Our SPOC form allows settings across Newcastle upon Tyne to submit information about confirmed cases of COVID-19. At this time, whilst prevalence of COVID-19 is relatively low it is only necessary to report confirmed COVID-19 cases in certain circumstances. The criterion for submitting a form is A) Sensitivity or tensions raised by the community, media or that are politically sensitive B) Business continuity issues related to staffing in Health & Social Care settings or where the numbers of affected residents and service users creates an operational risk.
The SPOC form allows providers to select YES/NO to business continuity issues so that commissioning colleagues can provide timely guidance. Newcastle City Council may need to contact you to confirm further details and will use the information you provide to support your setting with appropriate guidance and take appropriate public health action. The details you give will not be published but may be securely shared with other organisations to deliver effective COVID-19 controls. The Dutyspoc@newcastle.gov.uk e-mail is for settings to use should they have any specific queries regarding COVID-19 or any other public health matters. The Duty SPOC inbox will be available Monday to Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm, whereby you can expect a same day response from a public health specialist.
Reporting to the Health Protection Team for Health & Social Care providers telephone – 0300 303 8596.
An outbreak consists of 2 or more positive linked cases of COVID-19, within the same setting within a 14-day period (this means where the cases are linked to transmission in the care setting). This applies to both staff and residents and includes PCR and lateral flow test results
You can also contact the Health Protection team for advice / support if you have concerns about other infections.
To get started, please select your organisation type below: