Julie Frier (Consultant, Public Health) delivered the DCIOS Annual Health Protection and Assurance Report 2022-23 to the board and discussed:

a)     Good practise and learning opportunities from the Covid Pandemic, including community outreach work, screening and immunisation programmes, and infection prevention control activity;

b)    The benefits of the Devon Joint Forward Plan containing a section on Health Protection, which was not standard across other Integrated Care Systems;

c)     Ongoing assurance activities including preparation for winter planning;

d)    The role of the Community Infection Management Service, and its ongoing benefits post Covid;

e)     Vaccination and immunisation uptake promotion programmes.

In response to questions, the Board discussed:

f)      Targeted vaccination campaigns, outreach and support within Care Homes and vulnerable groups such as Looked After Children;

g)     The value and effectiveness of preventative action and the Public Health Agenda in minimising long term health conditions and acuity of illness;

The Board agreed to note the report.