The reablement service, including both RaH and ARC, has been increasing in provision since September 2022 and is currently contracted to deliver 14,600 hours of reablement care at home each week. These figures can be adjusted if required, and increases to the contracted hours have been actioned, based on the availability of additional winter funding.
There are two bridging services across the County, one is contracted directly by ECC in the West, with a further service, covering Mid and South Essex, contracted by our NHS partner for this area. This service is vital to improve and maintain service discharge speeds in accordance with NHS guidelines.
We have encountered past recruitment issues, but the workforce market is now far more stable with many providers indicating an improved recruitment and retention position, especially with many now utilising the UK Visa Sponsorship programme to encourage recruitment from aboard. Currently, three of the Intermediate Care providers are utilising care workforce from Kenya, Nigeria and Zimbabwe.