Primary Care E-bulletin (Issue 38) - 22 May 2020

In this issue:

• Mid and south Essex broadcast teleconference
• SSPs issues for fluoxetine 40mg capsules
• Referrals to mid and south hospitals
• Reminder: new patient registrations
• New technology to support healthcare in care homes
• Step-up admissions at Brentwood Community Hospital
• Referrals to support vulnerable children
• Webinar: COVID-19 and diabetes
• NHS expands offer of help to people with diabetes during COVID-19
• DPP and requirement re: blood test indicating NHD temporarily increased to 24 months
• The NHS is here for you resources
• Personalised helpline for Filipino staff launched

Mid and south Essex broadcast teleconference

Note: The mid and south Essex broadcast teleconference will be ending at the end of this month. We may reinstate in the event of any further changes and if demand picks up again.

SURVEY COMING SOON: We will be sending a survey to capture your feedback of primary care communications during this period of time, please take the time to complete it to help future decision making.

SSPs issues for fluoxetine 40mg capsules

A serious shortage protocol (SSP) has been implemented that now allows Pharmacists to supply 2X20mg fluoxetine capsules where they receive a prescription for 40mg fluoxetine.

This means that pharmacists should not need to contact the practice to change any prescriptions. This SSP is in place until the 20th July but may be withdrawn earlier if the supply issue is resolved.

Referrals to mid and south hospitals

ERS is now open for referrals. If you encounter any problems please contact [email protected]

Reminder: new patient registrations

New patient registrations are to continue as normal during this time particularly the registrations of newborns.

Updates from wider system in mid and south Essex

New technology to support healthcare in care homes

Please click below re. letter from our GP Chairs in relation to the roll out of Whzan technology. 

Also below is an overview of the equipment that the home will be given access to. Training will be providing to the care homes in relation to using the equipment and taking basic observations.

The equipment provides accurate vital signs information and NEWS2 score to support virtual consultations with clinicians.

Please note that this equipment will not be offered to care homes that already have a telehealth solution in place (10 care homes within SEE).

Step-up admissions at Brentwood Community Hospital

To ensure that we are able to safely meet the needs of our patients during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak, services across community hospital settings have been reconfigured and consolidated.

Referrals from primary care are now being accepted re. step-up admissions at Brentwood Community Hospital, from across south and mid Essex.

More information on step-up admissions at Brentwood Community Hospital

Referrals to support vulnerable children

Please continue to refer to below services that can support children who you think are vulnerable or if the family could do with some additional support – i.e. domestic abuse is suspected, other issues that may need exploring a little further.

Essex County Council area:

• https://www.essexeffectivesupport.org.uk/request-support/
• Consultation Line: 0345 603 7627 - please specifically ask for the Children & Families Hub and state you are a Professional calling for the Consultation Line

Southend area:

• Email an Early Health Family Support Assessment to [email protected].
• Call: 01702 215783

Thurrock area:

• Thurrock Covid-19 Child Wellbeing Support Line email: [email protected]
• Support line Number: 01375 652537 or 01375 652558

For information

NHS expands offer to help people with diabetes during COVID-19

People living with diabetes face a significantly higher risk of dying with COVID-19 with a third of deaths in England associated with the condition, according to new NHS research.

The health service in England has called on people with diabetes to access help available to them, including a new dedicated helpline 0345 123 2399 and online tools to help manage the condition during the outbreak.

Diabetes Prevention Programme and requirement re blood test indicating NHS temporarily increased to 24 months

All NHS DPP sessions are currently being delivered to participants via group telephone dial-ins.

Due to the impact of COVID-19, many individuals who have previously been categorised with Non-Diabetic Hyperglycaemia following a blood test and are therefore eligible for the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme, may not have access to a repeat blood test maintaining their eligibility (i.e. their last recorded blood test may now be 12 months + ago); for example, because they are shielding, or because primary care are currently focusing on COVID-19 response.

More information on the Diabetes Prevention Programme changes

‘The NHS is here for you’ resources

Videos have been produced using local clinicians to reassure the public that the NHS is here for non-coronavirus related issues.

Use the ‘share’ function to embed these videos on your practice websites, or to share on social media.

You can access these videos by visiting the resources page on this website.

Personalised helpline for Filipino staff launched

A new, dedicated NHS bereavement and trauma telephone support line for Filipino staff impacted by the coronavirus pandemic is now available.

• Helpline: 0300 303 1115, open 7am-11pm
• Text: Frontline 85258 (24hr)