This report seeks approval for the extension of the enhanced Infection Prevention Control (IPC) service provided by Wirral Community Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust, to maintain increased capacity within the specialist community team to continue to effectively support local settings, in responding to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

It is proposed to utilise Contain Outbreak Management Funding to extend the enhanced IPC Service to cover the period 1^st April 2022 - 31^st March 2023. The Community IPC contract with Wirral Community Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust will be varied to reflect the additional requirements.

This funding will provide continuity of service, whilst enabling a period of transition, to enhance skills and experience across providers and settings and develop a more sustainable high standard of IPC for the future.

This action supports the Wirral Plan 2021-26 theme, Active and Healthy Lives.