Staff briefing roundup

Here’s a summary of what was covered in today’s staff briefing…

Welcome – Rob Gerlis

National alert remains at level 3, which means COVID-19 is in general circulation in the community
The ‘R’ rate in the East of England is between 0.8 and 1. Number of cases has risen across the UK, but the number of patients in hospitals and deaths falls

All districts in Essex have had positive cases in the last 14 days with an overall rising trend
Epping Forest is reporting the highest number of positive tests at 31 in 14 days. Harlow has had 9 positive tests and Uttlesford 13. The total number of positive tests in Essex is 223
While schools are going back, that could potentially have an impact on the R rate but it also releases people in their working lives

Colleagues are encouraged to take leave, as your wellbeing is important
Key meeting tomorrow with Princess Alexandra Hospital over the new hospital. With future growth and demand with the transformation challenge
The Joint Executive Team working across the three CCG’s meets each Monday
Chief Executives met yesterday, to discuss how we are working together
Thank you to everyone who took part in the phase 3 submission in September. We have a number of questions coming back down the line
One Health and Care Partnership – meeting coming up on Monday. Aim of setting up for first formal One Health and Care Partnership Board in October

Pillar Two testing – visit to mobile testing site or home delivery – good demand on system. There have been increases. Availability of booking is being managed to support capacity. Pilots going on around the country – with different approaches to testing and trailing
COVID-19 vaccine – there has been some encouraging messages coming from the government, so one to keep a watch on
Flu poll – we really want to know if you would take up the chance to have a flu vaccine when it’s available so we can be prepared as an organisation. Let us know by taking the flu poll. It’s anonymous and quick and easy to do
Antibody testing is still available at St Margaret’s. If you’ve already had a test you will need to wait 30 days before having another one
Windows 10 update – if you still need to have your laptop updated, please contact Bria Piper to book a time slot as soon as possible. The deadline to complete the upgrade is this Friday (4 September)
Staff reminded to declare any interests and/or gifts and hospitality (which includes offers of free courses that may normally attract a charge). You can find the forms on AskHUE.

Passcodes: a query was raised over whether there would be a refresh of the door entry passcode. This will be picked up
With Princess Alexandra Hospital (PAH) focused on the new hospital build is there still a desire to create similar IMSK models for other pathways with a lead provider like PAH taking a lead?
- Areas being considered include – what are the patient service objectives we need to consider
- Finding varied ways of approaching
Virtual staff quiz – querying whether there was an appetite for another quiz?!