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COVID-19 Bulletin: Monday 9 November

November 9, 2020

To keep up to date with the pace of change we will be sharing a bulletin on a daily basis. There’s a lot of change taking place at the moment so please make sure you catch up with the latest bulletins throughout the week, as even if some points seem familiar you may very well find the details have been updated a great deal.

 During this second lockdown restrictions, we must ensure we look after ourselves and others within our community. Make sure you keep in touch with those you love and your neighbours. People may well be feeling anxious, lonely and scared at this time. Thank you for looking out for one another.

  1. NHS track and trace app – know what to do

As you know the NHS has launched their COVID-19 contact tracing app designed to help the NHS understand where and how quickly the virus is spreading, so we can respond quickly and effectively. You may have seen posters featuring QR codes for people with the app to ‘sign in’ at selected locations across our sites, but there has been some question as to whether Trust staff using the app should sign in at our locations.

The recommendation from the NHS is that health or care workers should 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.

What to do if you receive an alert

If you receive an alert through the app stating that you are considered a contact of a case of COVID-19, you should immediately inform your manager and self-isolate. You should complete a risk assessment with your line manager 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. As the app is anonymised, it will not be apparent whether your contact occurred within or outside the Trust setting. Where there are cases of transmission of the virus within the Trust we will carry out our own contact tracing processes.

You can read the latest government guidance for healthcare workers by clicking here.

2. Don’t delay, get fit tested today

Do you wear the Alpha Solway, or 3M 1863 mask?

If so, due to a change in our stock, it is important you act NOW to get fit tested for a replacement. It is critical that colleagues stay up to date with the availability of masks that they have been fit tested for, so if you wear the Alpha Solway, or 3M 1863 mask please ensure you book into a face mask fit testing clinic as soon as possible. If you need a fit test, for a silicone or disposable FFP3 mask in stock (3m 1863+ or 9330+ mask), these are your options:

Non-urgent – please call ext.5050. There is currently a wait time of approximately one week, you will be asked when your next shift is and your appointment will be offered to you on that basis. Please ensure you book in good time, and please attend your appointment – we have too many DNAs!

If you need urgent on the day testing, contact the IPC team on 5195 and they will facilitate the earliest possible test for you or your staff member.

There are two machines in the bungalow behind City ED. If you have a fit tester in your team, you can book out the machines via the IPC team on 5195 to fit test your teams.

Fit testing will be changing at Sandwell effective today (Monday 9 November). You will now be seen in the Hallam Restaurant in the room to the right as you enter the building.

Please help us to ensure that a lack of planning does not become someone else’s emergency, by planning ahead as much as possible and ensuring you attend all booked appointments. If you cannot attend the appointment you have been given for your fit testing, please ensure you cancel your appointment in good time.

3. Reporting hospital acquired COVID-19

We are now required to report all incidences of hospital acquired COVID-19 as a patient safety incident both locally and nationally. The aim is to share any emerging understanding on how and why infection has occurred.

Please see the pathway which details the process to follow for reporting, reviewing and investigating hospital-onset COVID-19 cases and COVID-19 deaths. You are also encouraged to read the guidance provided by NHS England and NHS Improvement.

The Root Cause Analysis tool is available on Connect.

4. Replenishing PPE stations outside ward areas  

Just a reminder that the wards are responsible for the stocking up of the dani-centres/PPE stations (which include aprons and gloves) outside the ward. Previously the PPE wardens and/or volunteers had helped to top these up but the wardens and volunteers have now all returned to their original roles.

For further information or assistance please email the procurement team:

5. Looking after your wellbeing; Pause and join in with mindful yoga with Chris

There is now a collection of up to 12 yoga videos on Connect as part of the “Mindful Yoga with Chris” series. The most recent additions are designed to help colleagues relax and switch-off after work. There are multiple benefits of yoga both mentally and physically as it may help reduce stress and improve relaxation levels.

Click here to access all the episodes including the latest session.

6. Face masks to be worn in all Trust buildings at all times

Alongside social distancing and stringent hand hygiene, there is now a requirement to ensure you are wearing a face mask in all Trust buildings at all times whether in a clinical setting or office.

Steps for all colleagues to take:

  1. All colleagues will need to wear a fluid resistant surgical face mask while inside all SWBH buildings. Masks are available at the welcome stations in the main entrances to each clinical building. Alternatively departments can order and collect masks from stores.
  2. A mask needs to be worn throughout the duration of the time spent in the SWBH buildings.
  3. When leaving work it is essential that masks are disposed of safely when finished. In non-clinical areas they can be disposed of in a black bag waste bin. PPE disposal process in clinical areas remains unchanged. Remember to maintain frequent handwashing/ sanitising at all times.
  4. Face masks must be worn at all times unless you are working in a room on your own. If you leave that area for any reason, you MUST immediately wear a mask. This includes corridors, communal areas.

Wear your mask properly

Masks only work if they are worn properly, we have all seen people wear masks in some truly bizarre ways.

The instruction here is simple – your mask should cover your mouth and your nose.

 Protecting your skin from damage beneath PPE

If you are finding that your masks are uncomfortable or are causing you issues with your skin, please take the time to read the helpful guidance produced by the tissue viability team for colleagues to protect and treat skin from damage beneath PPE.