Monthly archives: May 2020
COVID-19 Bulletin: Monday 18 May
This is our seven days a week bulletin. Please use this bulletin and cascade arrangements within care and corporate groups to guide your actions. Throughout May we are determined to reduce avoidable harm and death in the people we are taking care of. Kindness remains the guiding principle of all the actions in our work to tackle the virus – kindness in how we look after patients, visitors, and one another.
At the foot of this message we draw attention to our swabbing pathway. That is emphasised because this weekend we have identified a handful of un-swabbed inpatient admissions, and because back in March we were not swabbing all asymptomatic patients on discharge. It is important you apply now the policy as appended. That may vary from historic practice but it must be our standard approach. Thank you.
Numbers not statistics: Today’s totals (Yesterday’s totals)
| Number of our patients confirmed with COVID-19 during the pandemic | Number of positive COVID-19 patients who have been discharged during the pandemic | Number of patients who have died in our hospitals who tested positive for COVID-19 during the pandemic | Number of patients entered by the Trust into a COVID-19 research trial to date | Number of COVID-19 positive patients who are inpatients with us today | Number of our staff absent due to ill-health or isolation today |
| 1190
(1172) |
782
(777) |
334
(332) |
115
(114) |
74
(63) |
570
(615) |
1. Our Wellbeing Sanctuary: Take time for you
Your health and wellbeing remains paramount which is why we opened our COVID-19 wellbeing sanctuary based at The Learning Works, Unett Street, Smethwick, and would recommend you take advantage of what is on offer. The Sanctuary is accessible to all colleagues and offers a range of health and wellbeing activities. You can also pop in for a coffee and chat, or just to relax. Daily sanctuary sessions include:
- Deep Relaxation and Breathing through Soundscape – Travel from the peaks of the Himalayas to the depths of the oceans of Bali relaxing in harmonious tranquillity.
- Music Therapy – A time to find inner stillness through the tranquillity of relaxing sound vibrations.
- Restorative Clinical Supervision (Health and Wellbeing Lead) – A safe and confidential space to explore the impact of work pressures.
- Unwind with Mindfulness – Breathe and Relax. Enjoy the power of connection and self-kindness.
Many colleagues are already taking advantage of the services on offer. A ward services officer who has been visiting the Wellbeing Sanctuary on a regular basis told us. “I have been off work with anxiety and the help I am getting here is really helping me to get my mind ready so I am able to return to work. The colleagues here are wonderful, I would definitely recommend it.”
Sessions last between 20 and 40 minutes. See the full timetable here. You can book a session by calling 0121 507 5886.
2. Outpatients by video
Visionable is our online tool that enables us to hold virtual clinics with patients via a videolink working from both laptops or desktops. Patients can use their mobile phones or a tablet. The Visionable system is in use across outpatients and is our default system to use for clinic appointments. A handful of pre-agreed exceptions for certain circumstances will be in place where a face-to-face appointment is necessary. Visionable enables clinicians to see patients safely whilst practicing social distancing. It also supports the involvement of family members who do not live locally.
Today Consultant Paediatrician Nick Makwana demonstrates how you can setup your clinics on Visionable so that you can continue to see your patients.
Further information on Visionable is available in the attached Standard Operating Procedure.
For more information on the new system or to obtain your access, contact Mark Whitehouse on markwhitehouse@nhs.net
3. It is important that you take annual leave
There is no annual leave ban in place at the Trust so everyone’s encouraged to take a break. Please have a think about your leave plans for July, August and September and try and confirm them with your line manager.
We want to put in place security of service supply so that patients who have been waiting for some time are able to be booked in for care. Numbers may not be huge but it is important any bookings we make are honoured. In July we will publish guidance on spreading leave over the period to March 2022. So we are encouraging everyone to make plans now for the summer. That helps your wellbeing and ensures we do right by our patients.
4. More services are back up at BTC this week
Re-introducing elective surgery for our patients this week
A dedicated elective care facility has been created in our Adult Surgical Unit, in the BTC. The unit provides an extended range of surgical procedures and a 48 hour inpatient facility.
The unit has an enhanced team of ward services colleagues to provide cleaning schedules to minimise the environmental risks associated with COVID -19. Patients are requested to self- isolate for 14 days prior and have a swab taken for COVID-19 72 hours prior to their date for surgery. Our first patients are scheduled for tomorrow (Tuesday 19 May) and over this week we will be undertaking ENT, orthopaedic and general surgical lists.
Routine diagnostic imaging has re commenced at BTC today
Patients who had their appointments postponed in March are now being asked to attend for their MRI, CT, US or x-ray test. The waiting list has been reviewed and prioritised so that the first cohort of patients to be booked are those with the most clinical need.
All the patients are being contacted directly by telephone and are asked a number of questions to ensure that they are not exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19. This ensures that the BTC remains a Blue area so that patients and colleagues remain safe. The patients will enter through the main door and be given hand sanitiser and masks to ensure that the BTC and the imaging facilities remain Covid free. It is recognised that normal service is not exactly resumed due to the need to adjust appointment times and availability to facilitate social distancing, however this is a welcome start to our journey of recovery. #greenshoots
5. Patient swabbing pathway
Over 780 of our patients who were COVID+ have now been discharged in to the community to recover and recuperate in the surroundings of their own home.
To ensure that we are able to safely admit patients and have a plan on their route through our hospitals and services we have devised the attached Patient Swabbing Pathway to illustrate the points at which patients will be swabbed and how they will be supported through our services.
Infection control message: Do not use fans, instead open windows
With the temperature rising in wards, areas and departments due to the summer months approaching, we’re strongly encouraging all colleagues to open windows for better circulation.
Do not use fans.
Using fans can disperse airborne particles which could increase the spread of COVID-19. Also fans and more importantly the blades on fans cannot be properly cleaned to meet Trust infection control standards which could result in the increased risk of transmission of any microorganisms.
By opening windows during the summer months it will help increase the natural ventilation around wards and departments. This enables greater dispersal of any airborne particles.
If you need further advice you can contact the infection control team on ext. 5900 or email swb-tr.SWBH-Team-InfectionControl@nhs.net.
Heartbeat: 106-year-old Connie bounces back after beating virus
Meet 106-year-old Connie Titchen. She is believed to be Britain’s oldest patient to overcome coronavirus, cared for by colleagues at City Hospital. The great grandmother of eight battled the virus for just less than three weeks and was given a clean bill of health by medics earlier this month.
Connie, who was born in 1913, has lived through two World Wars. She was admitted to City Hospital in mid- March with suspected pneumonia and was diagnosed with coronavirus soon afterwards. Connie said: “I feel very lucky that I have fought off this virus. I can’t wait to see my family.”
Connie’s granddaughter, Alex Jones, said her Nan bounces back from anything. “She has had an active life. She loved to dance, cycle and play golf. She has always cooked for herself too, although she likes a cheeky McDonalds now and then. I haven’t told her they are closed. I think the secret of her old age is that she is physically active and very independent. She had a hip operation in December and within 30 days she was walking again. She is amazing, and I know all the family can’t wait to see her.”
Alex added: “The care she has received at the hospital has been brilliant and I can’t fault it. During her stay, I was kept updated constantly by the nurses looking after her and that made me happy. I want to thank the staff for all they have done for her during her stay.”
Sister, Kelly Smith, who looked after Connie added: “It’s been fantastic to see Connie recover. She is amazing, and we did our best to nurse her back to health. We were pleased when she was given the all-clear. It’s nice to see patients leave our ward having beaten this virus.”
Mental Health Awareness Week
This week (18-24 May) marks Mental Health Awareness Week. This year’s theme is kindness which aptly ties in with our COVID-19 response.
As a Trust, we wholeheartedly support colleagues with all aspects of their mental health and wellbeing. We all need time to stop, think and process what’s going on and, that’s understandable as we find ourselves in unchartered territory.
Whether you need someone to talk to, someone to listen, or simply a way to relax, recharge and unwind – we have something to help you. On Connect you will find a health and wellbeing page packed with information to help you manage your psychological health.
Mental illness is a phrase that many of us are familiar with however we tend to only hear it used in conjunction with the more widely know conditions such as Schizophrenia or Depression. It a phrase that is often linked to suicide and unpredictable behaviour and whilst this may be true of some people, experiencing some conditions in some cases it doesn’t come close to capturing the wide range of mental illnesses that exist. Just like physical illness, mental illness has a vast range of conditions. If you would like to learn more about mental health conditions and illnesses you can click the link below to find out more.
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/
Requesting tests in Unity
Currently, approximately 75% of pathology requests are ordered correctly in Unity.
We need your continued focus on reducing the use of paper requests, improving marking of the sample as collected and, the correct application of labels on sample bottles. All these require the correct process for ordering of samples to occur. The impact is that 25% of results do not come back as solicited results and are therefore not endorsable.
To date there have been 155,000 tests ordered in Unity. We have seen 7,000 episodes of not recording samples collected, 4,000 where multiple labels were used and 35,000 times that Unity wasn’t used to order the sample. There are three process guides available, two of which will help colleagues undertake these procedures correctly. The additional guide outlines correct ordering process.
Please refer to these guides and make sure you understand what is required of you. If you need any clarity, please speak to your line manager in the first instance.
Sample collection
Ordering bloods
Affixing barcode labels
This remains an important aspect of our care and we are seeing a few more incidents with results being missed. We need to build on the good work done already.
Mental Health Awareness Week
This week (18-24 May) marks Mental Health Awareness Week. This year’s theme is kindness which aptly ties in with our COVID-19 response.
As a Trust, we wholeheartedly support colleagues with all aspects of their mental health and wellbeing. We all need time to stop, think and process what’s going on and, that’s understandable as we find ourselves in unchartered territory.
Whether you need someone to talk to, someone to listen, or simply a way to relax, recharge and unwind – we have something to help you. On Connect you will find a health and wellbeing page packed with information to help you manage your psychological health.
The Mental Health Foundation have shared a video about kindness to kickstart mental health awareness week. You can watch it here.
[embed]https://youtu.be/Qcyc68d6OAk[/embed]
Mental Health Awareness Week
This week we are marking Mental Health Awareness Week. This year’s theme is kindness which aptly ties in with our COVID-19 response.
A helpful subject to think about during this week is the difference between mental health and mental illness. We all have mental health in the same way we all have physical health. We can have poor mental health, if for example we are suffering from stress and it is disrupting our daily life, however this doesn’t mean we are mentally ill. In the same way we can have physical health conditions, for example high cholesterol, which isn’t an illness in itself, however, if it is ignored it could lead to problems further down the line. It’s important to realise that the same principles apply to our mental health in the same way they do our physical wellbeing.
Mental health is something we all have all the time, by being aware of it and looking after it we are more likely to stay mentally healthy during our lives.
The following short video from the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Charities is specifically aimed at younger people; and explains mental health in more detail.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=754__xBsak4
#Kindnessmatters
Heartbeat: Ramadan during COVID-19
This year Ramadan has been a different experience as places of religious worship of all denominations are closed across the UK. Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection, self-improvement, and heightened devotion and worship. Muslims are expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam and perhaps with the events of 2020 so far it will play an even more important part in the lives of many people.
Typically, Ramadan lasts for 29-30 days and ends with the celebration of Eid- Ul-Fitr. Many Muslims will fast each day from sunrise to sunset. This includes not eating food, drinking liquids or smoking. It is common to have one meal known as the suhoor just before sunrise and an evening meal known as Iftar after sunset.
It’s also a time for charitable activity, some people may make donations, and others may participate in events. This year there is lots of activity going on in and around our Trust which colleagues may wish to participate in.
Respecting the important role of Ramadan is something we support at our Trust. This year we will be doing things a little differently. Some of the key changes include:
- Prayer facilities will be available in ‘hot areas’ to enable colleagues to pray without leaving the area
- Prayer mats will be available in local prayer areas with disposable covers
- Colleagues will be offered night shifts
- Food will be made available to breakfast at the correct time.
Fasting is a central part of Ramadan. It is, however, important to highlight that some people and indeed patients we may see might be exempt from fasting. These people include:
- All those who are unable to fast due to illness (physical or mental) or being frail
- Pregnant and menstruating women
- Lactating women who have concerns about their own, or their child’s health.
It’s also worth noting that some medical procedures do not break fasting. These may include things such as:
- Injections (Intravenous, intramuscular, intracardiac, intraosseous, intradermal and subcutaneous)
- Taking bloods (thumb prick or intravenous)
- Eye or ear drops (unless the tympanic membrane is perforated)
- Urethral infusion, transdermal patch (i.e. nicotine patches), concentrate oxygen, epidural analgesia and haemodialysis.
Dr Parijat De, Consultant in Diabetes and Endocrinology commented: “Exemptions exist for people with serious medical conditions, including many with diabetes, but a large number will participate, often against medical advice. With the correct advice and support from health care practitioners and local guidelines, many people with type 2 diabetes and other medical conditions may be able to fast safely during Ramadan.”
COVID-19 Bulletin: Sunday 17 May
This is our seven days a week bulletin. Please use this bulletin and cascade arrangements within care and corporate groups to guide your actions. Throughout May we are determined to reduce avoidable harm and death in the people we are taking care of. Kindness remains the guiding principle of all the actions in our work to tackle the virus – kindness in how we look after patients, visitors, and one another.
Stay alert is the government’s strapline for May and June. For us that means getting our basics right. Handwashing and social distancing are essential parts of our work to make sure COVID-19 is not spread inside our organisation, between us, or from us to our patients. We know that cross infection is a real risk, so all of us need to be part of role modelling and challenging behaviours or practices that do not support our work on public health. Please play your part and help others to do the same. It’s ok to ask someone whether they have washed their hands, it’s ok to say don’t stand so close to me.
- Risk assessments available for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) colleagues
On Friday, a Chief Executive-led review meeting with senior staff from BAME backgrounds will look through the evidence and risk assessments to consider how best we approach staffing arrangements during June, July and August. It is already the case that any colleague from a BAME background can request, and indeed insist, on a new risk assessment of their work status.
This renewed risk assessment can be done by:
- Talking to your line manager who will work through the options with you.
- Contacting our HR advice line on ext 3116 who will work ‘independently’ with you.
- Contacting tobylewis@nhs.net who is the executive sponsor for the Trust’s Black and Minority Ethnic Staff Network, who will oversee work to support you.
Medical Director David Carruthers along with Toby will be hosting the forthcoming session to co-design with colleagues what approach we need to take, as we move into a time where we are both managing COVID-19 and implementing the Restoration and Recovery Plan to re-open some services in May and June, and most services in July.
- Research & Development – We know #sciencewins when finding a cure
There is now a COVID-19 treatment trial open for patients being seen by GPs in our Your Health Partnership Directorate (YHP). This includes residents of care homes who are able to consent to participate.
The trial is open to people with COVID-19 symptoms who are over the age of 65 with or without other health problems and for patients who are between 50 and 64 who have one of a number of pre-existing health conditions. Dr Abdul Tabassum, from YHP, is the principal investigator for this study.
The study is currently evaluating whether a seven-day course of hydroxychloroquine, a well-known drug used for acute malaria and certain types of arthritis, can reduce the severity of symptoms in vulnerable groups and help avoid hospital admission. The antibiotic azithromycin will soon be added to the trial. If a patient is registered with YHP and meets the criteria for this study they may get a text inviting them to join if they develop COVID-19 symptoms.
Alternatively if you think you could take part go to https://www.phctrials.ox.ac.uk/principle-trial/how-to-join.
As with all of our other COVID-19 research, if you want to know more, please contact Gina Dutton, Head of Research and Development.
- QIHD – We want to your ideas to help inform our restoration plans
Many of you took part in our virtual QIHD, held on Wednesday 13th May, which focused on learning from COVID-19. It was a chance for teams to shape their future strategy around our organisation’s Restoration and Recovery Plan, which is being developed this month for approval at June’s Trust Board.
We need your outcome reports from these QIHDs urgently as they will help inform our restoration plans – so we want to hear from you. Our emphasis remains on things that could make a difference to outcome, whether that is trial enrolment, proning or oxygen prescription. There will be no going back, so please grab this chance to say what works best.
Email your outcome reports to: swbh.qihdadmin@nhs.net.
- Recharge booth – Get your fix on Thursday
The Recharge Booth is a ‘virtual’ space that allows you to come together with others, reflect, recharge, decompress, and join a safe and confidential discussion. You can get involved with the booth by either listening in or by sharing your story. These stories are important learning for all of us. Please consider if sharing your experience would help you or us. The Recharge Booth will be open every Thursday from 2pm for 20-30 minutes to hear a different story each time from a colleague who has put themselves forward to share an experience that they want to talk about – it can be anything but likely to be COVID-19 related to begin with.
For more information please contact Richard Burnell on 07747 144874 or Claire Hubbard on 07866 004575. If you would like to be part of the Recharge Booth, drop an email to swbh.rechargebooth@nhs.net. A WebEx invite will be sent to your outlook diary, and you will simply need to click on the ‘join’ button to enter..
- Working From Home (WFH) – new guidance to be issued for June
So far the Trust has issued two sets of WFH guidance. The most recent on 7th April.
Further guidance will come out on 27th May for the period to the end of July 2020.
- If you are working from home you must have the written agreement of your line manager, work in a non-clinical function, have emailed wfh@nhs.net and downloaded our myConnect App onto your mobile.
- If you are self-isolating because of your own symptoms or those of your loved ones, you must contact your line manager who will register your absence on ESR. If you have not done that, or are not sure that your line manager has, please contact your line manager or log into ESR.
- If you are shielding because of a notified condition having received a letter from your GP or NHS England last week, please make sure your line manager has updated your record on ESR.
If you are not sure which of the above applies to you, please ring HR on extension 3116. You can read the full guidance here.
Look out for the revised June and July guidance, and space to talk in Team Talk this month about some of the principles which will sit behind our longer term home working model. It is really important that we make it simple and rewarding to work from home, fair on those who do, and those who don’t – and we support people managing those who WFH.
PDRs can be done by WebEx!
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 16 May
Numbers not statistics: Today’s totals (Yesterday’s totals) |
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This is our everyday bulletin. Please use this bulletin and cascade arrangements within care and corporate groups to guide your actions. Throughout May we are determined to reduce avoidable harm and death in the people we are taking care of. Kindness remains the guiding principle of all the actions in our work to tackle the virus – kindness in how we look after patients, visitors, and one another.
Social distancing doesn’t only apply when you are standing in the queue of a supermarket or getting your lunch, social distancing is now a way of life as we manage our response to COVID-19. Make sure this is observed whatever you are doing.
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