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Primary Care Coronavirus briefing – Coventry and Warwickshire – 9 July 2020 (Issue 56)
10 July 2020
Sent on behalf of the COVID-19 Primary Care Incident Management Team for Coventry and Rugby, South Warwickshire and Warwickshire North CCGs
**Please find below the latest primary care coronavirus briefing.**
Information provided by NHS Coventry and Rugby CCG, NHS South Warwickshire CCG and NHS Warwickshire North CCG in line with Public Health England guidance.
This information may change rapidly as the situation develops. For the latest local information for primary care, visit our dedicated Coventry and Warwickshire COVID-19 support portal: https://www.cwcovid.support/
You can also find the latest national information on the NHS England Primary Care site: https://www.england.nhs.uk/coronavirus/primary-care
In today's briefing we include the latest news stories falling into the following categories:
• Latest Local Picture
• Local Updates
• Place Updates
• Latest National Picture
• Education
• Communications from NHS England
• Actions For Primary Care
Please click on the relevant section to view specific information
Please remember: we are issuing the briefing twice a week (Tuesday and Thursday) communications via: warnoccg.covid19primarycarecommunications@nhs.net. We would also ask that if you have questions or concerns relating to the current situation around coronavirus and COVID-19 you use the same address: warnoccg.covid19primarycarecommunications@nhs.net. Please keep us updated with any issues that you may be having so we can try to address them.
Coventry and Warwickshire COVID position up to 09.07.2020
• 3,797 cases now confirmed in Coventry and Warwickshire (+14 / +0.4% from Tuesday)
• 9 of these are currently admitted (-10 / -52.6% from Tuesday)
o Admissions by Trust:
o GEH: 6
o UHCW: 2
o SWFT: 1
o CWPT: 0
• 448 beds still available (-59 / -11.6% from Tuesday)
• 0 ITU beds occupied by Covid patients (+0 / 0% from Tuesday)
• 526 reported deaths in a hospital setting (+2 / +0.4% from Tuesday)
Download the weekly data pack.
1. An update on Primary Care COVID-19 antibody testing
Although over 80% of the antibody tests undertaken via this new process are being resulted within 72 hours, there are some tests that are taking longer to result than anticipated. Your result should be with you within a week of your sample being taken. If it has not arrived after eight days please email covidstafftesting@uhcw.nhs.uk stating the name and DOB of the individual tested.
Please do not chase your result by calling your registered GP or the lab.
Remember that consent forms printed off when you book your test need to be given to your employing organisation to be kept in your HR Record, see further detail in the table below:
Staff Group Consent form to be kept by:
Staff and GPs employed by Practice GP Practice employee HR record
SWGP Fed and GP Alliance Locums Employing organisation
Self employed GP Locums Retain own copy and leave copy with practice where Ab test ordered
Blood samples need to be on a transport to the lab on the same day they are taken to ensure integrity of the sample. When registering, it is really important to include your accurate details, including full name – these are being matched to the lab records to ensure that right result is being sent to the right person and to the correct registered GP. If these details are not correct your test result may be delayed or void.
To date, up to and including 8 July, 677 antibody tests have processed – 15.8% have the antibody detected.
Finally, for full details on how to request an antibody test follow this link www.cwcovid.support
If you have any problems with the booking system please contact covidstafftesting@uhcw.nhs.uk
Thank you for your patience and your support is appreciated.
2. A message from the LMC
Dear All Coventry and Warwickshire GPs and Practice Managers,
Both Coventry and Warwickshire LMCs are being contacted by an increasing number of Practices regarding inappropriate transfer of work from secondary care. This seems to have been exacerbated by Covid and the move to remote consultations by much of secondary care but is, as you will all know, an ongoing issue.
Both LMCs have raised this with the CCGs and acute providers. The providers can dismiss this as 'anecdotal' and see it as being the fault of the odd 'rogue' consultant or medical secretary.
We are keen to stem this tide of additional, non contractual work before it becomes even more difficult to manage and causes further irritation and frustration for Practices and results in a poorer service for patients across Coventry and Warwickshire. To do this we need a clear and accurate picture of the scale and nature of the problem which we can use in discussions with the CCGs as commissioners and the Trusts. The CCGs would also welcome this information to inform their conversations with the Trusts and this would enable us to ensure we reverse the trend and work together as a system.
That is where we need the support of all Practices across Coventry and Warwickshire. We will be asking every Practice to log all such incidents over a two week period (and we do mean ALL). The dates for this audit are the weeks Monday July 20th to Friday July 31st.
The full details of the audit and information required will be sent to all Practices next Wednesday (July 15th) but we wanted to make you aware of this initiative and to ask all GPs and all Practice Managers to support us in this.
This initiative was discussed at both Coventry LMC and Warwickshire LMC meetings this week and has the full support of members. We do appreciate that it will be an inconvenience for Practices and thank you all in advance for your cooperation.
Best Wishes
The Officers of Coventry and Warwickshire LMCs
3. Revised two week wait referral forms; Breast and Lower GI
Dear Colleague,
The Coventry and Warwickshire Primary Care Cancer Network is working to ensure local cancer initiatives and projects will support the milestones set out in the NHS Long-Term Plan, including increasing the diagnoses of cancers at an early stage (Stages 1 or 2) to 75% by 2028. Achieving this target is central to improving cancer survival and quality of life for those living with a cancer diagnosis.
Members from the Primary Care Cancer Network continue to work closely with secondary care colleagues. As part of this work stream we have undertaken a review of the two week wait referral forms that are in use across Coventry and Warwickshire.
There is evidence to suggest that the forms in circulation do not meet the referral guidance set out in NICE guidance https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng12. In recognition of this and on the basis a proportion of GP referrals are handwritten the Coventry and Warwickshire Health and Care Partnership Cancer Board has supported the implementation of standardised electronic templates across Coventry and Warwickshire
Please find included in this communication revised referral forms for immediate use across the following specialities:
Lower GI
The referral form has a dual purpose as it will allow the referring clinician to select the appropriate clinical criteria under NG12 and generate a request to order a FIT test (simply by ticking the box). For further information please refer to the Faecal Immunochemical Test section on the form. Please note to request a FIT test email the referral form directly to uhc-tr.fitbcs@nhs.net and send as e-referral as a 2 week wait.
In addition please find attached:
• Referral form
• EMIS template
• Vision template
• FAQ document to provide you with a summary of the proposed changes, how to refer and the rationale to support implementation.
• Patient information leaflet
Breast
The referral form has been amended to accommodate changes in relation to the management of breast pain. In addition please find attached
• Referral form
• EMIS template
• Vision template
• Guidance/pathway overview (including a link to the Breast Cancer Care Breast Pain leaflet
Can you please make arrangements to remove old versions of the referral forms from your systems and also cascade a copy of this communication to relevant colleagues from within the practice, including secretaries and IT leads
All referral forms can be located online via:
CRCCG GP practices https://www.coventryrugbygpgateway.nhs.uk/pages/two-week-wait/
WNCCG GP practices PLEASE NOTE: There will be a slight delay adding this to DXS
SWCCG GP practices https://www.southwarwickshiregpextranet.nhs.uk/documents-and-publications/referralforms/navigate/1417/4722
For further information and resources please refer to the Cancer Research UK website: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/learning-and-support/resources
If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact Michelle Park, System Lead for Cancer via email Michelle.Park@cwstp.uk or alternatively on 07468 709135 or Dionne Trivedi Timed Cancer Pathway Project Lead dionne.trivedi@cwstp.uk or 07468 708 458.
4. Two week wait - head and neck referrals at UHCW
UHCW has recognised that it has an issue with 2ww Head and Neck waiting list backlog. The Group has been tasked with formulating a plan to ensure this is cleared. Please advise patients that the current waiting time is approximately 3-4 weeks. We will continue to work closely with the hospital teams and will provide regular updates as we receive them.
If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact Michelle Park, System Lead for Cancer via email Michelle.Park@cwstp.uk or alternatively on 07468 709135 or Dionne Trivedi Timed Cancer Pathway Project Lead dionne.trivedi@cwstp.uk or 07468 708 458.
5. Key Principles for Intimate Clinical Assessments Undertaken Remotely in Response to COVID-19
Available to download are the key principles for intimate clinical assessments undertake remotely in response to COVID-19. This guidance is aimed at clinicians who are consulting remotely with patients through a digital channel (e.g. online, email, text, video-link) across healthcare settings in England. We expect the key principles in this document to be generalisable across the UK.
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption and utilisation of online and video consultations as part of core clinical practice. The guide focuses on how to safely manage the receipt, storage and use of intimate images taken by patients for clinical purposes.
6. #CarryonVaccinating Campaign - Reminder
The Warwickshire #Carryonvaccinating campaign which launched in June continues with its different focus each week. This week the focus is the pre-school booster (6 -12 July) while next week the subject is the MMR vaccine (13-19 July). Do keep a look out for the emails promoting this campaign. For further information visit the Carry on Vaccinating website. Good vaccination coverage is essential to avoid a local resurgence of serious vaccine-preventable diseases which could have a significant impact on the health of pregnant women, infants and children, and would place substantial additional pressures on the NHS during the COVID pandemic. The website has a range of resources which will help practices promote the campaign messages in Warwickshire.
7. Warwickshire Out of hospital survey
Out of hospital, in conjunction with Warwickshire County Council, have developed a survey to capture feedback on the impact of Out of Hospital Services on patients with diabetes. The survey link is below and very quick. The team would be grateful for any feedback. The survey can be accessed via: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/BXKGCKS
8. New COVID campaign updates
New materials are available for the following campaigns:
• Stay Alert to Stay Safe Posters: White background easy print for face coverings and distance
• NHS Test and Trace Posters: White background easy print for drive through testing and self-isolate
• Symptoms Posters: White background easy print for taste and smell
9. Recommendations for receiving external visitors to GP Practices
Available to download is a "Recommendations for receiving external visitors to GP Practices" guide with a suggested declaration form to use, this is in light of the pandemic and External Visitors/ Contractors attending surgeries.
10. Warwickshire CAVA newsletter
Community And Voluntary Action (CAVA) in Warwickshire has produced their latest newsletter. This edition highlights include: DSC's research into COVID-19 response funding, highlighting innovative and boundary-pushing BAME-funders and the Test and Trace programme.
UPDATES FOR Coventry and Rugby – 9 July 2020
11. Coventry Clinical Membership Meeting
Dear Colleague, now, more than ever with the changes that are coming and with the impact of Covid-19 it seems timely to re-establish the Coventry Clinical Membership meetings to share more directly some of the work that the CCG is progressing and to engage more closely with you as Members of the CCG.
The intention is to schedule meetings directly following the lunch time education session for Coventry practices with the first being: Wednesday 15th July, 2pm - 3pm which will be through MS Teams link. Join Microsoft Teams Meeting. Download the invite
This will be a valuable opportunity for the CCG to share the latest information and seek Members views on developments / proposals and to work more closely with Members throughout this Covid-19 recovery phase and further beyond that. Each practice attending will of course receive remuneration for their time for a Clinical Lead attendance and involvement in these discussions at a rate of £100 per practice (GP attendance rate). I look forward to seeing you all soon.
Dr Sarah Raistrick
UPDATES FOR South Warwickshire – 9 July 2020
No updates this issue.
UPDATES FOR Warwickshire North – 9 July 2020
12. Reminder - Flu Vaccination Delivery Survey - deadline tomorrow
Deadline for submissions is by 3.00pm Friday 10th July 2020. This survey is for all staff including Practice Managers, Nurses, GPs and any other clinical staff to complete as we would like to receive as much engagement from practice staff as possible, Practice Managers please circulate to all staff- thank you: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/8J93KSC
Please download the NHSE Primary Care SOP Guidance v 3.3, plus please find government latest infection control guidance here- https://www.england.nhs.uk/coronavirus/primary-care/ to help with making your comments.
If you are unable to provide service delivery at a practice level, then an at scale option may be considered or a hybrid of the two.
13. Warwickshire North GP & Clinician Virtual Education Programme
Please find details of next weeks education session around Managing the breathless patient- COPD update below:
Date: Tuesday 14 July 2020, time: 1.00pm - 2.00pm, location: Microsoft Teams- joining details: Join Microsoft Teams Meeting
The session is open to all Clinicians as well as Practice Managers and any other staff, the agenda is to follow.
The programme is still being developed and we will advise you of future plans as soon as they are confirmed, the following week there will not be a session on the Tuesday because there is the first re-started VIRTUAL PLT session planned for Wednesday 22 July 2020, 1:30 – 5:00– This will focus on Safeguarding including an update of any changes during COVID and a presentation from Refuge on Domestic Abuse. This session will be split for Virtual AND In-house working (Agenda and timings to follow).
If you are unable to join the session at the scheduled time, it will be recorded and available to view on the Care for Your Career website- https://careforyourcareer.co.uk/support/medical-education/ We are also planning on posting future programming on this website for reference purposes.
Please note all sessions are open to all localities
14. Diabetes Care presentation
Professor Vinod Patel, Consultant Diabetologist at GEH, held a webinar on 'Diabetes care in the time of COVID-19’, at the end of June. For who were unable to see it, the link and password follows. The presentation is filled with some great data and stats related to diabetes overall and Covid-19 guidance, slides can also be download from:
Professor Vinod Patel - Diabetes Care - COVID-19, the password: diabetes2020.
15. Domestic Violence and Abuse training and referral programme
IRIS (Identification and Referral to Improve Safety) is a general-practice based domestic violence and abuse training, support and referral programme for primary care staff. The Warwickshire IRIS team has set up some more mop-up sessions for those who were unable to attend the previous sessions. If you are unable to make these set dates, please email your IRIS AE with dates of your availability and we can book in a session for your surgery.
Clinician Refresher (19/08/2020 @ 12:30pm) - This is a refresher of Clinician 1 and 2 and 2 hours, which is open to all clinicians that have previously completed Clinician 1 and 2.
Reception/Admin (23/07/2020 @ 12:30pm) - This is a 1 hour session for reception and admin staff.
The sessions will be run via Zoom, you do not need a zoom account for this, a link will be sent via a calendar invite.
The team can be reached via email: South Warwickshire- Farah_Hameed@refuge.org.uk, North Warwickshire- rebekah_read@refuge.org.uk; Rugby & Leamington- laura_ruff@refuge.org.uk
16. Medical education sessions for all
CCG supported medical education sessions available to all primary care clinicians to watch on a Wednesday lunchtime, the programme can be found on https://www.mededcoventry.com/General-practitioners. Links to the Zoom talk will be published on the site under flyers 48 hours before the session. If you want to rewatch any episode go to the GP section and then to Presentations, (log in using covgp for both GMC and password). Any queries, please contact gpteachingadmin@uhcw.nhs.uk
17. Warwickshire North Virtual education sessions
A number of virtual education sessions that have taken place in Warwickshire North are now available to view. Subjects including heart failure and lower GI and breast cancers are amongst areas discussed. If you are interested in finding out more click here.
• As of Wednesday 8 July 2020 at 4:07pm, of those tested positive for coronavirus in the UK, 44,517 have died across all settings.
• 286,979 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in the UK.
• Latest advice is here
• Coronavirus (COVID-19): getting tested
• COVID-19: Potentially infectious people – How public health officers apply Schedule 21 to the Coronavirus Act 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic
• The impact of COVID-19 on caring
• Latest local figures published by GOV.uk and PHE are as of Wednesday 8 July 2020 at 4:07pm, there are a total of 25,466 cases in the West Midlands.
18. COVID-19 General Practice Webinar Recordings and slides
An archive of the national primary care webinars and slides are available online from the NHS Future NHS site: https://future.nhs.uk/P_C_N/view?objectID=19549104 (a login is required).
19. Media enquiries
A reminder that our communications team is here to support you if needed. If you are approached by the media, please forward on to your local communications team: agem.communications@nhs.net. Outside of working hours the communications team can be reached via 01522 537887.
20. Please review the updates on antibody testing and the two week wait.
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