Care homes: infection monitoring

Written by David Fletcher 02 Nov 2023
Care homes: infection monitoring

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has introduced the Vivaldi social care pilot, aiming to collect and analyse data from over 500 care homes across England to combat infections. This initiative builds on the success of the Vivaldi study conducted during the pandemic, expanding its focus to a broader range of infections. UKHSA aims to monitor infections such as Covid-19, flu, norovirus, and urinary tract infections in care homes for older adults. This pilot addresses the initial lack of data and surveillance infrastructure in care homes during the pandemic, which left them susceptible to infections. The Vivaldi research aided decisions such as limiting staff movement and advocating for sick pay for care home workers. Through this pilot, UKHSA aims to continue improving the understanding of infections in care homes, supporting their mission to prepare for, prevent, and respond to health threats and ultimately save lives.

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