CCG Key Messages 21 July
Key Messages
a) Learning from Routine Testing in General Practice
Routine testing within General Practice, as expected, has identified a number of people as COVID-19 positive. We thought it useful to share some learning that might be helpful for you to consider in your practices.
There is a high level of compliance with PPE and infection control processes in clinical situations and areas. The main risk areas remain communal areas. As with the first case it is important that touch points are wiped down after each use. Consideration should be given to kitchen areas and maintenance of social distancing. Also, it may be worth considering masks for use within the building, when moving round away from your work space or entering communal areas. Finally, consider whether there is opportunity for teams to be split so that all the same function (eg. Reception staff, admin) are not in the same office or room. This would mean that if there was a need to self-isolate people from one office area then not all the same type of staff would be affected.
We appreciate this isn’t an exact science and the challenges of making changes in line with the guidance and maintaining services are real and often the solutions need to be different for individual practices, however thought that sharing some of the learning that is emerging may be helpful.
b) Central Alerting System : Action Required: Masks: type IIR from Cardinal Health
There has been an alert issued relating to Surgical Masks. Please ensure that you have taken the action described in the alert if you hold any stocks. Details are attached.
c) Medicines Management Action Plan
Please find the key prescribing messages for 2020/21; it is intended to support clinicians and receptions teams. We hope you will find it helpful in facilitating conversations with patients. This has been shared with community pharmacy.
d) Secondary Care Specialist Support – attached
Please find attached an updated list from CHFT to improve communication for general practice to secondary care colleagues. It includes information relating to Advice and Guidance, updated direct to specialty phone numbers and some service specific information.
e) Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health shielding advice
A national centralised process run by NHSDigital identified large numbers of patients using a variety of national data sources, and patients and GPs were notified. In addition, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust was also asked to identify any additional specialty patients over and above those patients identified nationally. All locally identified patients then received shielding letters from the Trust and their data was uploaded to NHSDigital who added the person to the Shielded Patient List (SPL).
due to an error in the algorithm used for reporting, MFT included a number of patients who may not have needed to shield. We are very sorry for this error. The errors that occurred related to patients with respiratory conditions and to cardiac surgery. Please refer to details attached
f) Digital Primary Care Online presence - accessibility compliance : Free Webinars
Public sector organisations have a legal duty to make sure websites and apps meet accessibility requirements. The accessibility regulations aim to help make sure online public services are accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. See https://accessibility.campaign.gov.uk/ for further information .
The Digital Primary Care team at NHSX are hosting two webinars and are inviting CCGs and GP practices to attend :-
o 29 July 2020 1pm – 2pm : Further details and registration here
o 19 August 2020 5pm – 6pm : Further details and registration here
g) COVID-19: guidance on shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable
Translated updated guidance on shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable from COVID-19. Here
h) HCA Apprenticeship Scheme 2020-21
Health Education England will shortly be inviting GP practices within Calderdale, North Kirklees and Greater Huddersfield CCG areas to apply for the HCA Apprenticeship Scheme 2020-21. Last year’s Information Pack to give you an idea of the scheme, is attached, however please note the offer could be subject to change for 2020-21.
you are interested in taking part in the scheme this year, please complete the Expression of Interest form (Appendix 4) and forward this onto us traininghub@penninegpa.co.uk . /when funding is confirmed for this year they will be in touch to advise of any changes to the 2020-21. Please contact Tracy Wood if you require further information. tracy.wood15@nhs.net | Traininghub@penninegpa.co.uk
i) Free Webinar: Why is our mental health important now? : Tuesday 28th July 2020 : 1pm- 2pm
This webinar, will address the current state of mental health within the nation. Featuring some of our leading Mental Health professionals this session will assess the services available both existing and new, focusing on ways you can help improve your mental health and wellbeing if you are worried or anxious about the coronavirus outbreak, giving you the tools to be able to look after yourself and those you care about.