Staff briefing roundup

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

Welcome – Rob Gerlis

Introducing Frances Shattock, Director of Performance and Delivery for the ICS
Frances said she was looking forward to working with everyone
Interviews are due to take place soon for a digital director and the director of people role is about to be advertised
Also welcoming Assistant Director for Nursing and Quality Hayley Mounsey
The question of what it will take to be an ICS will now start to be addressed
The Mental Health All Age partnership board has met this week
An increase in demand for mental health services is expected as we come out of the pandemic, particularly as things like employment continue to be affected
The procurement process for children and young people’s mental health services has now been signed off
Met with Dr Fay Gilder, Medical Director at PAH this week to talk about future plans as she establishes her team there

In Herts and west Essex the amount of vaccine is expected to go from 45,000 to more than 90,000 a week from mid-March
This will really help with the start of second doses
Now vaccinating those aged 60 to 64 and letters due to go out to those aged 55 to 59
Now looking at data in order to get to those areas where there is low uptake
Possibility of taking a vaccine van out to particular postcodes
The Murray Hall Community Centre at Loughton has now opened and St Albans will follow next week
COVID incidents continue to be low across Epping, Harlow and Uttlesford
Re-opening of schools may affect this

There are currently 20 patients being treated for COVID
A lack of beds was causing a problem with flow and a backlog in the Emergency Department
Mental health continues to be a concern with a shortage of beds being experienced across the country
These are non COVID pressures but the weekends continue to be busier than weekdays

Diary invites have been sent out to all staff for the COVID vaccination Q&A event on Thursday. Please do join if you have any questions about getting the vaccine. It’s open to staff from all three CCGs
Easter quiz – email the Comms team to sign your team up for the event on 25 March at 7.30pm. Easter outfits optional!
Debbie Griggs – congratulations to Olivia Rate on the birth of her baby boy this morning, weighing 6Ib 9oz
David Wallace – congratulations also to Elizabeth Hall on the birth of her 7Ib 12oz baby girl on Friday

This friendly group, consisting of staff members, meets once a month
Anyone can join in and everyone is welcome
Each meeting has an agenda and action log and the group discusses a number of issues as well as ways to make the experience of working at the CCG the best it can be
Since being introduced in 2019 its successes have included:
- Introducing the Time to Change agenda
- Recruiting and training Mental Health First Aiders
- The hugely popular staff and family quiz nights
- Implementing Freedom to Speak Up Champions
The next meeting, on 23 March at 10am, is a bring a buddy event, so do come along if invited
New members are always welcome
View Bev’s full presentation on the Staff Partnership Group

A big shout out to Shivon Genus, Melanie Mavers, Carrie Gleaves and Steve Gale who have stepped up to help out with the PALS enquiries lately – there has been a big increase in these surrounding the vaccine and people’s concerns
Thank you also to Lucy O’Shea, Dawn Bollingbroke and Cathy Saunders for all their hard work and support