Monthly archives: July 2021
Hot weather alert: Level 3 – heatwave action
There is a 90 per cent probability of very hot weather throughout this week. Daytime temperatures across the West Midlands will be very warm or locally hot, followed by warm nights with temperatures reaching up to 30 degrees Celsius.
This weather could increase the health risks to vulnerable patients and disrupt the delivery of services. Please refer to the Trust’s Severe weather plan.
Any issues should be escalated to the site senior capacity managers or the CNPs after 7pm.
Factors which increase an individual’s risk during a heatwave include:
- Chronic and severe illness, including heart conditions, diabetes, respiratory or renal insufficiency, Parkinson’s disease or severe mental illness.
- Medications that potentially affect renal function, the body’s ability to sweat, thermoregulation or electrolyte balance can make this group more vulnerable to the effects of heat
- Inability to adapt behaviour to keep cool: having Alzheimer’s, a disability, being bed bound, babies and the very young.
Actions to be taken include the following:
- Minimise heat increase by drawing blinds or curtains
- Where possible switch off anything connected to the power system and likely to produce heat e.g. computers, printers, additional lighting
- Maintain hydration in patients by offering additional drinks
- Do not use fans. Using fans can disperse airborne particles which could increase the spread of COVID-19. Fans cannot be properly cleaned to meet our infection control standards which could result in the increased risk of transmission of any microorganisms.
Ensure that discharge planning takes into account the temperature of the accommodation and level of daily care during the heatwave period.
Personal protective equipment and heat: risk of heat stress
Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) in warm/hot environments increases the risk of heat stress. This occurs when the body is unable to cool itself enough to maintain a healthy temperature. Heat stress can cause heat exhaustion and lead to heat stroke if the person is unable to cool down.
Colleagues working in warm/hot conditions wearing PPE should follow the below advice:
- Take regular breaks, find somewhere cool if you can.
- Make sure you are hydrated (checking your urine is an easy way of keeping an eye on your hydration levels – dark or strong-smelling urine is a sign that you should drink more fluids).
- Be aware of the signs and symptoms of heat stress and dehydration (thirst, dry mouth, dark or strong-smelling urine, urinating infrequently or in small amounts, inability to concentrate, muscle cramps, fainting). Don’t wait until you start to feel unwell before you take a break.
- Use a buddy system with your team to look out for the signs of heat stress (e.g. confusion, looking pale or clammy, fast breathing) in each other.
- Between shifts, try to stay cool as this will give your body a chance to recover.
For more information please see personal protective equipment and heat – risk of heat stress guidance.
Heartbeat: Chapel of Rest transformed to tranquil viewing room
Thanks to kind and generous donations, the Chapel of Rest at City Hospital has seen a transformation in recent weeks, taking it from dark and dated to a bright and welcoming environment where families can say their final goodbyes to loved ones.
Leading on the transformation of the Chapel in to it’s new form ‘The Bereavement Viewing Room’, Chaplaincy Lead, Mary Causer joined forces with Mortuary Manager, Lauren Wood to see if they could see an end to the outdated wallpapers and drab décor of the long standing chapel. Bringing in the support of Your Trust Charity and the estates team the transformation quickly took shape.
Sharing her thoughts on the transformation, Your Trust Charity Fundraising Manager Amanda Winwood said: “I was approached by Mary and Lauren to see if we could help to refresh the Chapel of Rest at City. It was clear that it had been quite some time since it last had a revamp. It was quite sad to see what our patients last journey included and I felt we desperately needed to do something.
With the support of Phil Foley from the estates team and funds from the Trust, we quickly set to work, but we knew from the start it would be a tall order to deliver the transformation we wanted.”
Sharing her thoughts on the revamp, Mortuary Manager, Lauren Wood said: “The Bereavement Viewing Room is an important place for our patients and their families, it’s one of the last times families get to see their loved ones and for that to happen in a building that’s cold and unwelcoming impacts on their experience. The room isn’t just for adults, it hosts grieving families who are visiting their babies and children, so it’s important we can make the environment welcoming, so they can spend their final moments in comfort and ease.”
Whilst the team worked hard to plan their transformation, it was a chance meeting with a generous donor which really brought the project to fruition. The team were approached by Richard Sapcote, Pre-construction and Framework Manager at BSN Group who wanted to make a donation to the charity. To the teams absolute delight, BSN pledged to not simply donate funds, but that but they would take on the project and help complete the works.
“This was a huge step and meant we could do everything we wanted to and fulfil in our mission to enhance the journey of all those using our services.” beamed Amanda. “Our mission is to continue our care until a patient leaves the hospital.
“So work began, and the first coat of paint in the waiting room quickly transformed the area in to a calm lilac oasis of tranquillity. Alongside new furnishing and wall art, the room has been revitalised. The viewing room is now light green and has new wall art, screens for privacy and also lots of lights to create a calm environment. The outside area has also been tended to and now has new seating, plants and fresh paint work, so when families arrive they see a tidy welcoming environment.”
Sharing his thoughts on the project, Construction Manager, Richard Sapcote said: “We are immensely proud to have supported the Trust in refurbishing the Chapel of Rest. Over the last twelve months we have enjoyed a great working relationship with the Trust and successfully completed a number of projects. As a young dynamic company, we truly believe in supporting our clients’ good causes, contributing to our own commitment of investing into social value and the local community.
“It is great to see our voluntary contribution has made such huge difference and so pleased we have provided an improved and pleasant environment to those using the Bereavement Viewing Room.”
Colleagues who would like to support families to arrange to see their loved ones in the bereavement viewing room at City or Sandwell are advised to contact the mortuary team directly on ext. 4259 for City and ext. 3280 for Sandwell.
COVID-19 Bulletin: Friday 16 July
As you can see from this week’s numbers, the number of patients with COVID-19 in our hospitals and in ICU continues to increase. We have expanded our “red” bed capacity and continue to enact our surge plan. There has been a significant rise of COVID-19 cases in the community.
We must ensure that we continue to follow the infection prevention and control guidelines – wear the correct PPE, follow the guidance for streaming patients to the right areas, wash hands and social distance.
Get tested regularly (every week) using the saliva LAMP test – details below.
Vaccination is really important, you can walk in to the City vaccination hub if you and loved ones are not yet vaccinated.
Numbers not statistics: This week (last week)
No. of our patients confirmed with COVID-19 | No. of positive COVID-19 patients who have been discharged | No. of COVID-19 positive patients who have died in our hospitals | No.of COVID-19 positive current inpatients | No. of COVID-19 research trial participants to date |
6,786
(6,679) |
6,803
(6,687) |
1,220
(1,217) |
71
(60) |
1,145
(1,145) |
- New: Things may be changing – but you are urged to stay safe and cautious
Monday 19 July (known to many as ‘freedom day’) is approaching, when government restrictions are lifted once again as we take another step forward towards normality – it’s still important to remember COVID-19 is still around, and is still very real.
We are seeing increasing numbers of COVID-19 positive patients admitted to our hospitals, and a rise in cases in the local area. Whilst we all wish for a prompt return to normality, we must not lower our guard, we must stay cautious. COVID-19 is still in our hospitals and our community.
Our current arrangements for staff, patients and visitors at the Trust will continue in light of the community case rate and COVID-19 in our hospitals. We must ensure we are able to continue to protect our patients, public and each other. These arrangements will remain in place in line with national guidelines for the NHS.
That means NHS visitor guidance will stay in place across all health services including hospitals, GP practices, dental practices, optometrists and pharmacies to ensure patients and staff are protected.
Staff, patients and visitors will be expected to continue to follow social distancing rules when visiting any care setting as well as using face masks and other personal protection equipment. New posters to reflect this messaging will be in place from Monday.
We all need to continue to be careful so please make sure you do the following:
- You should continue to follow the COVID infection protection rules, even with colleagues you work alongside regularly in your wards and departments. There is no such thing as a ‘work bubble’. The virus can still spread between colleagues, so it is important to wear a mask and maintain social distancing when on breaks and outside of work.
- You can still spread the virus to others, even if you have been vaccinated.
- Make sure you regularly complete your weekly COVID-19 saliva test (LAMP).
- If you see something, say something – it is ok to gently remind colleagues, patients, and visitors to make space, fix or change their PPE, or observe other measures appropriate to your setting.
We’re all in this together – it has been a challenging year and taking care of each other is important. If you need help, ask for it. Read the full announcement from NHS England here.
Watch this video for more information:
- New: Home working arrangements as government restrictions are lifted
You may be wondering whether home working arrangements will change for colleagues from Monday 19 July onwards as we see government restrictions lifted. For many colleagues across the Trust, working arrangements have been adapted throughout the pandemic to in many cases a mixture of on site and remote working.
We would like to provide reassurance to colleagues that we are not expecting a full return to all roles being on site full-time and the current remote working guidance will remain in place until the end of September. To read the latest guidance, click here.
The Trust is clear that working from home is working and working remotely is now far more widespread across the organisation.
Please remember, if you have staff that test positive or need to isolate, this needs to be recorded in a timely and accurate fashion on ESR or e-rostering systems.
- New: Guide to COVID-19 app alerts
The NHS COVID-19 App has three separate functions which are not connected to one another which may generate alerts for users:
Book a test – If a user books a test through the COVID-19 App, then the app will alert them if they have a positive result and start an isolation ‘countdown’. Users can also enter a code if they have a positive test from another source with the same result. Isolation for those with a positive test is mandatory. You can be fined if you do not isolate.
Venue check-in function – Users are asked to check-in to venues such as pubs and restaurants on arrival by scanning a QR code on a poster. If there are two or three cases who checked in to the same venue on the same day, everyone who checked in to the venue on the same day is sent a “warn and inform” alert.
Proximity alerts – For those with the function turned on, the COVID-19 app anonymously logs every other phone it is close to for 15mins or more. Where someone tests positive for COVID-19 via a test booked via the app, or enters their positive test code into the app, then close contact isolation messages are sent to those phones which were logged as in proximity during the case’s infectious period. The instruction to isolate is advisory rather than a legal requirement, because the notifications are entirely anonymous and therefore unenforceable.
Please find out more in the guide produced by the North East Health Protection Team.
Remember to pause the app when you are at work.
On the chance that you are contacted through NHS track and trace stating that you are considered a contact of a case of COVID-19, it is important that you ONLY give your personal/community contacts if you have been complying with PPE and infection control guidelines whilst at work. You should then contact your line manager, who will complete a risk assessment with you to understand the occasions where you may have been in close contact with a patient or member of staff who has tested positive for COVID-19.
You must pause the app when:
- You are at work following infection prevention and control (IPC) guidance.
- You are wearing correct PPE at work and maintaining 2m social distancing in clinical and non-clinical areas.
- You are working behind a fixed Perspex (or equivalent) screen and are fully protected from other people.
- You store your phone in a locker or communal area.
The local agreement for colleagues who receive a ping from track and trace and have been fully compliant with PPE is as follows:
- Risk assess the contact – if only been at work and no breach in PPE, can continue to come to work
- Daily lateral flow test for the period of the isolation – 10 days. You can book lateral flow kits via the national website. Colleagues are encouraged to have a few testing kits available at home for future use if required.
- 100% compliance with the PPE and try to take lunch/coffee break outdoors, maintaining 2m social distancing.
Managers must ensure absence through track and trace is recorded accurately in ESR – click here for guidance and for guidance on e-rostering – click here.
- New: Mask up on the shuttle bus
With frequent changes to government guidance regarding social distancing and mask wearing, and in anticipation of Monday 19 July, you may be wondering whether face masks and social distancing are still required on the shuttle bus between Sandwell and City.
The Trust has confirmed, face masks and social distancing will still be required when using the shuttle bus between Sandwell and City. This is to keep yourself and others safe through what is still a time to act with caution.
- New: Director of Public Health for Sandwell says…
Dr Lisa McNally, Director of Public Health has a message to us all on how we can take actions to reduce the risks of COVID-19, she said: “COVID-19 has not gone away: it is still a deadly virus and infection rates continue to rise rapidly in Sandwell.
“We can all help reduce risks and protect our community by following these eight actions. Please do all you can to keep yourself, your loved ones and others safe.”
- Get your jabs as soon as you can – make sure you get both doses. The vaccine is your best defence against the virus.
- You will need both vaccine doses to travel to many countries. Fully vaccinated people returning to England from amber list countries will not need to quarantine.
- You must self-isolate and book a PCR test if you develop symptoms.
- Use rapid (lateral flow) tests twice a week. You can pick these up free from a number of pharmacies.
- Always book a confirmatory PCR test if you test positive using a rapid test.
- Continue wearing a face covering in shops, on public transport and in communal areas of flats.
- Keep washing your hands regularly.
- Remember, outside is safest for meet-ups.
“COVID-19 will be a feature of our lives for the foreseeable future, so we all need to learn to live with it and manage the risk to ourselves and others. So please take care. The more people you meet and the closer you get to people you don’t live with, the higher the risk of catching and spreading COVID-19.”
- Updated: Revised unplanned admissions pathway
We continue to see increasing levels of COVID-19 positive patients within our hospitals, therefore it is absolutely essential that colleagues ensure they are sticking to the pathway for testing and streaming patients to red or amber areas.
- Any COVID-19 symptomatic patient who has a negative PCR must move to red. We must treat based on symptoms.
- Any patient being admitted whilst waiting on a Point of Care Test (POCT) or rapid test result must go to a side room until the result is known in the first instance, or to the identified holding bays in medicine or surgery. Only if all of these areas are full should a patient be sent to the ward and in this case, please conduct a lateral flow test first so the risk can be minimised.
- Asymptomatic positive patients must be admitted to a red ward.
- Any patient being transferred to a community bed must have a negative swab test within the last 72 hrs prior to transfer.
Full details can be found here.
- Reminder: Time out with your team
Taking time out is important for mental and physical wellbeing, particularly after a difficult 18 months throughout the pandemic. Many team leaders have expressed a wish to arrange, some time for teams to step away from the work environment and jointly reflect on experiences. This time-out can take a range of formats, but in order to help managers, the Trust is happy to consider centrally funding reasonable costs associated with these time-outs.
This could include:
- Hire of an external venue
- Facilitator/external speaker costs
- Transport to external venue
- Refreshment costs (no alcohol)
- External team building activities
- Backfill costs
Examples of what teams are doing for time-out include an organised sports day, a day out to Cliff Lakes Aqua Park in Tamworth and a facilitated outdoor activity day to name just a few.
So get your thinking caps on and have a think of things you and your team might enjoy while taking some well-deserved time out. Visit Connect for more information.
- Reminder: Don’t miss your chance to get vaccinated
So far, over 80 per cent of colleagues have now received their COVID-19 vaccination, but we need to keep fighting the good fight and turn the tide in this pandemic.
We are asking everyone to play their part by continuing to take all necessary precautions to stay safe. Getting vaccinated plays a big part in combatting COVID-19. If you haven’t already done so, please get your vaccination.
Big Walk-in Weekend #2
This weekend will see the ‘Big Walk-in Weekend #2’ where those who are yet to receive their vaccination are encouraged to come forward for their first and second doses. All sites taking part are listed here.
Other ways to get your vaccination:
- The vaccination hub at Sheldon Block, City Hospital administers first and second doses to colleagues and patients. It is open seven days a week for walk-ins from 8am – 6pm. Bookings can also be made via the national booking website. For details and to book your first or second vaccination go to uk/covidvaccination.
- Second jabs for people aged 40+ who had their first dose eight weeks or longer ago are also available with no appointment at Tipton Sports Academy (8am-6pm) and the Saddlers Centre in Walsall (8am-7pm).
- Pop-up clinics are operating in the local area – for details check gov.uk/newsfor updates. Here are the upcoming session details:
Pop-up Clinic Timetable
Monday 19 July | Cradley Heath Community Centre | 10.00am – 4.00pm |
Tuesday 20 July | Victoria Park Skills Centre | 1.30pm – 3.30pm |
Thursday 22 July | Victoria Park Skills Centre | 1.30pm – 3.30pm |
- Reminder: We are all susceptible to COVID-19 – get tested regularly
The COVID-19 weekly saliva testing programme commonly known as LAMP is now well established across our organisation. Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to register and continue with the testing programme.
Even if you are vaccinated it is vital that you register and carry out the weekly tests. This will identify asymptomatic cases and is of particular benefit in helping to pick up positive cases that would then be sequenced to identify any variants.
If you are currently undertaking lateral flow tests for asymptomatic testing, please consider moving to LAMP testing. The tests are far more reliable, they simply require a saliva sample rather than swabbing.
Pop-up sessions at City and Sandwell have taken place over the past few weeks and following their success, they will continue next week from 7am at Sandwell main reception and City Hospital in the main spine by the pharmacy.
These sessions are for those who haven’t yet signed up to this new speedier and more accurate way of testing for COVID-19. You will be able to register and book a slot to collect your test kit from phlebotomy. A suitable collection time can be arranged when you register.
All line managers are asked to remind colleagues to:
- Call and book a kit collection slot by calling 0121 507 2664 and selecting option 6, on weekends (Saturday – Sunday, 8am – 4pm) 07816992873 or 07970428995
- To undertake weekly testing and drop off their samples regularly each week
Guidance update:
Staff that have tested positive for COVID-19 can recommence LAMP testing after 28 days from a positive result, this replaces previous advice which was a 90 day interval before recommencing LAMP testing. Advice for lateral flow remains the same at 90 days. |
Uptake of the weekly saliva test is monitored to ensure we are doing everything we can to protect our patients, the public and each other.
The latest data by group is below:
- Reminder: Be a part of COVID-19 antibody research study
A new research study – COPE-WM The contribution of occupational exposures to risk of COVID-19 and approaches to control among healthcare workers – is underway at the Trust. The research aims to identify why workers in healthcare settings are at higher risk of catching COVID-19 and how best to maximise safety for all staff. Researchers ne
ed your help – colleagues are invited to participate by clicking this link: www.birmingham.ac.uk/COPE-study. But be quick, recruitment will end on 31 July.
To be eligible to take part you need to have had a test (PCR or lateral flow) for COVID-19 or relevant symptoms in March/April last year when testing was not available.
Participation includes a home antibody test kit to tes
t for previous COVID-19 infection. You will also need to complete a questionnaire at the start of the study (online or on paper) and a follow up questionnaire after four months. A finger-prick dried blood spot test is also required which will be used to check for COVID-19 antibodies. The test will be mailed to your house.
There is even an opportunity to win an iPad or £200 prize draw.
To take part go to https://is.gd/copewmret, contact the COPE-WM team by emailing cope-wm@contacts.bham.ac.uk or call 0121 414 3151.
Chief Executive’s Message – Friday 16 July
You will have heard the government’s announcement this week that most COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted from Monday 19th July. We may all have very different views about this next stage in our country’s response to the ongoing pandemic, however, I want to make it really clear that within our hospitals and healthcare facilities our infection prevention and control arrangements will remain for the foreseeable future.
You must continue to wear the appropriate PPE for you and for the area you work in. This means wearing Trust-issued masks in any shared public area, maintaining a social distance from colleagues and patients where you are able, frequent and thorough handwashing.
These arrangements will remain in place for all patients and visitors to the Trust. Face masks (Trust-issued) must be worn as people enter our buildings.
A national NHS announcement was issued yesterday that confirms this position for all NHS organisations in England which is welcome. We will step up our arrangements on main entrances with additional staffing to ensure that people continue to follow these rules.
I know that many of us are tired of these restrictions at work but it is vital that we are alert to the very real situation in our hospitals where the number of patients with COVID-19 continues to rise. Last week I wrote about the stark reality of the pandemic and the impact it is having right now on our services. This, perhaps inevitably, caused some media interest which was able to reinforce the need for vaccination rates to increase. Sandwell rates are better than those in West Birmingham but there remains some way to go to ensure all who can, take the opportunity to protect themselves from COVID-19. The mortality risks in younger age groups is smaller however, COVID-19 is a nasty illness and the impact of long COVID is only beginning to be fully understood.
This weekend is a second Big Walk-in Weekend for vaccines where everyone over the age of 18 is encouraged to attend a nearby vaccination site to “grab a jab”. This is for first and second doses although second doses shouldn’t be taken sooner than 8 weeks after the first dose. Please tell those you know and love to step forward and get a jab. None of us want to see restrictions continue with no end in sight and nor do we want a return to peaks of COVID-19 patients that subsequently impacts our ability to safely deliver important planned procedures for patients who have been waiting.
Yesterday we held our AGM and it was a privilege to see and present the highlights of the Trust’s past year. Thank you to those of you who joined us. The past year has been unprecedented and yet all in the Trust have continued to pull together to face the challenges of the pandemic head on, with kindness and compassion. Have a look at the short film to remind yourself of just a few key moments in our Trust’s calendar. Such a lot has been achieved amidst very difficult circumstances. Thank you for all you have done and continue to do to care for our patients, support our communities and stand alongside colleagues.
While I have your attention, I’d like to say a few words about the shocking abuse of the black members of the national football team following last Sundays final. The abuse was repulsive and has absolutely no place in a society which should, in the 21st century, be more tolerant and inclusive than it has ever been.
I am concerned that we are becoming more divided as a society. Maybe we are not, perhaps it is just that the world of social media and increasing preparedness to expose such intolerance makes it seem that way. Either way, for the avoidance of doubt, our Trust Board is committed to developing an organisation which is inclusive and promotes diversity, so we are reflective of the community we serve. Racism has no place in our Trust and strong action will be taken when it occurs. Please do step forward and help us to tackle racism if you have experienced or witnessed it. Speak up.
Richard
No LAMP testing this Saturday – please drop off completed samples by midday today
Due to unforeseen circumstances, we will not be offering a LAMP testing service this Saturday (17 July).
This means if you are planning on providing a testing sample today, you must drop off your sample by midday to ensure it reaches the lab on time. Any samples which arrive after 12pm will not be tested.
It’s not too late to start LAMP testing! Any colleagues who want to start LAMP testing can do so by ringing 0121 507 2664 (Monday – Friday, 8am – 6pm) and selecting option 6, to register and book a kit collection slot. If you are coming to the end of your first 12 weeks’ worth of LAMP testing kit, please also ring the above number to order your second batch. For more information please email kulwinder.johal@nhs.net.
Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to register and continue with the testing programme.
Midland Met – Did you know?
The inside of Midland Met is changing rapidly and looking more like a hospital every day. ED will be the first area completed; colour vinyl is going down on the floors, and oxygen and gas boards are up.
Midland Met – Did you know?
A community of half a million people is eagerly anticipating our brand new Midland Metropolitan University Hospital.
The opening will be the beginning of a fresh chapter in our ambitious journey to be the leading provider of integrated care in the UK. Here’s another reason why Midland Met will be #morethanahospital.
Midland Met – Did you know?
The Midland Metropolitan University Hospital promises to be a high-quality healthcare facility. But what else makes it special?
Hot weather alert: Level 2 – alert and readiness
There is a 60 per cent probability of very hot weather between Sunday 17 July – Tuesday 20 July in parts of England including the West Midlands.
This weather could increase the health risks to vulnerable patients and disrupt the delivery of services. Please refer to the Trust’s Severe weather plan.
Any issues should be escalated to the site senior capacity managers or the CNPs after 7pm.
Factors which increase an individual’s risk during a heatwave include:
- Chronic and severe illness, including heart conditions, diabetes, respiratory or renal insufficiency, Parkinson’s disease or severe mental illness.
- Medications that potentially affect renal function, the body’s ability to sweat, thermoregulation or electrolyte balance can make this group more vulnerable to the effects of heat
- Inability to adapt behaviour to keep cool: having Alzheimer’s, a disability, being bed bound, babies and the very young
Actions to be taken include the following:
- Minimise heat increase by drawing blinds or curtains
- Where possible switch off anything connected to the power system and likely to produce heat e.g. computers, printers, additional lighting
- Maintain hydration in patients by offering additional drinks
- Do not use fans. Using fans can disperse airborne particles which could increase the spread of COVID-19. Fans cannot be properly cleaned to meet our infection control standards which could result in the increased risk of transmission of any microorganisms.
Ensure that discharge planning takes into account the temperature of the accommodation and level of daily care during the heatwave period.
Personal protective equipment and heat: risk of heat stress
Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) in warm/hot environments increases the risk of heat stress. This occurs when the body is unable to cool itself enough to maintain a healthy temperature. Heat stress can cause heat exhaustion and lead to heat stroke if the person is unable to cool down.
Colleagues working in warm/hot conditions wearing PPE should follow the below advice:
- Take regular breaks, find somewhere cool if you can.
- Make sure you are hydrated (checking your urine is an easy way of keeping an eye on your hydration levels – dark or strong-smelling urine is a sign that you should drink more fluids).
- Be aware of the signs and symptoms of heat stress and dehydration (thirst, dry mouth, dark or strong-smelling urine, urinating infrequently or in small amounts, inability to concentrate, muscle cramps, fainting). Don’t wait until you start to feel unwell before you take a break.
- Use a buddy system with your team to look out for the signs of heat stress (e.g. confusion, looking pale or clammy, fast breathing) in each other.
- Between shifts, try to stay cool as this will give your body a chance to recover.
For more information please see personal protective equipment and heat – risk of heat stress guidance.
Drug safety notice: Sevredol 10mg and 20mg tablets
We have been informed by Napp Pharmaceuticals Limited of a recent error regarding specific batches of Sevredol 10mg tablets and Sevredol 20mg tablets relating to differences in the patient information leaflets. The error identified relates to approved safety-related variations to the patient information leaflets that were not implemented, resulting in an older version of artwork being used and packed within finished batches.
Clinical colleagues must be mindful that patients may bring in affected batches from home and should be counselled appropriately and have an updated patient information leaflet which can be accessed by clicking here.
For further details including a list of batch numbers which have been affected, please see Sevredol 10mg and 20mg tablets information sheet.
For more information please contact the pharmacy department on ext. 5263/3783.
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