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Monthly archives: March 2021

Tax avoidance: Don’t get caught out!

 

Unscrupulous promoters of tax avoidance schemes are continuing to target healthcare workers, including those who have returned to help the NHS through the COVID-19 pandemic. For anyone involved in such schemes, there could be significant financial implications.

HMRC’s report, the Use of Marketed Tax Avoidance schemes in the UK, has shown that healthcare workers are often targeted and drawn into schemes marketed by companies promising higher take home pay and less administration. Most of these schemes do not work and those who use them are left to deal with the consequences including tax bills for the amount they tried to avoid.

That is why HMRC last year the launched the Tax avoidance: don’t get caught out national campaign to help contractors – or those thinking of going freelance – to understand the risks of using tax avoidance schemes and how they could be sold to them. We want to warn and educate healthcare workers about identifying the signs and the pitfalls of using tax avoidance schemes. This is part of HMRC’s wider work to make it much harder for promoters to operate.

If you think you have joined such a scheme, it is crucial that you leave it as soon as you can. The earlier you leave, the sooner you can settle the tax that you owe and reduce your chances of higher tax bills.

If you think you have spotted a tax avoidance scheme, you can report it by using the Report Tax Fraud Online form. Please make sure you enter the words ‘Contractor campaign’ in the ‘Other information’ section. You can also phone HMRC on 0800 788 887 (outside the UK +44 (0)203 080 0871).

If you think you are in a tax avoidance scheme, contact the team and they will help you get on the right track. They won’t be judgemental and if you can’t afford to pay everything in one go, they may be able to offer you an instalment arrangement. You can contact them at exitsteam.counteravoidance@hmrc.gov.uk

For further information please see Tax avoidance: getting out of an avoidance scheme.

Colleagues feel they are making a difference according to latest NHS Staff Survey results

 

In a year that has tested NHS organisations across the country SWB colleagues have highlighted improvements in the quality of care and feeling they are making a difference to patients in their responses to the national NHS Staff Survey.

In October 2020, every colleague in our organisation was given the opportunity to take part in the national NHS Staff Survey; over 38 per cent of colleagues completed their survey with 2,786 anonymous responses flooding in.

The survey which is conducted once a year allows us to see how colleagues feel about their jobs and working for our Trust and examines the sentiments of colleagues across a range of key areas. Data is then compared against our performance in previous years and comparisons made against other similar organisations to determine our relative performance.

The national survey is mandatory for all NHS organisations with the results being used to inform national initiatives that can help support improvements in staff experience and wellbeing. The results of the national NHS Staff Survey are also used by NHS England to support national assessments of quality and safety.

There are a few key insights that we can take away from this year’s results:

  • I am satisfied with the quality of care I give to patients – 83.5%
  • I feel that my role makes a difference to patients – 90.4%
  • SWB has made adequate adjustments to enable me to carry out my work – 71.4%
  • Care of patients is SWB’s top priority – 75.0%

Whilst we look at the good things highlighted in the survey, it’s important we review the areas we could do better, and to do this we will be holding a range of listening events throughout April, May and June to gain a better insight in to what we can do to improve:

  • The wellbeing support offered to all staff
  • Equality, diversity and inclusion
  • Team communication
  • Line manager development

Managers will receive a copy of their directorate report which they will be required to share with their teams and jointly develop action plans to make improvements. Teams will also be asked to discuss and put forward suggestions to improve the four main organisational themes (as above). Teams will be given the opportunity to discuss the results during their team time and specially organised WebEx events.

More information will follow in the communication bulletins and in communications directly to managers.

You can read SWB’s full NHS Staff Survey report by clicking here.

Have you worked with patients who have learning disabilities? We want your feedback

 

Have you worked with a patient with learning disabilities? If so we welcome your feedback via the NHSE/NHSI 2020 National Learning Disabilities staff survey which will form part of the National Learning Disabilities Improvement Standards. This will help to better improve the experience and outcomes of people with learning disabilities and autism. The information will also be used as part of the National Learning Disabilities Improvement Standards and is designed to be helpful to NHS Trusts in terms of service improvement.

To complete this survey please click here.

For more information please email d.cobley@nhs.net or call 07966625109.

REACT-ing to support mental wellbeing: March spaces still available this month

 

There are spaces available on courses in March that aim to allow colleagues to train as REACT Practitioners, supporting the mental wellbeing of colleagues. The training is online from 9am – 1.30pm and can be completed using any type of tablet or laptop and it can be done from home. The equipment used does not need to be supplied by the Trust, personal devices will be fully compatible.

Click here for more information.

Dates are as follows:

  • 12 March
  • 15 March
  • 16 March
  • 22 March

If you would like to attend please ask your line manager to email Mandeep.gill11@nhs.net and provide your name, place of work and which course you would prefer to attend.

Colleagues must be willing and able to provide support to colleagues within the Trust though it is not anticipated that this would take more than a maximum of one hour per week. We especially welcome colleagues to complete the training from the surgery group and also any colleagues who work on wards and areas that have been particularly impacted by COVID. However, all colleagues are entitled to request a place.

Note: This training is externally purchased by the Trust and failure to attend once booked without a valid reason may incur a financial penalty.

Notice Fraud: March 2021

 

During the lockdown fraudsters have been looking to take advantage of us. Here’s what to watch out for:

COVID vaccine scam:

Several reports have been received of people being contacted by fraudsters offering the COVID vaccine. The report shows text messages being sent providing a link for people to apply for their COVID 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 staff will be contacted directly by your employer.

Two-Factor authorisation – 2FA:

Two-Factor authorisation is the process of requiring secondary authorisation to make a key change such as password or bank details.

Banks and other organisations will send a code to an email address or telephone to ensure the genuine user is aware of the change, but fraudsters have identified ways in which to beat this process.

Fraudsters have been contacting victims purporting to be from the bank/organisation, they state that to verify the call and pass through the security process they will send a 2FA code to the victim. At the same time, they go through the password reset/bank change process, which automatically sends the code through. They then ask the victim to read the code back to verify their identity, which they can input to the system and bypass the control.

You are reminded to never give out your password or a 2FA code over email or the telephone.

COVID fraud hotline:

A new initiative has been launched between the government and the independent charity Crimestoppers. One hundred and fifty COVID support schemes have been introduced by the government to help those struggling financially due to the pandemic, but with all schemes a minority of individuals have been abusing these by claiming support illegally.

If you have any concerns, the COVID Fraud Hotline is open 24/7, 365 days a year on 0800 587 5030, Alternatively, you can contact your local counter fraud specialist directly for advice and guidance.

Be sure to check out the March 2021 fraud notice by clicking here.

Your local counter fraud specialist 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:

Wednesday Wellbeing: Re-energise, re-engage and relax

 

During this challenging year you can access numerous resources to support you and your mental health and wellbeing.

A walk provides psychological benefits: It is important that you engage with the world around you, be mindful. Just a simple walk can help you to leave your workday behind and to let go of stresses. Even just 20 minutes per day can improve your wellbeing. As you walk, look at the nature around you as you will notice new buds forming on nearby trees; the trees will flourish in the spring – in just a few weeks’ time. Notice the burst of colour as crocuses start to bloom, or you may get the essence of beautiful fragrance as you pass a hyacinth. Go for a walk in your local park and watch the ducks on the pond or the birds in the sky above.

Cycling and finding new routes: You may choose to find a new walk or a new cycle trail. If you want inspiration, try the local roll & stroll website with tips to help you to plan your route in the local area, as things open up over the weeks ahead. Click here to find routes near you.

Yoga from home: You may be missing your yoga classes or you may want to try something new. Chris Randall our Yoga consultant has recorded 21 sessions for you to do from home, beginners and intermediate. Stretch, relax, enjoy! Click here to access Mindful Yoga with Chris

Are you worried about something? There is support for you daily. Here are some useful numbers resources.

  • Trouble sleeping: https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/sleep
  • Just a chat in confidence: Booked a one to one chat with Lavinia Hines at the Wellbeing Sanctuary call 0121 507 5886 anyone can book this appointment for you.
  • REACT practitioners: These colleagues have been trained to have a confidential conversation with you near to where you work. Email wellbeinghub@nhs.netto find out who is your nearest REACT Practitioner.

Note: Your contact details will never be shared without your permission. You will be given details of your nearest practitioner and you will contact them yourself.

Making the move to Engie and what is changing for users

 

 

Earlier this week, we shared news of what is remaining the same as we make our move to using ENGIE. From 5 April, they will become our estates provider, so there are some changes you need to be aware of.

We will have new response and rectification times for all sites. All jobs types have been reviewed  and classed as emergency, urgent or routine.  When you log a job, it will be clear what category it falls into and will determine the response time. In some cases, extra time has been built in to allow for travel, for example, to get to one of our sites such as Leasowes. There will also be defined times for our new flagship hospital opening in 2022, the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital. We’ll share more details closer to the time.

Monthly Engie user groups have been set up. These sessions will be collaborative and allow colleagues to share their feedback. The next session will take place on 24 March. If you’d like to be involved, please email Suzanne.gray9@nhs.net.

Sandwell and City response and rectification times

Leasowes and Rowley response and rectification times

 

Cancer services virtual sale

 

Our cancer services are hosting their first virtual sale with all funds raised going towards Your Trust Charity to support cancer patients’ wellbeing.

With Mother’s Day around the corner why not show your mum, nan, gran, aunty or someone significant that you love and appreciate them.

The sale is on until Friday this week between 8.30am – 4pm.

With a whole host of bargain galore there is something to suit everyone’s taste – from gorgeous beauty hampers to gardening goodies, and wellbeing treats, leather gloves and large woolly scarves in different colours and styles

The full list of items can be accessed by clicking here.

All baskets have been gift wrapped with cellophane and ribbons for you. If you have a particular hamper you would like made up, do call to see if the service can help you.

If you are interested in purchasing any of the items, or would like to see further pictures of an item you are interested in or would like more information, please call ext. 2776 or email jennifer.donovan@nhs.net.

COVID-19 Bulletin: Tuesday 9 March

 

1. New: Protecting patients – making sure we remember to offer patients a face mask

As well as face masks being mandatory amongst colleagues within our Trust we have a duty of care to ensure that patients are given the same opportunity to protect themselves and others.

Several times a day nursing colleagues must complete the ‘Nurse Rounding’ checklist in Unity to record that they have ensured that amongst other checks, patients have been offered a face mask, and where the patient is wearing a face mask, mouth care support is offered.

These checks are critical in ensuring that patients are able to protect themselves, those around them and colleagues working on the ward.

Please ensure you take the time to work through the checklist and ensure it is completed in its entirety.

2. Updated: Keeping you safe – shielding, isolating and working from home

Keeping colleagues safe throughout the pandemic has been a key Trust priority over the past 12 months. We continue to review guidance around those who are shielding and we have now updated our policy for these colleagues.

Shielding staff are defined as people who are clinically extremely vulnerable and at very high risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

There are three ways colleagues may be identified as clinically extremely vulnerable:

  • You have one or more of the conditions listed here
  • Your hospital clinician or GP has added you to the Shielded Patients List because based on their clinical judgement they deem you to be at higher risk of serious illness if you catch the virus
  • You have been identified through the COVID-19 population risk assessment as potentially being at high risk of serious illness if they catch the virus.

Colleagues in these categories will have received a shielding letter, from your GP, hospital clinician or from the NHS nationally. Those with a shielding letter are strongly advised to work from home because the risk of exposure to the virus in their area may currently be higher.

If you cannot work from home, then you should still not attend work.  The Trust will support you to stay well and continue to contribute to work, where adjustments can be made to enable you to work from home.  If it is not possible to work remotely then the absence will need to be recorded as shielding and not working in any capacity in accordance with guidance from E-Rostering  and ESR.

These new formal shielding measures will apply until at least 31 March 2021.

We recognise that there may be some cases where an employee believes that they have been issued a shielding letter on the basis of a previous condition that is no longer relevant or you do not want to shield.  If this is the case your manager must:

  • Make arrangements for you to work remotely until advice is received from Occupational Health  (OH) – If not possible to work remotely then your absence will need to be recorded as shielding and not working in any capacity.
  • Email occyhealthcovid19@nhs.net explaining that a shielding letter has been received and to request advice on working arrangements/adjustments required. This will require you to complete a further risk assessment.
  • Make the arrangements for taking appropriate action on receipt of the OH advice and ensure this is documented in your personal file. If it has been agreed that you can return to work your manager must review this on a regular basis to ensure that you are continuing to work in a safe way and adhering to all infection control rules.

As lockdown restrictions change in coming weeks it is likely that the shielding guidance will also change. If you are informed that you no longer need to shield you must complete the Trust’s risk assessment before returning to work so that we can be sure that the appropriate precautions are put in place for you. These arrangements must be documented in your personal file.

The guidance can be read here.

3. Updated: LAMP testing rolled out to all colleagues

The ongoing success of LAMP (Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification) testing means that it is now available to all colleagues from across the Trust.

You can book a kit collection slot for the weekly test, which requires you to collect a saliva sample in the morning before you brush your teeth or have your breakfast.

When you arrive at work, you can deposit your sample into a collection box in phlebotomy on our acute and community sites which are then sent off to the lab to be tested.

Results are processed quicker than the usual PCR swab tests and notifications of both positive and negative results sent back to you via text message.

Please ensure:

  1. You put a label on your specimen tube and place inside the small bag.
  2. You place this inside a larger second bag with your request form, stating the date and time of collection.
  3. The request form faces outward to enable colleagues within the lab to read the information on the form without having to open the packaging.

Instructions on how to perform the test can be accessed by clicking here.

Please ring 0121 507 2664 option 6 to register and book a kit collection slot  Mon – Fri 8am – 6pm

If the result comes back positive you and your household will need to immediately isolate for 10 days and you will not require a PCR swab test to confirm the result.

We are in the process of adding more specimen collection boxes across the Trust sites. For a full list of the areas where the test has already been introduced, click here.

You should continue with the lateral flow testing until you move to the LAMP testing programme. If you have kit left over from your lateral flow tests please return these to your service area and we will arrange for left over testing kit to be collected. If you are at the end of your lateral flow test kit and not due to transition over before you run out of kit, please contact the community contact centre on 0121 507 2664 option 6.

Testing times with schools returning this week

As children across the country return to school this week and the government’s 4 step plan to ease lockdown gets underway, there are a range of measures that schools are putting in place to keep everyone safe – the most notable being COVID-19 testing.

New government guidance now means that adults in households with children can test themselves every three or four days using a rapid home testing kit.

However if you are already undertaking regular lateral flow tests or LAMP testing, there is no need to register for local authority testing.

Further details about rapid home testing in Sandwell is available at: www.sandwell.gov.uk/rapidhometests

Note: These rapid home tests are only for adults with school age children in their household and their bubbles.

4. Reminder: Confidently showing everything is clean

COVID-19 has once again proven to us that spotlessly clean wards and attention to detail isn’t just something that we aim for but something that we must see as our standard. Every clinical area should be spotlessly clean, every colleague should be seen to carefully wash their hands and every piece of equipment should be clearly identifiable as being clean.

When it comes to equipment in clinical areas, there has always been a standing rule that everything must be sanitised after use, but how do you know when it is clean? Many of the germs, bacteria and virus are incredible small and can be spread without knowing. This is where our latest change in practice comes in to play with the roll out of our ‘I am clean’ stickers.

Colleagues no longer need to assume that equipment has been cleaned when they can now look to see if it carries a fresh ‘I am clean’ sign, showing not only that it has been sanitised but also when it was last sanitised.

As well as being helpful sign, the new stickers help build confidence in our practices and processes. When patients see a blood pressure monitor or even a commode being brought to them, they will be able to clearly see that it carries a sticker that shows it has been cleaned.

The stickers are also a very welcome sign to patients. A lot of work goes in to cleaning, sanitising and preparing every bed, bay, surface and piece of equipment in a ward, but the patients often have to assume this has all been done. The new stickers clearly show that someone has taken the time to clean and sanitise the equipment.

To find out more about the Infection Prevention and Control practices and programmes, contact the team on ext. 5900.

Urgent treatment centre to cater for patients with minor injuries

 

Sandwell Hospital will soon be opening its doors to a new urgent treatment centre where patients regardless of whether they reside in Sandwell and West Birmingham can be seen on the same day by the right healthcare professional.

The walk-in centre is being unveiled a year earlier than planned and replaces the service provided by Malling Health at Parsonage Street. The team at Malling Health will continue to work with the Trust to deliver the GP led service from Sandwell Hospital.

The urgent care centre will:

  • Provide timely assessment, intervention and monitoring for patients
  • Streamline the patient episode of care with expedited and safe discharge with the appropriate support
  • Support flow through the system and reduce pressures on the ED through the provision of a streamlined pathway from ED and in-reach into ED.

Work has started to transform part of the outpatients department at Sandwell into the walk-in centre.

We expect the service to be up and running by the beginning of summer. The Trust will be communicating with the teams who are currently based in that area regarding where and when they’ll move.

The new walk-in centre will ensure the patient needs are met including:

  • Seeing the right healthcare professional
  • Seeing someone the same day
  • Getting an appointment at a time to suit them

For more information please email rachel.clarke10@nhs.net.

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