Monthly archives: November 2020

Occupational therapy week: Occupational therapy during COVID-19

This year has been a challenging one for the occupational therapy (OT) profession, with many OTs having to transition to telehealth practice for virtual visiting and academic courses taking place online. Video conferencing has become the norm and lunch times catch ups have been restricted.

However, OTs are always up for a challenge and by thinking outside of the box they have made it work. Adapting activity is one of the unique skills of the OT and they know being able ’to do’ improves health and wellbeing. So, what did they do exactly? They focused on providing alternative ways for our patients to be social, despite being apart, signposting to services that could support patients when family could not and promoting positive mental health, habits, and routines.

This out of the box thinking also resulted in a change that brought together OTs from all clinical areas to share experiences, best practice and raise the profile of OT within the Trust and beyond. The senior OT team set up regular monthly meetings with the OT service lead to explore ways this could be achieved.

It was agreed that a range of activities would be done including the launch of an OT development group, OT twitter account and OT specific quality improvement half days to share knowledge and skills.

The first meeting of the OT development group took place in August. Ideas were collected for future group topics and collectively agreed ‘a shared vision’ for the profession with the Trust. The feedback from the group was really positive with OTs saying ‘it was nice to be able to network with colleagues’ (Sam Hull, Advanced OT) and ‘it’s nice to give the profession the recognition it deserves’ (Ellis Worth, Specialist OT). Future meetings will be held every two months and will be a great opportunity for networking (COVID-19 permitting).

In addition to the OT development group they have now also held two profession specific quality improvement half days focusing on cognitive assessment and rehabilitation facilitated by OTs from stroke and neurology and rapid response. These sessions were a mix of presentations and case discussions designed to get everyone involved and sharing knowledge and skills. OT plan to continue with these regular meetings developing a skilled OT Team who are confident to speak up for the profession.

If you would like to know more about OT within your clinical area contact aimeeturner@nhs.net.

National staff survey – 32 per cent of colleagues have already had their say

32 per cent of colleagues in the organisation have now responded to the annual NHS Staff Survey. The survey allows our Trust to see what issues colleagues raise and understand how to make improvements. In order to ensure that any changes made as a result truly reflect the views of all colleagues, we need more of you to have your say.

The national survey is mandatory for all NHS organisations and the results inform national initiatives that can help support improvements in staff experience and well-being. Importantly we are able to benchmark our results against other organisations. This helps us to see where we excel compared to other, similar organisations and also where we are not as good as some other Trusts. Looking at those Trusts that score more highly than us in certain areas will provide a good way of us to learn from other high performing organisations.

The results are also used by NHS England to support national assessments of quality and safety and the Care Quality Commission uses the results to inform their Intelligent Monitoring work to help to decide who, where and what to inspect.

Every member of staff has been given the opportunity to have their say. Surveys will be distributed predominantly through email with a small number of colleagues receiving papers copies. Please take the time to complete yours. The results will be reviewed and acted upon so we can make our organisation a great place to work. We had our highest response rate ever last year so let’s see if we can beat that!

If you are one of the first 100 people to respond you could win £200 worth of shopping vouchers. There will also be further opportunities to win; with £50 worth of shopping vouchers being available to six lucky winners!

Note: The email survey will come from survey@quality-health.co.uk (with the subject heading NHS Staff Survey 2020 Invitation: Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust). If you have not received your survey, please contact the communications team on ext. 5303 or email swbh.comms@nhs.net. The survey will be open until the end of November.

Do you know your flu facts from your flu myths?

Think you know your flu facts from your myths? If so, put your knowledge to the test. All you need to do to enter is tell us which statements are true and which are false. E-mail your answers to swbh.comms@nhs.net and all correct answers will go into a draw to win a £20 love to shop voucher. Closing date for all entries is 5pm on 16 November.

1. You cannot get the flu from the flu vaccine
2. I have never had flu so I am unlikely to get it
3. Even if I don’t have symptoms of flu I can still spread it
4. You shouldn’t have the flu jab when you are pregnant
5. Once you have had the flu vaccine, you’re protected for life
6. Flu can be treated with antibiotics
7. Influenza strains typically change every year so last year’s vaccine may not protect you from this year’s strains
8. I didn’t have my jab in October so it’s too late now.

If you want to take advantage of your free flu vaccination, please see your local Flu-Per Trooper.

For more information, please check out the flu programme 2020 page on Connect.

Latest edition of Heartbeat now online

Check out the latest edition of Heartbeat online now.

What can you expect to find inside this month? Well, for starters we hosted our very first digital inclusion day. Plus, we’ve got all of this:

• Trust leading the way with COVID-19 research
• weLearn poster contest
• Your Shout Outs and our Stars of the Week.

You can email famena.nawaz@nhs.net if you have an idea for an article. If you prefer to have a chat (we love a good natter), you can call us on extension 5303.

Until next time…

Could you be one of our Freedom to Speak Up Guardians?

Could you play a vital role as a Guardian for Speaking up in our Trust? If you have a strong sense of fairness, a proactive approach and ability to be independent within a complex organisation that spans acute, primary care and community, then this could be a great role for you.

We are seeking to recruit Freedom to Speak Up Guardians to enable us to grow and continue to build upon our speak up culture. These roles will work alongside a full time Freedom to Speak up Guardian, which the Trust is in the process of recruiting to.

Applicants are open from colleagues from any role and any designation or seniority. What is required is that your group is happy to support your application and ensure that you receive a minimum of 7.5 hours per month protected time to support speak up cases, meeting attendances and training.

For further details please see FTSUG information sheet and FTSUG job description.

Note: Interviews will be held week commencing 23 November and 30 November.

For more information about the role or an informal chat, please email claire.hubbard2@nhs.net.

Please send your completed applications to katherine.bayley@nhs.net by midday, Friday 20 November remembering to include your supporting information.

COVID-19 Bulletin:Thursday 5 November 2020

Welcome to your Thursday edition of the COVID-19 bulletin. Today we are updating you on a number of pandemic response matters, including important changes so please make sure you read the bulletin thoroughly.

But before this the Trust wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for your outstanding efforts which have seen us through this far. Please do not neglect your wellbeing, but take the time to explore all that we offer across our organisation to help you retain your equilibrium whilst we continue to respond to the challenges of COVID-19.

Your own wellbeing, and that of your teams, remains vital, particularly as we see steady increases in the numbers of patients who are positive for COVID-19. If there is any other support that you think we could provide to you or your colleagues please get in touch. We want to make sure that we do all we can to support each other throughout these challenging times.

Numbers not statistics: This week (Last week)

1. Facemasks to be worn at all times in Trust buildings

Alongside the need to wear masks in clinical areas, colleagues must now also ensure that they don a fluid resistant surgical face mask before entering any Trust building. 

As COVID-19 becomes more prevalent in the community, there is a growing risk that colleagues in clinical and non-clinical areas may have mild or no COVID-19 symptoms and potentially risk transmitting the virus to colleagues. The need to now wear masks in all areas is one of the steps we are taking to reduce the risk of transmission from asymptomatic colleagues. Please ensure frequent hand washing / hand sanitising.

Please remember to dispose of your mask appropriately in a bin, as unfortunately we are experiencing an increasing number of discarded face masks on the ground which pose a risk to those tasked with removing them.

FAQs:

I work behind a screen, do I need a mask?

Where a Perspex protective screen is in place (e.g. a reception area), staff do not need to wear a mask if they are working in this area alone.

Do I have to wear a SWBH surgical mask; can I not wear my own personalised one?

No, we expect staff to wear those issued by SWBH. We want to ensure they are manufactured to the correct standard.

Can I wear my mask outside of work?

No. You should not wear surgical face masks obtained from work when you are not at work. Staff travelling on public transport should wear their own face covering, in line with the national guidance.

What if I have to walk through the building to get to another area or department?

You should ensure you have a supply of masks for use when you enter the building. You should not walk through corridors and across sites without a mask.

Can a colleague hand a mask to me?

No – you should handle the mask yourself after you have completed the necessary hand hygiene procedure (hand gel). Colleagues should only handle the box/container, not the masks.

Where can I get my masks?

Masks are available from the main entrances to the Trust between the hours of 7am – 7pm. Outside of these hours a supply is available in the your clinical or departmental areas. Department managers can arrange for a supply of masks for their department from the Supplies team at both Sandwell and City Hospital.

Further guidance is available on the following link: Wearing of Face Mask Guidance for Staff.

2. Do you wear the Alpha Solway, or 3M 1863 mask? 

If so, due to a change in our stock, it is important you act NOW to get fit tested for a replacement. It is critical that colleagues stay up to date with the availability of masks that they have been fit tested for, so if you wear the Alpha Solway, or 3M 1863 mask please ensure you book into a face mask fit testing clinic as soon as possible. If you need a fit test, for a silicone or disposable FFP3 mask in stock (3m 1863+ or 9330+ mask), these are your options:

• Non-urgent – please call ext.5050. There is currently a wait time of approximately one week, you will be asked when your next shift is and your appointment will be offered to you on that basis. Please ensure you book in good time, and please attend your appointment – we have too many DNAs!
• If you need urgent on the day testing, contact the IPC team on 5195 and they will facilitate the earliest possible test for you or your staff member.
• There are two machines in the bungalow behind City ED. If you have a fit tester in your team, you can book out the machines via the IPC team on 5195 to fit test your teams.

Please help us to ensure that a lack of planning does not become someone else’s emergency, by planning ahead as much as possible and ensuring you attend all booked appointments. If you cannot attend the appointment you have been given for your fit testing, please ensure you cancel your appointment in good time.

3. New patient leaflet on IPC measures 

Our Infection prevention and Control team have created a new information leaflet for patients with everything they need to know about our processes to prevent the transmission of COVID-19, whether they are admitted in an emergency or are coming to site for an appointment or treatment. The leaflet advises patients about the actions we take to prevent the spread of infections, and sign posts to further sources of reliable information. Every ward and department should now order a quantity of leaflets so they are available to give out to patients. They are available on Connect here or can be ordered in the normal way from Medical Illustration through the following email: swb-tr.SWBH-GM-MIorders@nhs.net

4. Swabbing procedures

Despite recent advice on use of the urgent two hour sticker, samples are still being sent without it, leading to delays. Please note the following and follow the correct procedure to keep things moving, and minimise rejected swabs.

Routine samples: It has been agreed that COVID-19 samples will be collected by porters from all wards, ED and AMU every hour at City and Sandwell from 8am to 8pm.

Urgent Samples: Urgent Samples must be hand delivered to the Pathology labs on each site immediately after being collected should have an ‘URGENT 2 Hour Covid Test’ sticker on them.

Overnight samples: Overnight samples (taken after 9pm) which are mainly taken in ED and AMU should be kept in these areas overnight to be collected by a porter during the early morning run at 5.30am. Please make sure that the sample is securely deposited in the MediBins provided. Urgent samples that have been collected overnight should be kept in a safe place and given to the porters when they do their 5.30am run. Do not leave any samples out on the side and remember that the MediBins are only for routine samples, urgent samples should be kept separate.

The transport timetable for transferring samples between sites can be found on the following link: Covid-19 Transport Timetable 2020

Urgent samples: Please ensure that the ‘Urgent 2 Hour TAT’ sticker is attached to the outer blue transport bag and is hand delivered to pathology reception. DO NOT put urgent samples into the MediBins.

Please click here to read the full document covering common issues and the relevant solutions. We have increased availability of urgent and rapid PCR sampling to 84 samples per day. These have been allocated to respective areas and detailed in the PCR flowchart which can be accessed by clicking here.

5. Staying safe and praying in private 

Due to COVID-19 and following the extension of the national lockdown restrictions, all congregational prayers have been postponed until further notice for all faith groups. This includes all Muslim congregational prayers, daily and Friday Juma’ah prayers in the BTC Prayer Room and in the Sandwell Meeting Room.

The prayer rooms and chapel will however remain open for colleagues to use for private prayers. Colleagues are also welcome to pray in rooms available within their own areas.

Please ensure you follow the handwashing guidelines and practice social distancing. If you require any further information then please contact the chaplaincy department through switchboard.

The prayer rooms and chapel will remain open for individual prayers. Private prayer rooms can be found in these locations:

• Sandwell prayer room and chapel – second floor
• City prayer room and chapel – first floor
• BTC Centre prayer room – second floor
• Rowley Regis prayer room and chapel – ground floor.

6. Understanding the latest lockdown restrictions

As COVID-19 cases surge and lockdown rules are once again made stricter, it’s important to know how you are affected and what your responsibilities are. From the early hours of Thursday 5 November, England entered in to the latest phase of restrictions with a nationwide four week lockdown coming into effect.  The new rules which are due to stay in place until the 2 December affect everything from meeting friends to going to the shops.

You must not leave your house or be outside unless it is for a specific purpose.

The exemptions are:

• Childcare or education.
• For work purposes where you are unable to work from home.
• To exercise outdoors – this must be with the people you live with, with your support bubble or, when on your own, with 1 person from another household (children under school age, as well as those dependent on round-the-clock care, such as those with severe disabilities, who are with their parents will not count towards the limit on two people meeting outside)
• Medical reasons such as doctors appointments.
• To avoid risk or injury, including circumstances of domestic abuse.
• To shop for basic necessities, you should try to visit the shops as infrequently as possible.
• To provide care for vulnerable people or visit your support bubble.
• To attend a place of worship for individual prayer, a funeral or a related event for someone who has died, to visit a burial ground or a remembrance garden, or to attend a deathbed wedding.

You must not meet socially indoors with people who do not live in your household and you must not meet with anyone from outside your household in private gardens.

Full details on the latest lockdown restrictions can be found on: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-national-restrictions-from-5-november

7. Trust response to social media videos

You may have seen or be aware of two videos currently circulating on social media claiming in error that we have separated a mum and baby because of a refusal to consent to COVID testing. In order to help you respond to any enquiries you might receive, we have prepared the following response for you to use. If you are concerned by any enquiry or are approached by a journalist, please contact the Trust press office on 0121 507 5303. We operate a 24 hour media on call service, should you need it. If you wish to email please contact Vanya Rogers Head of External Communications on vanya.rogers@nhs.net

Trust lines re social media videos of separated mum and baby.

We understand this is a worrying time for any new mum whose baby needs treatment in a neonatal unit. All our patients are routinely tested for COVID-19 during the current pandemic, as we must ensure we provide a safe environment for everyone who needs our service. Where a patient or parent on behalf of a baby refuses a test whilst community infections are still rising, then we must take every precaution to minimise the risk of transmission both to other patients and our staff. It is not our policy to force COVID tests on our patients, but if we cannot be assured they are COVID free then we must take every precaution to prevent transmission. Our policy is in line with other neonatal units.

Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! the #flujab

That’s what our Acting Chief Executive, Dr David Carruthers, said when he got his jab. By now, you will all know our flu campaign is underway. Taking a new approach this year, we have our Flu-Per Troopers in place across the organisation ready and waiting to administer your flu vaccination in your areas.

We are asking everyone to please step forward and protect themselves, their patients, colleagues and loved ones from the flu this year.

Now, more than ever, it is vitally important that colleagues take advantage of the free flu vaccination on offer so that we can tackle winter safely together. Over 3,500 colleagues have had their jab already, and if you are one of those people, thank you.

A full list of Flu-Per Troopers is available on Connect. If you need any further assistance, please speak to your line manager who can help to arrange your vaccination.

Everyone that has their flu jab will be entered into a prize draw for our grand prize to win tickets to see Mamma Mia! The Party in London.

Occupational therapy week: Small change, big impact

Do you know what an occupational therapist (OT) does?

OTs are the people who work with individuals to promote their independence and satisfaction in meaningful activities of daily living such as driving, work, self-care, and leisure.

They work with individuals to regain skills, develop new ones, or learn different ways to do things. OTs can adapt the environment, provide specialist equipment, analyse functional tasks and grade them to meet the individuals ability, educate, carry out anxiety management and relaxation programmes, make thermoplastic splints, support people to return to work, undertake cognitive assessments and rehabilitation, make recommendations for long term care support and much, much more.

OTs are useful people to know and can be found across the Trust in many different areas and departments including

• A&E
• Stroke and neurology
• Palliative care
• Trauma and orthopaedics
• Medicine
• Intermediate care
• Community teams
• Mental health services
• Forensic teams
• Learning difficulties
• Hand therapy
• Schools
• Universities
• Social services
• Medico-legal teams
• Vocational rehabilitation
• Job centres
• Paediatrics

In fact anywhere, where there is an individual who can no longer engage in daily tasks as the result of illness or disability.

Tomorrow on connect we will be covering how occupational therapy have had to adapt during the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you would like to know more about OT within your clinical area contact aimeeturner@nhs.net.

Heartbeat: Runner takes on 120 mile challenge – weeks after hit and run!

Fundraiser Pete Evans has shown his dedication to Your Trust Charity by running 120 miles in August, just weeks after being hit by a car.

The dad-of-two pounded the streets raising nearly £500 for the cause after deciding to take up the challenge despite being involved in an accident whilst out running in May. He was hit by a drunk driver as he ran across a street and was rushed to hospital suffering from a number of injuries.

Luckily no bones were broken, but he suffered injuries to his ribs, knees, elbows and legs. Pete said: “I was taken to hospital during the height of the pandemic and was impressed with how the nurses and doctors treated me.

“I wanted to say thank you to the NHS for the care I received and thought that I would do this by raising money through my running. Getting back out onto the road was a difficult thing to do – I was fearful about being hit again. But I knew I couldn’t give up and having the goal to raise money for the charity gave me that incentive.

“I chose Your Trust Charity because my wife works at the Trust and I’ve seen and heard about all the good things that the charity does for the patients, staff and their families.”

Amanda Winwood, Fundraising Manager, added: “We’d like to thank Pete for his dedication and for stepping out so soon after his accident to fundraise for the charity.

“It must have been a very difficult thing to do especially after such a traumatising experience. But he put that aside to make sure he completed the challenge, getting up at 5 am every morning. Well done, Pete.”

Female genital mutilation services available for your patients

Summerfield Women’s Clinic is a clinic for women who have unfortunately undergone female genital mutilation (FGM).

A range of support and care is delivered by an all-female team including:

• Physical assessments and treatment
• Emotional support and counselling
• General information.

For further details please see the FGM leaflet.

To get in contact with the service please call 07989209483 or email swbh.summerfieldfgm@nhs.net. For more information about FGM visit www.nhs.uk/fgm