Preparing the NHS for the potential impact of the Omicron variant and other winter pressures in England

On the 13^th December 2021, NHS England and NHS Improvement published a letter setting out important actions “Preparing the NHS for the potential impact of the Omicron variant and other winter pressures.”

It is encouraging to read that there is a dedicated section for Mental health, learning disability and autism. Under this section the NHS Chief Executive and Chief Executive of NHS Improvement state that:

“…Systems are asked to ensure that access to community-based mental health services and learning disability and autism services are retained throughout the COVID-19 surge to ensure that people at risk of escalating mental health problems and those who are most vulnerable can access treatment and care and avoid escalation to crisis point, with face-to-face care retained as far as possible."

Healthcare colleagues are asked to make every contact count this winter with people with SMI and LD – to ensure promotion of health checks and interventions as well as access to COVID-19 and flu vaccination, in the context of stark health inequalities for these patients.”

The letter is available at: https://www.england.nhs.uk/coronavirus/wp-content/uploads/sites/52/2021/12/C1487-letter-preparing-the-nhs-potential-impact-of-omicron-variant-and-other-winter-pressures-v4.pdf

The ACPPLD welcome this important action. We have evidence that restricted access to Specialist Learning Disability Physiotherapy during the pandemic has had a significant impact of the physiotherapy needs of adults with a learning disability. Therefore, we hope the commitment to retain Community Learning Disability Services and face to face care during the next surge of COVID-19 will minimise further impact on the physical need of adults with a learning disability.

This guidance is for England. Members from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland should check out their own nation's guidance.

ACPPLD NEC