In this bulletin:
- COVID-19 Vaccination Update
- Acceleration of Second Doses for All Cohorts
- Infection Prevention Control IPC in Healthcare Settings
- Lateral Flow Device Distribution
- Self-Isolation Set to Increase
- National GP Survey Results
- Transfer of Patient Records from English GP Practices to GP Practices in Wales
- National Workforce Reporting Service (NWRS)
- Social Prescribing for Armed Forces Personnel, Veterans and their Families
COVID-19 Vaccination Update
- Acceleration of Second Doses for All Cohorts
The government set out their latest guidance for appointments of a second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to be brought forward from 12 to 8 weeks for the remaining people in all cohorts who have yet to receive their second dose.
- Infection Prevention Control IPC in Healthcare Settings
Following the Prime Minister’s announcement this week that from 19 July face coverings will be optional and social distancing won’t be necessary, it’s important to note that current COVID-19: infection prevention and control (IPC) guidance still remains in place at this time.
The guidance was last updated on 1 June to add requirements on local risk assessments and information around the use of respiratory protective equipment and valved respirators, and clarified minimising sessional or extended use of gowns where cohorts of confirmed COVID-19 patients are managed and there is a lack of single rooms/isolation rooms.
- Lateral Flow Device Distribution
To continue testing of asymptomatic staff, NHS staff can order their tests directly through the government lateral flow test ordering portal for delivery to their home address. Primary care staff should continue to report all test results on the gov.uk website.
- Self-Isolation Set to Increase
Since the government announced close contacts who have received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine will not have to isolate after 16 August in England, there have been growing concerns that the delay to ending quarantine for fully vaccinated contacts of people with COVID could lead to millions being asked to self-isolate over the next few weeks and months.
With Practices already reporting an increasing number of staff having to self-isolate, the Office for National Statistic (ONS) produces statistics and information on the number and behaviour of individuals required to self-isolate after being in contact with a positive case of COVID-19.
Transfer of Patient Records from English GP Practices to GP Practices in Wales
The GP2GP electronic patient records transfer system, used for the electronic transfer of patient records between GP practices when a patient moves practice, doesn’t work for patients moving from England to Wales.
Therefore, Practices should provide a full printout of the electronic record in the Lloyd George envelope before it is sent via the Primary Care Support England process (PCSE).
National Workforce Reporting Service (NWRS)
The new NWRS to report data on General Practice workforce went live on 8 July 2021.
Practices must submit workforce data via the Strategic Data Collection Service (SDCS) using the same login that’s used to complete other data collections, such as the General Practice Annual Electronic Self-Declaration, also known as eDEC.
National GP Survey Results
The results of the annual GP Patient Survey were published this week and, despite it being an incredibly difficult year, the satisfaction with general practice has increased as follows:
- 83% of patients described their overall experience of their GP practice as good
- 70% of patients reported a good experience when making an appointment
- Patients are getting to see the wider general practice team
- Over a quarter of appointments were with a nurse
However, if you feel your Practice results aren’t as high as expected, or they don’t reflect how well you have provided access to services throughout the pandemic, the QCS Patient Access Checklist is a GP Patient Access Self-Assessment Questionnaire and will enable you to review and evidence how you provide good patient access.
Social Prescribing for Armed Forces Personnel, Veterans and their Families
NHS England is presenting a webinar on 21 July 2021, 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm, focusing on social prescribing and the needs of people and their families in the armed forces, or veterans. It will provide information about the support that is available and the learning from the social prescribing test and learn demonstrator sites.
Register here for the webinar.