Agenda item

The Chief Executive, Bury Council / Accountable Officer, NHS Bury CCG gave a presentation detailing the Covid-19 emergency response. He advised of the mortality and infection rates as well as the vaccination rollout, which had been going well with over 23,000 vaccinations delivered in centres and a united, fast and effective response through social care networks. Hospital pressures had increase since Christmas as well as work in the community (GPs, care homes, and families providing care). This pressure was likely to continue for several weeks.

With regards to containing transmission, engagement work was ongoing to ensure everyone understood and followed restrictions, and it was noted that lateral flow testing was being rolled out in schools and workplaces etc. The Board was advised that support was being given to health and care services, including care homes and home care services, and Primary Care. It was noted that the wider of harms of Covid and lockdown restrictions also needed to be addressed, specifically the impact on mental health and lack of opportunities (particularly for young people). This had been compounded by existing inequalities, which would also affect the recovery of Bury’s economy, and anti-poverty services were being developed.

The Board was advised that organisations and community groups in Bury had pulled together well, with effective communication and engagement and organisations being more decisive and collaborative. Reflections were needed to determine how these effective ways of working could be embedded. For now, the focus was on continuing the rollout of vaccinations and reducing infections, after which the track and trace process would take effect. Bury had to be ready to manage the Government’s lifting of restrictions, though it was noted that we would be living with aspects of Covid for some time yet.

The following comments / observations were made by Strategic Commissioning Board members: -

·       The borough was on track in terms of the rollout of vaccines for priority groups. It was noted that this did not include teachers, but Special Educational Needs (SEN) schools were being looked at. It was noted that ‘long Covid’ was being addressed through a separate piece of work.

·       It was agreed that issues were wider than clinical need, including isolation and loneliness. Work with Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust and others was underway with regards to the mental health offer, and a specific work programme had been developed as demand was anticipated to increase.

·       The demand on community hubs had increased since autumn but was not as high as previous levels. It was noted that since last year support had been given to upwards of 3000 which had now reduced to 650 people receiving support. It was also noted that hubs were supporting more than the clinically vulnerable, with the effects of unemployment being observed.

·       The South Asian community was showing a reluctance to take up the vaccine, and there was a need to develop and sustain community relationships in order for community leaders to be seen actively participating and leading by example. Praise was given to the recent video on social media, and it was noted that issues regarding inclusivity were being addressed, with the video being translated and sections re-filmed.

·       Sustainability of the vaccination programme was discussed with particular regard to staffing pressures, and it was noted that the Covid Vaccine Assurance Group looking strategically at issues such as workforce and inequalities.

The Chair asked that thanks be recorded to all staff involved in the Covid response for their efforts and work in such a difficult time.

The Strategic Commissioning Board: Noted the update.