Home Who we are What we do News Blogs Contact us Our jobs & careers portal Contact our services Virgin Care featured in new NHS COVID-19 partnerships report Share this: You are here: Home / News / 0-19 Children and Families Public Health Services / Essex Child and Family Wellbeing Service / Virgin Care featured in new NHS COVID-19 partnerships report June 23, 2021 Virgin Care have been featured in a new report which shines a light on the vital role independent providers of primary, community and diagnostic services have played in supporting the NHS during the most recent waves of the pandemic. Following up on IHPN’s “Working together during covid19”, published last summer which looked at the key role independent providers of primary, community and diagnostics services played in supporting the NHS during the first wave of COVID, this new report highlights how these partnerships have continued during the second and third waves of the pandemic to ensure patients have been able access the care they needed. “Working together during the second and third waves of COVID19”, demonstrates the breadth of support that the sector has provided to the NHS and patients all across the country through what was arguably the most challenging winter period in the health service’s history. This partnership working has ranged from providing virtual support for vulnerable parents, young people and families across the country; deploying a mobile clinical research facility to help support the development of the COVID vaccine; rolling out the NHS’ COVID Oximetry @ Home service to support the treatment of patients with COVID symptoms in their own homes; and the delivery of hundreds of thousands of remote physio appointments. Specifically, Virgin Care redeployed almost 100 colleagues to essential services run by other providers, increased community capacity in services such as District Nursing to increase flow from hospitals and avoid admissions and launched and ran new programmes to support the most vulnerable, like the Community Wellbeing Hub in Bath, extensive virtual support for parents, young people and families in 0-19 services, virtual and face to face primary care services in Essex, hot hub Urgent Care Centres in Birmingham and even launched a new Night District Nursing Service in partnership with NHS Frimley Health. Independent primary, community and diagnostics providers have also made a significant contribution in helping the NHS clear the elective care backlog across a range of specialities including ophthalmology, gynaecology as well as key diagnostic scans tests – providing care closer to people’s homes and communities and reducing pressure on the acute sector. The new report also highlights the dedication of the tens of thousands of independent sector staff during the second and third waves of the pandemic. This includes through their contribution to the vaccine rollout, where significant numbers of independent sector staff volunteered to help with the NHS’s biggest ever vaccine drive and delivering thousands of jabs for housebound patients, the homeless and other vulnerable groups. Dr Vivienne McVey, Chief Executive of Virgin Care said, “We are thrilled to be featured in the latest IHPN report which celebrates the work of several independent providers throughout the latest waves of the pandemic. It’s fantastic to be able to recognise the work of so many incredible organisations, and recognise the achievements of our colleagues. “Partnership working has never been so important, and we are extremely proud of what we have delivered and achieved during what can only be described as a very challenging year.” David Hare, Chief Executive of the Independent Healthcare Providers Network, said: “I’m delighted to be launching our new report, “Working together…during the second and third waves of the pandemic” which showcases just some of the many inspiring partnerships between independent primary, community and diagnostic providers and the NHS during what has undoubtedly been the toughest winter in the health service’s history. “Staff working in the independent community health sector really have gone above and beyond to deliver the best possible care for NHS patients – breaking down traditional organisational boundaries and collaborating in new and innovative ways with the NHS. This incredible work includes delivering support to COVID patients in the community, providing much needed remote appointments and consultations and helping to clear the growing backlog of routine NHS procedures in the community, as well as Virgin Care’s work to adapt and launch accessible services in line with COVID restrictions. “While COVID cases have now thankfully reduced with pressures easing on the health service independent providers across the primary, community and diagnostics sector remain committed to supporting the NHS and building on this partnership working – locking in some of the key innovations that have come about during the pandemic and ensuring patients can access the care they need as the recovery of the health service continues.” Weekend healthcare recruitment events… Emmanuel sings praises of healthcare role November 18, 2021 We’re having a Recruitment Open Day in Gravesend and Minster on Sea, on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th November. The Learning Enterprise rated ‘Outstanding’ in first Ofsted inspection November 9, 2021 Our learning and development arm The Learning Enterprise has achieved an overall ‘Outstanding’ effectiveness rating at its first full Ofsted inspection. New accessible location for Sexual Health Teesside service November 1, 2021 We’ve moved! Our Sexual Health Teesside service has a new home from today. Helping children to make healthy choices November 1, 2021 Our Essex Child and Family Wellbeing Service is helping Looked After Children in Essex unlock the knowledge they need to make healthy, balanced food choices – empowering them to make informed decisions about their diet and physical health. Hear about the difference we're making This form collects your personal data in accordance with our Privacy Policy I consent to receiving updates from Virgin Care about its work. * Contact us FTD Awards Media contacts Feedback Compliments and complaints You can also follow us online. 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