Care home rules relaxed to tackle staff shortages

Tuesday 14 December 2021

Less-qualified staff are being allowed to perform tasks in care homes that only experienced colleagues are normally allowed to do over the festive period, due to covid-related shortages.

The provisions, which will run for a month, were agreed by Environment Minister Deputy John Young yesterday, after he was informed of a number of care homes experiencing difficulties.

The regulations - which allow a care provider to, in certain cases use less-qualified staff for tasks otherwise performed by those with the qualifications - were initially suspended in April this year.

However, they will now be able to continue the practice for one month, after which they will need to provide fresh evidence if they still face staffing issues.

Pictured: Environment Minister Deputy John Young said this would make sure "care suppliers are not face with potential fines for operating outside of the law."

Deputy John Young said: "I have been advised by the Jersey Care Commission that there are a small number of care homes and providers experiencing staff shortages, caused by covid-19.

"Staff have not been able to go into work either because they have the virus themselves or live with, or have had close contact with, someone who has tested positive.

"The reinstatement of this order will help ensure vulnerable Islanders continue to receive the care they need, and that the care suppliers are not faced with potential fines for operating outside the law.

"We need to keep our care homes as close to fully-operational as possible, but of course with measures in place to ensure they can be run safely."