Page last updated: 20 May, 2020, 12:12pm
Primary care E-bulletin (Issue 35) - 15 May 2020
IN THIS ISSUE:
- Mid and south Essex broadcast teleconference
- GP IT update
- MSE central email address for PPE queries
- New 24-hour crisis mental health phone line
- NHS volunteer responders
- A tool to help improve digital skills
- COVID-19 resilience hub • NHSE primary care COVID-19 bulletin
Mid and south Essex broadcast teleconference
Please note, today’s broadcast teleconference has been cancelled. The next teleconference will therefore take place on Monday 18 May at 13:00. The telephone number to join is 0330 336 4321 and the audience code is 24602318#
GP IT update
Please visit the healthcare professionals website for the latest IT updates, including:
- GPIT laptops
- Gateway machines
- WFH IG guidelines
- Printing at home
- Recording MS Teams meetings
- GP Connect/HIE reminder
- Zoom
Visit the digital primary care and IT support section
MSE central email for PPE enquiries
If you have any queries relating to PPE, please email the central address which is: [email protected].
New 24-hour mental health crisis help line
Dialling 111 and selecting the option for mental health crisis (option 2) will connect callers to staff at Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) who will provide immediate support and advice.
GPs are reminded that:
- You should advise patients to call the phone line if/when they are in mental health crisis
- A dedicated crisis line is available for GPs – 01375 364633 – to help you access the service quickly if you have concerns about a patient.
The service is for people aged 18 and over. Anyone under the age of 18 or family members of anyone under the age of 18 in crisis, should call North East London NHS Foundation Trust’s Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health Service on 0300 555 1201.
999 should still be used for anyone in need of treatment for serious or life-threatening physical health issues alongside a mental health crisis. The service aims to alleviate pressure on A&E services and GP surgeries and ensure those in need can access support when they need it most.
NHS volunteer responders
Detail of the national offer to support vulnerable patients who are self-isolating with tasks such as collecting shopping and prescribed medicines, driving patients to medical appointments or transporting supplies between sites. This compliments the local offer.
You can make referrals through the portal or by calling 0808 196 3382.
Now open for self-referrals
The scheme is now also open for self-referrals for people who have been advised to shield and those most at risk who are isolating at home from coronavirus.
These people can ask volunteers for short-term help by calling 0808 196 3646 between 8am and 8pm. Please pass this number on to patients who could benefit from this support.
You can find more information about the programme on the NHS volunteer responders website.
A practical guide to help primary care and community health colleagues to understand the opportunities that this scheme offers has been published.
Education and training
A tool to help improve digital skills
Digital technology can transform care, save lives and free up clinicians’ time. Health Education England have pulled together the best learning content from across the web onto a website called magpie, to help you improve your digital capability.
Content is personalised save staff time deciding what to learn next and accelerate the upskilling process, enabling faster acquisition of skills for all health and care staff.
Sign up to Magpie here
COVID-19 resilience hub
The MindEdUK Resilience Hub has been created to help front line staff in the NHS and care services to manage their mentalhealth and wellbeing, whilst looking after others during the COVID-19 crisis.