Monthly archives: January 2021

Temporary service change regarding imaging

Due to significant pressure on inpatient flow within our acute sites we have temporarily reduced routine outpatient work in Rowley Regis Hospital and Neptune Health Centre in order to fill gaps and support flow throughout the hospital.

This is a temporary measure effective immediately and will be reviewed on a weekly basis to identify the earliest time with which they can be brought back online, however currently the expectation is that this will be in place for the next 2-3 weeks as a minimum.

Routine outpatient services are still available at Sandwell and at City hospital in the Birmingham Treatment Centre both of which provide a greater range of diagnostic services in one location and allows for greater flexibility of staffing.

If you have a patient who requires an x-ray please contact the SWBH booking centre 0121 507 3339

Any further changes in service will be communicated as soon as possible.

Essential BT maintenance on 10 January, 1am

Please be aware BT will be carrying out essential maintenance to the BT Telephone Exchange in the West Bromwich area on Sunday 10 January from 1am – 3am.

We do not envisage any impact as incoming calls to Sandwell and City Hospital dialled via 0121 553 1831 will be diverted to our back up line.

Please note this will not affect calls made via the Ivor phone system, outgoing calls or the emergency red line.

The activity will be closely monitored at all times by the third party BT and by our IT support teams.

Please do call the 24 hour IT service desk if you have any queries on this on ext. 4050 or 0121 507 4050 for home workers.

Interim changes in HR support

We have made some temporary changes to the HR support you receive which have taken effect from 1 January 2021 (see table below). These arrangements will be in place until 31 March 2021 to allow for any decisions to be made on the future structure of the People and OD team, but also to allow some traction with the groups and enable ongoing work to be managed effectively. For more information please contact sandra.mcshane2@nhs.net.

Colleagues warned to prepare for more snow and icy weather this weekend

All colleagues should prepare for snow tonight and this weekend. Please have plans in place for late arrivals of staff due to the impact of expected snow and ice. We are advised that public transport should still be running, although disruption may occur. Colleagues can also refer to their business continuity plans and check that they are prepared to continue services in the event of bad weather conditions. Our Trust’s severe weather plan sets out appropriate preventative action and can be accessed here: Severe weather plan 2020.

All areas should have business continuity plans agreed with their staff for cold weather, ice and snow. These should include:

• Working with staff regarding their ability to report for work if transport systems are affected or schools closed
• Agreeing working arrangements for severe weather in advance, including potentially the need for staff to stay overnight

Staff are expected to make every reasonable effort to attend work (including using public transport when they wouldn’t normally) providing it is safe to do so.

• If not able to reach their normal base, to attend an alternative base if that is easier to reach.
• To work from home (if applicable and agreed with their manager)
• Staff unable to attend work or work from home, to notify their managers ASAP and required to either take the day as annual leave or time in lieu (to be agreed locally).
• Staff who are able to walk in but are not rostered to work may be asked to support their work area.  This is not mandatory and will be based on mutual agreement and rescheduling of work duties

Please ensure that all staff contact details are up to date and that you have a plan in place so that you are aware of any issues at departmental level

Latest edition of Heartbeat now online

Check out the latest edition of Heartbeat online now.

What can you expect to find inside this issue? Well, for starters the Your Health Partnership Primary Care Network starting vaccinations against COVID-19. Plus, we’ve got all of this:

• Haematology moving to City
• Dry January 2021
• Stop the Pressure Day

You can email famena.nawaz@nhs.net if you have an idea for an article or you prefer you can call us on ext. 5303.

Until next time.

Please beware – COVID vaccination scams!

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. When you are eligible for the vaccine you will be contacted by your GP. NHS and other frontline colleagues will be contacted directly by your employer.

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:

• Email: sophie.coster@rsmuk.com
• Mobile: 07436 268747

Bradley Vaughan, Managing Consultant, Counter Fraud Client Manager:

• Email: bradley.vaughan@rsmuk.com
• Mobile: 07436 268 331

COVID-19 Bulletin: Thursday 7 January

Numbers not statistics: This week (Last week)

1. New message: Highest COVID-19 rates ever recorded across region  

Colleagues will be aware that we are experiencing the highest ever number of COVID+ patients needing our care, since the beginning of the pandemic. The numbers above will give you a flavour of where we are now, but unfortunately the situation is getting worse, and we expect it to continue to do so for at least the next two weeks. This is a real test of our resilience, our fortitude and our endeavour to work as one team to come through this intensely pressured time.

Writing to all staff last night, Acting Chief Executive David Carruthers said: ““Please accept my deepest thanks for all the added work that you are all providing to maintain safe services within the organisation for our patients. We are trying to reduce the amount of disruption to any of our routine services but that will unfortunately be unavoidable with the sort of pressures we are under at present. While we make arrangements for any service change, please can I ask that you continue to support your colleagues and patients, maintain infection control processes and identify those patients where discharge can be safely facilitated and organised at the earliest opportunity.”

Figures released today by colleagues at Sandwell Council show that: “Infection rates of Covid-19 in Sandwell have risen sharply since the New Year. The last 24 hours have seen the highest ever reported levels of Covid-19 cases across the West Midlands, including in Sandwell. The current Covid-19 infection rate in Sandwell is 886 per 100,000 people based on data from 29 December 2020 to 4 January 2021.  With 2,913 people in Sandwell testing positive for Covid-19 during this one week period.”

Against this backdrop there is little positive to report, only to reiterate that the vaccine remains the hope to see us out of this period, but that obviously will take time to impact on what we are currently dealing with. Our collective behaviour to respect the IPC rules we have in place will go a long way to protecting us, so please do follow guidance both at work and outside, to do all you can to keep yourself, your family and your colleagues safe.

2. New message: Snow warning 

All colleagues should prepare for snow tonight and tomorrow. Please have plans in place for late arrivals of staff due to the impact of expected snow and ice. We are advised that public transport should still be running, although disruption may occur. The following text is from the SWB Severe Weather Plan which you can access by clicking here.

All areas should have business continuity plans agreed with their staff for cold weather, ice and snow. These should include:

• Working with staff regarding their ability to report for work if transport systems are affected or schools closed
• Agreeing working arrangements for severe weather in advance, including potentially the need for staff to stay overnight

Staff are expected to make every reasonable effort to attend work (including using public transport when they wouldn’t normally) providing it is safe to do so.

• If not able to reach their normal base, to attend an alternative base if that is easier to reach.
• To work from home (if applicable and agreed with their manager)
• Staff unable to attend work or work from home, to notify their managers ASAP and required to either take the day as annual leave or time in lieu (to be agreed locally).
• Staff who are able to walk in but are not rostered to work may be asked to support their work area. This is not mandatory and will be based on mutual agreement and rescheduling of work duties

Please ensure that all staff contact details are up to date and that you have a plan in place so that you are aware of any issues at departmental level.

3. New message: Advice regarding second dose of COVID vaccine

In order to ensure we vaccinate our way out of the pandemic as quickly as possible, our staff have been able to get vaccinated through a number of different channels. However, this means that there are different procedures attached to each pathway. Please read the following carefully and take appropriate action in order to ensure you receive your second dose.

If you received your first dose at Walsall Hospital – don’t attend your second dose if scheduled between 7 January 2021 – 3 February 2021. The appointment will be rescheduled to approximately 10 weeks after your first vaccination, and Walsall will advise you of the new date. You do not have to do anything.

If you received your first dose from a Walsall or Wolverhampton GP – these practices are continuing to complete the second dose after three weeks for people who have already received their first dose so please attend your booked appointment.

If you receive your vaccine now at either Sandwell or City your second dose will be booked within 12 weeks.

4. New message: Take a ‘jab’ at COVID-19 and join the vaccination team

Our Trust recently launched as a local vaccination hub providing our patients and colleagues with an opportunity to protect themselves against COVID-19. Whilst we are working hard to vaccinate as many people as possible, obviously this means we need the help and support of colleagues who are willing and able to lend a helping hand and vaccinate. We’re calling on colleagues to ensure they are registered with the Trust Bank and to take up the opportunities that are available to join the vaccination team working at Sandwell Hospital. We’re vaccinating 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm so there are plenty of opportunities for shifts. Join the fight against COVID, register with the Trust bank and lend a helping hand in tackling this pandemic. For more information and to register, call the Trust Bank on 0121 507 3600.

5. Updated message: Guide to car sharing during lockdown

As we have entered a new lockdown we’d like to remind you about 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. Please see following our 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.

Heartbeat: National award for nurse who helps patients understand diabetes

Lead Nurse in Paediatric Diabetes, Lizbeth Hudson has won the award Outstanding Educator in Diabetes at the 2020 Quality in Care Diabetes Awards. This award is open to both adult and paediatric diabetes teams and individuals nationwide.

Due to the current pandemic, the award ceremony was virtual, however, this didn’t dampen spirits as a variety of stakeholders were in attendance from the entrants themselves to supporters, judges and award partners.

The award of Outstanding Educator in Diabetes recognises an individual who delivers excellence in education, in a specialist or community setting whether through developing innovative teaching tools or courses; providing mentorship for other educators; or delivering and promoting externally developed training. Lizbeth was put forward for the accolade by her team members.

Rachael Jones, Paediatric Diabetes Nurse believes Lizbeth is fully deserving of the award and more than matches the criteria.

She said: “Lizbeth is always going the extra mile to help everyone better understand diabetes and more importantly, the care involved. She is kind and caring and, no patient is too much for her no matter how busy and demanding her role is.”

Rachael added: “Lizbeth is a true champion for diabetes and an invaluable asset to our wider team and the Trust.”

Lizbeth started her nurse training in 1999 and qualified a couple of years later in 2001. She worked on Lyndon 1 for five years and moved to Birmingham Children’s Hospital for 12 months, then returned to the Trust as a paediatric diabetes nurse in 2008.

Diabetes has been a big part of Lizbeth’s life as when she met her husband (in 1977) he had been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes six months previously.

“Diabetes was explained to him like so – if your blood sugar goes too high you will go into a coma and if your blood sugar goes to low you will go into a coma,” said Lizabeth.

“These comments had a strong impact on my practice and how I teach patients, their families and carers how to manage their diabetes. I teach patients using visuals and explain in a way that the patients and their families can understand.”

Lizbeth has two children who were both diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. They were diagnosed at the ages of six and 10 years respectively, within 12 months of each other which was life-changing. It is also the core reason she decided to start her nurse training and why she has gone on to achieve what she has in the field of diabetes, culminating in her receiving the accolade of Outstanding Educator in Diabetes 2020.

Lizbeth was delighted to the prestigious award of Outstanding Educator in Diabetes 2020. “I was surprised by my name being announced as a finalist never mind winning it! I attended the virtual presentation and was quite emotional that I had been nominated, chosen as a finalist and voted for by my peers especially as I was up against any people who were equally deserving winners too.”

She added: “I have to say a huge thank you to all my colleagues as without them this would have been possible.”

Planning in advance, anticipating the future

Our medical team are putting together a series of short videos, here’s the first with Dr Anna Lock talking about how by planning in advance and anticipating what is likely to happen in the future it can help us give our palliative and end of life care patients care they want. to meet their goals.

https://player.vimeo.com/video/484336198

Dr Nick’s fifth #Dance4Wellbeing – send us your photos and videos

As you may have seen at the back end of last year, Dr. Nick Makwana led you through the fourth in a series of  #Dance4Wellbeing routines to help you get up and go. The routine was based around a Christmas theme and he was even joined by a couple of his colleagues!

To kick off 2021, Nick has come in with a routine based around the Jackson 5 and is joined by 10 year old Bailey Whitehouse (son of Mark Whitehouse, Head of Patient Access and Planned Care) from St. John Bosco Primary School in West Bromwich!

You can see both their fantastic moves by clicking on the video below.

We’re encouraging both clinical and non-clinical colleagues from across the Trust to send us their photos and video clips of their fantastic moves to swbh.comms@nhs.net.

For more information please contact Johnny.shah@nhs.net.