Agenda item

To receive an overview on the three different aspects in relation to COVID-19: the pandemic context, the impact on health and wellbeing, and the development of Outbreak Control Plans.

The Director of Public Health provided an overview of the Outbreak Control Plan.  Members heard that data is being evaluated from the very beginning in terms of who is receiving it, how it is being measured it, and with 3358 people having been diagnosed as of 8th June.  

Testing developments are being scaled up via NHS and with additional providers from the private sector and military.  Initially, it was unclear who would be tested, but there is more clarity now.  The mortality rate is actually closer to 1%.

Understanding the impact on health and wellbeing from a national perspective as well as the effects of delays, death, and disease will be critical.  Mental health issues and the bereavement process will be looked at in LRF work across Hampshire including managing worries, issues, and accessing the support needed.  

The Health Protection Board and a Member led Board are being set up to defend against future outbreaks.  There have not been pandemics at this scale in recent history and work is progressing with partners to provide assurance for issues across borders and manage those for Hampshire.  Further clarity is pending on the remit of the new funding to ensure the right structures are in place to manage risks.  

There will be more local ownership of testing, underpinned by local data rather than nationally led sites.  More results at the local geography level will help audit potential outbreaks while providing support for vulnerable residents and continued collaboration with partners and local leadership.

In response to questions, Members heard:

With regard to PPE the early days were in common with rest of country in terms of being unprepared and having a “just in time” approach but is now ready for a potential second wave or a new pandemic.  There is sufficient capacity and stock for the future.  LRF support is in place as well as mechanisms to support care and NHS sectors with help from Public Health.

The current evidence is that young and school age children are less affected by the virus.  Children being low spreaders and using consistent bubbles will help protect the staff.  Good ventilation and height difference will help in some cases, but teachers will need protection.  Testing for the bubble along with the staff will only be undertaken if there are symptomatic cases.  

Rebuilding public confidence in returning to hospitals will be critical.  Close collaboration is continuing with NHS and work taken forward to support and mitigate any new outbreaks.  Hospitals are conducting pre-admission tests and ensuring Covid wards are kept separate, has had a remarkable effect in preventing cross contamination and providing protection.  

Upper tier local authorities now have a plan in place and while there will be updates, a link to the plans on the website will be circulated via email following the meeting. 

Mental health and wellbeing issues and the ongoing low-level anxieties.  There are some not shielding who are still not wanting to go out.  It has been identified as issue to better understand prevalence and the wellbeing plan picks up on this.  

Organisations have been grateful for residents who have taken initiative in creating face masks and PPE.  The County Council has passed along needs for organisations, but it is important to highlight that any PPE needs to be the right standard and to be careful with the terminology. 

With regards to children going back to school, there are a lot of anxious parents and some schools may have challenges in safely accommodating the population within limited space.  Guidance comes out regularly and work continues with Children’s Services to ensure staff and students are safe.  The bubbles are going to be larger going forwards but kept separate for protection.  

Currently deaths and the number of cases are levelling off in Hampshire and being monitored on a daily basis.  All deaths are tragedies for loved ones, and work continues to prevent spreading.  There is a need to really understand the excess deaths over the longer term and considering many indicators to ensure nothing is being missed.  While remaining vigilant of symptoms is important, it cannot be depended on alone.  

Members thanked the Director and the Public Health department for their hard work and efforts.

RESOLVED -   

That the Health and Adult Social Care Select Committee:  

a.    Noted the Context of COVID-19. 

b.    Noted the impact on Health and Wellbeing and the need to monitor outcomes and take work forward to tackle the impact reviewing service development plans. 

c.    Noted the Outbreak Control Plans now in place.