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Monthly archives: January 2021

Metchley Park Medical Society and University of Birmingham starter fellowships applications are still open

 

Are you a clinician interested in translational research? Would you like to undertake a PhD or MD but need the skills and experience to make the first step? Do you have an idea for a research project but need funding to develop an application for a competitive fellowship?

University of Birmingham (UoB) are proud to be offering a fellowship scheme designed to provide the launch pad for a clinician interested in translational research. These one year fellowships are funded through the kind support of Metchley Park Medical Society and the University of Birmingham Arthritis Therapy.

During the fellowship, applicants are expected to undertake the necessary pilot and preparatory work required to apply to research funding bodies for a competitive clinical doctoral training fellowship for a further two or three years protected research time to allow the successful completion of the project, acquisition of an MD or PhD and progression towards a clinical academic career.

What will the fellowship offer?

  • The fellowships will provide one year’s salary cost which is expected to be undertaken full-time
  • A consumables/training bursary of up to £10k provided by the UoB Integrated Academic Training Programme
  • Successful completion of one year’s research will result in the award of a Masters by Research qualification
  • You will gain full access to the University of Birmingham (UoB) education facilities

For full details about eligibility, the application process and who to contact if you have any queries please visit the starter fellowships webpage.

Note: Closing date for applications is Friday 9 April.

Wellbeing Wednesday: Cervical cancer prevention week

 

Did you know that only two in five women know the symptoms of cervical cancer? No matter whether you’re up to date with cervical screening, are waiting for a test, or have never been – it’s vital to be aware of the symptoms of cervical cancer, and to report anything unusual to your GP.

For more information please see the video below:

Wellbeing together newsletter:

Be sure to check out the winter 2020/21 wellbeing together newsletter which features a variety of mental health and wellbeing support services plus much more! You can access the latest newsletter by clicking here.

COVID-19 Bulletin: Tuesday 19 January

 

New:

 Updated:

 Reminder:

1. New –  PPE Guidance – are you fitted for a respirator?

Whilst most colleagues will be well accustomed to the disposable FFP3 masks but did you know that you could be fitted for and issued your own silicone respirator?

Silicone respirators are fit tested respirators that can be issued to colleagues who work in a role with direct patient contact. These respirators mean that you no longer need to worry about your particular fit of disposable mask being out of stock and you can carry on with your duties knowing that the respirator does not need a filter change for 3 months.

You get to keep your silicone respirator, it stays with you wherever you go and when you need it it’s there to be popped over your face. Just give it a thorough clean with a clinell wipe following our infection control and maintenance guidance and you are good to go.

To book yourself in for fit testing please call ext. 5050 and the team will book you into a slot at a site, date and time to suit you. Fit testing clinics are available everyday between 8am and 4pm. Additional capacity has been made available to respond to the changed requirements for fit-tested masks in amber, community and outpatient areas.

Please remember to wear eye protection also.

Note:

  • If you are not in direct contact with a patient, then you may to continue to wear the fluid resistant surgical mask.
  • If you are visiting the ward from another area, a minimum requirement when entering the unit will be to wear a fluid resistant surgical face mask.

 

 2. New –  Busting the COVID-19 conspiracies – Separating the fact from fiction

A vaccine being developed, tested and deployed within 12 months of an outbreak is often unheard of, however we must not let the valiant efforts of the global scientific community be overtaken by the myths, conspiracies and misunderstandings that are currently doing the rounds in the community.

Today we’ll tackle some of the most prolific myths to separate the fact from fiction:

The COVID-19 vaccine does not contain pork

You should not refuse the COVID-19 vaccination due to personal or religious beliefs associated with pork as the COVID-19 vaccination does not contain pork or any porcine products. Furthermore, the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine does not contain any components of animal origin.

 I am vegan, can I still have the vaccine?

There is no material of foetal or animal origin in either vaccine. All ingredients are published in healthcare information on the MHRA’s website.

For the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine information is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/regulatory-approval-of-pfizer-biontechvaccine-for-covid-19

For the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine information is available here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/regulatory-approval-of-covid-19-vaccine-astrazeneca

Will the cost of the vaccine be deducted from my salary should I have it?

No, the COVID-19 vaccination is only available through the NHS to eligible groups and it is a free vaccination.

I’m pregnant, should I have the vaccine?

The MHRA have updated their guidance to say that pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding can have the vaccine but should discuss it with a clinician to ensure that the benefits outweigh any potential risks.

I suffer with allergies, should I have the vaccine?

People with history of a severe (anaphylactoid) allergy to any of the ingredients within the vaccine should not be vaccinated currently, nor should those with severe allergy to multiple drugs or where there is a history of anaphylaxis where the cause is unknown. If you are unsure of your risk please contact Occupational Health for advice.

Is the vaccine actually safe?

Yes. The MHRA, the official UK regulator authorising licensed use of medicines and vaccines by healthcare professionals, has reviewed these vaccines as safe and highly effective. As with any medicine, vaccines are highly regulated products. There are checks at every stage in the testing, development and manufacturing process, and continued monitoring once it has been authorised and is being used in the wider population.

I have COVID-19 currently, can I get the vaccine?

People currently unwell and experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should self-isolate and should not receive the COVID-19 vaccine until they have recovered. The guidance is that this should be done 28 days after a positive PCR swab or from development of COVID symptoms to avoid  mistaking any COVID related symptoms with  adverse effects of vaccination or vice versa and to be confident that you are well enough.

Now I have had my vaccine do I still need to wear a face covering or surgical mask?

Yes you certainly do! Though you may be protected against the harmful effects of COVID-19 having had your vaccine you could still be a carrier and unknowingly pass it on to patients, a member of your family, one of your friends or even a fellow co-worker, so with this in mind please continue to wear a mask.

Now I have had my vaccine do I still need to follow social distancing rules?

Yes you definitely should! Though you may be protected against the harmful effects of COVID-19 having had your vaccine you could still be a carrier and unknowingly pass it on to a member of your family, one of your friends or even a fellow co-worker so with this in mind please continue to wear a mask.

Are there lots of side effects of the vaccine?

For these vaccines, like lots of others, they have identified that some people might feel slightly unwell, but they report that no significant side effects have been observed in the tens of thousands of people involved in trials. All patients will be provided with information on the vaccine they have received, how to look out for any side effects, and what to do if they do occur, including reporting them to the MHRA. More information on possible side effects can be found at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/coronavirus-vaccine/

I had my flu jab this season, do I need to bother with the COVID vaccination?

The flu vaccine does not protect you from COVID-19. As you are eligible for both vaccines you should have them both but please ensure you separate each vaccine by at least a week.

 3. Update – Keeping well throughout COVID-19

We are seeing a huge number of patients across our sites and we know this is having a huge impact on colleagues as you continue to feel the pressure of fighting the pandemic whilst balancing your work and home life. We’ll do everything we can to tend to you and find ways and means to ease the burden.

If you haven’t already discovered them, across our Trust we have a number of rest areas that you can use to relax and unwind during your shift. This list of rest areas on Connect is not definitive, so please do speak to your line manager if you don’t know where your nearest rest area is.

You may also consider taking advantage of our energy pods to help you recharge. We have three state of the art energy pods available in AMU at City, at Sandwell and maternity at City.

The groups are also currently collating ideas regarding what you would like to see to aid your wellbeing. We have already had requests for items such as radios and massagers. If you feel that there is something that could really help the wellbeing of your team then please email swbh.wellbeing@nhs.net and the team will consider your request.

Temporary closure of staff gym facilities

Due to the continued high case rate in the community and the lockdown restrictions we have taken the difficult decision to temporarily close our gym facilities. This is to avoid any potential transmission. The changing rooms and shower areas will remain open. We realise that exercising is vital for our health and wellbeing so would encourage you to access online classes or apps to maintain your health and fitness or if you want to start a fitness programme.

The NHS publishes a list of apps that are useful for health and wellbeing and can be accessed here.

4. Reminder – Restricted visiting arrangements for inpatients

As you may know, due to the current increase in infection rates and lockdown measures, our Trust has retained our restrictions on all inpatient visiting unless in exceptional circumstances, i.e. for patients who are at end of life, those who lack mental capacity or children. The Women’s and Child Health Group have arrangements in place to allow limited visiting on postnatal wards, a partner to accompany scanning appointments and an additional birthing partner.

As the infection rates decrease and the situation improves we may change this decision depending on the numbers of COVID patients in the hospital, community cases and any hospital outbreaks.

5. Reminder – Staying safe if you have to car share  

Car sharing is not permitted with someone from outside your household or your support bubble unless your journey is undertaken for an exempt reason. For example, if car sharing is reasonably necessary as part of your work.

It is difficult to socially distance during car journeys. Where it is essential to car share, you must reduce the risk of transmission by:

  • Driver and passengers to wear a fluid resistant surgical mask during the journey
  • Share the transport with the same people each time where possible
  • Minimise the group size at any one time
  • Opening windows for ventilation
  • Travelling side by side or behind other people, rather than facing them, where seating arrangements allow
  • Facing away from each other
  • Considering seating arrangements to maximise distance between people in the vehicle
  • Keep your bags on your lap if possible.
  • Avoid touching inside of the car/ vehicle if not necessary.
  • Avoid long conversations, if possible.
  • Wash/Gel your hand before & after the ride
  • Cleaning your car between journeys using standard cleaning products – make sure you clean door handles and other areas that people may touch
  • Avoid eating inside the car while sharing

Adult safeguarding level 3 training: 27 January

 

We’re hosting adult safeguarding level 3 training aimed at clinical band 8As and above however all colleagues are welcome regardless of band. The training will be provided virtually through Microsoft teams (the external trainers will send an invite out one week prior to the session).

Dates:

  • Wednesday 27 January, 9am – 12.30pm or 1.30pm – 5pm

Please book your place via ESR or email r.begum19@nhs.net.

COVID-19 Bulletin: Monday 18 January

 

New:

Updated:

Reminder:

1. New – Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine side effects and actions to take:

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to get their COVID-19 vaccination. The few minutes it’s taken you to roll up your sleeve and be jabbed will offer you a lifeline, protecting you from contracting the virus.

Whilst our clinics are full, and we’re hard at work vaccinating patients, colleagues and the community, we would like to tackle one of the hottest topics when it comes to vaccinations, that being side effects.

As the immune system responds to the COVID-19 vaccine some side effects are common and expected. These are usually mild and may include:

  • tenderness, swelling and/or redness at the injection site
  • headache
  • muscle ache
  • feeling tired
  • fever – this normally happens within 48 hours of the vaccination and usually goes away within 48 hours
  • A less common side effect is swelling of the glands

If you feel uncomfortable with any of these side effects, take paracetamol, if you can.

You do not need to self-isolate and/or book a test unless you have other COVID-19 symptoms such as high temperature, new continuous cough or change\loss of your sense of smell (anosmia), or:

  • you have been told by NHS Test and Trace to self-isolate
  • you live with someone who has recently tested positive for Covid-19
  • you live with someone who has core symptoms of Covid-19 and awaiting a test

If in doubt please discuss with Occupational Health but you do not need to routinely let Occupational Health about any side effects you may be experiencing if these are consistent with the above.

2. Updated  – FFP3 masks\respirators must be worn for all direct patient contact in acute, outpatient and community

You will be aware that patients regardless of whether they are on an Amber ward can very quickly test positive for COVID-19. In order to keep each other and all our patients safe, we are now advising colleagues to treat each patient as being potentially COVID+.

Key changes to the guidance now means:

  • If you are in direct  contact with a patient you MUST wear a FFP3/silicone mask that you have been fit tested for. This not only applies in the acute wards but in outpatients and community.
  • If you are not in direct contact with a patient, then you may to continue to wear the fluid resistant surgical mask.
  • If you are visiting the ward from another area, a minimum requirement when entering the unit will be to wear a fluid resistant surgical face mask

 Please note: staff must follow their individual risk assessment for PPE, occasionally this will recommend a higher level of protection depending on your individual assessment.

 Colleagues carrying out a single Aerosol Generated Procedure (AGP), for example intubation, extubation, tracheotomy, suctioning or those having close contact with a patient, should wear a single use gown with full sleeves with a plastic apron over the gown. Please remove the gown after the task is completed.

For sessional work within a VERY HIGH RISK area or an AGP area, a sessional gown with rolled up sleeves (BARE BELOW THE ELBOWS) should be worn. Colleagues should wear a disposable plastic apron over the sessional use gown and change this in between patients. Please wash your hands and arms in between patients.

This guidance must be followed so as we maintain strong infection prevention and control measures across all our services.

Updated guidance

3. Reminder – Face masks – They’re not one size fits all

There’s more to face masks than you would think, it’s not simply a matter of grabbing the closest mask to you as you enter a ward, they only really work if they fit well.

For those of us who simply wear a fluid resistant surgical mask (FRSM), it’s just a matter of making sure you put it on the right way round (colour side outside) and to pinch the bridge of the nose to get it to fit. However if you need to wear an FFP3 mask or respirator, there is a whole range to choose from depending on the shape of your face, and you must be fit tested and assessed before you wear one in a clinical setting.

Colleagues MUST ensure that they have been fit tested for the current stock of face masks, this stock can change depending on availability so it’s important to keep an eye on comms for alerts about stock changes.

To book yourself in for fit testing please call ext. 5050 and the team will book you into a slot at a site, date and time to suit you. Fit testing clinics are available everyday between 8am and 4pm. Additional capacity has been made available to respond to the changed requirements for fit-tested masks in amber, community and outpatient areas.

4. Reminder – Keeping everyone safe – Testing and isolation

Thank you to everyone who has been completing their Lateral Flow Tests and crucially, inputting their results online. Whilst your results are strictly confidential, they do offer an insight to the organisation about the spread of Covid amongst staff so it’s incredible important not only to carry out the test but to continue inputting your results online. A link can be found on Connect or you can click through from here.

 Remember, if your Lateral Flow test returns a positive you must self-isolate and alert your line manager immediately. You will be required to book in to complete a PCR test to confirm the results.

 Likewise, colleagues who have a family member who tests positive for COVID-19 must isolate immediately, even if they have returned negative Lateral Flow Tests. This is because there can be a time delay between contracting COVID and becoming contagious and the Lateral Flow Tests indicating a positive result.  

5. Reminder – Vaccine scams be on the lookout

Several reports are circulating of people being contacted by fraudsters offering the COVID-19 vaccine.

The reports show text messages being sent providing a link for people to register their details to apply for the vaccine, some of which require payment. These text messages and links are not sent from, or linked to, the NHS. Members of the public will be contacted by their GP when they are eligible for the vaccine. NHS and other frontline colleagues will be contacted directly by your employer.

Colleagues at our Trust will be contacted by the SWBH booking team. This team can be contacted on 0121 507 4112.

The NHS will:

  • Never ask you to press a button on your keypad
  • Never ask for payment for the vaccine or for your bank details.

If you receive a text message from an unfamiliar number:

  • Do not respond to it or click on any links
  • Do not enter any personal or log on details
  • Do not make any payment

Please see NHS COVID scam information sheet for more details.

Need to contact your local fraud specialists? The team can be contacted using the details below:

Sophie Coster, Senior Consultant, Lead Local Counter Fraud Specialist:

Bradley Vaughan, Managing Consultant, Counter Fraud Client Manager:

Guidance on dealing with the media

 

Colleagues are reminded that in this time of pandemic there is a national spotlight shining on the NHS, that will attract media attention to gather content for their outlets and social media. If you are approached to comment or take part in a media opportunity please contact the Trust Press Office on 0121 507 5303 or Vanya Rogers, Head of External Communications by email vanya.rogers@nhs.net or mobile 07976 499540.

The communications team monitors both press and social media to provide a cuttings service for our senior leadership team, to ensure we are informed and can respond quickly to negative enquiries or coverage. The Trust has a bank of trained media spokespeople who can be asked to respond to an interview request in any area. This ensures we maintain our reputation to be a provider of high quality integrated care.

Happiness chemicals and how to hack them

 

There are known to be four main happiness chemicals. These are:

  • Dopamine – reward chemical
  • Oxytocin – love hormone
  • Serotonin – mood stabilizer
  • Endorphin – pain killer

Be sure to check out the graphic below for better ways to access these happiness chemicals in your body in more healthier ways, thus boosting your mental health and wellbeing.

Sandwell school nursing moved to Blackheath Library  

 

Our Sandwell school nursing service has now moved from the Lyng to Blackheath Library, 145 High Street, Blackheath, Rowley Regis, B65 0EA.

If you need to contact the service please call 0121 612 2974 or email swbh.shnsandwell@nhs.net.

Parking at City Hospital mortuary

 

We must remind colleagues that the four parking spaces immediately outside the mortuary at City, which were originally available for colleagues to use, have been re-designated to visitor spaces and are specifically for visitors to the mortuary.

Note: Colleagues working overnight shifts can continue to use the spaces. 

Plenty  of additional parking at City is available at the rear of Summerfield House, around Brookfield House, at the rear of the old Laundry building and in the Sunken Gardens car park. Colleagues are reminded to use these areas and not the patient car parks.

Heartbeat: Trust becomes one of twelve to restart MRCP PACES examination

 

SWB has become one of the first Trusts across the country to resume practical assessment of clinical examination skills (PACES) Membership of the Royal Colleges of Physicians (MRCP) examination having introduced COVID-19 secure measures which keep both students and examiners safe.

This was achieved thanks to round the clock work by our Trust doctors, postgraduate centre and our IT department ensuring the set-up of Microsoft Teams and other Royal College technical requirements at our City site.

Dr Parijat De, Consultant Physician, Diabetes and Endocrinology hosted the PACEs exam amidst the challenging circumstances presented by the pandemic. Dr Jessica Lee Dr Vaishnavi Kumar and, Dr Priscilla Sarkar all supported this project too.

One of the major adaptations implemented this year was to conduct the consultations in a digital format using video conferencing equipment allowing the Trust to adhere to the two-metre COVID-19 ruling. Other steps taken to ensure safety was maintained, included regular temperature checks for all involved (patients, surrogates, examiners and candidates), social distancing, limiting patient and candidate/examiner contact as well as enhanced cleaning.

These measures meant that PACES exams could once again commence due to the successful implementation of social distancing and other regulatory safety measures. They were initially postponed in March due to the first wave of the pandemic.

Dr Jessica Lee, Acute Medical Registrar, based at City Hospital, welcomes the muchneeded restart. She said: “Having missed well over eight months of these crucial examinations, it was important for our Trust and the candidates to get going again.

“The Royal College exams are membership exams offered by the Royal Colleges. Passing the relevant membership exams are essential to complete speciality training and for doctors, passing marks progression from a medical senior house officer to a medical registrar.”

Dr Parijat De added: “We are only one of twelve Trusts in the country to be able to restart PACES again and the success was down to the hard work and dedication of many involved.

“A massive thank you goes to the medical education team based in the postgraduate centre, everybody in IT, especially Aaron Hyett, all the junior doctor volunteers, the nurses and HCAs who helped set up the exams. Most importantly, I must say thank you to our three SpRs.

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