The Sutton Health and Wellbeing Board met on Monday 20 July 2020 to discuss and approve Sutton's COVID-19 outbreak control plan, and to receive an update on local health and care arrangements. The meeting highlighted the significant collaborative efforts undertaken by council staff and partners in response to the pandemic, and discussed ongoing challenges and future plans.

Sutton's COVID-19 Outbreak Control Plan Approved

The board discussed and approved Sutton's COVID-19 outbreak control plan, a document outlining how partners will work together to manage the epidemic. Dr Jeffrey Croucher, Director of Public Health, presented the plan, noting that while infection rates in Sutton were low and stable, the plan was crucial to prevent a resurgence. The plan focuses on three key pillars: supporting the NHS Test and Trace service by enabling vulnerable residents to isolate and access testing; working with partners to identify high-risk settings where the virus could re-emerge, including healthcare settings, HMOs, and care homes; and ensuring widespread communication of public health messages.

Kim Steven, team leader for the trading standards and environmental health commercial team, detailed the extensive outreach to businesses, including over 77 letters to Sutton's HMOs and landlords regarding hygiene and testing access, and over a thousand letters to the hospitality and hairdressing sectors. Regulatory services had conducted 171 targeted inspections, finding 83% of businesses broadly compliant with government guidance. Martin Schuber, Sutton Council's Head of Communications and Engagement, outlined a comprehensive communication strategy, including online and offline promotion, foreign language advertising, and community outreach, to sustain public engagement with messages like social distancing. He also highlighted the adoption of a London-specific campaign tailored to the capital's diverse population. The plan was approved by the board.

Update on Local Health and Care Arrangements

Michelle Rahman presented an update on local health and care arrangements, emphasizing the strong partnership working within Sutton that enabled a rapid and effective response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Key initiatives discussed included:

• Hospital Response: Staff redeployment to critical areas like intensive care and respiratory services, the hospital acting as a distribution hub for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and the increased use of digital consultations. Epsom and St Helier Hospital also became a testing centre and opened the NHS Seacole Centre for rehabilitation.
• Primary and Community Care: The establishment of community response teams, comprising primary care, social care, voluntary sector link workers, and community nurses, to proactively support vulnerable residents. A two-hour acute home visiting service was also established, alongside a GP at the front door initiative at the A&E department to direct patients to appropriate services.
• Social Care: Risk assessments for vulnerable adults and children, workforce mobilization, and the development of a local equipment store to facilitate timely discharges.
• Care Homes: Significant efforts to support the care home market, including emergency PPE provision, webinars on advice and guidance, infection prevention and control training, and the allocation of clinicians to every care home.
• End of Life Care: Commissioning of Marie Curie for advanced care planning, ensuring 24/7 access to medicines, and providing support for death verification and certification.
• Voluntary Sector: An outstanding response from the voluntary sector, including the operation of community hubs, food packages for shielded patients, and support for discharges.

The presentation highlighted that the pandemic had accelerated transformation, leading to a more integrated and community-based approach to health and care. The board noted the update and expressed gratitude for the extensive work undertaken.

Mental Health and Community Facilities

Councillor Chris Williams raised concerns about the reported lower-than-usual demand for mental health services during the pandemic, contrasting with national reports of a potential time bomb of mental health needs, particularly among children and healthcare staff. Dr Jeffrey Croucher confirmed that mental health was being considered, with initiatives like digital channels for school nurses and new apps for young people being launched. Barbara Mcintosh of Healthwatch Sutton indicated a willingness to conduct follow-up work on the mental health of young people, building on previous research. Dr Ruth Charlton, a pediatrician and Medical Director, emphasized the significant impact of COVID-19 on children and families, noting an increase in crisis presentations and the profound effects of shielding and virtual goodbyes. Dave Hobday highlighted the importance of access to community facilities and leisure centres for clients who have struggled with exercise and daily activities during lockdown, suggesting prioritization for those most in need as restrictions ease. Helen Bailey, Chief Executive, agreed to explore how leisure provision could be used for social prescribing and to support mental health needs.