HBC working with Health and Safety Executive to support local care homes with COVID-19 safety

Hastings Borough Council is working on a scheme with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to support local care homes and ensure that they are COVID-secure in order to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the local area.

The council will be working with local care homes to ensure the correct COVID-19 measures are in place so the health and safety of both residents and staff are protected.

This new scheme is part of a successful existing scheme for checking local businesses which was launched in October last year.

The scheme aims to be supportive and helpful, and it is expected that advice will be enough to resolve the majority of, if not all, issues the team may come across. Support and guidance will be provided to help care homes comply with the Government's COVID-19 measures, manage risk and protect staff and residents.

If any serious risks are found, enforcement action can be taken if necessary.

Cllr Kim Forward, leader of the council, said,

"We know that our local care homes are working extremely hard to ensure they have safety measures in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. With the high number of cases in Hastings, it is important that we do all we can to protect our most vulnerable people and helping to make sure our local care homes are safe is part of this.

"The team will give advice and support so that every care home environment is as safe as it possibly can be.

"We know that the COVID-19 guidelines can be confusing, especially as they change regularly. We are here to help and support so please reach out to us if you are unsure about the government guidelines whether you work in a care home, or you own or work in a local business.

"For the latest information and guidance, visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus."