Issue - meetings

The Panel considered the report of NHS Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Clinical Commissioning Group providing the Panel with an update on the NHS response to COVID-19 and pressures on the system.

Derek Sandeman – Medical Director, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care System, Joe Teape – Chief Operating Officer - University Hospitals Southampton, Stephanie Ramsey – Managing Director, Southampton, Debbie Chase - Director of Public Health and Guy Van Dichele – Executive Director Wellbeing (Health and Adults) were in attendance and, with the consent of the Chair, addressed the meeting.

The Panel discussed a number of points including:

·  The pressure on the NHS caused by the pandemic and the waiting list for treatment;

·  How the NHS, including UHS, were coping with these pressures including the introduction of surgery at the weekend;

·  The continuing high levels of attendance at Emergency Departments and efforts to divert those patients requiring assistance to more appropriate care pathways;

·  The success of the vaccination programme;

·  The developing issue relating to those suffering from long covid.