Following the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, a new national community reporting task and finish group has been established.
The purpose of this group is to develop and capture the data and information requirements around coronavirus for care undertaken by community based services and respond collectively.
The Welsh Community Care Information System (WCCIS) is playing a key role in supporting this work.
The group, which is led by Heidi Morris, NWIS Head of Community Information Services and Mental Health and a key member of WCCIS, meets weekly. It is made up of staff from health boards and local authorities across Wales.
Key achievements to date include;
The next steps now are to investigate the feasibility of updating WCCIS with a daily electronic feed of Office of National Statistics (ONS) data about the number of people who have died from coronavirus. This would be helpful for management of community care services to ensure information is up-to-date and resources are used appropriately.
Work will also continue to develop and implement the emerging information requirements for community based services outlined in the recently passed Coronavirus Act 2020.
The Act has set out guidance to Local Authorities to ensure the best possible care for people in society during this exceptional time. Changes to councils’ duties under the Care Act will enable them to prioritise people with the greatest care needs and make the best use of the adult social care workforce. You can read more about the Care Act Easement: Guidance for Local Authorities here.
The measures in the Coronavirus bill are temporary and will be in place for as long as required to respond to the situation.