Monthly archives: March 2020

myConnect – Intranet in your pocket

Our myConnect app aims to enable colleagues to access news and information from across the organisation from the comfort of their smartphone.

Our COVID-19 daily bulletins are available here as they are published and are a great way to get information from the Trust as it happens.

You can now also access all of the Unity Quick reference guides, standard operating procedures and Trust policies through the app.

myConnect is compatible with both iPhones and Android handsets, and is available to download from the Apple Appstore as well as the Google Playstore, simply search for ‘SWBH MyConnect’.

If you have any questions on how the app will work or if you would like to be able to share your content through the app, contact Subtan Mahmood, Internal Communications Manager on Subtan.Mahmood@nhs.net or ext. 4840.

Poison Prevention Week

Every year in the UK there are around 160,000 NHS emergency department presentations as a result of poisoning; this could be due to self-harm, drug misuse, medication errors etc. Therefore there is the need for healthcare professionals to access up-to-date information about the effects of these substances and their clinical management.

The National Poisons Information Service (NPIS) provides this information via the internet database TOXBASE as well as a 24-hour telephone advice line manned by specialists in poisons information, supported by consultant clinical toxicologists. The Birmingham unit of the NPIS is located at City Hospital with 10 Specialists in poisons information and two consultant clinical toxicologists.

Poison Prevention Week aims to raise awareness of poisoning and highlight the dangers of poisonings for people of all ages.

To celebrate the week, each day we will be offering tips around poison prevention and staying safe.

Today’s tip is:

Keep household products and medicines locked up.  Put them where children can’t see them or reach them.

Liquid laundry detergent capsules can cause severe poisonings in small children, drawn to them by their bright colours and appearance.  Although legislation was introduced to make packaging more secure exposures still occur and these should always be kept in a safe place.

Reed diffusers are a common cause of poisoning in young children and should always be kept out of reach of young children.  They contain a variety of different ingredients, some of which are extremely harmful.

For more information or if you would like assistance with the use of TOXBASE please do not hesitate to get in touch with michael.beech@nhs.net or e.moyns@nhs.net from the national poisons information service.

Technology benefits – order by 31 May

Here’s your chance to take home the latest technology and spread the cost, with affordable monthly payments from your salary.

Key features of the benefit include:

• Exchange some of your pay for the latest technology
• Fantastic range of products from top brands including Apple, HP, Samsung, Microsoft, Nintendo, Sonos and more
• Spread the cost over 36 months through the Technology Benefit and 24 months Smartphone Benefit
• Extended warranty or insurance included with most main packages
• No credit checks, upfront costs or deposits
• Make savings on National Insurance

Note: The order window will be open from April 1 and will close on 31 May

View the full range of products at www.swbhbenefits.co.uk

Reduced shuttle bus service today

Due to unforeseen circumstances there will only be an hourly service on  the shuttle bus today (Monday 16 March). The first shuttle today will leave City at 12pm. Please see limited time table below:

• City to Sandwell, 12pm
• Sandwell to City, 12.30pm
• City to Sandwell, 1pm
• Sandwell to City, 1.30pm
• City to Sandwell, 2pm
• Sandwell to City, 2.30pm
• City to Sandwell, 3pm
• Sandwell to City, 3.30pm
• City to Sandwell, 4pm
• Sandwell to City, 4.30pm
• City to Sandwell, 5pm
• Sandwell to City, 5.30pm – This will be the last shuttle

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Star of the Week – Edward Fogden, Gastroenterology Consultant

Congratulations are in order for a consultant who has been praised far and wide for the amazing care and support he has been providing patients in the BTC.

Edward Fogden, Gastroenterology Consultant was nominated for the Star of the Week award by Dr Eoin Dore, ACCS CT2 anaesthetics.

Nominating Edward for the award, Eoin said: “He is a example of excellence in dealing with trainees and his use/encouragement of the exception reporting system when trainees/junior doctors have to stay late to cover clinical issues. Despite his very busy schedule, his ward rounds are known for being excellent for teaching. His example was brought up for good practice and will be used as an example of this.”

Well done Edward!

Do you know someone in your team that has gone above and beyond the call of duty? Why not put them forward for Star of the Week by clicking here.

Heartbeat: Three astonishing decades in science

Carolyn Potter, Senior Assistant Technical Officer will be retiring after three decades dedicated to science.

Carolyn’s illustrious career began in May 1989 at City Hospital’s clinical chemistry department. Joining the Trust, she started as a medical laboratory assistant in the biochemistry sample reception.

“I was welcomed immediately and soon made to feel like an important member of the team by both management and my co-workers,” explained Carolyn who vividly remembers her first day.

As the years passed, there was a slight restructure in the department where chemistry and haematology worked together under one lab to better improve productivity. Though initially, these were challenging times, Carolyn thoroughly enjoyed her role and not long after the team was expanded due to the quality of work produced consistently both inside and outside of the lab.

A senior assistant technical officer role often involves having to balance a varied workload whilst ensuring all the medical laboratory assistants are supported. Carolyn said: “I have been doing the rotas for the department and all of the paperwork that goes into making sure the department runs smoothly for numerous years now.”

“I look after the welfare of our medical laboratory assistants and any issues that they may have. I also manage annual leave and the ordering of products for our department which certainly keeps me busy alongside my bench work.”

Carolyn’s colleagues across the organisation are full of praise for her work and contributions over the past 30 years. Meena Khatun, Medical Laboratory Assistant, said: “Carolyn is a wonderful, caring person as a colleague, supervisor and friend. She runs the pathology sample reception to perfection and is the go-to person for anything and everything.”

Elaine Williams, Medical Laboratory Assistant echoes these thoughts and said: “Carolyn is the matriarch of sample reception. She’s headstrong and has a big heart. We all know and love her as a work colleague and friend. I am glad to have had the pleasure of working alongside her and under her wing for all these years.”

We hope you join us in wishing Carolyn a happy retirement. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication to the Trust.

Star of the week – Neil Davies, Community Transport Driver

Congratulations are in order for a community transport driver who has been described as ‘incredibly helpful’ by colleagues.

Neil Davies is a community transport driver who has been working at our Trust for over 15 years in a range of roles and most recently has been turning his hand to transport.

Nominating Neil for the award, Interim Clinical Directorate Lead for iBeds wrote, “Neil is consistently an asset to our PCCT team, frequently assisting with a number of last minute requests for transport of patients, equipment and other essential supporting roles.

On Wednesday he worked exceptionally hard to facilitate the transfer of patients at extremely short notice from Leasowes to different locations in our area, taking some to new ward locations at Rowley and at City sites, as well as taking some patients to their own homes.

He worked tirelessly with the team, transporting nine patients from the unit, releasing vital capacity for our Patient Transport Service. He worked with positivity and enthusiasm throughout and without him we wouldn’t have successfully completed the move within the day. He reassured anxious patients and helped to keep the whole team positive.”

Thank you Neil, your hard work is highly valued by us all!

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COVID-19 bulletin: Sunday 15 March

The Trust is now publishing a daily bulletin. This will take all guidance and information and tell you which changes we are implementing when and how. Please use this bulletin and daily cascade arrangements within clinical groups to guide local action.  Remember KINDNESS is our watchword in implementing these changes.

1. Changes to non-urgent surgical procedures and outpatient appointments

Changes to outpatient appointments begin next week with many clinic appointments taking place over the telephone instead of face to face. Patients whose appointments have changed are being contacted directly.

Most routine surgical procedures requiring inpatient beds have been postponed to free up beds for an increased number of patients who need to be admitted.

2. Collating information on staff carer responsibilities and clinical experience 

An exercise is taking place to understand the caring responsibilities of all colleagues including assessment of the number of clinicians who are currently working in non-clinical roles and people with critical care experience within the past five years. This will help us to put arrangements in place to support our clinical areas and to help people if schools and nurseries should close. An online survey will be distributed tomorrow Monday 16^th March.

3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Our Trust policy on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) remains as follows:

Patients who have tested positive for coronavirus:

• Gloves
• Long sleeve gown
• FFP3/respirator hood
• Face visor
• Hijab wearers will need to cover with disposable theatre hat to ensure full coverage
• All staff required to wear scrubs
• Strict hand hygiene

Patients who are suspected of being positive for coronavirus:

• Gloves
• Plastic apron
• Surgical mask
• Strict hand hygiene

Today and overnight, any shortages of PPE can be collected from the capacity offices at both Sandwell and City sites.

4. Handwashing and infection control practices

Proper handwashing is essential. Please take a moment to watch this video on how to wash your hands thoroughly.

Bare below the elbow – please ensure that you are bare below the elbow whilst in clinical areas. This means your sleeves must be rolled up and any wrist jewellery should be removed, prior to entering the area.

Lanyards – should not be worn in clinical areas – If you are a member of staff who wears a lanyard, please remove it before entering a ward or clinical area.

Coats and bags – Outdoor coats should be removed prior to entering a clinical area and should be placed, along with bags in lockers. They should not be taken into the main ward area.

5. Make sure you understand the different precautions between our query COVID-19 and our asymptomatic wards

This weekend we have divided each of our A&E departments and created some new AMU areas. Next week we will probably need to do the same with ITU.  It is important you know which ward is which.  If you work as a pharmacist, therapist, porter or WSO and move between our wards we ask you pay particular attention guiding you.  If you are unsure on the precautions you need to take, talk to your line manager or contact our Infection Control team.  Please do not wear COVID PPE in general hospitals areas or corridors.

6. Shower and rest facilities for staff

Colleagues have asked for information on shower and rest facilities at City and Sandwell Hospitals. Please see attached a guide to where the facilities are including access codes.

The Connect coronavirus page is continually being updated with the latest news and guidance regarding the virus, please take the time to read and familiarise yourself with the available guidance.

COVID-19 Bulletin: Saturday 14 March

The Trust is now publishing a daily bulletin. This will take all guidance and information and tell you which changes we are implementing when and how. Please use this bulletin and daily cascade arrangements within clinical groups to guide local action.  Remember KINDNESS is our watchword in implementing these changes.

1. Confirmation of people who have tested positive

Announced today are people who have tested positive in our area including, sadly, a death at City Hospital on Thursday evening. The patient, in his mid 80s, had a number of underlying health conditions. Thanks go to the colleagues who calmly and thoughtfully cared for the patient and supported his relative. Our thoughts and condolences are with the friends and family at this difficult time. To respect the interests of the patient’s family and to ensure we adhere to strict information governance we all have a responsibility as NHS staff to refrain from posting or commenting on social media or discussing details with friends and family. We are now monitoring social media accounts to actively look for breaches of confidentiality which let down the fantastic work teams across our Trust are doing

2. Visiting arrangements changed from 12noon today

At midday today our visiting arrangements (on all sites) change to protect patients, relatives and staff. There is no visiting apart from immediate next of kin who can remain with children, end of life patients and people who can’t make decisions for themselves (only for people covered in their notes as needing support because of mental capacity act regulations).

We have put digital phones and tablets in place in our ward areas so that patients can telephone or video call their family and friends. We hope this will help them stay in touch and reduce social isolation. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE EQUIPMENT SHOULD BE THOROUGHLY WIPED WITH CLINELL WIPES BETWEEN EACH USE

3. Who should self-isolate?

As you are aware, the guidelines for self-isolation have changed and this applies to staff as well as the public. People are advised to stay at home (self-isolate) without any testing for COVID-19, regardless of travel history or contact with confirmed cases, if they have:

• A new continuous cough, OR
• High temperature (of 37.8 degrees centigrade or higher)

Individuals should stay at home (self-isolate) for 7 days from the onset of symptoms following the current advice. If someone has serious symptoms they cannot manage at home they should use NHS 111 online (people should only call NHS111 if they cannot get online).

After 7 days of self-isolation, people who feel better and no longer have a high temperature can return to their normal routine. This includes back to work in a healthcare setting. If they have not had any signs of improvement after 7 days and have not already sought medical advice, they should use NHS111 online (people should only call NHS111 if they cannot get online) before they leave their home or let visitors in.  The cough may persist for several weeks in some people, despite the coronavirus infection having cleared. A persistent cough alone does not mean someone must continue to stay at home for more than 7 days.

Staff who have been in contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case are able to carry on working if they are asymptomatic. They should self-isolate for 7 days if they have symptoms.

4. Should my patient be tested for coronavirus?

In line with national guidelines there will be no further testing in the community. Testing is now only for inpatients regardless of travel history if they present with

• Either clinical or radiological evidence of pneumonia
• Acute respiratory distress syndrome
• influenza like illness (fever ≥37.8°C and at least one of the following respiratory symptoms, which must be of acute onset: persistent cough (with or without sputum), hoarseness, nasal discharge or congestion, shortness of breath, sore throat, wheezing, sneezing)

Clinicians should be alert to the possibility of atypical presentations in patients who are immunocompromised.

5. I don’t know how to test my patient for coronavirus.

The Specimen Collection Advice gives you all the information you need for taking swabs including what Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to put on and what to do with the specimen. Remember that it is only certain patients (see point above) that need testing.

Chief Executive’s Message – Friday 13 March

I emailed everyone who works in the organisation yesterday to say thank you for your hard work during the first phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic. We are entering a new phase where our beds, ability to operate, and models of isolation will be changing rapidly. To reiterate my message of yesterday please familiarise yourself with the Trust’s plans. The headline for that plan remains a focus on kindness during difficult times with worried colleagues, visitors and patients anxious for information and advice.

Tomorrow at midday we will cease allowing visitors into our ward areas; a decision taken on Thursday morning and notified to give advance warning, albeit with specified exceptions. From Monday not only will very little planned surgery take place, but many outpatient appointments will start to be re-booked on a video or phone basis. In the Frequently Asked Questions document we issued with yesterday’s COVID e-bulletin we outlined how we would approach home and remote working for staff. That is not yet our applied plan unless you need to self-isolate. The guidance for that from Public Health England changes regularly and you need to make sure you are up to date – please focus most on symptoms and exposure, not simply country of travel.

We are beginning to see positive test results for the virus and my thanks to those who are calmly and thoughtfully looking after our patients. Every person is different and whilst nationwide media will report numbers we need to talk about individuals. The Prime Minister made clear yesterday the likely impact of COVID-19 on many communities, and I would hope you are able not only to think about our plans at work but also now to focus on home and on neighbours. As we move into social distancing it is really important that we support people in our street or building who may need us as help or as friends, even remotely or through barriers. The community response to this virus will be as important as the clinical one if we are to be among the countries with a 1% not a 4% mortality rate.

Star of the week continues! Ed Fogden (consultant GI physician) was nominated for his work and support of wellbeing work among our doctors in training. The Trust is doing some relatively ground-breaking work on rest and on psychological support, as well as our wider yoga and relaxation initiatives. I am sure there will be much more to say on that in future, but Ed’s sponsorship of that work and support for them was called out by colleagues and so he is today’s lucky winner.

The countdown to the University Hospital at Midland Met also continues. This week our fantastic public fundraising campaign launched. We are already over 30% of the way towards our £2.5m target. Heartbeat as always contains details of people’s efforts to raise money, whether it is Amber Markham on this month’s back page, or next month’s reveal of the combined plans of the Trust’s executive leaders!

This week both Dinah Mclannahan and Martin Sadler were successful in being appointed substantively as directors of the Trust. Martin has led our IT stabilisation work since last year, and Dinah has moved from her deputy role, through an acting position, into the Board role of Chief Finance Officer. The NHS Long Term Plan demands a long term view of financial risk and return, and thoughtful management of how we invest up front in prevention. I hope you will join me in wishing both new hires every success.

I was delighted that today’s Quality Improvement Half Day saw the launch of the Learning GEMS “product”. Getting our learning arrangements to be effective in the Trust is about more than training or courses: It also about how we create and share knowledge and insight across our organisation. Shout Outs celebrate individual endeavours and GEMS are closely allied to that, looking to understand what has been learnt from a project or change. For a long time we have talked about lessons from error and from excellence and I am hopeful that there is much to share from the latter through the GEMs work. QIHD time itself is a great chance to polish those GEMS, and the first actual QIHD league table is now out. Unlike in sport, everyone can come first, so going for Gold is entirely possible. Our silver QIHD teams typically have great attendance, multi–professional involvement, and a plan for future improvement work. I know it is not easy to do any of that, but I am also delighted so many teams are getting into that habit. And yes, in April and May it may be that QI becomes a temporarily virtual activity….(keep an eye on our Covid bulletins).

The QIHD League Table

While I am sharing better news, some of our teams are doing outstandingly well on our current audit on cannula documentation and discharge checklists. This work unashamedly comes from an unfortunate incident, but it also links directly to the need to make sure that our underlying Safety Culture is precise and accurate. Even if some QI work is stood down, a focus on safety basics is even more vital right now. Inserting or removing a cannula should be documented, timed and reviewed. In some of our stronger teams that is already an embedded approach – so Shout Out to D6, D19, Lyndon Ground, D21, D47, McCarthy, and especially Newton 3 for leading the way.