Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Mary Curtin

There were no declarations of pecuniary interests

The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed as a true and accurate record.

Verbal update from the Director of Public Health

The Director of Public Health gave an overview of her presentation and said whilst current Covid infection rates are low, there is a possibility of another surge. There is a risk from the South African variant which was found in the neighbouring boroughs of Wandsworth and Lambeth. Merton is ready to respond to any further outbreaks.

A Panel member asked about support for long Covid. The Locality Director for Merton and Wandsworth said long Covid clinics have been established as a single point of excess.  All NHS services are equipped to deal with long Covid. A panel member asked if there is current data on the numbers of people dealing with long Covid. The Locality Director for Merton and Wandsworth it is too early to say.

A panel member asked which variants are the most prevalent. The Director for Public Health said the Kent variant is so transmissible it is more dominant than the South African and Brazilian strains

RESOLVED

The Chair thanked the Director for her presentation

Verbal update from CEO

The Chief Executive of the South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust gave an overview of her presentation.

RESOLVED

The Chair thanked the Chief Executive for her report.

Verbal update from Locality Executive Director

The Executive Locality Director for Merton and Wandsworth South West London Clinical Commissioning Group and James Marsh Joint Medical Director and Deputy Chief Executive Epsom and St Helier NHS Trust gave an overview of their presentations.

RESOLVED

The Chair thanked NHS colleagues for their reports.

Panel Members agreed to email topic suggestions to the scrutiny officer.