Agenda item

To receive the latest data in relation to COVID-19 infections and fatalities and details of the vaccine roll-out programme. This information will be circulated the day before the meeting, ensuring the most current data is provided.

Glenn Stewart (Assistant Director of Public Health) presented to Members the latest data in relation to COVID-19 infections and fatalities, together with details of the vaccine roll-out programme.

Members expressed their concern at the late circulation of the information whilst noting that this had been delayed in order to provide the most current data available for the Panel’s consideration. The delay in obtaining the required NHS data was explained to the Panel. Members requested that such future reports were circulated at an earlier stage.

NOTED

1.            The detailed information as outlined on the presentation slides including:

·         The total number of cases and deaths

·         The number of new cases and recent deaths

·         The infection rate per 100,000

·         How Enfield compared with other areas

·         The testing rate per 100,000

·         Vaccination levels

·         Care Settings

·         Schools

·         Wards with the highest infection rate

2.            The graphs provided illustrated the level of triages and death rates which had both reduced. The statistics were also divided into age groups, there had been a significant reduction in the older age groups.

3.            Further illustrations on infection rates were shown by Borough and ward maps. In general the infection rates were falling.

4.            The hospital data provided as at 23 March 2021.

5.            The data showed that a total of 125,591 had received their first vaccination dose (excluding care homes). It had not been possible to provide a breakdown of this data, however the significant progress being made was noted. Glenn Stewart undertook to circulate further detailed data to Panel Members when it became available.

6.            Members expressed their appreciation to all involved in rolling out the successful and effective vaccination programme in the Borough. The situation was continuing to improve, and positive progress made. The effectiveness of the vaccine in both preventing symptoms and transmission were highlighted. It was noted that the Dugdale Centre had been set up as a vaccination centre which had capacity to administer up to 1,000 vaccines per day.

7.            In response to questions raised, Members were advised that it was still the intention for the 2^nd doses of the vaccine to be provided within 12 weeks of the 1^st dose. There were currently two booking systems, directly through the GP or via the NHS central booking system. The booking systems varied regarding the booking of the 2^nd vaccine.

8.            The Panel were informed by Councillor Mahtab Uddin (Cabinet Member for Public Health) of “pop-up” vaccination centres that had taken place at the Edmonton Islamic Centre and Enfield Mosque. Councillor Uddin undertook to advise all Councillors when future ones were planned in the Borough.

9.            A discussion took place on the testing arrangements in the Borough’s Care Homes for visitors, residents and staff. There continued to be a significant level of testing undertaken. In response to questions raised, Members were informed of the current rate of vaccination for both residents and staff for all bed based care provision across all client groups: 90.4% for residents (slightly above the London average); 63.3% for staff (slightly below the London average but this should be viewed in the context of the high number of care homes in the Borough). The rates were continuing to improve and, good progress continued to be made. Members noted the national discussions taking place and the targets being sought.

10.         Members expressed their thanks to Glenn Stewart for his informative presentation and praised the valuable work that continued and the positive progress being made.

11.         In response to an issue raised regarding recent entry to the North Middlesex Hospital and the queuing system experienced, Bindi Nagra (Director of Health and Adult Social Care), undertook to investigate the issue and respond directly to the Councillor concerned.

A discussion took place at this point of the meeting on significant and emerging issues relating to the reconfiguration of the NHS, as reflected in Minute No. 6 below, and following a recent meeting of the North Central London Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee.