental health
Email the LDAMH team – click here
Contact number – 0333 323 3749
Navigate to Compass
Don’t forget Compass has all of the key information you need to navigate your world-class career with us. From finding out more about your TCS benefits to accessing your handbook, booking CPD courses, and preparing for your shifts, Compass has everything you need.