Issue - meetings

Report attached.

BHRUT officers explained that preparations were currently under way for the third wave of Covid-19. The numbers of Covid patients in hospital were however relatively low compared to previous waves. A number of services had been reinstated surgery and diagnostics. Some 40% of outpatient services were now taking place virtually. Work was in progress with the independent sector to reduce waiting times.

Performance on the 4 hour A & E target had declined between March and May but there had been a 20% rise in attendance numbers during this period. Frailty units had been introduced on both hospital sites which allowed quicker and more direct access to care. There were also walk-in centres at both sites. The same day emergency care pathway aimed to avoid the unnecessary admittance of patients onto wards.

The numbers of patients waiting in excess of 52 weeks for treatment had increased during the Covid peaks. This had now reduced by around 1,000 people but was still considered to be too high. Cancer performance had deteriorated during the Covid peaks but was now back above target. The performance on the 62 day target for starting cancer treatment had improved but there was still a backlog to be cleared.

Patients were still swabbed on entry and it was accepted that high numbers of staff having to self-isolate could be a danger. Work was ongoing with local communities to address patient concerns. Outpatients had been somewhat affected by the need to maintain social distancing as fewer patients could be seen at each clinic. It was noted however that less than 0.1% of BHRUT staff had tested positive and less than 1% were self-isolating.

No beds had been lost due to Covid and demand & capacity issues were continually reviewed by the Trust. Covid and non-Covid zones had been created at both hospitals.

The staff absence rate, including those who had been ‘pinged’ and told to self-isolate remained very low. It was also policy that the NHS app should be turned off whilst staff were at work and only turned on when staff not at work. Covid protocols were very right and evidence-based. Details of the numbers of cycles/amplifications used in the PCR Covid test could be provided.

The Sub-Committee noted the update.