DAILY COVID-19 BRIEFING DDLMC – 27.04.2020
NATIONAL UPDATES
Paediatric shock. Please refer Children with symptoms as a matter of urgency! Over the last 3 weeks there has been apparent rise in the number of children of all ages presenting with a multisystem inflammatory state requiring intensive care across London and also in other regions of the UK. The cases have in common overlapping features of toxic shock syndrome and atypical Kawasaki Disease with blood parameters consistent with severe COVID-19 in children. Abdominal pain and gastrointestinal symptoms have been a common feature as has cardiac inflammation. This has been observed in children with confirmed PCR positive SARS-CoV-2 infection as well as children who are PCR negative. Serological evidence of possible preceding SARS-CoV-2 infection has also been observed. There is a growing concern that a SARS-CoV-2 related inflammatory syndrome emerging in children in the UK or that there may be another as yet unidentified infectious pathogen associated with these cases. To reassure colleagues, case numbers are very small, but it is an important development that is worthy of sharing to clinicians and practices. Link to HSJ article .
Clinical Updates.
- NICE have published updated guidance on Gastrointestinal and liver conditions treated with drugs affecting the immune response.
- Screening and Immunisation Update . The following screening programmes continue:
- Antenatal and Newborn (ANNB)
- The Cervical Screening (UHDB cytology labs still operating, follow 6th April guidance)
- The following continue for high risk patients but have been paused for routine patients:
- Diabetic Eye Screening (DES)
- Breast Cancer
- The following have been paused:
- Bowel Cancer (This is being reviewed and local Derbyshire update is here .
- The Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) programme has paused.
LOCAL UPDATES
Dental Services. All patients presenting with an urgent dental need to be directed to their own dentist or 111. The dental practice should be triaging patients using 3As (Advice, Analgesia and Antimicrobial means where appropriate) as well as giving pain relief advice. The Urgent Dental Care pathway includes an East Midlands service provider who can prescribe antibiotics if dental practices don’t have a prescriber and they are working closely with the COVID-19 pharmacy cell for remote prescribing.
IAPT Services in Derbyshire. IAPT providers in Derby and Derbyshire are open to new referrals as usual, with the exception of Talking Mental Health Derbyshire. Contact details are as follows:
Trent PTS - 01332 265 659 - Click to view
Insight Healthcare - 0300 555 5582 - Click to view
DRCS - 0800 047 6861 or 01773 833 716 - Click to view
Relate Derby (Counselling Couples and Counselling only) - 01332 349177 - Click to view
Relate Chesterfield (Counselling Couples and Counselling only) - 07401 343817 or 01246 231010 - Click to view
For any queries please contact: Jenny Appleby, CCG Mental Health Commissioning Manager by email: jenny.appleby3@nhs.net or by tel: 07795 853560
OTHER UPDATES
NHSEI webinar slides from 24.04.20
GPFV Time for Care. Support for practices and PCNs can access free support .
PPE Specifications. We have been asked a number of times whether PPE meets the necessary standard to be used in practice. Link to quick reference guide to the relevant UK specifications.
Safeguarding Updates.
- Safeguarding Children GP/ Level 3 Training during Covid-19 situation for May 2020 have been cancelled.
- Interim arrangements to access Blue-stream whilst remote learning solutions are being formulised.
- DDCCG Joint Safeguarding Adults and Children Conference 2020 for GPs and Nurses. Thursday 8th October 2020, 9:30am – 4pm at South Normanton – email to book
- The Primary Care Safeguarding Forum (PCSF) and the National Network of Named GP representatives (NNNGP) have put together the 10 Top Tips that GP Practice safeguarding leads may wish to consider, to support their safeguarding activities during these unprecedented times
Template letters for patients for GP practices – Adult , Adolescent , Children and Vulnerable Children versions, if practices wish to use.
Increased Patient Information for health and care professionals letter. Updates regarding SCR and GP connect for GP practices.
Responding to Domestic Abuse. Guidance for GP practices .
Social Prescriber. Sara Bains (Public Health Lead for Localities and Place, DCC) has provided information on how Social Prescribers can link in with other agencies.
Meds Management Update. CCG Meds Management have asked us to share the latest Clinical Effectiveness Bulletin (April 2020), the JAPC Bulletin (March 2020) and JAPC Minutes (March 2020).
KEY MESSAGES TO THE PUBLIC
NHS COVID-19 Information, Derbyshire – Public Campaign. Postcards have been sent to Derbyshire residents and new patient facing webpage now live.
Please can all GP practices use the JUCD marketing materials on their media platforms, email signatures to promote, with thanks.
AND FINALLY…
You can't pour from an empty cup, take care of yourself first. I think this quote says it all doesn’t it? Please ensure wherever possible you encourage rest days and annual leave to encourage physical and mental health for your staff and for yourself.