Julie Frier (Consultant Public Health Medicine) delivered the ‘Devon, Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Health Protection Report 2020-21’ to the Board, and highlighted the following points-

a)    A significant portion of the report was focussed on the COVID-19 response however, many other communicable diseases had been present.

b)    Good practices during the COVID-19 response had included:

                     i.         A large amount of new advice and guidance had been distributed to provide support, including webinars, checklists, and risk assessment tools.

                    ii.        Contract tracing had been set up through ‘Test and Trace’. New advice was continually interpreted as it evolved and a regional testing strategy had been created. This included targeted community testing at fixed and mobiles sites.

                   iii.         There was a continuing effort to increase vaccine take-up through vaccination programmes and analysis of outreach models to ensure maximum public engagement and vaccine confidence.

                   iv.         Devon was fortunate to have recently commissioned a Community Infection Management Service. This was designed for other infections but was realigned to support COVID-19 management, developing good areas of new practice such as in care homes. This strongly enhanced infection prevention control.

                    v.        A significant amount of work had been undertaken regarding Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as well as providing support to businesses and settings to manage outbreaks. New relationships and ways of working had been developed, with Local Outbreak Engagement Boards employing Covid-19 champions, neighbourhood support, and voluntary systems to ensure a good response across the system.

c)    Meanwhile, normal surveillance and monitoring had continued to ensure screening for other infectious and communicable diseases.

d)    Many screening programmes had ceased during this period, and has since had to be re-started. NHS South West and service providers had worked to restore these programmes in line with the HNS recovery programme timetable.

e)    The Childhood Immunisation Programme did not cease during this period and performance was maintained. The School-Age Immunisation Programme was however, severely impacted due to the closure of schools. The Devon programme was now continuing, with catch-up and additional clinics.

f)     The Flu vaccine programme had performed well, with a new system established across Devon, combing Covid-19 and Flu as a seasonal programme. Uptake had therefore been maintained.

g)    The Emergency Planning response was tested but continued assurance activities were carried out during this period.

h)    The Work Programme priorities now centred on continuing the Covid-19 response, as well as developing the recovery system. Lessons had been learnt regarding inequalities, and had been identified through experiences such as the outreach vaccine programme.

The Board acknowledged a very difficult year and paid tribute to the agencies, services, organisations and workers who had kept the country running. Following questions from the Board, it was reported that-

i)     Breast Screening- The impact upon uptake and coverage was not yet determinable however, NHS SW had boards overseeing the screening programmes, and KPI’s scrutinising how the system worked on a regular basis.

j)     Covid-19 Vaccine Programme- There was no further detail available regarding future vaccination programmes. Julie Frier agreed to update the board when specifics were announced.

k)    Polio- Plymouth was one of the lower performing areas for the teenage POLIO booster programme however, there was no immediate risk as the primary programme was strong. Measures were being taken to boost staffing and vaccine programmes through additional clinics and resource allocation. 

l)     Monkey pox- The risk and procedure for a Monkey pox outbreak was being surveyed by UKHSA, who would lead any response. Systems and processes were in place if required.

The Board agreed to note the report.