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Monthly archives: September 2023

Hot weather alert – actions to be taken

 

An amber alert for hot weather is currently in place 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
  • Fans should not be used in COVID-19 areas (unless discussed and agreed by IPC) or be directed towards doors, driving air into other rooms, or from sources of aerosol generation, directly towards other patients. Dyson fans must not be used as they are unable to be cleaned.

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.

Krishna Janmashtami celebration at City Chapel: 6 September

 

This Wednesday is Krishna Janmashtami, the birth of Lord Krishna. This is a special occasion in the Hindu calendar and to mark the momentous occasion, our chaplaincy team will be hosting an event at City Chapel from 12pm – 1pm and are inviting all colleagues to attend.

Light refreshments will also be served.

Flocare Infinity Feed Pump Block Exchange

 

There are several feed pumps in circulation which need to be returned to medical engineering as soon as possible as they are overdue a service.

  • Please isolate all Nutricia pumps which have an out of date service date (see image above).
  • Give the equipment librarian any out of date pumps or contact the department on ext. 4070.
  • If you require a feed pump, please use the equipment library at both City and Sandwell.

All old devices are now being removed from clinical areas.

Focus on Finance: Help us help you

 

You may start to see lots of reference to Focus on Finance in the coming weeks and months at SWB.

Focus on Finance is a campaign which aims to raise awareness of our financial challenges, as well as seek your views on how we can make improvements while maintaining high quality and safe care.

There is an online form where you can submit your thoughts and suggestions. In the coming weeks you will also see suggestion boxes pop up across the organisation, where you will be able to write your ideas down and post them in the box.

World Suicide Prevention Day events

 

A series of events brought to you by your Community Inclusion Team at Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

The aim of these face to face and online events is to bring people together from across the Black Country and wider. Help prevent suicide and recognise that suicide is preventable. You will receive professional advice, hear from lived experiences and our partner organisations and also have the opportunity to discuss this sensitive topic in a safe and supportive environment.

“Creating hope through action” theme is a reminder that there is an alternative to suicide and aims to inspire confidence and light in all of us.

Monday 4 September: https://sandwellf2f.eventbrite.co.uk

Tuesday 5 September: https://dudleyf2fevent.eventbrite.co.uk

Wednesday 6 September: https://wolverhamptonf2f.eventbrite.co.uk

Thursday 7 September: https://walsallf2f.eventbrite.co.uk

Tuesday 12 September: Key Online Zoom Event: https://HopeThroughAction2023.eventbrite.co.uk

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