TCS LDA and MH 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
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 £65 (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
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
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.
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 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.