Be Winter Well: Coronavirus Update

Introduction Hi, I'm Dr Rupert Suckling, Director of Public Health in Doncaster Covid rates across Doncaster have fluctuated slightly over the past week, for the period 1-7 January there were 2,313.4 cases per 100,000 people. The rates for this wave are still the highest we’ve seen in the whole pandemic. Thankfully, our hospital admissions remain relatively steady despite this huge rate. We have just over 100 patients in hospital receiving active Covid care, with 5 unfortunately requiring ITU support. The number of people being treated in hospital compared to our incredibly high rate shows just how effective the vaccines are at preventing serious illness due to Covid. To put this into a bit more context, this time last year our rate was 359 per 100,000 – much, much lower than what we are seeing at the moment – yet our hospitals were treating more Covid patients than they are today. We had only just begun our vaccination programme in January 2021, and many hadn’t been invited for their jab yet, but we now have a year’s worth of evidence to show just how vital they have been in helping us through this pandemic. Local COVID data If you’ve had any hesitation about getting vaccinated over the last 12 months - either first, second or booster – I would strongly encourage you to consider the evidence we’re seeing in real time and come forward for your jab. Testing has also been important for us, and is especially key at the minute with the rates being so high. Using an LFT whenever you’re going out helps keep our community as safe as possible and provides reassurance for you and others. Registering your results online (especially if positive) also helps us to have a much clearer picture of the situation. I know there were issues in obtaining tests before and after Christmas, but the supply issue has now eased somewhat and you should be able to access them much easier online or at a local pharmacist. A reminder too, that new government guidance begins from Monday (17 Jan) which means you can stop self-isolating after 5 full days provided you have negative tests results on days 5 and 6. Keep an eye on Doncaster Council’s social media channels for more on this next week. I am hopeful that we will see the peak of this wave of COVID this weekend. Thanks and let’s continue to do it for Doncaster. Doctor Rupert Suckling Director of Public Health

Public Transport Disruptions

As a result of bus driver shortages due to COVID-19, First South Yorkshire will be introducing  a number of short term journey cancellations, from Monday 17 January 2022, to help prevent on-the-day cancellations and provide a more reliable timetable.

Buses will ensure they continue running: he first and last journeys for each service, cover school movements and maintain evening frequencies. However, there may be disruptions to other journeys.

First will review the situation each week in line with their forecast driver availability and if the situation improves during the week, additional journeys will be restored as resource allows.

Up to date information is available at Suspended Journeys for Sheffield Services and Suspended Journeys for Doncaster Services

First South Yorkshire will be tweeting service changes and cancellations via @FirstSouthYorks which we will retweet on our @TSYalerts Twitter feed, as well as sharing overall messages from first via @TravelSYorks. 

There will be continued updates via First South Yorkshire's Disruptions page to reflect any short notice service cancellations.

Live departure screens at bus stops and will also advise of journey cancellations and direct to the latest information.

Reminder for local women to attend cervical screening appointments

Local GP’s are strongly encouraging women to attend their cervical cancer screenings when invited, as part of cervical cancer prevention week (17-23 January). Although cervical cancer is expected to become less common with the introduction of HPV (human papilloma virus) vaccinations, around 3000 women are still diagnosed each year. Screening is a positive thing that you can do to prevent cancer and give your family peace of mind. 12,000 people have their smear test each day in England and it is an effective test that for most people the results are normal and saves an estimated 5,000 lives a year. Dr Pieri, Cancer Clinical Lead at Doncaster Clinical Commissioning Group said “All women aged between 25 and 64 are invited for cervical screening every three to five years depending on their age. Being screened regularly means that any abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix can be identified at an early stage and, if necessary, treated to stop cancer developing. “Cervical cancer may not cause any symptoms at all until it has reached an advanced stage but symptoms can include blood in your urine, unusual vaginal bleeding, pain and discomfort during sex and swelling in your legs. If you do have any of these symptoms it is important that you tell your GP immediately.”

Get Vaccinated this New Year

Hundreds of extra slots have been made available this month for people to either get their boosters or first and second Covid vaccinations at walk-in clinics across the borough.

Vaccinators are waiting to offer jabs at a variety of centres including the Lakeside Shopping Village, the Frenchgate Centre, Dearne Valley Leisure Centre and at practices in Askern, Intake and the town centre.

Venues and opening times can be found on the CCG website here: Get vaccinated at one of our drop-in clinics – Doncaster CCG or by calling 119 or booking online: Book or manage a coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Covid vaccinations are available now:

• 1st and 2nd doses for people aged 12 years old and over
• 3rd doses for people with a severely weakened immune system aged 18 years old and over
• boosters for people aged 18 years old and over
• boosters for all those aged 16 and 17
• Boosters for 12-15 year olds that are in a clinical risk group or household contact of someone that is immunosuppressed

Everyone over the age of 18 can book for a “booster” vaccination 3 months after their second dose. 

Bookings are also being taken through the National Booking Service or by calling 119, or via invite from your GP. 

Do something amazing in 2022, foster for Doncaster

Every day foster families from across Doncaster help children to stay living near the people and places they know and love. But we need more people to foster!

Could you be one of our 22 new fostering families in 2022? You could make a real difference to child’s life and have a positive impact that could last a life time.

It’s a big decision to foster. That’s why our Trust Fostering team, who deliver fostering services on behalf of Doncaster Council, host regular information events giving you the opportunity to find out more about what’s involved in becoming a carer as well as the 24/7 support and training offered by the team.

The next online event will take place on Thursday 20 January, from 7pm to 8pm or come and visit the team in person in the EPIC hub in the Frenchgate, every Tuesday from 11am to 2pm.

Nigel Turner, Fostering Recruitment lead said: “At Trust Fostering we have the children and young people at the heart everything we do, so we are on the lookout for people in Doncaster who can do the same.

“Fostering is a very rewarding role that brings a new little personality into your home with all their wonderful quirks that you will soon learn to love.

“These young people will fill a space in your heart, that you never knew was missing and in return you get to be there for those monumental moments that help develop a young person’s life -  a feeling like no other.”

Book your place today. Call 0808 129 2600 or visit trustfostering.co.uk/do-something-amazing  

Already fostering? If you are an existing carer speak to our team today about transferring to us. We offer a streamlined transfer process and great benefits too, so you can foster for Doncaster and support Doncaster children.  

Coronavirus Frequently Asked Questions

Additional Restrictions Grant- Deadline for Application

Share and tag friends, family & colleagues who may be interested, as they could be eligible for funding up to £40,000.

Support is available for those who find the application process daunting, just get in touch with us at LOCYPGrantOpportunities@doncaster.gov.uk