Healthwatch Bulletin - Health, Social Care and COVID-19

The current alert level in Brighton & Hove is yellow. This means that confirmed cases have increased. To slow the virus, we all need to step up physical distancing, wear face coverings where advised, limit contact between households and follow the ‘rule of six’. Everyone has a part to play.

What this bulletin contains: 

Your Healthwatch

'A good send off?' A new Healthwatch report into End of Life care

• We published a report into the experiences of people receiving end of life care. What we found was that End of Life care was not a dignified and well -arranged experience for many. 
• Link to the report is at the bottom of this page 

Preferences towards the future of health and social care service in Sussex: findings during the COVID pandemic - full report 

• We have released a final report from the Healthwatch in Sussex public survey on digital consultations, combined with results from the Sussex CCG's survey on NHS communications with patients (where comparable questions were used). 
• Link to the report is at the bottom of this page 

Health and Social Care updates 

Flu Vaccinations 

• Flu vaccination clinics across Brighton and Hove are underway and the NHS is encouraging anyone who is eligible for a free flu vaccination to book an appointment with their GP or pharmacist, as soon as they receive an invitation 
• All clinics will run in line with infection prevention control and social distancing measures will be in place 
• Public Health England research suggests that people infected with both viruses between January and April were more at risk of servere illness and death
• To understand if you are eligible click here  

Launch of enhanced NHS 111 service

• From 1st October, the NHS 111 service in Kent, Medway and Sussex is being enhanced and it can now offer access to a wider range of health care professionals 
• The lead provider, South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SECAmb) is working in conjunction with not-for -profit social enterprise Integrated Care 24 (IC24) to deliver the enhanced service 

Quite Smoking in Stoptober

• This year's Stoptober campagin is calling on smokers to put their lungs first and breathe easier ahead of flu season

NHS 'Test and Trace' app launched 

• The government launched the new NHS Test & app on Thursday 24th September.
• It features a QR code scanner so people can check in to venues and be alerted in the event that they have been in contact with someone who has tested positive.

The Big Health and Care (socially distanced) Conversation: your experiences of dental care

As part of the Big Health and Care (Socially Distancing) conversation, the CCG are calling on the public and local community groups to help play a key role in helping them understand people’s experiences of care during the COVID-19 crisis.

Getting medicines delivered if you need to

Here's what you need to know if you are struggling to get your medication 

• Ask family, friends and neighbours first 
• Check whether your pharmacy have a delivery service? 
• Check other way you can arrange to have your medication delivered - such as the NHS Volunteer Scheme 

Children’s’ Campaign: Early Years Survey

Local COVID News

Covid cases are increasing in our city 

The current alert level in Brighton & Hove is yellow. This means, confirmed cases are increasing.

How and where to get a COVID test?

A new walk-in coronavirus test centre in East Brighton park has opened as part of a pilot for new walk-through sites accessible on foot or bike. Anyone wanting a test must book an appointment, as with the mobile drive-through test centre currently operating from Withdean.

Local COVID data

You can find key local data showing confirmed cases of COVID-19 and deaths related to COVID-19 on the Brighton and Hove Council website. We have reproduced some data below. The council also provides links to other available data which can be accessed here. 

National COVID News 

Changes announced by the Government September

Things we can all do

• Step up physical distancing – wearing a mask doesn’t replace distancing

• Wash hands regularly or use hand gel

• Wear face coverings if you able to – and being considerate of those who can’t

• Limit contact between households

• Work from home if you can

• Provide contact details for Test & Trace when asked

• Follow the ‘rule of six’.

The government announced new measures to suppress COVID-19 on Tuesday 22nd September 2020.

Social Care Sector COVID-19 Support Taskforce: final report, advice and recommendations

• The Social Care Sector COVID-19 Support Taskforce was commissioned in June 2020, with this report seeing the completion of its work in August 2020.
• The taskforce was set up to oversee the delivery of 2 packages of support that the government had put in place for the care sector, the Social Care Action Plan and the Care Home Support Plan.
• Its further remit was to provide advice on the requirements for the response to COVID-19 in the next few months, ahead of and into winter

Wider impacts of COVID-19

Government COVID data