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Monthly archives: November 2020

Free flu jabs end this month – you’ve got 5 days to get yours

 

Our 2020 flu campaign will come to an end on Monday, 30 November.

So far over 5,500 colleagues have had their flu jab. Thank you to each of you for stepping forward to not only protect yourselves but to help us be as prepared as we can be as a Trust for this winter.

If you still wish to have your flu jab, there is a limited time in which to now do so. Getting your flu jab couldn’t be easier. We have a selection of opportunities for you to drop in and have your jab. Everyone is welcome to attend, including those of you working remotely. You can also arrange your vaccination with your local Flu-Per Trooper – see Connect to find out who is looking after your area.

Remember, when you have your flu jab you are entered into our grand prize draw to win tickets to see Mamma Mia! The Party in London.

Sandwell main reception and ward round

Thursday 26 November

  • 06:30 – 08:30 Main reception
  • 08:30 – 11:30 Ward round
  • 11:45 – 14:30 Main reception
  • 16:00 – 21:00 Main reception

Friday 27 November

  • 06:30 – 08:30 Main reception
  • 08:30 – 11:30 Ward round
  • 11:45 – 14:30 Main reception

Sunday 29 November

  • 06:30 – 08:30 Main reception
  • 08:30 – 11:30 Ward round
  • 11:45 – 14:30 Main reception

Monday 30 November

  • 06:30 – 08:30 Main reception
  • 08:30 – 11:30 Ward round
  • 11:45 – 14:30 Main reception

City main reception and ward round

Thursday 26 November

  • 4pm-9pm

Sunday 29 November

  • 1pm-9pm

Monday 30 November

  • 4pm-9pm

COVID-19 Bulletin: Wednesday 25 November

 

We are always interested in feedback about our communications, especially when we make changes to the norm. Yesterday we chose to run a single message in our daily COVID bulletin – on the roll out of lateral flow testing for front line staff, because it is so important we get it right and colleagues understand the process of doing the test and recording the results. We’ve had feedback that you welcomed this focus, so we are aiming to reduce the number of different messages every day, to ensure the key messages are sufficiently brought to your attention. If a message is in the bulletin, then it means all staff need to know about it. It is your responsibility to read the bulletin every day and if you think of a way to improve the bulletin, please let us know by emailing swbh.comms@nhs.net.

 All the messages that are published in the bulletin are signed off during our daily Trust tactical meeting, and you can find the latest information about our COVID response on Connect here. Please take the time to keep yourself updated and safe.

  1. New message: Initial feedback from NHSEI inspection

Following a short notice inspection from colleagues at NHSEI, who were especially looking at our Infection Prevention and Control practices in clinical areas, we can share some initial feedback, whilst we await their full report.

 Sadly, despite repeated advice to colleagues, we were found lacking in some areas. These included some colleagues not being bare below the elbows in clinical areas and incorrect use of disposable gloves with some instances of staff wearing two pairs of gloves and using hand sanitiser on gloves. This is not in line with our infection prevention and control practices. We will share the full inspection report in due course, but for now a plea to all colleagues – please observe the PPE rules – and challenge your colleagues if you see the rules being broken. We are all in this together, and the rules are to protect you, your colleagues and patients. If you need a reminder of what PPE to wear in what situation or area please click here.

2. Updated message: Look out for the green button on Connect: Self-testing for frontline colleagues

We have added a green button prominently on Connect so colleagues can easily find the correct location to load the results of their lateral flow test.

Yesterday we advised you that all patient-facing staff of NHS Hospital Trusts are being asked to take part in the new self-testing programme. As the new lateral flow tests start to be distributed across the Trust, frontline colleagues will receive their home tests within the next fortnight. All the information you need is here.

As a summary, here is what to do when you receive your tests:

  • When you are given your test supplies you will be asked to sign a form to say you have received them.
  • Your kit will contain 25 tests.
  • You should familiarise yourself with the instructions on how to use the test. A useful video can be viewed by clicking here: You can view this at home as long as you have an internet connection as it is hosted on YouTube.
  • You should take your test at home twice a week (every three or four days) for the 12 weeks after receiving your kit.
  • If you have a question please check here for our Frequently Asked Questions.
  • If you are not confident about the process, you should be supervised by a clinician while you complete your first test.
  • As soon as you start testing, you should record your results here. Please record your result even if it is negative. Note you must read your result 30 minutes after you have taken the test. Leaving the test longer before you read the result may lead to an inaccurate reading.
  • If you get a positive result you should notify the contact centre who can submit the information on your behalf. You will be asked to supply a photograph of the positive test result. They will also arrange for you to have a COVID-19 swab to confirm your result. Do not come into work if you see a positive result other than to have a swab taken.

 You can contact the contact centre on the following numbers:

Monday to Friday, 8am – 6pm

  • 0121 507 2664

When you hear the options, press 6 for your call to be transferred into the swabbing queue and prioritised.

Weekends, 8am – 4pm

  • 07816 992873 or
  • 07970 428995

These tests are being distributed in a phased way. Your department is likely to receive additional kits over the course of the next week as part of the phased roll out. If by Thursday 3 December you have not received a kit, please call the contact centre.

3. Updated Message: NHS track and trace app – turn it off whilst on site

Please turn off the NHS track and trace app whilst on SWB sites, or any site where you routinely work – GP surgeries, health centres etc. – to prevent you potentially receiving repeated alerts advising you that you’ve been in contact with COVID positive cases.

You should pause the app when:

  • You are at work following infection prevention and control (IPC) guidance.
  • You are wearing correct PPE at work and maintaining 2m social distancing in clinical and non-clinical areas.
  • You are working behind a fixed Perspex (or equivalent) screen and are fully protected from other people.
  • You store your phone in a locker or communal area.

4. Updated message: Do the right thing and bring back our scrubs

Tomorrow (Thursday 26 November) is the last opportunity for colleagues to return Trust scrubs at Sandwell in an amnesty set up to turn a blind eye to costly rule breaking. Between 10am – 3pm, there is an opportunity to return scrubs that have stored or stockpiled at home. It is essential that colleagues abide by the rules and think of others by returning their scrubs. If everyone does this we will have enough to go round so that each time a colleague needs scrubs they can have a newly laundered pair.

Currently we do not have sufficient sets of scrubs to meet the increase in demand as many have disappeared, been worn or taken home, contrary to Trust policy.

So for tomorrow only, a drop off point will be available in the main reception at Sandwell Hospital where returned scrubs can be deposited and once laundered will be put back in to circulation.

If we are unable to make up the numbers of our scrubs by inviting colleagues to return them voluntarily then harsher penalties will be introduced. You will be challenged if caught in person or on camera arriving in or leaving the hospital in scrubs. There is no special circumstance that allows ANY colleague to disregard this rule.

No Scrubs rules:

  • No scrubs should be stockpiled in lockers – they must be laundered regularly on site
  • No scrubs should be binned, they should be deposited in to the blue trollies situated on the links and in departmental areas
  • No scrubs should be worn outside the hospital or while travelling to and from hospital or taken home for laundering. By doing so you are putting yourself, your family and the public at risk.

Wellbeing Wednesday: How to sleep better

 

A good night’s sleep is essential for your personal mental wellbeing

It is possible to aid a better sleep in less than 8 minutes.

Breathing techniques can help relax and reduce stress when you go to bed; here are two short exercises you could try.

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/podcasts-and-videos/wellbeing-and-sleep-quick-fix-relaxation-exercise

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/podcasts-and-videos/wellbeing-and-sleep-full-works

If you have more complex sleeping conditions here are some helpful contacts.

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/a-to-z/s/sleep

Wellbeing sanctuary:

Would you like to take 30-90 minutes to look after yourself? We very rarely take the time, so why not book now! The Wellbeing Sanctuary gives you the chance to de-stress and relax in a confidential safe place.

The sanctuary has a variety of offerings including:

  • Massage
  • Chill out downtime over a tea/coffee and a biscuit
  • A chat – a listening ear to hear anything you want to talk about in confidence
  • Meditation
  • Mindfulness
  • Relaxation hypnotherapy
  • Music therapy

Note: Social distancing measures are in place and PPE and sanitisation is provided on site.

To book please contact the wellbeing team on 0121 507 5886 to book your free session.

The sanctuary is only a 5 minute drive away from City Hospital and a 10 minute. drive away from Sandwell Hospital (Learning Works on Unett Street, Smethwick, B66 3SY) with free secured parking right outside.

For further details please see daily sanctuary information sheet

COVID-19 Bulletin: Tuesday 24 November

 

Regular readers will note that today we are keeping the bulletin light with only one news item for you to read on the new lateral flow testing currently being rolled out. That demonstrates the importance of this item, and we’d ask all colleagues to ensure they give it their attention. Already the first result has been uploaded to Connect, with accompanying feedback to say the test was simple to use.

Just a reminder that we are holding a virtual staff briefing for all colleagues to find out more about our arrangements for the second wave of the pandemic. The session is due to take place tomorrow – Wednesday 25 November, 11am and can be joined by clicking here. and entering the password “COVID19”

Self-testing for patient-facing colleagues

All patient-facing staff of NHS Hospital Trusts are being asked to take part in the new self-testing programme. As the new lateral flow tests start to be distributed across the Trust, frontline colleagues will receive their home tests within the next fortnight. Here is what to do when you receive your tests:

  • When you are given your test supplies you will be asked to sign a form to say you have received them.
  • Your kit will contain 25 tests.
  • You should familiarise yourself with the instructions on how to use the test. A useful video can be viewed by clicking here: You can view this at home as long as you have an internet connection as it is hosted on YouTube.
  • You should take your test at home twice a week (every three or four days) for the 12 weeks after receiving your kit.
  • If you have a question please check here for our Fequently Asked Questions.
  • If you are not confident about the process, you should be supervised by a clinician while you complete your first test.
  • As soon as you start testing, you should record your results here.
  • If you get a positive result you should notify the contact centre who can submit the information on your behalf. They will also arrange for you to have a COVID-19 swab to confirm your result. Do not come into work if you see a positive result other than to have a swab taken.

 You can contact the contact centre on the following numbers:

Monday to Friday, 8am – 6pm

  • 0121 507 2664

When you hear the options, press 6 for your call to be transferred into the swabbing queue and prioritised.

Weekends, 8am – 4pm

  • 07816 992873 or
  • 07970 428995

These tests are being distributed in a phased way. Your department is likely to receive additional kits over the course of the next week as part of the phased roll out. If by Thursday 3 December you have not received a kit, please call the contact centre.

Flu-Per Troopers – did someone say it’s competition time? Yes, they did….

 

Thank you to each Flu-Per Trooper for supporting our 2020 flu campaign. We called for all of our dancing queens (and kings) to step forward earlier this year and, you didn’t disappoint.

Together, you have vaccinated over 5,500 colleagues – a fantastic achievement. Our campaign will draw to a close next Monday, 30 November, as we put plans in place for the anticipated COVID vaccination programme.

For the final week, we’re asking you to give one last push to help us vaccinate as many colleagues as we can – there’s only 1500 to go. The more people we vaccinate, the better prepared we will be to face this winter safely together.

Here’s the deal

Starting today, every Flu-Per Trooper that actively supports the flu campaign until 30 November will go into a prize draw to win one of the following:

  • An Amazon tablet – a powerful device designed for entertainment. If you have Prime, you can stream thousands of Prime Video titles, access over a million book titles, thousands of audiobooks and two million songs.
  •  Portal from Facebook – Smart video calling at your fingertips. A great way to see family, friends and loved ones if perhaps you can’t all be together this year.

How the prize draw works – this is what you need to do

  • For every ten people that you vaccinate or complete a form to say they are declining the flu jab, you will be given one entry into the prize draw.
  • If, for example, you vaccinate 25 people and fill out five decline forms, you will receive three entries into the prize draw.

Even better

  • Every person vaccinated (including you) will go into a prize draw to win two tickets to see Mamma Mia! The Party. The prize includes money towards hotel and travel costs.
  • The person who administers the most vaccinations will also receive an extra day of annual leave.

The name of the game is to get all of our colleagues saying I do, I do, I do, I do, I do want my flu jab.

Good luck!

 

Need support with your property?

 

Candlin and Co. are a residential lettings and management agent who may be able to support you.  So whether that be with a vacant property that needs letting or you are not getting time to manage your investment they we can help

Candlin and Co are offering a no set up fee and 6 per cent management for 12 months to all Trust colleagues. For more details please see Candlin and Co leaflet.

For more information regarding all the staff benefits across the Trust please contact amir.ali1@nhs.net or call ext. 6148.

 

Green Impact – Get involved, make a difference and get rewarded

 

Is your team looking for new, fun and interactive ways to make a positive impact toward ‘greening’ our Trust? We are looking to recruit more teams onto our ‘Green Impact’ staff environmental engagement programme. It’s an easy way for colleagues to work together in teams to complete simple actions that make a big difference – helping making our Trust more environmentally friendly and also saving costs. There are also awards and prizes to be won.

Environmental sustainability is becoming a big focus for the Trust and we are working on some exciting and ambitious plans. Colleagues are integral to this journey. Now is your chance to get involved and make a positive difference.

If you would like to find out more, please contact Francesca.silcocks@nhs.net.

COVID-19 Bulletin: Monday 23 November

 

Welcome to the first bulletin of the week to help you keep up to date with the way we are  managing our patient services during this stage of the pandemic. Make sure you check out the new and updated messages and share them with your colleagues through your regular meetings and handovers.

Our second lockdown is due to come to an end at the beginning of December and is likely to be replaced with tougher tiered restrictions. We expect to know later in the week what this means for Sandwell and Birmingham. The tier classifications will be based on number of cases, rate of increase, age profile of people who are testing positive and impact on local NHS services.

  1. New message: Role of Trust Tactical team

Since early February, and long before the first lockdown, as a Trust we had already prepared our response to the threat of a pandemic by activating our tactical team. It is our responsibility as a category 1 responder under the Civil Contingencies Act (2004) to be prepared and rehearsed for emergencies. The tactical team currently meet seven days a week at 9am to make the decisions needed to keep the Trust functioning and our patients and colleagues safe.

Every clinical group and support function has a nominated seat at the table, and it is the responsibility of those colleagues to ensure that the decisions made at the meeting are communicated swiftly throughout their area. Acting on those decisions is mandatory, for they have been made in the interest of the whole Trust. Every colleague across the organisation has a role to play in our response to the pandemic, and we appreciate your cooperation in this.

If you are asked to undertake an action that has been signed off by the tactical team, please ensure you prioritise the task.

2. New message: Guide to car sharing

We recognise that car sharing is convenient and for some colleagues essential, especially in some instances to enable you to do your job. So we’ve put together a guide to help limit the potential transmission of the virus whilst you and a colleague are travelling together. It is difficult to socially distance during car journeys. Where there is no suitable alternative to car sharing, you must reduce the risk of transmission by:

  • Wearing a fluid resistant surgical mask during the journey.
  • Sharing with the same people each time where possible.
  • Opening windows for ventilation.
  • Maximising distance between people in the vehicle by considering seating arrangements.
  • Keeping your bags on your lap if possible.
  • Avoiding long conversations whilst close together.
  • Washing or gelling your hands before and after the ride.
  • Avoiding eating inside the car while sharing
  • The full list is available on Connect here.

3. Updated message: PPE – Know how to keep you and others safe  

Despite frequent reminders, some colleagues are still not getting the message that appropriate PPE MUST be worn at all times in clinical areas. Amber wards are not just a different colour than the previous blue wards. They have been warmed up to amber, because there is still a significant risk of transmission from patients who may be asymptomatic – COVID positive, but still well able to pass on the virus. Our experts in Infection Prevention and Control have assessed the risks and dangers and have come up with the definitive guide of what PPE must be worn in what environment and situation.

And, alongside social distancing and stringent hand hygiene, there is now a requirement to ensure you are wearing a face mask in all Trust buildings at all times whether in a clinical setting or office.

Patients are also asked to wear a mask when they are moving about in the ward or sitting in the bedside chair. Please continue to inform and encourage our admitted patients to wear masks when possible during their stay.

Wear your mask properly

 Masks only work if they are worn properly, we have all seen people wear masks in some truly bizarre ways.

The instruction here is simple – your mask should cover your mouth and your nose.

Protecting your skin from damage beneath PPE

 If you are finding that your masks are uncomfortable or are causing you issues with your skin, please take the time to read the helpful guidance produced by the tissue viability team for colleagues to protect and treat skin from damage beneath PPE. 

4. Updated message: Scrubs amnesty at Sandwell Hospital 

On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week from 10am to 3pm, we are giving colleagues an opportunity to return scrubs that they have stored or stockpiled at home. It is essential that colleagues ‘do the right thing’ and think of others by returning their scrubs. If everyone does this we will have enough to go round so that each time a colleague needs scrubs they can have a newly laundered pair.

Currently we do not have sufficient sets of scrubs to meet the increase in demand as many have disappeared, been worn or taken home, contrary to Trust policy.

On the 24, 25 and 26 November a drop off point will be available in the main reception at Sandwell Hospital where returned scrubs can be deposited and once laundered will be put back in to circulation. If we are unable to make up the numbers of our scrubs by inviting colleagues to return them voluntarily then harsher penalties will be introduced. You will be challenged if caught in person or on camera arriving in or leaving the hospital in scrubs. There is no special circumstance that allows ANY colleague to disregard this rule.

No Scrubs rules:

  • No scrubs should be stockpiled in lockers – they must be laundered regularly on site
  • No scrubs should be worn in undesignated areas (for example the Hallam restaurant)
  • No scrubs should be binned, they should be deposited in to the blue trollies situated on the links and in departmental areas
  • No scrubs should be worn outside the hospital or while travelling to and from hospital or taken home for laundering. By doing so you are putting yourself, your family and the public at risk.

5. Updated message: Self-testing for frontline colleagues

With 750 kits being distributed today to colleagues in Emergency Care, Anaesthetics, Pain Management and Critical Care, the new lateral flow testing for frontline staff is underway. A further 600 tests will be going out tomorrow and between  500/600 every day for the next two weeks.

Carrying out this test will help to identify any asymptomatic COVID positive cases and helps ensure we are playing our part in keeping patients, fellow NHS workers and our families safe.

Each person will be given a total of 25 tests which they should perform prior to their shift every three to four days. The information should be loaded onto Connect on this link. Colleagues wishing to download their results should ensure they are on the hospital network to enable their form to be saved correctly.

Please see below links to more information about the test, including frequently asked questions and video guide:

There are eight days left to have your flu jab – will you get yours today?

 

Our 2020 flu campaign will come to an end on Monday, 30 November.

So far over 5,000 colleagues have had their flu jab. Thank you to each of you for stepping forward to not only protect yourselves but to help us be as prepared as we can be as a Trust for this winter.

If you still wish to have your flu jab, there is a limited time in which to now do so. Getting your flu jab couldn’t be easier. You can arrange your vaccination with your local Flu-Per Trooper who can be located via Connect.

Remember, when you have your flu jab you are entered into our grand prize draw to win tickets to see Mamma Mia! The Party in London.

If you have had your vaccine elsewhere or wish to decline, please email the team to let them know via swbh.seasonal-flu@nhs.net. 

 

COVID-19 Bulletin: Friday 20 November

 

To keep up to date with the pace of change we will be sharing a bulletin on a daily basis. There’s a lot of change taking place at the moment so please make sure you catch up with the latest bulletins throughout the week, as even if some points seem familiar you may find the details have been updated a great deal.

During this second lockdown period, we must ensure we look after ourselves and others within our community. Make sure you keep in touch with those you love and your neighbours. People may well be feeling anxious, lonely and scared at this time.

Thank you for looking out for one another.

1. New: Staff self-testing rolled out

COVID-19 self-testing kits for patient-facing colleagues will be introduced from next week, with a phased approach.

Those included in the first cohort will receive a box of 25 lateral flow antigen tests with an instruction leaflet from their manager.

Those carrying out the procedure should do so at home, before their shift begins. Colleagues should test twice weekly every three to four days to fit with shift patterns and leave requirements; for example, Wednesday and Sunday, or Monday and Thursday.

In the event of a positive test result, you should inform your manager and call 0121 507 2664, (for your call to be pushed into the swab queue and prioritised press 6) Monday – Friday, 8am – 6pm and 07816 992873 during weekends to arrange a PCR test to confirm the result.

In the event of a positive test, you and your household should isolate as set out in government guidance.

Carrying out this test will help to identify any asymptomatic COVID-19 positive cases and helps ensure we are playing our part in keeping patients, fellow NHS workers and our families safe.

To support colleagues using the test for the first time, there is a video guide, whilst further information and FAQs can be found by clicking here.

1. New: Staff self-testing rolled out

COVID-19 self-testing kits for patient-facing colleagues will be introduced from next week, with a phased approach.

Those included in the first cohort will receive a box of 25 lateral flow antigen tests with an instruction leaflet from their manager.

Those carrying out the procedure should do so at home, before their shift begins. Colleagues should test twice weekly every three to four days to fit with shift patterns and leave requirements; for example, Wednesday and Sunday, or Monday and Thursday.

In the event of a positive test result, you should inform your manager and call 0121 507 2664, (for your call to be pushed into the swab queue and prioritised press 6) Monday – Friday, 8am – 6pm and 07816 992873 during weekends to arrange a PCR test to confirm the result.

In the event of a positive test, you and your household should isolate as set out in government guidance.

Carrying out this test will help to identify any asymptomatic COVID-19 positive cases and helps ensure we are playing our part in keeping patients, fellow NHS workers and our families safe.

To support colleagues using the test for the first time, there is a video guide, whilst further information and FAQs can be found by clicking here.

 

2. New: COVID-19 research still going strong

We’d like to thank colleagues who have joined the SIREN study which focuses on healthcare workers who have overcome COVID-19 or those who are in a patient-facing role. There is still an opportunity to join this study, which undertakes regular swabbing and antibody blood tests. For more information click here or to arrange an appointment please register here.

We look forward to vaccines being available and are planning for this, but there will also be opportunities for colleagues to join trials for additional vaccines. As you will be aware there has been a lot of news around how these are under development and we are seeing very promising results. You can register an interest to take part here and if a suitable study comes along you will be contacted.

Yesterday another study that the Trust is taking part in issued results. REMAP-CAP which is a complex platform study is being run in our ITUs recruiting our most sickest of patients. The trial is evaluating the effect of treatments on a combination of survival and length of time patients need support in an intensive care unit (ICU). The results show that patients treated with tocilizumab, an immunosuppressive drug used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, were more likely to improve (measured by a combination of organ support, such as a ventilator in the ICU and surviving the hospital admission) compared to patients who received no immune modulator.

This study demonstrates well that research and development is not just about the R&D department but a broad multidisciplinary team. This study is for patients in ITU and requires the support of the clinical teams caring for the patients plus pharmacy, medical infusion suite, blood bank, pathology to name a few.

The Trust is contributing data and recruiting patients to a wide array of COVID studies, more information can be found on this Connect page. As a Trust we are always research active with usually around 90 studies open. This work is often low profile with many staff unaware of the importance of research. The COVID pandemic has brought research much more into public view and we are keen to keep it this way!

3. New: Movement of medical equipment

Please help us to help you. We appreciate that at times it is necessary to move services at short notice.

However it is essential to keep track of any medical equipment which is being transferred from one location to another. This ensures that the Trust inventory is accurate and equipment can be found for service and maintenance.

It is often extremely difficult to track down items that have moved without this information, leading to items missing routine service and electrical safety testing.

Please email garyhowse@nhs.net or lawrence.barker@nhs.net or call the department on 0121 507 4040 to let us know any changes.

 4. Reminder: Trust’s COVID-19 response plan Q&A sessions

For colleagues who wish to find out more about the Trust’s COVID-19 response plan as we face a second surge, the Executive team are holding WebEx sessions where you can ask questions about the plan.  Our next two briefings are planned for 23 and 25 November and will last one hour.

5. Reminder: Purple bags = rapid labs

If speed is of the essence with your sample, the recent introduction of purple bags make identification and prioritisation easier for the lab. These are replacing the “being phased out” urgent two hours priority stickers, which can still be used as necessary.

Wards must regularly check to ensure  that they have adequate stock of COVID-19 swabs and purple bags for the weekends and out of hours.

Please note that rapid swabs are not processed overnight but will be done the following working day.

We also currently have temporarily increased availability of urgent and rapid PCR sampling to 158 tests per day for two weeks only until 29 November. Urgent respiratory PCR including COVID-19 is also now increased to 30 tests per day, if you need to take advantage of this please do so while you can, being sure to secure your sample correctly.

If you have an urgent sample:

  • Place the correctly labelled specimen into a clear specimen bag and sealed fully
  • Repeat this process, using the second larger clear zip locked specimen bag
  • Add this doubled bagged specimen to a purple urgent COVID sample bag
  • The purple urgent bag can now also be posted into the COVID drop off box

Further information on processing samples can be found on Connect by clicking here.

 6. Reminder: Secure the swabs, don’t double the jobs!

The pressure of wave two is building and we must do everything we can to reduce delays on diagnosis, treatment and discharge where possible. While some processes simply take the time they do and that cannot be changed, one thing that we can do is reduce any possibility of delays that would impact the patient and the workloads we all face.

Much like incorrect labelling, samples not correctly secured for transport to the labs can result in loss or contamination, meaning the patient ends up having to be re-swabbed and additional work for everyone down the line.

There’s three things that you can do to help:

  • Print two extra labels and a request form for all COVID PCR requests
  • Ensure that you have checked a duplicate COVID-19 sample was not ordered or sent on the same day
  • Make sure you fully secure all three bags – not doing so is only making more work for yourself.
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