Agenda item

The Panel gave consideration to the annual report on health protection assurance in Doncaster covering 2021 / 22.  It was acknowledged that the Covid 19 pandemic continued to remain a major health protection threat and there had been a co-ordinated and sustained response.  It was also noted that work had continued to maintain the exiting duties and functions to ensure that the health protection assurance system in Doncaster was robust, safe and effective meeting the statutory duty placed on local government to protect the health of the people of Doncaster.

The report focused on the areas set out below with a number of issues addressed by the Panel as follows:

• Emergency preparedness, resilience and response – Coronavirus;
• Infection prevention and control;
• Vaccine, immunisation and screening programmes;
• Air quality;
• Sexual health;  and
• Substance misuse.

Protocols for working with Coronavirus – in response to a question now all rules relating to Coronavirus had been relaxed, it was explained that hospitals would have their own Covid protocols for visiting or accompanying relatives when taken to Accident and Emergency.  Hospitals would provide advice on their own websites with regard to current practices and procedures.

In relation to the wider context and care homes, it was explained that although Government restrictions had been lifted, such establishments had their own protocols in place to protect vulnerable residents. 

It was noted that lateral flow tests were still being undertaken by care staff and visitors to care homes to protect the vulnerable and elderly.

Long Covid – with regard to whether there was a list of people suffering with long Covid, officers were unaware of such a list, however, it was explained that GPs would identify their patients and support would be tailored to their symptoms and individual need.

Members expressed concern that people who were suffering with long Covid could be impacted by loss of education and employment.  It was explained, for example, that if a young person was not able to attend school then appropriate absence and assistance arrangements would be put in place.

Breast screening – a Member raised that for those ladies who had missed a breast screen due to Covid, would their time for examination be extended.  It was explained that the NHS was currently in the process of writing to everyone who had missed their screening including people who had reached the age of 70.  It was also explained that breast screening ceased at 70 years old but if anyone felt they needed an appointment after that age they would receive one.

Immunisation in adolescents - In response to a question, it was explained that the immunisation programme included Diphtheria, Tetanus, Meningitis and HPV (Cervical Cancer prevention).  The Panel was reassured that work was being undertaken with schools to ensure vaccination programmes had not been impacted and that all vaccine requirements be completed by August 2022.

Sexual health – The table set out at page 33 relating to the increased cases of syphilis, was explained to the Panel and it was noted that it was an area that required further investigation.

With regard to HIV awareness, it was explained that campaigns with regard to this illness were embedded in the sexual health service.  Additionally, because cases of TB have a close association with HIV, then patients were automatically tested for HIV when tested for TB. 

Concern was expressed that there had been problems accessing sexual health clinics throughout the pandemic and this was acknowledged but as restrictions were removed normality was resuming.  It was explained that safer sex was advocated as part and parcel of prevention and protection, particularly amongst the younger population and at risk categories, for example injecting drug users.  There was currently no separate campaign due to it being continually promoted through everyday support however a note was taken that the Panel’s concern be raised with the lead service commissioner.

It was noted that health promotion initiatives were promoted in schools, colleges and universities that covered a full range of broader sexual health messages.

Colposcopy Service – it was explained that the Carcroft facility had provided an excellent service and that it was the exception to the norm provision at a primary care level.  It was noted that it was difficult to sustain the service in a GP practice therefore it was being transferred to secondary care where the workforce could better support need.

Substance misuse – following a question it was explained that there had been no dramatic increase within the service however there were challenges with helping support people during lockdown, who were facing a difficult few months ahead of their journey.

Project 3 – it was noted that with a number of services it had been difficult during the pandemic period but this service remained and support available with space for children and young people to discuss their issues with professionals.

Covid and flu vaccination programmes – The Panel noted that all partners worked tirelessly together with community connectors and addressing all inequalities, to ensure as many people as possible could be vaccinated.  This included going into communities with pop-up clinics.

Doncaster was commended on the fantastic work that had been undertaken across the borough with the Panel noting the high vaccine rate generally.

It was stressed that reducing inequalities was a high priority and gaining momentum.  It was not something that was addressed at the beginning of the year but was a cyclical process where partners were learning and transferring good practice into other areas.

RESOLVED:  That the Panel note:

a)    The joint work to prevent and control Covid-19 and the key role that Doncaster’s health protection professionals play in co-ordination and management of the pandemic response;

b)    The ongoing work on a range of health protection programmes including vaccination and screening programmes, air quality, sexual health and substance misuse.  This also includes progress and challenges on flu vaccinations and MMR among vulnerable groups;  and

c)    The overall assurance on health protection of the people of Doncaster