Monthly archives: January 2021

Heartbeat: It’s top prize for environmentally friendly travel plan

The Trust has scooped a top award for its environmentally-friendly travel plan which is working to reduce the number of staff driving to work.

We won the ‘contribution to sustainable travel by an organisation’ gong, for our work around introducing more cycle lanes, cycle parking, implementing a car share scheme with Faxi, and installing electric vehicle charging points.

The Trust was recognised in the Modeshift National Sustainable Travel Awards, which took place virtually. Earlier this year, we achieved Bronze accreditation from Modeshift for the travel plans.

Fran Silcocks, Sustainability Officer, who contributed to the travel plan, said: “We are honoured and extremely pleased to be recognised in this way for the work we are doing around sustainability. We have been going over and above in our efforts to reduce driving to our sites and have put in place several environmentally friendly initiatives.

“We have significantly more electric vehicle charging points being installed shortly and are working with local public transport providers to offer discounted travel for our staff.

“By introducing the travel plan, the Trust demonstrates our commitment to forming a greener and more sustainable workplace. A big part of our goal is looking at the way staff travel and making it easier and better for people to choose walking, cycling, public transport, low emission vehicles or car sharing rather than travelling individually by car.

“As a health care provider, we have a duty of care to advocate improvements in air quality and are committed to positively contributing towards this. We look forward to working with our local authorities to improve air quality.”

The Trust’s travel plan sets out objectives to reduce the dependence of staff on travel by private car, including:

• Promote sustainable and active modes of travel
• Advocate means of travel that are beneficial to the health of those working at or visiting the site
• Minimise car travel in the area surrounding the site, cutting down on associated costs (including environmental, financial and health)
• Reduce car parking pressures

Staffside – Reporting COVID-19 health and safety concerns

Staff side health and safety representatives have been busy supporting the Trust to undertake COVID spot checks across the Trust throughout December and will continue to do this whilst all Covid- 19 measures need to be remain in place to keep us all safe.

Staff side are undertaking random assessments throughout the Trust, but would really like support from employees to help identify any areas of concerns so they can support these areas to protect staff and support covid-19 compliance. Staff side have a secure private email that any members of staff can use to discuss any concerns and seek advice from staff side members. This is a confidential service and your name will not be disclosed outside of staff side. Staff side would welcome all staff (including non- members) to use this confidential email to report any concerns regarding Covid- 19 compliance, signposting to support for staff for all Union services and Trust wide services, staffing issues, health and safety issues, equality issues  and anything else you think staff side can support you with. This email is swbh.unioncollective@nhs.net

COVID-19 Bulletin: Wednesday 6 January

1. New message: Delivering healthcare in challenging times

Regardless of your role, your job title, your group or function, working for the Trust means you are directly involved in the fight against the pandemic. We work together to deliver healthcare to the communities we serve, and even as we face ever increasing pressure and new challenges as numbers rise, we are supporting each other. It is a fact that it is going to get worse before it gets better, so we all must consider how to navigate our way safely through to a vaccinated world. We anticipate the new national lockdown will in the next few weeks slow the rise in cases, and start to bring the virus under control.  We recognise that work does look very different to some colleagues as many of us have changed how we work, deliver our service or even have temporarily changed our job roles. We remain grateful to every colleague who has reacted with kindness to support colleagues, and we recognise your efforts in forming our response to COVID. If there is anything you think we could do to make your working lives a little easier, please let us know by emailing swbh.comms@nhs.net.

2. New message: COVID-19 vaccine Q&A session next Tuesday – your questions answered

On Tuesday 12 January at midday the Trust is holding an all staff Q&A session via WebEx. Experts from R&D and across the Trust will be on hand to share information about vaccinations including how they are tested and approved. We will also describe our arrangements for staff and patient vaccinations and answer your burning questions.

You can submit questions in advance to swbh.comms@nhs.net or use the Q&A function on the day.

If you are unable to attend we will be updating our Q&As and sharing them after the event. For our current FAQs please click here.

To join the WebEx please follow the link and instructions below:

• Join the session through WebEx by going to https://swbhnhs.webex.com/swbhnhs/onstage/g.php?MTID=ea4982a383625d14dfe764e24ec4117ce
• Enter your name and email address in the registration panel on the right
• Enter COVID19 as the event password

3. New message: New appointments for second dose of COVID vaccine

Further to our update on the COVID vaccination programme published in the bulletin yesterday, Walsall Healthcare has advised that all colleagues who have had their first dose of the vaccine, should not attend their appointment to have a second injection as it will be rearranged. This is in line with national guidance changing, as second vaccinations are now taking place up to 12 weeks after your first jab, rather than the original three weeks.  The four UK Chief Medical Officers agree that at this stage of the pandemic prioritising the first doses for as many people as possible on the priority list will protect the greatest number of at risk people overall, in the shortest possible time.

So, if you have an appointment for your 2^nd Covid-19 vaccination at Walsall Manor Hospital between 07.01.2021 – 03.02.2021 this will be rescheduled to approximately 10 weeks after your 1^st vaccination.  DO NOT ATTEND for your current 2^nd appointment. 

You will get an email confirmation of your new appointment or a call from Walsall Manor. Please do everything you can to honour this appointment. If you absolutely cannot make it, please contact covacc.enquiries@walsallhealthcare.nhs.uk or 01922 444023.

4. New message: Please beware – COVID vaccination scam!  

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: coster@rsmuk.com
• Mobile: 07436 268747

Bradley Vaughan, Managing Consultant, Counter Fraud Client Manager:

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

5. Updated message: Responsible use of social media

As we work through these extremely challenging times, it is easy for us working in health to spot the fake news items that can cause such distress and anxiety to the populations we serve. An item in social media can be distributed at speed and be shared countless times, and once published is impossible to guarantee it was not seen or shared before deletion if the writer changes their mind about what they want to say on the record. It is out there, in public for all to see, and comment on. Screenshots can be taken in a second, and they can be shared even if the post is deleted. It really is a channel to respect and use with care and consideration.

Of course social media is also a very useful tool which allows people to interact with one another, to share information, knowledge and opinions. It penetrates every facet of our society, with few workplaces exempt from its influence. Hence it has never been more important for all colleagues to be mindful of the both the benefits and risks associated with using social media. Please take care and be alert when using social media. When using your own personal social media channels please ensure that you are not breaching patient or staff confidentiality through sharing of identifiable images or information.

This is important as the NHS continues to be in the spotlight particularly from the media, who may be looking for an inside view from staff and get a story taken out of context from your social media channels. Information published on social media channels can quickly go further than your immediate contacts.

If you have any concerns or would like some guidance please contact the Trust press office by emailing  swbh.comms@nhs.net. We provide training in how to use social media responsibly and staff a 24/7 on call rota – contact us OOH through switchboard should you need advice in an emergency.

Online Grand Round: 7 January

We will be hosting an online Grand Round on Thursday 7 January, 12.30pm – 1.30pm via WebEx. The main topic will be around glycated haemoglobin with presenter, Dr Agwu, Consultant Paediatrician in Diabetes and Endocrinology.

Please see WebEx joining details below:

• Weblink: https://swbhnhs.webex.com/swbhnhs/onstage/g.php?MTID=e6c177e5d4ee08034de0599b42177ea04
• Event number/access code: 174 432 7551
• Event password: GRJAN
• Audio conference: +44-20-3478-5289
• Access code: 174 432 7551

Note: There will also be limited seating where you can watch the presentation in Rooms 9 and 10 of the Education Centre at Sandwell and clinical skills in the Postgraduate Centre at City. 

For more information please email swbh.welearngrandrounds@nhs.net

Dr Nick’s fifth #Dance4Wellbeing – check out this short teaser!

You are never too young to throw some shapes on the dance floor as young Bailey Whitehouse (son of Mark Whitehouse,  – Head of Patient Access and Planned Care) demonstrates alongside our very own dancing doc – Nick Makwana. A new year, a new month, a new #Dance4Wellbeing. Check out our teaser video below.

Be sure to look out for the full routine on Connect.

Relocation of AMAA at City

AMAA at City has now relocated to the minors department near to the entrance of ED.

Note: AMAA will continue to operate its normal working hours and can be contacted on ext. 6100 and 6103.

Your Trust Charity January toy sale – everything must go!

Your Trust Charity has a fantastic range of toys (limited amounts) available for colleagues to purchase at a discounted rate. Whilst all shops are closed during lockdown you will be able to shop whilst on your break and support Your Trust Charity.

Payments will be online via PayPal and we can arrange a collection time from Trinity House.

So grab yourself a cuppa and browse away… Happy shopping!

To purchase anything please email amanda.winwood@nhs.net or call on 0121 507 4847.

Heartbeat: Review of daily commute does wonders for work from home Krupa

In August, we launched the healthy weight element of our wellbeing strategy and encouraged you to get involved with the many options available on Connect.

Krupa Soneji, Access WSL/EPR Consultant, answered the call and immediately turned to review her ‘work commute’ now that her she was mainly ‘work from home’.

Heartbeat spoke to Krupa about her new regime. She said: “I had the idea to reclaim my ‘work commute’ whilst working from home a few months ago. The goal was to separate my work and home space ideologically, allow myself to re-establish routine and get into the mind frame of work and motivate myself to get outside, get active and have some fresh air.

“So, every morning I get ready for work, get dressed and go outside for a walk. It serves as my commute to work. When I leave the house in the morning, I am not at work, when I return from the morning walk I start my working day. At the end of the working day, I close my laptop and again go for a walk. When I return home, I try to be mindful that I am now returning home and leave work behind.”

Krupa says she learned that a simple change applied consistently, impacts her life and lifestyle in a wholesome and holistic manner.

“This activity is a benchmark for my wellbeing – there were some weeks where I felt stressed and overly preoccupied with work,” she continued. “Some weeks, the walk to work stopped happening – this told me I am not getting enough sleep to make the journey, or that I am too tired for the commute home in the evening.

“The lapses made me aware that I am slipping into unhealthy patterns and reminded me that it is important to re-establish the routine. Once I started walking again, I felt more energetic throughout the day.

“The exertion and elevated heartrate stimulated my hunger, so I was more inclined to eat properly and drink less coffee. The first few days re-establishing the walks and the routine that followed were tough, but I persisted and felt better overall.

“Now if I miss a day or two that is acceptable, but by day three, I will get myself back in gear. I feel I am being kind to myself again, in general Krupa today thanks the Krupa who went for a walk yesterday.”

So what does Krupa advise colleagues looking to embark on a similar journey?

“My suggestion to others would be to take time to think about yourself, observe what is important to you and works for you. Find things that motivate the ‘you’ tomorrow to be thankful for the actions you take today. Doing things that I feel grateful to myself for, improves my self-esteem and motivates me to keep going.

“I appreciate that not everyone can get outside to go for a walk or that it may not be what works for them. Whatever you do decide to change, take each day as it comes and wherever possible stick with it, if it lapses return to it. The change doesn’t need to be big, and you may not succeed every day or all the time. When that happens, try not to be too hard on yourself. It’s those days, where I learned I might need to be kind to myself the most.”

COVID-19 Bulletin: Tuesday 5 January

Operational update in relation to new lockdown

It won’t come as a surprise to most of you that we have today in our hospitals the highest number of patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 than at any time during the pandemic. Our services have been pressured for some time, particularly our Critical Care Services which have expanded to meet the need to care for critically ill patients. Our hospital wards are caring for increasing numbers of COVID-19 patients along with people who are unwell with non COVID related illnesses. Last night’s national lockdown announcement reflects the position of NHS services and is intended to reduce and slow the transmission of the virus so that fewer people get acutely ill. However, it will be some weeks before we begin to see a reduction in patients who need our care, and, we saw during the second wave that the reduction is much slower than that experienced as a result of the March 2020 lockdown.

We are running today as an internal critical incident so that we can urgently act to safely care for our patients who need our help now. We are following our COVID-19 surge plan which means that, from today and over the next few days we will need to make changes to how we work, to focus on the provision of safe care for acute patients. This may mean that we need to ask staff to work in a different way to sustain safe services and support staff wellbeing. We are grateful for your support during this challenging time and any change in working conditions you may be asked to make given the current difficult circumstances.

Working with partners

We continue to work with partners across the Black Country and Birmingham to ensure our patients get the right care. This means close working with care homes and social care teams to safely discharge those patients who no longer need to be in an acute hospital bed. It also means ensuring that we can transfer ITU patients to other areas that have more capacity as we are currently in our expanded bed base for critical care.

Changes to routine care

We are reviewing whether we need to reduce our non-urgent clinic appointments and some diagnostics as well as routine surgery. Much of this we have already postponed but we need more of our clinicians to support our inpatient hospital work right now, rather than outpatient activity. Clinicians may be asked to work in different areas and will be contacted individually where this is the case. Wherever staff are asked to be redeployed they will get the right training and support. Thank you to all the reservists who have stepped up to date and continue to work in other clinical areas. To read about the role of a reservist and the support that is provided to see if you are able to help, please click here.

Pictured at their training today are: (left to right) Laser Nurse Amrita Nar, Staff nurse Lorena Macarulay, Staff Nurse Liz Williams, Theatre Practitioner Stacey Hughes, Staff Nurse Renea Wickham with intensive care nurse training staff – Sister Shakila Rasool and Professional Development Nurse Sharon Clarke.

School Closures

As announced by the Prime Minister all colleges, primary (reception years onwards) and secondary schools will remain open for vulnerable and children of critical care workers. All other children will be required to learn remotely at home until February half term. Critical workers are defined as those whose work is critical to the coronavirus (COVID19) and EU transition response include those who work in health and social care and in other key sectors. Within the Health and Social care sectors this includes but is not limited to doctors, nurses, midwives, paramedics, social workers, care workers, and other frontline health and social care staff including volunteers; the support and specialist staff required to maintain the UK’s health and social care sector; those working as part of the health and social care supply chain, including producers and distributors of medicines and medical and personal protective equipment. Should any member of staff require a letter from the Trust to provide as evidence of key/critical care worker status please approach your line manager or the HR team via swbh.hr-advice-for-covid-19@nhs.net Sandwell Day Nursery  will continue to operate normally for all its current users, though this will be kept under review based upon usage and its ability to offer places to SWB critical workers.

Pressing ahead with the vaccination programme

We continue to press ahead with our vaccination programme at the Whiteheath Medical Centre and our Sandwell Hospital hub at the education centre. A further hospital hub based at the cardiac rehab gym on City site in partnership with three primary care networks across West Birmingham is due to open to patients on Thursday morning. We have already been vaccinating patients who are over 80 and staff who are working in high risk areas or themselves are identified as medium / high risk following their covid risk assessments. You will be contacted when it is your turn to be vaccinated. In line with national guidance changing, we are now booking second vaccinations up to 12 weeks after your first jab while considering rearranging appointments for those who are already booked for their second jab. More information to follow shortly. Next Tuesday at 12noon we will be running a staff Q&A session where you can learn more about the different vaccines and post any questions you may have. Please watch the video below for more information about our exciting collaboration with the PCNs. Pictured as work is continuing on setting up the clinic are Dottie Tipton, Trust Primary Care Liaison Manager, and Helen Kilminster, Pharmacist and People’s Health Partnership Clinical Director.

Annual leave, study leave and SPA time

Due to the high levels of patient admissions, we are reviewing the situation as regards pre booked study leave and SPA time that is scheduled up to the end of February. At present we are not asking you to cancel any of your annual leave but it is possible that we may ask you to either reduce it or take it at another time. Your groups are working through the staffing levels that are needed and will talk to you directly about this.

PPE

We continue to have good supply of PPE. Please make sure that you are aware of the requirements for the area you are working in, as well as your own risk assessment and the PPE requirements for the procedures you are carrying out. The guidance is displayed on the doors of all ward areas.

Note to all colleagues: Please be aware that FFP3 Unvalved 1863 and 9330 masks are the same despite having different numbers. This means you can use either 1863 or 9330 if you are fit tested on either. For further details please see 3M FFP3 Unvalved information sheet.

Wellbeing Wednesday: New year, new you?

The mental health and wellbeing of our colleagues is paramount especially during this current pandemic which is why we are inviting colleagues to visit our Wellbeing Sanctuary – a place of calm.

Join us at the sanctuary for paradise beach meditation. Book in for a chat and meditation to get 2021 off to a good start. We have a new massage pod that provides beautiful shiatsu and at the same time you will be learning how to decompress and develop relaxation techniques.

The sanctuary gives colleagues a chance to relax in a confidential safe place with additional services also available:

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

The Sanctuary is at Learning Works on Unett Street, Smethwick, B66 3SY. There is free on site parking.

To book yourself a free session please call 0121 507 5886.

For further details please see daily sanctuary information sheet.

Counselling service: Our occupational health dervice offers a free and confidential counselling service which you can access by calling 0121 507 3306. You can ask for a counselling appointment, leave your contact details and a counsellor will be in touch.