Staff briefing roundup

Welcome – Dr. Rob Gerlis

COVID national and regional picture

Essex is now in Level 2 Tier, high alert, which means added restrictions as of 14 October. This does not include Thurrock and Southend. For an explanation of the new restrictions see the high alert poster on AskHUE.
The county is still level in cases despite being high
The ‘R’ rate in the East of England is between 1.3– 1.5, compared to the UK which is 1.3 – 1.5
The number of cases detected by testing in the last two weeks is 18,804 in the UK on 19 October, with a seven day average of 17,649 on 16 October (up from 14,588 on 9 October)
The total number of patients in hospital has increased to 4,974 in England on 18 October, with daily deaths at 72 on 19 October
The number of positive Covid tests is 15% higher w/e 16 October compared to w/e 9 October
Basildon reported the highest number over 14 days (321 positive tests) and Tendring reported the highest rate at 191 per 100, 000 population
Epping Forest saw 234 positive COVID cases, Harlow 106 and Uttlesford 143
The total number of positive cases in Essex is 2,682.

General update

There was a very good, positive One Health Partnership meeting last week with representatives from three councils.
Now doing work on joint strategies for a joint narrative in December
The process between now and March is to set out what the 10-year agenda is.
There is a meeting with Harlow Health Centres Trust on Monday.

Outlining how different roles are being developed and evolved as part of the upcoming changes – view letter
The principal aim was to minimise disruption as far as possible and give people an idea of the changes and appointments currently in the pipeline – view full presentation

COVID key worker testing continues at St Margaret’s but it will start to be reduced to just in the mornings as the weather gets a bit colder.
New testing sites being added at Anglia Ruskin and Essex University, Colchester while the CCG is doing a lot of group work on mass Covid vaccination when it arrives.
Flu jab – please don’t forget to please tell you GP if you have had a flu jab so they can put it on your medical records
If you haven’t told us whether you’ve had your flu jab yet there will be another chance via the staff newsletter on Thursday
We will be in touch with those who wanted a flu jab but could not attend the flu clinic on 9 October. We are just confirming dates and times. Potential dates are 3/5 Nov between 12pm and 3pm.
Staff Survey – Don’t forget to complete your staff survey. It’s important you share your ideas, suggestions, and thoughts with us so we can improve and build on what we are doing as an employer, for you.
Don’t forget to complete your staff risk assessments if you are planning to come to the office to work – these need to be done by the end of the week.
If you are going into the office you must let Jackie Hall on reception know.

Reminder there will be another family quiz, with a festive theme this time, in December.