Minutes:
The Board received a presentation providing an update on the Covid-19 pandemic.
From the presentation, the Board were provided with a summary of data covering tests and infection rates from March to October 2020; case rate comparable data for neighbouring local authority areas was also shown.
It was reported that the QE hospital bed capacity had seen an increase in those who were Covid-positive since September, the Board also made note of the Covid related deaths data shown.
The Board were advised that there had been intensive work done to ensure that service demand could be met as infection rates increased, this included a revision of information flows into the Council from PHE, the public, organisations and businesses as well as internal requests. It was highlighted that a dedicated virtual call centre had been established to deal with case investigation and contact tracing. It was also noted that an information and advice cell had been set up specifically for schools and childcare.
The Board received further updates on contact tracing, testing capacity, compliance and enforcement as well as areas of focus. From the presentation, the Board also received information relating to care homes and the challenges/actions of the CCG. It was highlighted within the presentation that the number of Covid-positive patients in hospital was gradually increasing; it was noted that those in the age group of 65-84 were at a higher risk of infection and hospitalisation. From the data presented, the Board acknowledged that the second wave of the virus has had a more prominent impact across all age groups.
The Board then received a CNTW update, it was reported that the number of positive patients in CNTW beds had also increased since September 2020. The Board were also provided with an overview of staff who had tested positive for the virus, these figures also showed an increase since September 2020. Additional information was also provided on the management of the pandemic surge which included the establishment of a ‘Gold Command’ process as well as permission being given to drop activities and focus more resource on Covid-19.
A discussion took place on the challenges faced by CNTW, these challenges included PPE distribution which highlighted that mutual aid had not been coordinated at a regional level.
The Board received information on communications and engagement work being done across the borough. It was noted that the public had felt message fatigue over the last six months and that this presented a challenge in terms of changing behaviours and attitudes towards the pandemic.
It was noted that a joined-up approach was being used across the LA7 to ensure that there is consistent messaging, it was also reported that using shared communication channels was allowing for the maximum audience reach across the region. The Board were advised that there have been 34 national and 18 regional radio interviews in recent days in addition to social media targeted advertising.
A comment was made that the local collaboration to tackling the challenges of the pandemic had worked well. It was noted that the hospital discharge system had ensured that patients were able to get home quicker. It was also noted that the QE had provided support to partners in the distribution of PPE.
A discussion took place on the demand for non-Covid acute services; it was highlighted that this had caused more pressure in the system and had caused increased pressures on staffing. The Board also discussed the use of digital communications between services and patients. The Chair noted the thanks to all Board members and their respective organisations for the work they have been doing during the crisis.
It was asked whether analysis was at hand on the impact on mental health, particularly children and young people who have had restrictions placed on their schooling and social development. It was agreed that an analysis of this should be presented at a future meeting.
It was noted that the voluntary sector had also played their part in supporting residents during the pandemic; it was highlighted that Age UK had prevented a Covid cluster. Additional discussions took place on the support available to the vulnerable who have to self-isolate; it was agreed that across the region and nationally that more needed to be done. A comment was made that the pandemic has further accentuated the inequalities across the region; the Board also noted that the local shielding hubs were working around the clock to engage with hard to reach communities and the vulnerable.
RESOLVED:
(i) The Board noted the contents of the presentation.
(ii) The Board agreed to receive a further update on the impact on the mental health of children and young people during the pandemic.