Case studies

Walsall council used mobile testing and adapted their approach to reach different groups.

Manchester City Council introduced mobile testing units in five locations across the two areas and an asymptomatic rapid testing site at Moss Side Leisure Centre was converted into a PCR testing site.

Surge testing started in parts of Bristol and South Gloucestershire in February after 11 cases of the UK variant with E484K mutation were identified as part of routine sampling.

The Government announced that surge testing was to take place in Norfolk on Tuesday 16 February.  The testing started the following day focussing on the market towns of Diss and Roydon, which are home to around 10,000 people. 

Ealing Council was among the first wave of councils asked to do surge testing after a case of the South African variant that could not be directly linked to travel was identified.

Hertfordshire was part of the first wave of eight council who were asked to carry out surge testing from February. One case of the South African variant that could not be linked back to travel had been identified.

Lewisham focussed on gathering intelligence about vaccination concerns through a survey sent to residents in January, to help it tailor its messaging and communications.

The NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight Covid Vaccination Programme, which incorporates local government public health representation, has set up an inequalities sub-group to its strategic board, which has been looking at those that are a particular risk of not taking up the vaccine. 

The aims of the SCDIA Digital Discharge to Assess project were to develop a cloud-based case management system that did not depend on a single IT partner or supplier; allow users (with appropriate permissions) to capture, update, track, and report on data about a person’s journey through the Discharge to Assess process; create a ‘single version of the truth’, with a raft of associated patient benefits and service efficiencies.

This collaborative project set out to help people with learning disabilities live more independently, particularly after the Covid pandemic. This was done by developing and implementing virtual support through a provider that guides people through information and learning materials to develop their employability and better manage their mental health and wellbeing.