Agenda item - Chairs Communications

3.1       The Chair gave the following communications:

I had hoped that University Hospitals Sussex would be able to join us at this meeting to update the committee on the improvements they have made following the CQC report on surgery and maternity services in January 2022 which found both to be inadequate. However, UHSussex have informed me that they were reinspected by the CQC in April and anticipate that this report will be published around the end of July. Until the reinspection report is published, UHSussex feel there would be limited point in scrutinising their improvement planning as they would be unable to reference the views of their external regulator. I have therefore agreed that we will take an update on this at the next HOSC meeting.

I also have some communications on Covid, on avian flu, and on the heatwave:

Masks reintroduced in health and care settings due to rising COVID-19 cases

Unfortunately, the number of positive COVID-19 cases and the number of hospital admissions with COVID-19 is rising.

Last week NHS Sussex reintroduced mask wearing in all clinical healthcare settings to prevent the spread and protect those who are most vulnerable. This applies to patients, visitors and staff, including at GP practices, consulting rooms, outpatient departments, clinics and wards.

We now recommend that visitors and staff in all care settings should wear masks. This includes care homes, supported living, home care and offices in care settings.

Masks will be made available for visitors to use, and exemptions will be respected.

COVID-19 vaccinations

The COVID-19 vaccination centre at Churchill Square has now closed but vaccinations remain available at mobile sites in the city for people aged 16+. Many of these are now regular slots – including at Hove Tesco on a Wednesday, Hove Polyclinic on a Thursday and St Peter’s Church on a Friday. Other locations vary each week.

For children aged 5-15, appointments are available to book at the racecourse through the national booking system.

For the latest information, please check the new Sussex Health and Care website.

Bird Flu

Sadly, cases of bird flu have been found in the city and are spreading in our wild bird populations – particularly gulls. The risk to humans is very low, but please do not touch any dead or sick birds that you find and keep any pets away.

If you find a dead bird on public land, please report it to Cityclean for them to safely clear it. And if you find it on private land, including in your garden please let DEFRA know.

If you find a sick bird, please don’t try to handle it. You should contact the RSPCA for advice.

Level 3 heat-health alert

A level 3 heat-health alert is currently in place in the South East until Friday. With such hot weather expected for a prolonged period of time please check in on elderly or vulnerable friends or neighbours to make sure they are keeping cool and hydrated, and watch out for signs of heat stroke. Encourage them to stay in the shade, close curtains, drink plenty of fluids, and check that any medicines are being stored at the correct temperature.