Staff briefing roundup

Welcome – Rob Gerlis

General update – Peter Wightman

• PAH – Thursday and Friday last week very hectic and temporarily opened more COVID beds
• It has been high pressure around COVID but there has been less pressure ICU
• Making good progress on vaccination – Epping, Harlow and Saffron Walden started last week – read more about it on our CCG website
• MP Robert Halfon showed his appreciation for the work we have been doing around the vaccine and mentioned in parliament
• Home visits are not yet possible for administering the vaccination
• ICS boundaries rumours – there is some lobbying and discussion around LA boundaries
• It is a live discussion but pure speculation to know if this will go anywhere
• COVID national and regional statistics (to come)
• Jennie Knight – The plan is to launch the Harlow Leisurezone vaccination centre on 18 January, this will be subject to supplies/vaccine delivery
• Thank you to those of you that have provided your details to support us with getting this site ready. Jennie will do her best to give you prior notice of any deliveries and support requirements needed

Local update – Ian Tompkins

• Testing – Essex and other parts are among the highest infection rate – working with PHE and district councils to ensure adequate testing is provided
• Testing for school children – TBC, looking at phased return to school in the new year
• Tier 4 restrictions – no travelling across tiers unless it is for a medical appointment, find more information in the latest news section of the CCG website
• COVID vaccinations update – Buckhurst Way begins this week
• Looking to produce some short videos of people promoting value of the vaccine from all different community groups – working closely with voluntary sector and County Council to ensure everyone who is eligible can get a vaccine
• Big festive thank you – Debs Smith, Jackie Hall and Gay Alford – working voluntarily to support on all sorts of things
• Jennie Knight – working to sort the vaccination centre in Harlow Leisurezone
• Jeff, Jolene, Alan and Bria – also done there bit to support this
• Grainne and others doing some good work on EU exit
• EU Exit – working with other agencies, county councils and beyond – more info to follow
• The Christmas quiz went really well last Thursday. The winning team was Universally Challenged, captained by Steve Gale. Read more about it on AskHUE
• Christmas opening at Spencer Close office – not be in on 24 December
• No lone working – if anyone needs to come in please contact Ian, Debs or Jackie
• Ashlyn’s Café to close from today (Tuesday 22 December) due to staff shortages and will not reopen until the new year