An industry leading social care research project designed to reduce infection and improve lives has secured UKHSA funding.

The mission of Vivaldi Social Care, which was originally established as response to Covid, is to improve the quality of life for people living, visiting and working in care homes, while reducing the risk of infections and avoiding hospital admissions.

Currently, over 800 care homes are onboarded, and the project has received support from key sector stakeholders, including Professor Deborah Sturdy from DHSC and Professor Ruth Endacott from NIHR and Care Rights UK.

Professor Martin Green, chief executive of Care England, said: “The funding that Vivaldi Social Care has received is a recognition of the necessary work the project is looking to conduct. It will enable residents, families, care workers, providers and wider stakeholders to work together and develop our understanding of how to reduce the impact of infections and outbreaks in care homes.

“Research in our sector is vital to help influence government policy and deliver improved outcomes for people who live in, work in and visit social care. Vivaldi Social Care brings the sector together to improve learning and lays a strong foundation for other studies to shape social care through research going forward.”

Professor Deborah Sturdy, chief nurse adult social care, Department of Health & Social Care, said: “The pandemic proved, beyond doubt, the need to capture data on the effectiveness of preventing or containing infection outbreaks in care settings whilst also maintaining the highest standards of care across the piece.

“Collecting and analysing this information not only enhances best practice but supports improved quality of life for residents and care colleagues.”

If you are a provider wanting to get involved in this exciting project, please click here to register your interest.