Page last updated: 1 May, 2020, 11:52am
E-briefing (Issue 27) – 24 April 2020
Welcome to the COVID-19 e-briefing to support GP practices across mid and south Essex with operational information and advice.
Note: all previous bulletins can be found here.
Please continue to send feedback about how we can improve this e-briefing by using the ‘send feedback’ button below.
IN THIS ISSUE:
- Upcoming mid and south Essex broadcast teleconference
- Information to support with queries on shielded patients
- Alcohol support services in Essex, Southend and Thurrock
- Childhood immunisation support
- Emergency respite care for dementia
- Paediatric diabetes type 1: missed diagnosis during COVID-19
- FAQs for patients on immunosuppressants
- NHSE primary care COVID-19 bulletin
Support with Day to Day Issues
Upcoming Mid and South Essex broadcast teleconference
Please note: the next broadcast teleconference will take place today (Friday 24 April) at 13:00. The audience code to join the meeting is: 94964028#
Click below to download a schedule of upcoming broadcast teleconferences.
Information to support with queries on shielded patients
We know that General Practice is dealing with queries from patients who require support over and above the care and treatment they are receiving for their medical condition.
Below you will find summaries of information from across mid and south Essex provided by the Government, local Councils, the voluntary sector and the NHS, to support you in answering queries from patients in both the shielded and non-shielded groups who may require additional support during the COVID-19 outbreak. Please click below to download the guidance for your area.
Alcohol support services in Essex, Southend and Thurrock
Information on services within Essex County Council areas:
The Essex Alcohol Recovery Community are still open for business during the Covid-19 crisis. We are receiving and processing referrals for anyone with alcohol issues who would benefit from professional support. We are able to offer telephone assessments, structured telephone support, signposting to relevant group work and useful online resources. More information can be found on the Essex ARC website: https://www.essexarc.org.uk/
If you would like to make a referral to the service please email [email protected] or call 01376 316 126.
Information on services within Southend:
Southend’s treatment service STARS is still operational, taking referrals, conducting assessments, and supporting those with drug and alcohol issues. STARS is able to support anyone who lives in Southend borough. Further information on STARS can be found here: https://www.changegrowlive.org/stars-southend/info
Information on services in Thurrock:
Due to the current situation with COVID-19 we also appreciate that the usual support networks that are in place to help may not be as accessible in their normal way. However, support is still available for you. Essex Police are working with our partners at Thurrock Council and Inclusions to ensure that you still receive the support that you need and deserve.
Click here for further information on the different agencies and contacts who can help with a variety of different things from counselling, prescriptions or even housing.
Childhood immunisation support
EPUT have been commissioned by NHSE to support practices in continuing to offer immunisations in the childhood immunisation programme. Should any practice require the service please can they contact via email and the EPUT will be in contact to obtain the relevant information. The email address is: [email protected]
For information
Emergency respite care for dementia
During this time of “lockdown” we have secured 10 beds in Rawreth Court for Emergency Respite for Carers who are looking after people with dementia in their own home.
To enable the unit to manage the transition, 5 beds will be released from Monday 20th April. The remaining 5 beds will be available from the 27th of April.
The emergency beds are for carers who need a break from caring, these beds should only be considered when all options to remain at home have been exhausted by Health and Social Care professionals.
Access to emergency respite is facilitated via the local dementia crisis / intensive support team.
Please find attach the welcome pack and pathway information.
Paediatric diabetes type 1: missed diagnosis during COVID-19
Please click below to download the letter to GPs from the East of England Children and Young People’s Diabetes Network – there has been in an increase in numbers of children presenting in DKA because of delays in diagnosis during the Covid-19 crisis and this is a reminder of symptoms to look out for.
FAQs for patients on immunosuppressants
Please click below to download advice for patients on immunosuppressant medication.
NHSE primary care COVID-19 bulletin
Click here for NHS England’s latest primary care Covid-19 bulletin which includes items on:
- Updating NHS Directory of Services to ensure it reflects your capacity status.
Primary Care-Related Enquiries:
Please direct all primary care queries relating to COVID-19 via [email protected]. These emails are reviewed routinely by all of the local CCG Primary Care Teams through-out the day, 7 days a week, and responses prioritised.