News and updates

An upcoming pilot led by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) across care homes in the South East is designed to support the early identification and management of acute respiratory outbreaks.
The pilot involves the use of multiplex lateral flow devices (LFDs) that can detect COVID-19, Influenza A, and Influenza B from a single nasal swab. Results are available within 15–30 minutes, helping providers to quickly determine if a respiratory outbreak may be present.

Key information:

• Multiplex LFD kits will be posted directly to all care homes in the South East, at no cost, with free replacements available via an online portal.
• These tests are intended for symptomatic residents only (not staff) and should be used when there is a suspected respiratory outbreak only, not an individual case
• A maximum of five residents may be tested per incident
• NHS COVID-19 LFDs should continue to be used as usual when assessing residents for COVID-19 treatment eligibility.
• Your GP should be contacted as usual to assess any patient with suspected Acute Respiratory Infection.

The aim of this pilot is to achieve:

• Assessment of the feasibility and usability in care settings
• Enable quicker decision-making around antiviral prophylaxis
• Support timely clinical action
• Improve overall outbreak management
• More appropriate use of antibiotics
• Capture staff and stakeholder feedback
• Inform future testing strategies

The pilot is expected to launch within the next few weeks, with an evaluation period running until 31 December 2025.

Further guidance, including instructions on use, a webinar, informational video and a FAQ sheet will be made available in due course by UKHSA.

Thank you for your continued support in protecting the health of residents and staff.

Stay healthy, cool and prepared during the hot summer months with advice and support.  You can find information on heat safety, hydration, checking up, and more on the West Sussex County Council website.

You can also find more information on keeping residents safe during higher temperatures from UKHSA.

The 5th of May is World Hand Hygiene Day, reinforcing the critical role hand hygiene plays in preventing infections and safeguarding both staff and those in care. Good hand hygiene reduces the spread of harmful bacteria and viruses, protecting vulnerable individuals and maintaining high-quality care standards. Embedding The World Health Organization’s “Five Moments for Hand Hygiene”—before touching a resident, before clean/aseptic procedures, after exposure to bodily fluids, after resident contact, and after touching residents’ surroundings—are essential steps in reducing healthcare-associated infections.

This is an opportunity for carers to mark the day by refreshing training sessions, conducting fun staff challenges, or displaying posters as reminders of best practices. Encouraging a culture of continuous improvement through regular hand hygiene audits, easy access to handwashing facilities, and staff engagement initiatives can drive lasting change. By making hand hygiene a shared priority, carers can enhance safety, improve confidence in care settings, and help create a healthier environment for everyone.
You and your colleagues can register for a free webinar, on the 8th of April 2025 hosted by The World Health Organization, Warming up for World Hand Hygiene Day

WHO IPC Global Webinar

Hand Hygiene posters to download:

How to handwash?
How to handrub?
Your 5 Moments for Hand Hygiene

The Executive Director of Adults and Health has approved the 25/26 fee increases to independent sector providers in line with the proposals set out in section 2 of the report into the Annual Review of Fees paid to Independent Sector Care Providers 25/26.

The government has announced the 2025/2026 rate for NHS-funded Nursing Care (FNC) of £254.06 for the standard rate and £349.50 for the higher rate, effective from the 1 April 2025, which equates to a 7.7% increase.

The latest data from UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows norovirus cases are now at their highest levels since reporting began in 2014. It also shows a shift in circulating strains, which means that people who have already had the virus this winter could be at risk again. The impact is particularly severe in hospitals and care homes, with cases highest among people aged 65 and over. UKHSA has social media assets, posters and supporting content in their winter toolkit to remind the public of the simple steps they can take to avoid spreading the infection. These are available on Google Drive.
Please email externalaffairs@ukhsa.gov.uk with any questions.