Monthly archives: January 2022

Appointments available this week for massages at the Sanctuary

We have appointments available for your wellbeing and this is a free service to all of our colleagues.

Colleagues are asked not to wear uniform when attending appointments. Masks and sanitiser will be available.

At the Wellbeing Sanctuary, these services include:

• Massage – aims to help ease those tension spots to relieve stress
• Relaxation Hypnotherapy

At the Wellbeing Sanctuary and the Wellbeing Hubs at City and Sandwell, you can book:

• Meditation – unwind let go and escape to exotic places to unwind
• Relaxation pod – massage from your head to the tips of your toes.
• Confidential chat

The Sanctuary is only a 5 minute drive away from City Hospital and a 10 minute drive away from Sandwell Hospital (Learning Works on Unett Street, Smethwick, B66 3SY) with free parking right outside. If you wish to take advantage of one of these 30 minute sessions, please call ext. 5886.

COVID-19 Bulletin: Thursday 13 January

1. New: Updated COVID guidance for discharge from hospital

The Trust follows Discharge to Assess (D2A) which is a national model aiming to simplify the language and processes for patient discharges. It would be hard to imagine anyone wanting to be in hospital for longer than necessary when they could continue their recovery in the comfort of their own home. Based around the principle ‘Why not home? Why not today?’ the main focus is ensuring we get patients back in to their home environments as soon as possible. Alongside this, we have the added need of discharge planning alongside COVID-19. The below graphic displays the updated COVID-19 guidance for discharge from hospital. Click the image for full details.

2. New: Your questions answered – Join a COVID-19 vaccination Q&A session

The Department of Health and Social Care recently announced that individuals undertaking CQC regulated activities in England must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 no later than 1 April 2022 to protect patients. This means that unvaccinated individuals will need to have had their first dose by 3 February 2022, in order to have received their second dose by the 1 April 2022 deadline.

Get your vaccination questions answered at a vaccination Q&A session hosted by a panel of senior clinical leaders. This will also be a safe space for colleagues to have an opportunity to understand and ask questions about the potential impact of the new legislation, Vaccination as Condition of Deployment (VCOD) which has been enacted as of Thursday 6 January 2022. Session dates and times are below:

For those colleagues who are particularly concerned about the vaccine or have specific questions, there is also a webinar facilitated by the Midlands Region Lead which will take place tomorrow (Friday 14 January 2022), 5pm – 6.30pm via MS Teams. This is an opportunity to understand and ask questions about the potential impact of the new legislation. To join the webinar, please use this link.

Time is running out to get your vaccination with a deadline of 3 February to get your first vaccination. You can bring your concerns and questions to these sessions.

3. New: Face masks for inpatients

Due to the continuing spread of the new Omicron variant, the Trust has made the wearing of surgical masks mandatory for all inpatients from today. This means that all inpatients must wear fluid resistant surgical masks whilst they are under our care. Masks do not need to be worn whilst patients are sleeping, eating or drinking.

Exceptions are for patients who are under clinical exemptions. Other exceptions include women in labour, patients without capacity, including those who are not able to put on or take off their own mask, and for children under the age of 12. Wards should supply masks to their patients, so ward staff should ensure they have enough stock.

   4. New: Walk in to get your COVID-19 jabs

If you’re aged 12 and over you can ‘walk in’ to get your first, second or booster COVID-19 jab from a pop-up clinic at the Trust, or in Sandwell – no appointment needed.

Our vaccination centres are open seven days a week, here are the latest opening hours:

You can also get your COVID-19 vaccinations at the following places:

• West Bromwich Dartmouth Cricket Club on Saturday, 15 January (10am-3pm)

The Club House, Sandwell Park, Birmingham Road, West Bromwich, B71 4JQ

• Cradley Heath Community Link on Saturday, 22 January (10am-3pm)

72 High Street, Cradley Heath, B64 5HA

• West Bromwich Leisure Centre on Monday, 24 January (3pm-7pm)

Moor Street, West Bromwich, B70 7AZ

For more information about the pop-up clinics, and for other places across Sandwell and the Black Country to get your jabs, visit www.healthysandwell.co.uk/clinics/

5. Important reminder: Revised PPE Guidance – Change to FFP3 in ward areas

Colleagues are reminded FFP3 masks are required in all ward areas when giving patient care. This applies to any colleague clinical or non-clinical who is having patient or bed space contact in a clinical area.

We have carried out a further risk assessment in relation to PPE usage in our clinical areas. This has taken into account the following:

• Current high volume of infection rates in the community.
• The corresponding high number of COVID-19 admissions.
• Some cases where patients on amber non-COVID wards have subsequently had a positive COVID PCR swab test after initial negative test.
• Increasing outbreaks in our ward areas.
• The ventilation in our ward areas (although new HEPA filters in Sandwell are helping with this).

The outcome of that risk assessment has led to a decision to increase the required level of PPE in these inpatient environments for some staff. This is above and beyond the current national guidelines. This is under constant review and may well change if the regular review of the risk assessment indicates that the risk is lowered.

For all inpatient areas where there is direct patient contact (in both red and amber wards), clinical and non-clinical staff who are having patient/bed space contact should wear as a minimum:

• A silicone mask/FFP3 mask – these can be sessional use. Single use gloves and aprons (please ensure you have been fit tested for an FFP3 mask before use). Visors may be necessary in some clinical circumstances as per risk assessment for each individual patient.
• You should wear a fluid-resistant surgical face mask if you do not have direct patient contact.  Non-direct patient contact includes walking on a ward area, clerical staff, estates and facilities staff. Disposable gloves/aprons should be worn for contact with patients/immediate environment. Porters who are transferring patients should wear FFP3/silicone face mask when transferring patients to red and amber wards.
• If you are visiting the ward from another area, a minimum requirement when entering the unit will be to wear a fluid resistant surgical face mask.

Please note: staff must follow their individual risk assessment for PPE. Occasionally this will recommend a higher level of protection depending on your individual assessment.

• For all outpatients and community staff inclusive of health visitors/school nurses/GP practices, for staff visiting care home facilities, patients and families homes, surgical face masks should be worn as a minimum with a disposable apron and gloves for direct patient care. Follow your individual risk assessment to see if you need a higher level of PPE.
• If clinical intervention is required, a clinical risk assessment should be undertaken prior to the contact to establish whether there is a requirement for a higher level of PPE. For example, if a patient with a known respiratory condition has a persistent cough (not COVID related), an FFP3 and a visor should be worn in the event that the contact is essential and cannot be delayed.
• Porters and facilities staff on wards can continue to wear a surgical face mask. However, if they are in direct patient contact, they will then need to follow the guidelines outlined above for inpatient staff.
• Fluid resistant surgical face masks may be worn in rest areas and managers are urged to ensure colleagues have regular hydration breaks. If you have any questions, please speak to your line manager or infection control on ext. 5900 or email  swb-tr.SWBH-Team-InfectionControl@nhs.net.

You should be fit-tested for the current masks we have in stock but if you aren’t please make sure you do so as a priority. FFP3 masks can be obtained through usual arrangements by ordering from Stores. Fit testing continues at City Hospital, details of how to book are on Connect.

6. Reminder: Don’t forget to test regularly

As you know, it is mandatory for all staff to undertake regular testing. Colleagues attending site more than once a week are expected to sign up to our LAMP testing programme and bring in a LAMP sample once a week. This is our preferred regular testing programme for all staff with no symptoms because of the accuracy of the test. To register for LAMP please call 0121 507 2664 (Monday- Friday, 8am-6pm) and select option 6 to register and book a kit collection slot.

If you are not registered for LAMP you must do a lateral flow test twice a week. This is the national requirement and all staff must comply. These are available to order online or to collect from a range of services in the community. LFT results should be reported to the national website whatever the result.

Here is a reminder on how to carry out your LAMP test:

The latest data by group is below:

Nominate a mental health hero for the West Midlands Mental Health Awards

Don’t miss out on your chance to honour the people who make a difference and have done something extraordinary in support of good mental health. These unsung heroes often go unnoticed and without any awareness of the impact they have.

So, if you have a colleague that you believe goes the extra mile in supporting and advocating positive mental health and wellbeing then show your appreciation by nominating them for an award.

Note: Nominations close on Sunday 23 January.

For more information and to nominate please click here.

June and July work experience offers in 2022

Our work experience programme has re-opened for expressions of interest. The offer is an 8 week window during June and July 2022 only.

If you are interested in offering placements to students please email nicola.smith16@nhs.net for further information

Wellbeing Wednesday: 2022 – a chance to look after your physical and mental wellbeing

Did you know a healthier lifestyle supports a healthier mind-set?

Here are four simple NHS approaches to a better you in 2022:

12 NHS health tips:

1. Do not skip breakfast
2. Eat regular meals
3. Eat plenty of fruit and veg
4. Get more active
5. Drink plenty of water
6. Eat high fibre foods
7. Read food labels
8. Use a smaller plate
9. Do not ban foods
10. Do not stock junk food
11. Cut down alcohol
12. Plan your meals

For further tips and advice just follow the link below, it couldn’t be easier

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-weight/managing-your-weight/12-tips-to-help-you-lose-weight/

Weight Management

Losing weight has many health benefits. Making small, simple changes to what and how much you are eating and drinking can really help you lose the pounds.

Join in with ‘Better health – a better you’ to find tips on how to improve your health and wellbeing

https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/lose-weight/

Get Active

Join in with Couch to 5K. Listen to a weekly podcast and join in with weekly runs to take you from sitting on your couch to comfortably running 5k.

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/couch-to-5k-week-by-week/

Improve your health and fitness in just 12 weeks

Fancy a focussed fitness plan that spans 12 weeks with detailed exercise guides and tips? See more in the link below:

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/12-week-fitness-plan/

Don’t forget about the flu jab

As we embark on a new year, it is important to remember we still have some cold months ahead and the risk of contracting flu still surrounds us.

Flu is a viral respiratory infection that can cause severe symptoms in some people. In some cases, flu can lead to life threatening complications and may be fatal. Each year, flu is different and we need to get vaccinated every year to ensure we have some protection against the new strain of the flu virus.

Don’t miss out – get your flu jab today. No need to book, simply come along to a vaccination centre. You can also get your flu jab at the same time as your COVID-19 booster.

Our vaccination centres are open seven days a week, here are the latest opening hours:

Urgent software update deploying immediately for 8×8 Softphone cloud phone system

Please be aware due to an unexpected issue with the 8×8 Softphone system, the system is not currently working as expected so the latest upgrade is therefore being deployed to all affected computers with immediate effect.

• During the installation process colleagues will receive a notification that the update to 8×8 will start shortly (with in 1 minute of the notification, the 8×8 application will close).
• Within approximately 5 minutes, colleagues will receive another notification confirming the installation has completed.
• Colleagues will then need to restart the 8×8 application to use.
• For laptop users based in the office the update will take effect as normal when logged on.  For laptop users that are working remotely continue to connect via Pulse Secure VPN for the update to take effect.

Please be assured the update will be closely monitored by the IT team and floor walkers will be available across key sites. The service desk team will also be available as normal on ext. 4050 or 0121 507 4050.

COVID-19 Bulletin: Tuesday 11 January

1.   Important reminder: Revised PPE Guidance – Change to FFP3 in ward areas

Colleagues are reminded FFP3 masks are required in all ward areas when giving patient care.

We have carried out a further risk assessment in relation to PPE usage in our clinical areas. This has taken into account the following:

• Current high volume of infection rates in the community.
• The corresponding high number of COVID-19 admissions.
• Some cases where patients on amber non-COVID wards have subsequently had a positive COVID PCR swab test after initial negative test.
• Increasing outbreaks in our ward areas.
• The ventilation in our ward areas (although new HEPA filters in Sandwell are helping with this).

The outcome of that risk assessment has led to a decision to increase the required level of PPE in these inpatient environments for some staff. This is above and beyond the current national guidelines. This is under constant review and may well change if the regular review of the risk assessment indicates that the risk is lowered.

For all inpatient areas where there is direct patient contact (in both red and amber wards), staff should wear as a minimum:

• • A silicone mask/FFP3 mask – these can be sessional use. Single use gloves and aprons (please ensure you have been fit tested for an FFP3 mask before use). Visors may be necessary in some clinical circumstances as per risk assessment for each individual patient.
  • You should wear a fluid-resistant surgical face mask if you do not have direct patient contact.  Non-direct patient contact includes walking on a ward area, pharmacists, clerical staff, estates and facilities staff. Disposable gloves/aprons should be worn for contact with patients/immediate environment. Porters who are transferring patients should wear FFP3/silicone face mask when transferring patients to red and amber wards.
  • If you are visiting the ward from another area, a minimum requirement when entering the unit will be to wear a fluid resistant surgical face mask.

Please note: staff must follow their individual risk assessment for PPE. Occasionally this will recommend a higher level of protection depending on your individual assessment.

• For all outpatients and community staff inclusive of health visitors/school nurses/GP practices, for staff visiting care home facilities, patients and families homes, surgical face masks should be worn as a minimum with a disposable apron and gloves for direct patient care. Follow your individual risk assessment to see if you need a higher level of PPE.
• If clinical intervention is required, a clinical risk assessment should be undertaken prior to the contact to establish whether there is a requirement for a higher level of PPE. For example, if a patient with a known respiratory condition has a persistent cough (not COVID related), an FFP3 and a visor should be worn in the event that the contact is essential and cannot be delayed.
• Porters and facilities staff on wards can continue to wear a surgical face mask. However, if they are in direct patient contact, they will then need to follow the guidelines outlined above for inpatient staff.
• Fluid resistant surgical face masks may be worn in rest areas and managers are urged to ensure colleagues have regular hydration breaks. If you have any questions, please speak to your line manager or infection control on ext. 5900 or email  swb-tr.SWBH-Team-InfectionControl@nhs.net.

You should be fit-tested for the current masks we have in stock but if you aren’t please make sure you do so as a priority. FFP3 masks can be obtained through usual arrangements by ordering from Stores. Fit testing continues at City Hospital, details of how to book are on Connect.

2. New: Staff testing requirements

As you know, it is mandatory for all staff to undertake regular testing. Colleagues attending site more than once a week are expected to sign up to our LAMP testing programme and bring in a LAMP sample once a week. This is our preferred regular testing programme for all staff with no symptoms because of the accuracy of the test. To register for LAMP please call 0121 507 2664 (Monday- Friday, 8am-6pm) and select option 6 to register and book a kit collection slot.

If you are unable to take part in the LAMP testing programme then you must do twice weekly lateral flow tests (LFTs). These are available to order online or to collect from a range of services in the community. LFT results should be reported to the national website whatever the result.

As described in the staff isolation and testing guidance that was issued in the COVID-19 bulletin on Friday 7 January, lateral flow testing is additionally to be used for people who are self-isolating as a result of testing positive for COVID-19, and for people who are a contact of a COVID-19 case.

We recognise that at the present time there are difficulties accessing lateral flow tests through usual routes, although it is expected that these issues will be resolved. We do have access to a limited supply of LFT kits If colleagues are having difficulties accessing these and we would prioritise this supply to people who need LFTs as part of the process to end self-isolation or to continue working safely as a contact of a positive case.

LFT kits required in these circumstances are available from the IPC team or from the swabbing pod in the Little Lane car park, Sandwell Hospital.

If LFT kits are required as part of an  outbreak, the ward or service manager should email sandwell.adminhub@nhs.net putting “LFT – outbreak requirement” in the subject field. Please include your ward or service and the number of staff who need to do daily LFTs. We will then respond to you to arrange collection.

3. Updated: Swabbing pathway for unplanned admissions

An updated swabbing pathway has been issued for patients who are unplanned admissions. All acute admissions must be swabbed in ED. Previously COVID-19 positive patients do not need re-screening for 90 days from first positive result unless they have new COVID symptoms. If a patient has a history of COVID-19 within the last 14 days and has no clinical symptoms, please follow the medium risk stream.

The main changes in this update relate to patients in PCCT. All patients transferring to PCCT beds must be lateral flow tested by the transferring ward and the result shared during a telephone handover to the receiving ward. A PCR must still be done but you do not have to wait for the result to transfer the patient.

All patients going home with a home care package can be lateral flow tested where there are no additional risk factors, rather than waiting for the results of a PCR test. If they test positive for COVID-19 then additional support/advice will be given prior to discharge.

You can read the full guidance here.

Heartbeat: Children’s therapies offer vital training to local schools

Our children’s speech and language therapy team have been providing an extensive library of training in schools so they are better able to support children who have difficulties with speech, language and communication.

In case you were unaware, speech and language therapists support children who have difficulties with swallowing and communication which includes expressive and receptive language (not being able to understand what people say or express yourself), speech (pronunciation), social skills (holding conversation/making friends) and fluency (stammering).

The community based team have been offering an array of training in schools such as general courses to staff to support children who struggle with speech and language, specialist courses which give school staff the tools to support children with complex needs in a 1:1 setting, management courses to support special educational needs coordinators in schools in planning whole school provisions and conflict resolution courses which are key in supporting older children in secondary school settings who find it challenging to communicate effectively.

The training is being delivered across the Sandwell borough in both primary and secondary schools as well as local health centres by a range of therapists. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic much of the training has been completed digitally.

Katy Dunn, Speech and Language Therapist, was the driving force behind setting up the training and also delivers some of the training in Sandwell. She believes it is hugely beneficial.

She said: “We know that speech language and communication needs (SLCN) are one of the most common difficulties for children. In some areas of deprivation more than 50 per cent of children start school with SLCN and 10 per cent of people will have lifelong SLCN. It is a hidden disability which can have a really significant impact on a person’s emotional wellbeing and their ability to achieve their potential in life. It is important for the workforce in a school to be skilled in supporting children’s communication at a targeted level so we, as a specialist service, can offer a high level of support to those children with the most complex or specialist needs.”

Kay Baker, Deputy Clinical Lead for Children’s Therapies also believes in the importance of training and said: “We have had excellent feedback from schools who have commented that they have found the sessions enjoyable and they are more confident in delivering support to children with SLCN in school.

“We have been able to expand on this staff training to write a set of competencies for school staff to use to consider their knowledge and skills when working with a child. We have also written a document for schools to use to map their whole school SLCN provision.”

Heartbeat: Heather Hart retires after 24 years

After 24 years, Heather Hart, Inflammatory Bowel Disease CNS will be retiring from the Trust.

Heather started her journey with SWB back in 1997 where she was appointed as the first gastroenterology clinical nurse specialist in our Trust having previously worked at Heartlands Hospital. At the time, her role included looking after all patients with gastroenterology problems such as inflammatory bowel disease, liver problems, upper GI cancers, coeliac disease and gastrostomy tube feeding in both community and inpatients settings.

However, as the years passed her role developed and changed with advancements of new treatments and national care pathways along with expansion of the services provided by SWB.

Heather has faced numerous challenges throughout her career however she believes the COVID-19 pandemic surpasses them all.

She said: “The last 18-24 months have been challenging with being redeployed to both the critical care unit in the first wave of COVID-19 and then to the respiratory hub in October of 2020.”

Despite challenges throughout her nursing career, Heather has always wanted to be nurse from since she can remember and said: “My great grandmother was a nurse and so were many of my cousins. My passion has always been caring for people which is what led me down this the path of caring form people with inflammatory bowel disease as these are a group of conditions that are long term, relapsing and remitting in nature but can be disabling to those who have them.”

She added: “I feel privileged and honoured to have cared for my patients through many years and milestones in their lives.”

Clare Smith, Jo Harvey, Kath Johnson, Grace Preece and Kerrie Burns all work within gastroenterology and feel Heather will be missed.

They said: “We have all worked together as specialist nurses for many years and have learnt from Heather’s wealth of knowledge and experience in gastroenterology especially in inflammatory bowel disease.”

As part of her retirement Heather plans to spend more time with her grandson and is planning on travelling around the UK and Europe in her campervan. Heather has also been involved with the air cadets for numerous years so is hopeful to invest more of free time into this venture.

Good luck with your retirement Heather!