COVID-19 Bulletin: Wednesday 9 December

December 9, 2020

1. New: SAFETY is our top priority

It has been a hard year, one in which many colleagues have demonstrated outstanding commitment to our patients, and willingness to step into roles unfamiliar and new. We would like to say thank you to everyone who has already stepped up to help care for our patients safely. It remains essential for all ward staff to be flexible to work in other wards at short notice.

Safety is our top priority, and at the start of a shift when we are faced with unexpected staff absence in a ward, it is essential we are able to maintain at least basic staff to patient ratios for that shift. You may be approached at the last minute to work in a different area when there is no other solution, to maintain patient safety. I am sure you will understand that these requests to move area are essential in order to keep our patients safe.

Thank you for your continued understanding and support to ensure we provide safe patient care for all of our patients.

2. New: Annual Leave carry over

We recognise that during the pandemic, many colleagues have been unable to take annual leave, and have been very flexible to meet service needs during this challenging time. The Trust is extremely grateful for everyone’s flexibility and commitment. However, despite the ongoing challenges, the health and wellbeing of our staff remains a priority and it is vitally important to us that you get the rest you need and the opportunity to spend time with loved ones.

We continue to encourage all staff to plan how they intend to take their leave throughout the remainder of the financial year, i.e., until the end of March 2021, and to discuss and agree this with their manager by the end of December, if possible; this applies equally to all staff regardless of whether they are shielding, working remotely or in the workplace, and regardless of their role or banding. Colleagues who have different leave years (other than April – April) should also have the discussion with their line managers.

The carry over of annual leave may be agreed, by exception, and managers will have the discretion to allow colleagues to carry over up to 10 days or two working weeks only.  Managers will escalate any individual/local issues to the Group Director of Operations for further consideration by the senior team.

3. New: Mortuary visiting policy update

As we often say in these bulletins kindness is our watchword, but it is an unfortunate reality that due to the COVID-19 pandemic we have had to change the way we approach mortuary visiting, as visitors are still under restrictions even in this most unfortunate circumstance. In recognition of this and in an effort to balance sympathy with necessary guidance, an update to the Mortuary visiting policy has been approved by the Trust tactical team and is now in effect, which allows two people to attend so that they can offer support to one another at a difficult time.