News and updates

Social care is at the heart of our communities, and no one understands its challenges and rewards better than those working within it. That’s why the Adult Social Care Workforce Survey needs your voice.
So far, only a small number of care workers, occupational therapists, and nursing professionals have taken part, but your experiences are vital. From staffing and training to wellbeing and working conditions, what you share can help shape how the sector is supported in the years to come.
Every response makes a difference. Your insight will contribute to a government report that will guide decisions on:
• funding for social care
• staffing and workforce planning
• training and development opportunities
• support for you and your profession.
Share the survey with your colleagues to ensure the voices of care workers, occupational therapists, and nursing professionals are heard loud and clear.

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 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.