Protecting your interests - Legal issues and developments relating to COVID-19 in the UK Health & Social Care sector

On 9 November 2021, the UK government announcement that it would extend mandatory vaccination against COVID-19 to health and other care workers who have direct, face-to-face contact with service users. These new regulations will take effect from 1 April 2022 and will apply to all workers who have face-to-face contact with patients and clients through the delivery of services as part of a Care Quality Commission (“CQC”) regulated activity.

In response to this, we have prepared a short podcast series covering the legal issues relating to covid-19 that impact the health and social care sector and how to manage the legal risk posed by the pandemic to your ongoing operations. The series covers what organisations need to be doing now to prepare for 1 April 2022 including potential employment law risks, COVID-19 compensation claims, and Data Privacy issues.

Episode 1 - Mandatory vaccination in the UK care sector

Speakers:

Elizabeth Graves - Global Co-Head Health & Life Science 

Ellie Brown - Employment

This podcast covers:

• Employment risks regarding the current situation on mandatory vaccinations in care homes and all front line NHS staff

• How should employers deal with staff who refuse to be vaccinated

• What steps should employers be taking now in relation to the new Regulations

The information we have provided is accurate as at 29 November 2021. The information in this podcast if is for guidance purposes only and should not be regarded as a substitute for taking legal advice.

Episode 2 - Direct and indirect impact of COVID-19 on social care sector

Speakers:

Elizabeth Graves - Global Co-Head Health & Life Science 

Louise Bland - Corporate Claims

This podcast covers:

• Can there be any civil liability on the part of care homes for covid deaths or illness of residents or carers?

• What can organisations do to help protect against the risk these claims?

• What can care providers do to protect against the risk of stress claims in the meantime?

The information we have provided is accurate as at 29 November 2021. The information in this podcast if is for guidance purposes only and should not be regarded as a substitute for taking legal advice.