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Monthly archives: March 2021

Could you be a Staff Side Rep?

 

Staff Side have recently  had a number of newly elected representatives, which is fantastic news, however we would like to encourage more reps from all areas to enable Staff Side to function more effectively.

Having additional Staff Side union representation would really help staff side to increase their functions. Please contact your staff side representatives or contact the Union Collective secure email below, to obtain more information on becoming a Workplace Representative, Health and Safety Representative or Equalities Representative. We will welcome newly elected Union Representatives.

Those who are Union members can contact your Union Representatives for more information on Staff Side, or use the Union collective email (can be used for members and non -members of Unions). The secure email is swbhunioncollective@nhs.net and any escalation of matters will remain anonymous, unless you agree to share your details. Staff Side aim to support you with issues but can liaise with the Trust in enabling this.

LGBTQ+ survey – Help to shape our network

 

This year we have relaunched our LGBTQ+ staff network. Our focus lies firmly on serving and supporting colleagues in the LGBTQ+ community in our workplace.

We encourage all LGBTQ+ colleagues and allies to attend our meetings and events. We’re a small but thriving staff network that values open debate and conversation. Everyone is welcome to join – please bring an open mind and a smile :).

To further develop our network, we’d appreciate a few minutes of your time to answer our questionnaire.

Should you need any further information about our network, please visit Connect to find out more.

Do you have any patients who would benefit from virtual Alcoholics Anonymous meetings?

 

The regional Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) group have gifted a tablet to enable inpatients at either Sandwell and City Hospital to access online AA meetings whilst they are in hospital.

AA provides invaluable support for people who are currently struggling with their drinking, or are recently abstaining from alcohol, so it is very exciting that we now have the opportunity to introduce AA to people before they are discharged.

The tablet is kept by the alcohol care team who will help the patient log on to the meetings.

Please reassure patients that the audio and video can be muted so they can simply listen to the meeting.

If you know of someone who may benefit from this, please contact the alcohol care team on ext. 5074.

Drug safety notice: Morphine sulfate (MST CONTINUS®) 20mg, 30mg, 60mg, 100mg and 200mg prolonged release granules for oral suspension

 

All strengths of MST Continus® prolonged release granules for oral suspension are being permanently discontinued during 2021 due to difficulty sourcing a key excipient.

The following table provides information on anticipated out of stock dates for each presentation:

Product details  Anticipated out of stock date
MST CONTINUS granules for suspension 20mg Nov – 21
MST CONTINUS granules for suspension 30mg Aug – 21
MST CONTINUS granules for suspension 60mg Jun – 21
MST CONTINUS granules for suspension 100mg May – 21
MST CONTINUS granules for suspension 200mg Jan – 22

Advice / Alternatives:

  • Alternative morphine sulfate presentations, both modified release and immediate release,remain available and will be able to support increased demand.
  • All patients on morphine sulfate MST CONTINUS® will need to be reviewed to determine if ongoing opioid treatment is necessary.
  • When switching to an alternative morphine sulfate a release formulation take into account current dosing regimen, i.e. is the preparation 12 hourly release or 24hourly release.
  • If other modified release preparations of morphine sulfate are not suitable clinicians should consider prescribing:
    • standard release preparations with as required doses for breakthrough pain
    • opioid patches once pain control has been stabilised with as required doses for breakthrough pain
  • Utilise opioid conversion tables located in the BNF when switching products.
  • The only modified release Morphine preparations that are licensed to be manipulated to enable administration to patients with swallowing difficulties or who are being tube fed, are Zomorph ® and MXL® capsules

Click here to read the full Drug supply distribution alert: MST Continuous sachets 01-0321

TeamTalk Staff Briefing: March 2021

 

TeamTalk took place on Wednesday 24 February where colleagues were briefed on national and regional updates as well as the latest news regarding COVID-19 and Midland Met.

If you were not able to make the session you can download a copy of the briefing presentation below and watch the TeamTalk video.

Team Talk March 2021

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