Monthly archives: February 2022
LGBT History Month – transgender awareness training: 25 February
As you may be aware, February is LGBT History Month and to celebrate the month. our LGBT Staff Network at the Trust have put together comprehensive list of events associated with the month which colleagues can attend throughout February.
Transgender awareness training – hosted by Robyn Foley, Transgender Strategic Development Officer for Birmingham LGBT, Friday 25 February, 1pm – 3pm. This event will give attendees:
- An understanding of the correct terminology used to refer to transgender people and the importance of pronouns.
- An increased awareness of transgender issues
- Increased cultural competency, to allow you to better understand and communicate with transgender service users and colleagues.
- An overview of your responsibilities towards trans co-workers and service users as mandated by law, including the Gender Recognition Act
Click here to find out more and join this event.
The full list and attendance details can be accessed below in the LGBT History Month events list.
LGBT History Month – transgender awareness training: 25 February
As you may be aware, February is LGBT History Month and to celebrate the month. our LGBT Staff Network at the Trust have put together comprehensive list of events associated with the month which colleagues can attend throughout February.
Transgender awareness training – hosted by Robyn Foley, Transgender Strategic Development Officer for Birmingham LGBT, Friday 25 February, 1pm – 3pm. This event will give attendees:
- An understanding of the correct terminology used to refer to transgender people and the importance of pronouns.
- An increased awareness of transgender issues
- Increased cultural competency, to allow you to better understand and communicate with transgender service users and colleagues.
- An overview of your responsibilities towards trans co-workers and service users as mandated by law, including the Gender Recognition Act
Click here to find out more and join this event.
The full list and attendance details can be accessed below in the LGBT History Month events list.
Duty of Candour month
As you may be aware, throughout this month the patient safety team has been releasing communications highlighting the Duty of Candour (DoC) process and providing different tools to help colleagues to complete this process.
This week the team are offering a free Duty of Candour online training course through Grey Matter Learning. Once the course is completed, you will be a given a digital certificate which can be used for your CPD.
In case you missed it, you access last week’s Duty of Candour month message by clicking here.
Chief Executive’s Message – Friday 18 February
Dr Rupali Saluja, Intensive Care Consultant was interviewed earlier this week by ITV Central regarding our inspirational COVID survivors; Dr Imran Zaman, GP at Heath Street Health Centre recently spoke to Year 5 and 6 students about healthy living and careers in healthcare; Tipton vaccination hub is now administering jabs for 5-11 year-olds; and, be sure to have your say in this year’s SWB travel survey [/caption]
This week we have shared through the COVID-19 bulletin the start of our plans to ease out of restrictions and manage our response to the virus as business as usual. We will introduce changes in a phased approach so that we can monitor the impact and ensure we have updated our risk assessments to keep patients and staff safe.
We are beginning with stepping down the enhanced PPE arrangements that we put in place during this latest wave when the Omicron virus was taking hold. The introduction of FFP3 face masks as standard in amber areas is no longer in place and colleagues can return to fluid resistant surgical masks. FFP3 masks remain a requirement for those staff whose risk assessment indicates that enhanced protection is required, for certain procedures and in red areas.
This step down in PPE is not because COVID-19 as gone away, but because of our updated risk assessment that has considered the community infection rate which has come down, the numbers of patients who have COVID-19 in our hospital beds that is continuing to reduce, and a reduction in outbreaks.
Within the next fortnight we will re-introduce visiting in a controlled manner which I know will be a welcome change for patients and relatives. We all know how important this is for patient’s recovery and it should also help to ease the communication channels with patients. Thank you for continuing to support your patients and their loved ones while these restrictions have been in place.
We will also move back to face to face meetings rather than solely virtual, although ensuring that masks and 1m social distancing can be maintained.
Over the next few weeks, we will continue to update you with our roadmap for change. Please continue to be cautious, follow our guidance and don’t let your guard down.
Earlier this month NHS England published the delivery plan for tackling the backlog of planned care that has been created by the pandemic. The plan includes guidance to help systems address key issues, and recover and expand elective services over the next three years with some ambitious goals to eliminate long waits, reduce diagnostic waiting times, and return to delivering the cancer faster diagnosis standards.
This recovery and expansion will take our collective effort right across the Trust, but importantly, we know we will only be able to deliver this for patients if we work collaboratively with neighbouring Trusts across the Black Country and Birmingham systems and in an integrated way with our colleagues in primary care. Our Trust has a strong track record of stepping up to meet challenges such as these, and being a good partner in putting aside organisational boundaries to deliver what’s best for patients.
Stop norovirus spreading – wash your hands with soap and water
Norovirus, sometimes known as the “winter vomiting bug”, is the most common stomach bug in the UK, affecting people of all ages. It is highly contagious and is transmitted by contact with contaminated surfaces, an infected person, or consumption of contaminated food or water.
The symptoms of norovirus are very distinctive – people often report a sudden onset of nausea followed by projectile vomiting and watery diarrhoea.
Good hand hygiene is important to stop the spread of the virus. This means taking the time to wash your hands with soap and water – not relying simply on alcohol hand sanitiser.
An infection with norovirus is self-limiting and most people will make a full recovery in 1-2 days. It is important to keep hydrated – especially children and the elderly.
Colleagues are advised to:
- Wash their hands thoroughly using soap and water and drying them after using the toilet, before preparing food and eating.
- Don’t rely on alcohol gels as these do not kill the virus.
- Colleagues should not return to work until 48 hours after their last symptom.
Managers are advised to:
- Report multiple cases of vomiting and/or diarrhoea in their team to infection control.
Heartbeat: New structure to deliver group and organisational strategy
The medicine and emergency care group has undergone a restructure that has been fully launched 2022.
Work to review how the group works and ensure colleagues and patients are supported adequately has been a year in planning.
Heartbeat caught up with Demetri Wade, Group Director of Operations to find out more. He said: “When we embarked on this project we wanted to ensure that the way we work as a team is consolidated to meet the requirements of service delivery.
“This meant looking at the roles that we needed in each area at all levels. I’m pleased that for all but one of many of the new posts created we were able to make internal promotions. This demonstrated that we are keen to develop our staff and give them opportunities to grow their careers.”
Each directorate within the group is set up to be clinically led with operations colleagues supporting the delivery of services.
“We set up three distinct directorates – emergency care, admitted care A and admitted care B,” added Demetri. “These are three self-sufficient directorates with established leadership teams. In reality this means we now have appropriate representation of nursing, medical, AHP and HCS staff. As I mentioned before there is also a clear line of development for the team and we want colleagues to take advantage of opportunities that are available.
“Our new structure also ensures we have senior level of experience to provide strategic overview and direction allowing staff to get on with their day to day duties. This enables us to think ahead instead of being reactive and only focussing on each day.
“The last two years have been particularly hard on our teams, but despite the pressures everyone has really done a fantastic job and they should be proud. One of our main goals with the new structure is to ensure we are staffed appropriately so we can better support staff in clinical delivery of our services but also enable improved access to wellbeing and personal development activities.”
Listening events throughout March
Throughout the month of March, our clinical teams will be holding listening events. These sessions aim to listen to colleague feedback and ask how we can make changes to ensure we make our organisation a great place to work.
Please see details below for each event:
| Group | Date | Time | Joining link |
| Surgical Services | Thursday 3 March | 9am – 10am | Click here to book via Eventbrite |
| Women’s and Child Health | Thursday 3 March | 9am – 10.30am | Click here to join via Teams |
| Imaging | Monday 14 March | 1pm – 2pm | Click here to join via Teams |
| Medicine | Tuesday 15 March | 2pm – 3pm | Click here to join via Teams |
| Surgical Services | Tuesday 15 March | 3pm – 4pm | Click here to book via Eventbrite |
| PCCT | Thursday 24 March | 4pm – 5pm | Click here to join via Teams |
Point of care testing: Glucose and Ketone results in Unity
Message on behalf of point of care testing:
Please be advised that all Point of Care Glucose and Ketone results will automatically appear in Unity if the correct patient ID (RXK number) is entered into the meter. There is no need to enter Point of Care glucose or ketone results manually into Unity.
For more information call 0121 507 5352.
Did you know…? Free online training in end of life care is available via e-ELCA
Free online training in end of life care via e-ELCA is available through the education tab of the connected palliative care Connect page. This includes all healthcare professional groups. Certificates can be used as evidence of ongoing learning and uploaded to portfolios.
Caring for patients and their family living and dying with a palliative diagnosis is a core part of care across the Trust. We want help you to gain and maintain the knowledge and skills to enable you to provide this care confidently and competently.
We are developing a face to face program with specific sessions that will be advertised via staff communications as they become available.
Currently you can access over 150 free e-learning sessions available across eight themed modules, run by e-ELCA – End of Life Care for All. Each module takes no more than 20 – 40minutes. Certificates of completion provided at the end of each module can be attached as evidence onto relevant professional development portfolios. See our Connected Palliative Care education page for which modules we recommend for each staff group, and also for updates on new training that comes available
COVID-19 Bulletin: Thursday 17 February
Numbers not statistics: This week (last week)
| Colleagues who have received COVID-19 1st Vac. | Colleagues who have received COVID-19 2nd Vac. | Colleagues who have received COVID-19 booster Vac. | Current number of confirmed COVID-19 inpatients | COVID-19 inpatients not vaccinated against COVID-19 | Total number of our patients who have died from COVID-19 |
| 90.96%
(90.78%) |
85.77%
(85.58%) |
51.19%
(51.22%) |
78
(114) |
35.90%
(34.21%) |
1,479
1,471 |
Note: Percentages may decrease due to changes in the number of inpatients and in the number of staff members (starters and leavers).
1. New: Returning to fluid resistant face masks
As the risk posed to patients and colleagues from the current wave of COVID-19 reduces, we are now in a position to change our face mask requirements in some areas – returning to fluid resistant surgical masks (FRSMs) rather than FFP3 in amber areas.
This means that colleagues who work in amber or non-outbreak areas should return to wearing FRSMs. Individual risk assessments will also indicate level of PPE for all colleagues and some colleagues will be wearing enhanced PPE, depending on their risk assessment, as well as the clinical activity they are undertaking.
Patients should continue to wear FRSMs in all areas except when eating, drinking or sleeping.
2. New: It’s safe to meet face to face – as long as you follow the rules
After almost two years of moving to online meetings and virtual conferences, we are now in a position to plan a return to face-to-face meetings – but there are some rules to keep you safe.
From the 1 March, colleagues can begin to book face-to-face meetings but the following precautions should be taken to do so safely:
- Remain within the allocated ‘max capacity’ of each meeting area. This determines how many people each meeting space can safely accommodate whilst still allowing colleagues to social distance.
- Colleagues should continue to wear fluid resistant surgical face masks when in a shared space, this includes when meeting with team members and close colleagues.
- One metre social distancing space should be adhered to to ensure colleagues remain safe.
Colleagues should continue to risk assess their surroundings and ensure they take appropriate precautions to protect themselves and those around them.
3. New: Easing of visiting restrictions from 2 March
From 2 March we are easing our visiting restrictions to allow inpatients in amber areas to receive one visitor for up to 30 minutes per day. Patients can nominate two individuals who can visit for the duration of their stay, ideally from the same household. Visitors must use hand sanitiser and wear a face mask on entry. They must also show evidence of a negative lateral flow test result taken that same day to be checked on entrance to the building. All visits must be booked in advance by telephoning the ward to allow wards to limit the number of visitors on a ward/bay at any one time. All visitors must be free of COVID-19 symptoms, and must not attend if they are a household contact of a COVID-19 positive case. We regret we are unable to allow visits by children (under 16 years) or those who are immunocompromised.
For more information see the visiting information here.
The current visiting arrangements for paediatrics, maternity and ICU remain in place. Maternity services will be increasing the length of time that partners are allowed to visit on inpatient wards. Our usual exemptions apply for inpatient children, those at end of life and people who lack mental capacity.
Red and green areas, where visiting is current not allowed should ensure you have robust systems in place to communicate with relatives/next of kin and to support communication between patients and their loved ones.
We will review visiting arrangements regularly based on a risk assessment taking into account COVID-19 case rates in the community and numbers of COVID-19 cases in our hospitals.
4. New: Safely using shuttles and car sharing
Using the staff shuttle to get between Sandwell and City hospitals is a great way to limit your impact on the environment and if you need to travel out to other sites it’s worth considering car sharing.
Using the shuttle and car sharing can be done safely with minimal effort involved. Simply ensure you wear a face mask when you’re on the shuttle and space yourselves out to use the whole bus. Our existing capacity restrictions in the shuttle bus remain in place at present. If you are car sharing, remember to wear your masks, open the windows and space yourself by sitting in the front and the rear of the vehicle.
Colleagues who would like to make the most of car sharing, cycling to work or sharing journeys can join the new Kinto app.
To get started, simply download the Kinto app and join the SWB NHS network communities depending on which site(s) you travel to: SWBH – Sandwell Hospital, SWBH – Birmingham City Hospital and SWBH – Rowley Regis.
Note: Don’t forget to use your NHS email address when signing up. Only approved work emails will be verified allowing you to connect, communicate and ‘buddy up’ safely with your colleagues.
5. New: Moving from LAMP to lateral flow – Keeping safe with simple testing
Although restrictions may have eased, working in the healthcare sector means it is possible we will come in to contact with those suffering with COVID-19 and vulnerable patients – so it’s critically important that we stay on top of testing.
From the 14 March we will move from our current LAMP testing programme which requires colleagues to submit a saliva sample on a weekly basis to colleagues being asked to complete lateral flow tests at home twice a week before they come in to work. You will be required to report your lateral flow results and we will advise you of the reporting arrangements in due course.
Lateral flow testing kits can be ordered online from the following website with colleagues either having them delivered directly to their home address or alternatively collecting from community locations.
Order your lateral flow kit online here: https://www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests
6. New: Working from home guidance has been updated – Roadmap to returning to normality
The working from home guidance has been updated and is currently being reviewed in order for our Trust to enable a supportive transition for colleagues to begin returning to office working.
As the government roadmap indicates a lifting of restrictions and that a return to onsite work is possible, all staff should be prepared to work onsite when required to do so (subject to any changes to government guidance).
However, we recognise that the last couple of years has been challenging and the pandemic has changed the circumstances of some and impacted both work and personal lives. For those who have been working remotely for the past year, the prospect of returning may be exciting and/or anxiety inducing for multiple reasons. There may also be practical considerations and the need to plan for many.
SWB is committed to working with our people to ensure they are supported as we start to plan our return to ‘normal working’ and will maintain a ‘people first’ approach, focussed on the wellbeing of our staff as we have throughout the pandemic.
Accepting that some will feel anxious and have practical considerations about returning, leaders and managers are asked to deal with the gradual return in a sympathetic and supportive manner, including considering if there are reasons for increased flexibility to continue during this period. If you require advice at any stage, please contact your HR Business Partner.
During the transition back to work, a flexible and supportive approach is essential to:
- Welcome staff back to onsite work in a phased way, taking into account the impact the pandemic has had on the individual circumstances, mental and physical health.
- Account for the fact that some Trust buildings have been repurposed during the pandemic (i.e. Trinity House) so are no longer available at the same capacity.
- Anticipate possible future changes to government guidance including the potential to revert to ‘work from home if you can’ or similar guidance.
- Ensure any social distancing guidance that might impact building capacity is observed as well as other Infection Control measures
- Trial and test new working methods with a view to exploring what our future working practices will be.
Recognising the above, managers are encouraged to make local arrangements to bring their teams back to site to re-connect, re-familiarise and benefit from SWB facilities. Individual staff may also return to work on a regular basis should they wish. Subject to government guidance, SWB sites will revert to being the default workplace for those staff who have worked remotely for the duration of the pandemic.
7. New: Staying fit – Gym set to reopen at Sandwell Hospital
Colleagues at Sandwell Hospital will be pleased to hear that Sandwell Gym will be reopening from 1 March for colleagues to use.
Sandwell gym is available to all colleagues to use. Simply register your interest to use the gym with Occupational Health and following a simple induction you can begin to use the gym to get fit.
Located on the Ground floor of Trinity House, the gym accommodates a maximum of 2 users at any one time and colleagues will be limited to a maximum of 40 minutes each.
For existing members: Your pass will be activated ready for use from the 1 March.
For new members: Please contact Jatinder Sekhon, email jatinder.sekhon@nhs.net or call 0121 507 3854 to complete your registration.
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