Report of the Director of Public Health, Manchester City Council and the Medical Director, Manchester Health and Care Commissioning

The Manchester Public Health Team will deliver a presentation on the latest available data relating to Manchester with a focus on the Enhanced Support Package Area Plan.  This designation was announced by the Government on 8 June and preceded the announcement on the Stage 4 Road Map delay on 14 June.  A key element of the Plan will be the ongoing and accelerated roll out of the Manchester Vaccination Programme.  The Committee will also receive an update on this roll out.

The Committee considered the joint presentation of the Director of Public Health and the Executive Clinical Director Manchester Health and Care Commissioning that provided an update on COVID-19 activity that included the latest available information on data and intelligence.

Some of the key points that arose from the Committee’s discussions were: -

·         Noting the importance of vaccination, especially for older residents to prevent them from becoming seriously ill if they contracted COVID-19;

·         An assurance was sought that the supply of vaccines was sufficient to meet the increased numbers of people coming forward for vaccination;

·         What were the reasons as to why the infection rates in Manchester were high;

·         Noting that residents were being encouraged to obtain their second jab within eight weeks of having the first, what was being done to manage those who had a second appointment booked in twelve weeks and maybe reluctant to cancel that second prebooked appointment;

·         An assurance was sought that Learning Disabled citizens were being supported and encouraged to have their vaccination, including those who may reside in a setting provided outside of Manchester;

·         Further information was requested on the Community Champions Fund and how this had been allocated;

·         Noting that the issue of trust was vital to ensure all communities access their vaccination;

·         Noting that COVID deniers and vaccination hoaxers still existed and what was being done to address this; and

·         Was planning underway to be able to deliver a seasonal vaccination booster.

In response, the Executive Clinical Director Manchester Health and Care Commissioning informed the Members that evidence showed that for those people contracting COVID following their second vaccination displayed much milder symptoms that could be safely managed at home.  She advised that Manchester had enough vaccine to meet current demand and she encouraged all to obtain their second jab when offered.  She described that people are being contacted directly to offer them their second jab with advice and information as to where and when this could be obtained, including the promotion of pop services in addition to the national system and that a helpline had been established to guide residents through this process if required.  She advised that people should not delay in getting their second jab and then they can always cancel any prebooked second jab via the national NHS booking system.

In regard to Learning Disabled citizens, the Executive Clinical Director Manchester Health and Care Commissioning advised that all avenues of contact and support were being utilised to maximise and support the uptake of the vaccine.  She said that General Practitioners records were being used and all relevant and appropriate teams experience knowledge was used to support this activity.  She added that bespoke services such as taxis and specifically managed vaccination sessions in appropriate settings had been provided.  The Consultant in Public Health Medicine stated that the Disabled Peoples Engagement Board had also helped coordinate and deliver appropriate key messages surrounding COVID-19.

The Consultant in Public Health stated that the high rates of infection rates in Manchester could be explained by a number of factors including structural inequalities, that Manchester was a densely populated city; larger and extended families living in the same household; a large student population and people struggling to self-isolate due to economic circumstances.  She stated that the infection rates continued to be monitored and it was difficult to state if the figure had peaked yet, however she stressed that the vaccination was important to tackle COVID-19.

The Consultant in Public Health stated that initially assisted Lateral Flow Testing had been supported in schools with the results reported to the national recording system, however pupils were now being asked to undertake this at home and upload their own results.  She stated that they had witnessed a decrease in the number of reported results which could indicate either the tests were not being undertaken or the results were not being reported.  She said that to address this they were seeking to re-establish the supported testing in schools.  Officers stated that it was vitally important for all residents to undertake a Lateral Flow Test twice a week and upload the results and to continue to observe all Public Health guidance regarding COVID-19.

In response to the specific question regarding the Community Champion Fund the Consultant in Public Health Medicine provided examples of what this fund had been used to support, such as the COVID chat programme and support for refugees and asylum seekers and that she would share further information on this fund following the meeting.

The Consultant in Public Health advised the Committee that she was the co-chair of the Covid Health Equity Manchester (CHEM) group and consideration was given as to how different community groups were engaged with around the issue of COVID and the vaccination.  She described that it was recognised and understood that the issue of trust and cultural competence was key to meaningful engagement and the use of trusted and credible people within communities helped support this activity. She continued by stating that access to vaccinations had been recognised as a barrier and as a result pop up events had been promoted and delivered in a range of settings, such as faith buildings.  She further commented that it was important to listen to and value the views and concerns of people regarding the vaccination and not to meet this dismissively.  She described that it was important to share facts and engage with people regarding their concerns, noting that people who had been resistant to the vaccination were beginning to come forward for these.

The Executive Clinical Director Manchester Health and Care Commissioning reported that she had also continued to engage with patients who were initially hesitant and had expressed concerns regarding the vaccination and she reported that she was witnessing patients now taking up the offer.

The Executive Member for Health and Care stated that if Members required any additional information regarding any the work discussed that they could contact her outside of the formal meetings.

The Chair concluded this item of business by thanking all involved with the vaccination programme for their continued hard work.

Decision

The Committee notes the report and presentation.