The Cheshire & Merseyside (C&M) Directors of Public Health (DsPH) currently meet for weekly calls. The key messages from the 11th June meeting are as follows:
- PHE COVID-19 update – Richard Jarvis from PHE North West updated that the cases of the Delta variant are rising quickly and outbreaks are being seen in secondary schools and hospitality venues. Some care homes are also seeing outbreaks but currently no severe illness due to the vaccination. A discussion took place on seeking more vaccine and resources to address communities where uptake is lower.
- DHSC “One team” Contact Tracing Programme – Julie Webster gave an update on the work to establish a “one team” approach to handling outbreaks and contact tracing following the award of £3.3m to C&M from DHSC. The aims and objectives outlined in the paper were discussed and it was suggested to hold a workshop(s) to co-produce the system. The vision is to become an effective integrated contact tracing system to reduce transmission of communicable diseases.
- Champs Collaborative report – Dawn Leicester shared the latest report from the Collaborative which gives an overview of the collective work carried out in 2020/21. The DsPH thanked everyone across the system who has contributed to these projects and the Champs support team for their hard work on COVID-19 and other public health priorities. Helen Cartwright shared a draft plan for work to be delivered in 2021/22 which will be discussed further at next week’s DsPH planning session.