21 April 2020
All documents can be found here
Dear colleague
Please find below the latest GP update regarding Covid-19.
You will find this update with links to the files on the new North West London password-protected site page. You can also review the full list of Covid-19 related service changes, to ensure you have not missed any notices.
Website: https://www.nwlondonccg.nhs.uk/professionals/coronavirus-clinical
Password: NWLCovid-19
Today’s update includes:
- Thank you and reminder from NW London CCG Chairs re face to face consultations
- Update on PPE:
- North West London updated guidance for primary care on re-using PPE
- North West London SOP for PPE
- Order form for PPE supplies
- Outpatient service changes at Barnet Hospital
- Cervical screening in London: FAQs
Thank you and reminder from NW London CCG Chairs re face to face consultations
ACTION: Read the letter in full here
We are keen to ensure that practices are clear how services are currently being delivered and are articulating clearly to patients and partner organisations that there is access to face to face services with practices if it is necessary, either at the practice premises or via a practice home visit. Practices are respectfully reminded of the guidance set out in the NHS England letter of 19 March which states: ‘Move to a total triage system (whether by phone or online). This does not mean not advising/treating patients for other health issues, where there is clinical need, or unilateral closing of practices doors, rather ensuring that patients are appropriately triaged to the right health professional setting. The upsurge in telephone calls to general practice means that providing a reliable and timely response for patients has already become a vital operational priority.’
Update on PPE:
North West London SOP for PPE
ACTION: Read in full here and ensure your practice is working in alignment with this SOP
This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) supports clinical services caring for patients with suspected or confirmed Covid-19 located within the North West London Sustainability and Transformation Partnership (STP). Members of the public and patients must access any PPE they require through their local health and social care provider, as any requests received directly to the STP cannot be processed.
The STP’s objectives are to ensure that:
- Appropriate PPE is made readily available to, and easily accessed by, all personnel caring for patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19; PPE is distributed based on clinical need and the number of patients being cared for;
- All services in NW London are supported to deliver patient care safely throughout the duration of the pandemic;
- All action is taken to mitigate any shortage of pandemic PPE supplies and avoid ‘stockouts’; and,
- To create a system of mutual aid across all organisations in NW London.
North West London updated guidance for primary care on re-using PPE
ACTION: Please read this guidance in full here
Public Health England has issued new guidance and considerations for acute personal protective equipment (PPE) shortages on the 17 April 2020.
North West London PPE supplies order form
ACTION: Use the order form available here for any supplies you need
The order form for PPE supplies in North West London is here. Please note that completed forms should be sent to: nwlccgs.covid19ppesupplies@nhs.net.
Outpatient service changes at Barnet Hospital
ACTION: Note this service change
As part of the Royal Free London NHS Trust’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, some of our outpatient clinics have been temporarily relocated from Barnet Hospital to our other hospitals. Affected patients are being contacted by text, phone or letter to confirm any changes to their appointments.
If you have any queries about these, please contact rf.gpliaison@nhs.net
Cervical screening in London: FAQs
ACTION: Read FAQs here
Follow this link for a series of FAQs on how cervical screening services are affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
