Covid19 Daily Briefing 9 June
**Email sent on behalf of the LMC, Clinical Directors and NHS Calderdale CCG**
a) Video Consultations
Engage Consult – Our existing GP Online Consultation supplier Engage Consult have now developed a Video Consultation solution. This will shortly be tested by Spring Hall Group Practice in Calderdale and other practices across the CKW footprint, to ensure we get a comparison between this and AccuRX, from a clinical perspective. If any other practice would be interested in testing this as either an alternative or in addition to AccuRX, please get in touch with paul.morawski@nhs.net from the Digital Programme Team.
AccuRx Function Update
The local authority has spoken with members of the BAME community about their experience of health and care during covid-19. One of the insights has shown that some people are struggling to articulate their needs in appointment, particularly where English is a second language and they are unable to have anyone present at the consultation. They have said that practices have reported they can’t have 3-way conversations with an interpreter over the phone and this is causing increased anxiety especially for expectant Mums.
We have contacted our local NHS Digital team who have said that Accurx has the ability to include up to 4 people on a consultation. This would allow the opportunity for an interpreter to be used (including British Sign Language), or even have a discussion with a family member present.
Instructions for use are found here:
NHSD are looking into whether there is this ability on other platforms you are using and we will update once details received.
b) Antibody Testing
Due to a small increase in laboratory capacity CHFT have started rolling out the offer to general practice for antibody testing. We are aware that deliveries of collection bottles have been received however guidance is to follow from CHFT. We are aware that some tests may have been done however please do not continue or do not start to test anyone until you have received the guidance. This will include details about test results, who to test first, length of time for results etc.
c) NHS update on shielding June 2020
An update on shielding following the recent new guidance is attached
d) Covid-19 aftercare guidance
Guidance has been published concerning the after-care needs of inpatients recovering from COVID-19. The document (attached as a PDF) is designed to support local primary care and community health services as they work with partners to develop recovery/rehabilitation services for patients after they have been discharged following an acute episode of COVID-19.
e) COVID-19 Update 10 for System Digital Leads in the North Regions
Latest newsletter update dated 8th June 2020 attached
f) New national Diabetes Helpline - Details attached
· A new Diabetes Advice helpline has been launched by NHS England and NHS Improvement
· Supports people living with insulin-treated diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
· Offers clinical advice for people who cannot access their usual care teams due to local service disruption.
· Attached is a one page FAQ for local healthcare professionals, promotional text for GP practices and diabetes specialist teams to share with potential helpline users, plus a template letter/email, text and twitter content.
This has also been promoted as part of the recent CCG and Council updates (the following links say the same thing https://www.calderdaleccg.nhs.uk/extra-support-for-people-with-diabetes-during-coronavirus-pandemic/ and http://news.calderdale.gov.uk/extra-support-for-people-with-diabetes-during-coronavirus-pandemic/)
g) Advance Care Planning & Communication Skills during COVID
Overgate are planning free virtual (Zoom) two hour sessions on the above. Poster attached. The interactive session will cover the following:
· Having conversations with patients/residents/clients and those important to them about their wishes for future care/support – including by telephone and/or videocall
· Picking up on cues and supporting people to talk openly about things that may be concerning them
· Recording and sharing people’s wishes for future care
Please contact karen.hagreen@overgatehospice.nhs.uk if you are interested in
booking a session and would like more details.mailto: karen.hagreen@overgatehospice.nhs.uk
h) "Developing professional identity in multi-professional teams"
Newly Published AoMRC Report
Link to the Academy’s new report Developing professional identity in multi-professional teams . The Academy believes the report has important messages for the NHS and for clinicians as we begin to restore services following the Covid Pandemic and the report sets out a set of principles for promoting identity development in multi-professional teams. More details attached.