Agenda item

Verbal update

Dr Djuretic reported that testing has been increased in London which is on the national watch list due to an increase in the infection rate. There are currently 4600 tests a week being carried out. She noted that the recently published London Awareness Report suggests that the rate in Barnet is about 57 per 100,000 population. In the North West of England the infection rate currently is around 250 per 100,000 population.

Dr Djuretic reported that Barnet is focusing on testing, community engagement, enforcement and enhanced contact tracing. A fixed testing unit has been set up in the Watling Centre, Burnt Oak, and is open seven days a week from 08:00 to 20:00 hrs. It is being used to full capacity and has received positive feedback. In addition, four mobile testing unit are operating in Barnet, four days a week. 

Dr Djuretic added that Groundwork has been commissioned to recruit and train volunteers to help spread social distancing messages across Barnet. There is a plan to recruit 70 champions initially  and this number may increase.  In addition, Barnet officers have been redeployed mostly to support businesses to follow the guidelines and provide stronger messages where there is non-compliance.  157 reports have been received from these officers over the past two days regarding non-compliance. A few incidents had also been picked up connected to places of worship.

Dr Djuretic informed the Committee that around 20 schools have had cases of Coronavirus and four Care Settings have positive cases,  but all cases were asymptomatic and picked up via the routine screening that is in place for all Care Settings. 

A Member asked about the recent news that contact tracing is not working well nationally and whether Barnet is affected. Dr Djuretic noted that she has not been made aware of any problems with contact tracing in Barnet as local success rates are usually around 80%.

A Member asked whether there were any other measures Barnet Council could put in place to prevent the spread of the virus. Dr Djuretic responded that the strategy is largely about targeted communication in areas where the data shows specific wards, groups or age groups with increased infection rates.

A Member asked about the importance of screening in Care Homes. Dr Djuretic commented that it is very important in all Care Settings. Staff are tested weekly and residents are tested every 28 days in Care Homes in Barnet. Another important factor has been the correct use of PPE.

A Member asked how the Council is managing to visit all businesses and whether the voluntary sector is included. Dr Djuretic responded that webinars are being held with the voluntary sector so that they are aware of all the latest guidelines. The Corporate Anti-Fraud Team in Assurance has set up an enforcement team including some volunteers to focus on areas with the highest infection rates.

A Member enquired whether the Watling Centre is operating as a Walk-In Service at the moment. Dr Djuretic noted that it is by appointment only currently but she is working with the Centre to provide some walk-in slots.

A Member mentioned her observations around compliance in her local supermarkets, which showed a large variation. Dr Djuretic noted that any concerns regarding non-compliance should be reported to Covid19@barnet.gov.uk.

The Chairman invited Dr Greenberg to respond to the Chairman’s four questions which had been sent in advance of the meeting:

1. How many people with Covid-19 have been admitted to the Trust’s hospitals in July and August?

·       23 patients with Covid-19 had been admitted to BH and the RFH.

1.             How many patients were discharged having been successfully treated for Covid-19 in July and August?

·       33 patients discharged.

2.             How many people have died of Covid-19 in the Trust’s hospitals during July and August?

·       One patient has died during this period.

3.             How does the mortality rate for July and August 2020 compare with the same months in 2019?

·       BH: July 2019 1.4%, August 2019 1.3%

·       BH: July 2020 1.1%, August 2020 1.7%.

·       RFH: July 2019 1.8% August 2019 1.6%

·       RFH: July 2020, 1.3% August 2020, 1.9%.

Dr Greenberg reported that work has begun on prioritising the most urgent patients and continuing with the provision of services that had stopped during the initial period of the pandemic.

The Chairman reported that several residents had contacted her and other Councillors about problems with obtaining a blood test appointment in the Borough with delays of up to two to four weeks. Dr Greenberg responded that the clinics at the Royal Free Hospital (RFH) and Chase Farm Hospital are open for urgent blood tests. Routine blood tests are being carried out at Edgware Community Hospital (ECH). Barnet Hospital has been asked to reopen for routine blood testing which has been closed since the pandemic, but with a reduction in the number of appointments due to infection control measures.

Dr Greenberg reported that NCL CCG has advised GP Practices to direct patients to the sites with available capacity for blood tests. RFH has increased its capacity with availability until 8pm instead of 5.30pm Monday to Friday and from 1pm to 5.30pm on Saturdays. Clinic times at Edgware Community Hospital remain the same as before the pandemic but have a backlog due to some patients being reluctant to attend during the start of the pandemic.

Dr Greenberg added that the clinicians have also been asked to prioritise requests for scans by all imaging providers across NCL. A fourth MRI scanner is being introduced at the RFH and a mobile CT scanner is due to be placed in Finchley Memorial Hospital (FMH).

A Member asked how long the backlog of appointments and tests would take.  Dr Greenberg responded that the national target for outpatients is 90% of pre-Covid levels by October and currently the Trust has achieved 83%. For inpatient and day case surgery the Trust is at 78% of its activity level in the same period in 2019 and it plans to increase this over the short to medium term. There has been a steadily growing waiting list even since prior to the pandemic, however more virtual consultations should help with reducing the backlog.

The Chairman asked about plans for people to dial 111 instead of just turning up at A&E. Dr Greenberg responded that this has not yet been implemented, but is the plan being set out by NHS England. Patients would then be directed to the most appropriate hospital by trained staff.

RESOLVED that the Committee noted the verbal reports.