Monthly archives: July 2021

Reminder to complete PDRs by the end of July

This has been an unprecedented year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result the Trust has carefully considered its approach to the Personal Development Review Process (PDR) to ensure that it is both meaningful and conducted in a way which is practical, given ongoing constraints on capacity. We know that many staff have been re-deployed into other areas or taken on other duties, and that they may not have been able to focus on the objectives or personal development discussed in their PDR last year. For these reasons, for this year, it has been decided to change the focus from traditional scoring against objectives, to the development of a personalised discussion and plan for each individual alongside the timescales for completion being increased: April to July 2021

The process for 2021 consists of the following:

• Part 1 – Personalised discussion and plan
• Part 2 – Objectives for the year ahead, future aspirations and development plan

The PDR form has been amended to reflect this and the form for 2021 can be found by clicking here.

Note: All colleagues need to have had their PDR with the date(s), aspirations and objectives entered into the form on Connect by the end of July 2021.  The form can be found via the link on the Connect home page, ‘Record Completed PDR’

Trust vehicles up for sale – discounts available for colleagues: 14 July

There are a number of Trust vehicles up for sale and colleagues have an opportunity to buy them at a discounted price. Viewings are available on Wednesday 14 July between 8am – 12pm at the transport department at City Hospital.

Only sealed offers should be sent to andy.brierley@nhs.net. All offers must be received by no later than 5pm on Wednesday 14 July.

Note: The highest offer will secure a vehicle but no offer below the colleague discounted price will be considered. Offers will be confirmed by email on Thursday 15 July along with details of how to pay.

SurgiNet complete end to end pathway

We were recently successful in completing an end to end pathway (patient journey) of the SurgiNet workflow.

The team completed a mini-dress rehearsal by walking through the patient journey as it would happen in person in order to identify any issues with the workflows that may arise and work through to resolve them.

Many clinical colleagues took part in the rehearsal from elective scheduling, ODPs, ward staff, anaesthesia, surgeons and recovery colleagues – they were supported by Cerner and the project group.

We also supported the event via WebEx to ensure we were limiting the footprint in theatres.

Steps involved included:

• Registration of the patient
• Adding referrals
• Booking the patient’s TCI from the details within the eDTA/iPM waiting list
• Pre-op checks on the ward and anaesthesia evaluation
• Theatre checks
• Anaesthesia room and association/disassociation of the medical devices throughout the patient journey
• Completion of Peri-op documentation
• Completion of anaesthesia documentation
• Team brief, WHO checklist and debrief
• Finalise anaesthesia record
• Transfer to recovery
• Review observation
• Ward handover

The Trust is planning to complete further dress rehearsals in the near future with each area to fully understand the system better and the options available.

Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust communities seminar on the terminology of race and ethnicity

Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (BCH) is inviting all colleagues to discuss the terminology used for people from diverse heritage, race and ethnic backgrounds. BCH will be hosting two digital events via Zoom. Please see joining details below:

• Monday 19 July, 3pm – 4pm – click here to join
• Tuesday 20 July, 3pm – 4pm – click here to join

For further details about the events, please see communities seminar terminology information sheet.

Save lives today by donating your blood plasma

NHS Blood and Transplant is asking for men between the ages of 17 and 66 to consider donating their blood plasma. Plasma is used to make antibody-based medicines called immunoglobulins, for people with weak immune systems and a variety of other rare disorders. Thousands of patients rely on immunoglobulin medicines for short-term treatment or lifelong diseases.

Men are more likely to have the blood plasma volumes and larger vein sizes making them ideal donors. Donating plasma takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes and is completely safe. During the process the plasma is filtered out of circulating blood by an apheresis machine and the red blood cells are returned to the donor. It is possible to donate as often as every two weeks and a maximum of 24 donations per year.

Appointments are available now and your local donor centre is New Street, Birmingham

To find out more about blood plasma donation please click here or call 0300 123 23 23.

Let us answer your Midland Met questions

Our senior leadership team are committed to keeping you updated about all things Midland Met. In the last online FAQ session, senior leaders answered a range of questions on everything from the design of the hospital, our commitment to the arts and seven day services.

To read the latest FAQs visit Connect to find out more. If you have a question you would like answered, please email swbh.mmuh@nhs.net.

Keep a look out for the next online Q&A session coming soon.

COVID-19 Bulletin: Friday 9 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 and this week we have shared stories in the media of people who have not had their vaccine and became seriously unwell with COVID-19. You can walk in to the City vaccination hub if you and loved ones are not yet vaccinated.

Number not statistics: This week (last week)

1. New: Make no mistake, COVID-19 is on the rise

Whilst we are all enjoying some normality with rules and regulations around social distancing in the community soon to be relaxed, please do not be mistaken thinking that COVID-19 is no longer with us.

We are currently seeing increasing numbers of COVID-19 positive patients being admitted to our hospitals, and whilst we all wish for a prompt return to normality, we must not lower our guard and think that COVID-19 has been beaten.

In the coming weeks the COVID-19 restrictions regarding social distancing and mask wearing will be relaxed by the government. However, our current arrangements 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.

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.

Watch this video for more information

2. New: Guidance on antibiotic use in COVID-19 infection

Antibiotics will be ineffective for treating COVID-19 infection, unless there is bacterial co-infection. Indiscriminate antibiotic use causes its own problems, including risk of Clostridioides difficile infection, antimicrobial resistance and limitations on availability of agents due to increased use.

Published evidence suggests that bacterial co-infection occurs in less than about 5% of patients admitted with COVID-19; the incidence of bacterial infection increases during prolonged hospitalisation, but even patients admitted to critical care are estimated to have relatively low rates of bacterial co-infection up to 17%.

High C-reactive protein (CRP) levels have been seen with COVID-19, this is not helpful in distinguishing between bacterial and viral infection. Chest X-ray findings in early infection may not assist in distinguishing between a viral and bacterial cause.

While not validated for COVID infection, the CURB-65 score should be used to objectively score the severity of potential infection and assign an appropriate antibiotic treatment regimen.

All antibiotics should be reviewed at 24-48 hours once COVID-19 swab results available.

Patients with confirmed COVID infection should have their antibiotics discontinued, unless there is strong evidence of bacterial infection (raised white cell count with raised CRP, signs and symptoms of a concurrent bacterial infection).

Procalcitonin levels can be used to determine if a bacterial infection is likely. Samples are sent to Dudley Group of Hospitals NHS Trust for processing, so the turnaround time is 48-72 hours after the sample has been sent.

If the procalcitonin level is less than 0.5 ng/L, then the antibiotics should be reviewed and discontinued unless there is alternative evidence of bacterial infection (e.g. positive sputum culture).

3. Update: Stick to the unplanned admissions pathway

As we begin to see increasing levels of COVID-19 positive patients within our hospitals it is absolutely essential that colleagues ensure they are sticking to the pathway for testing and streaming patients to red or amber areas.

1. Any COVID-19 symptomatic patient who has a negative PCR must move to red. We must treat based on symptoms.
2. Any patient being admitted whilst waiting on a Point of Care Test (POCT) result must go to a side room until the result is known.
3. Asymptomatic positive patients must be admitted to a red ward.

Full details can be found in the attached Unplanned Admissions Pathway.

4. Update: Regular testing for peace of mind in little time

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. Any remaining lateral flow tests that are unopened should be returned to the community contact centre, Hallam Building at Sandwell or the Phlebotomy department at the Birmingham Treatment Centre.

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 days 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:

5. Reminder: Wellbeing and recovery – support available

Many team leaders have expressed a wish to arrange some time for teams to be 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 willing 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.

The procurement team will help with the purchasing of supplies/items for away days and each proposal will be assessed for value for money and appropriateness.

In order for your time-out proposal to be considered for funding, and to access procurement support, please complete the form (Word) and send it to swbh.recovery@nhs.net.

If you would like some advice on speakers or content then please contact your HR Business Partner.

6. Reminder: City gym is open for business

If the sight of athletes running around a pitch has got you eager to get fit, you’ll be pleased to know the staff gym at City Hospital is now open for business.

It’s been some time since we’ve been able to feel the burn and utilise our on-site gyms but following a refurbishment to make the premises making it COVID-19 safe and compliant with Infection Control Guidance City Gym is now up and running.

Guidance for using City gym under COVID-19 restrictions:

• The NHS Track and Trace QR code must be scanned upon arrival. While we ask you do NOT scan the other Track and Trace QR codes in the hospital, the gym is a different case.
• Social distancing of two metres remains in effect: We’ve created the space you need to work out while keeping a safe distance. The gym has also been rearranged and clearly marked out for you to use safely, so it is easy for everyone to follow.
• The maximum number of users is five at any one time; this will remain in place in line with the government recommendations. Please note: The maximum gym time usage is one hour per visit, in order to allow other staff the opportunity to use the facility.
• We’ve placed more hand sanitiser dispensers  and wipes around the gym so it’s easy to regularly clean your hands and equipment during your visit. We ask that you also sanitise your hands before entering the gym to keep yourself and others safe.

For existing members: Your pass will be activated ready for use on Monday 29 June 2021.

For new members: Please contact Jatinder Sekhon on 0121 507 5586/3854 to complete your registration.

The video below is the gym induction film that colleagues should watch before they use the facility.

7. Reminder: Are you compliant with your FIT Testing?

We have recently made changes to how you arrange to get FIT tested. Previously colleagues have been asked to call ext. 5050 to arrange an appointment. It has now changed and colleagues can now access FIT testing in the following ways:

• Log onto ESR and search for ‘fit testing’ under ‘my learning’ and book an appointment to be fit tested
• FIT testing is a mandatory role specific requirement
• FIT Testing is held in the Old Security Bungalow, City Hospital

Note: If you book an appointment for FIT Testing via ESR you will only become compliant on your mandatory training if you attend the appointment.

For any urgent requests or more information please contact the infection, prevention and control team on ext. 5195.

8. Reminder: Join the community swabbing reserves

Being able to test, track and tackle community outbreak of COVID-19 is critical in our fight to prevent the virus taking hold in our communities. Our community swabbing service has led the way in responding to local community outbreaks since the very first surge, playing a vital role in our ability to understand the spread of infections and to support the community to protect itself.

This vital work can only be done with support from our staff, calling on the colleagues who have been able to be redeployed or those who are willing to offer their time on the Trust bank. This role is not restricted to clinical staff as full training is provided.

To ensure this critical work can be carried on and to support our ability to respond to outbreaks at short notice we’re calling on colleagues to take the time to put their names forward to become Community Swabbing Reservists.

To join the reserves contact Jo Tonks on email: joanne.tonks@nhs.net.

Chief Executive’s Message – Friday 9 July

It was great to celebrate the NHS 73^rd birthday on Monday. What a time to remember everything the NHS stands for. It has been particularly significant this year to recognise what we have faced with the COVID-19 pandemic, and the efforts of everyone in working together to respond so that we could continue to provide compassionate care for patients. The birthday events and thank you messages demonstrate how appreciated you and the whole NHS are by the public.

I am however, going to level with you about something.   I am very concerned.  We are in the teeth of a growing local crisis in COVID and urgent care pressures.  As I write this blog, we have over 60 inpatients with a COVID diagnosis, 8 of whom are critically unwell.  Our ITU is full and our ability to switch “amber” beds to “red” beds hampered by having a high bed occupancy.  We are the busiest Trust in the Midlands region on COVID, when expressed relative to size of the organisation.  Our urgent cancer surgery programme is possibly under threat as a result.  Why is this happening?  It’s happening because we have a deprived and diverse population who have a very high vaccine hesitancy.  Of over 600 calls made to under 40 year olds yesterday to encourage their vaccination, fewer than 10 agreed to a vaccination appointment.  If you aren’t vaccinated, you have no protection and are at increased risk of getting very ill as a result.

I am also concerned about mixed messages from national government.  Yes, there is a general desire to “unlock” and “get our freedoms back” and yes, when you look at the UK as a whole and measure things based on mean averages, we do appear to have broken the chain between COVID and hospital admission.  However, there are areas like ours, like Wolverhampton, South London, North Manchester, whose COVID vaccination rates are poor and who are starting to feel the downward pressure of urgent admissions rising, while still trying to manage elective surgery recovery.  This time, colleagues, the mutual aid cavalry won’t be coming over the hill.  The national teams will be looking at mean averages and will continue to ask awkward questions about why we can’t cope.  We will, quite possibly, be on our own.  We will only get through this together by keeping ourselves energised and by working as a team.  You guys have done it before and I am confident you can do it again.  But it will not be easy.

COVID-19 has been with us for a long time. I know that we are all getting tired of the restrictions to our daily lives and the way that COVID-19 impacts on our work and the care we aspire to provide. My message this week is that we cannot afford to let our guard down.  More COVID-19 cases means that we cannot ease our own policies and approach to infection prevention and control and I am not expecting that the 19^th July will see a change to that.

My plea is simple:

• Get vaccinated. Vaccination is the main way to protect yourself, your loved ones and our patients. We have a 32 year old patient at City Hospital who is very unwell and has been keen to share her story with others. She wishes she’d had the vaccine but hadn’t got round to it. This is extremely sobering. Don’t let this be you or those you care about.
• Maintain our infection prevention guidelines. Wear the correct PPE for you and the area you work in. Social distance at work. Wear masks in shared offices and staff areas. Wash your hands. This is vital. Cross hospital infection is real and if we become complacent more staff and patients will catch the virus.
• Regular testing. Do your weekly saliva testing (LAMP) to be sure that you don’t have the virus and can’t pass it on. It’s quick and easy to do so.

Thank you for your continued efforts.  I am proud of you all.

Richard

Euro 2020 final – show your support safely

With the hopes and dreams of a nation upon them, England’s football team are stepping out for the match of their lives at 8pm on Sunday. There is no small hope that those men bring football home, so the 12^th man is key to their endeavour.

If you are a football fan and wish to show your support whilst at work on Sunday evening, please feel free to wear your England shirt for the duration of the game – as long as it is safe to do so.

Both the BBC and ITV are showing the final if you wish to switch on. Please watch responsibly and keep our patients welfare your priority. If you are not a football fan, don’t worry it will all be over soon, there are 500 days to the World Cup in 2022.

Adult, baby and child post mortem consent taking courses now available

Mortuary services are now offering courses for adult post mortem consent taking and baby and child post mortem consent taking. These courses are aimed at all clinical colleagues who want to up-skill themselves, and become compliant in taking post mortem consent.

Note: Colleagues who want to complete the course should already have some knowledge or experience of post mortem work, and/or other types of consent taking. They should be familiar with the human tissue authority, and what it represents for the Trust. On completion of either course, colleagues will be required to be audited annually.

Please see below training dates for both courses:

Baby and child:

• Tuesday 3 August, 8am – 10am, City

Adult:

• Friday 9 July, 2pm – 4pm, Sandwell

If you would like to attend any of the above courses please email lauren.wood19@nhs.net. Exact locations at both City and Sandwell will be confirmed once you register and enrol.