North West London NHS Coronavirus response Confirmed cases of COVID-19 are rising in all boroughs in NW London
In the past few weeks the number of confirmed Coronavirus cases has gone up and has now become very concerning. We need to take action now to protect our loved ones and our communities.To address the rise in confirmed cases across the country, the government has made social gatherings of more than six people illegal from Monday 14 September. The law change bans larger groups from meeting anywhere socially indoors or outdoors. It is enforced through a £100 fine for anyone failing to comply. You are most at risk when in busy crowds, confined spaces or close contact with others.
It is also important to say that the NHS is still here for you and NHS premises are safe. If you are called for an appointment, please make sure you attend. We have put in place rigorous infection control measures to keep patients and staff safe.
We all need to follow this new law, and take extra care, as how we behave is the only way to limit the spread of the virus.
You're safest when you follow this advice:
Wash your hands frequently, with soap and water, for 20 seconds.
Remember to ‘social distance’ when in public areas – keep at least two metres away from people you don’t live with, if you can.
Wear a face covering on public transport, in shops and in supermarkets.
If you have any symptoms of Coronavirus (a new continuous cough, a high temperature, or a loss of/change in taste or smell): get tested. You can book a free test today.
Information and support is available for people who are recovering from COVID-19, their families and carers. You can access information about recovering from COVID-19 here.
If you develop symptoms of the virus, please immediately self-isolate and book a free test online at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119.
In today’s issue we have important information about protecting yourself against Flu and wearing face coverings in schools. We also know that the Coronavirus pandemic has been a difficult time for many so we tell you how you can access wellbeing and psychological support if you need it.
Remember for all of the latest information about Coronavirus, visit our website.
The NHS always wants patients to access the service that is most suitable for their need and the Coronavirus pandemic has not changed that. Our premises are safe, with rigorous infection prevention control measures, so if you are called for an appointment wherever that setting may be, make sure you attend.
New government measures for controlling Coronavirus announced
On Wednesday, 9 September the government published a range of new measures to control the Coronavirus. Significantly, you must not meet with people from other households socially in groups of more than six. This will apply indoors and outdoors, including in private homes. There will be a limited number of exemptions.
COVID-19 Secure venues, such as places of worship, restaurants and hospitality venues, can still host larger numbers in total but groups of up to six must not mix or form larger groups. This rule will not apply to individual households or support bubbles of more than six who will still be able to gather together. Education and work settings are unaffected, and organised team sports will still be able to proceed, as will weddings and funerals up to 30. From Monday, this limit will be enforceable in law. Read the full government guidance online.
The NHS has learned a lot from the new ways of working that have emerged during the Coronavirus pandemic. In particular, the use of digital technology for accessing services. This is probably most apparent in the way you now interact with GP services. To help us all adapt to digital we are asking those who are technically minded to help their friends and relatives that may not be so comfortable with technology. You could help them send emails or use video calling facilities. By doing that you can help us make sure they are receiving the appropriate care for their need. The NHS is working hard to tackle the digital deficit and your help is much appreciated.
Important information about accessing wellbeing and psychological support
Being in the middle of the Coronavirus pandemic can be a very difficult time for some. If you are stressed, anxious or experiencing low mood you can access wellbeing and psychological support from a North West London IAPT service. You can refer yourself or speak to your GP or another healthcare professional for a referral. For more information visit www.westlondon.nhs.uk/service/iapt/ or www.talkingtherapies.cnwl.nhs.uk/.
There has never been a more important time to make sure you, and those you care for, are protected against serious illnesses such as the flu. The flu vaccine is available for free to those most at risk. If you are eligible for a free flu vaccination, your GP practice will contact you directly by letter or textto arrange it. Book your vaccination as soon as you are contacted.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended that children aged 12 and over should wear a mask under the same conditions as adults, in particular when they cannot guarantee at least a one-metre distance from others and there is widespread transmission in the area. As a result, the government has revised its guidance on face coverings for staff and children in Year 7 or above in England. While the government is not recommending that face coverings are necessary, schools will have the discretion to require face coverings in communal areas if they believe that is right in their particular circumstances.
Other local health news: Update on websites for North West London CCGs
All information regarding North West London CCGs can now be found at www.nwlondonccgs.nhs.uk Content from website: www.healthiernorthwestlondon.nhs.uk has been transferred across and this site will close on Monday 14 September. Please update your records.
RM Partners has produced an educational video to help explain the causes and management of breast pain.
An issue frequently highlighted by doctors is the lack of public understanding of breast health and, in particular, breast pain. Breast clinicians are clear that breast pain as a symptom on its own is not a sign of cancer. Despite this, many patients are currently unnecessarily referred to secondary care on an urgent pathway and unduly worried about their prognosis.
The engagement period on the proposal to merge the eight NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) in North West London into a single CCG closed on Friday 11 September 2020. The eight CCGs are: Brent, Central London, Ealing, Hammersmith and Fulham, Harrow, Hillingdon, Hounslow and West London.
Over the last six weeks the eight CCGs have been engaging with stakeholders on the proposal, building on the previous engagement that took place last year. CCG GP members are also currently voting on the proposal. If the CCGs and GPs approve the proposal, we will send an application to NHS England and Improvement at the end of September 2020.
The North West London Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (JHOSC) held an extraordinary meeting on Monday 7 September to give members the opportunity to scrutinise the Single CCG Case for Change.
Jo Ohlson, Dr MC Patel and Dr Genevieve Small presented the Case for Change and took questions from the committee. Jo reiterated to the JHOSC that while significant, the Single CCG reforms are an administrative change only, with no direct impact on patient services, and with no need for a change in patient behaviour.
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