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COVID-19 Bulletin: Tuesday 19 January

January 19, 2021

New:

 Updated:

 Reminder:

1. New –  PPE Guidance – are you fitted for a respirator?

Whilst most colleagues will be well accustomed to the disposable FFP3 masks but did you know that you could be fitted for and issued your own silicone respirator?

Silicone respirators are fit tested respirators that can be issued to colleagues who work in a role with direct patient contact. These respirators mean that you no longer need to worry about your particular fit of disposable mask being out of stock and you can carry on with your duties knowing that the respirator does not need a filter change for 3 months.

You get to keep your silicone respirator, it stays with you wherever you go and when you need it it’s there to be popped over your face. Just give it a thorough clean with a clinell wipe following our infection control and maintenance guidance and you are good to go.

To book yourself in for fit testing please call ext. 5050 and the team will book you into a slot at a site, date and time to suit you. Fit testing clinics are available everyday between 8am and 4pm. Additional capacity has been made available to respond to the changed requirements for fit-tested masks in amber, community and outpatient areas.

Please remember to wear eye protection also.

Note:

  • If you are not in direct contact with a patient, then you may to continue to wear the fluid resistant surgical mask.
  • 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.

 

 2. New –  Busting the COVID-19 conspiracies – Separating the fact from fiction

A vaccine being developed, tested and deployed within 12 months of an outbreak is often unheard of, however we must not let the valiant efforts of the global scientific community be overtaken by the myths, conspiracies and misunderstandings that are currently doing the rounds in the community.

Today we’ll tackle some of the most prolific myths to separate the fact from fiction:

The COVID-19 vaccine does not contain pork

You should not refuse the COVID-19 vaccination due to personal or religious beliefs associated with pork as the COVID-19 vaccination does not contain pork or any porcine products. Furthermore, the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine does not contain any components of animal origin.

 I am vegan, can I still have the vaccine?

There is no material of foetal or animal origin in either vaccine. All ingredients are published in healthcare information on the MHRA’s website.

For the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine information is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/regulatory-approval-of-pfizer-biontechvaccine-for-covid-19

For the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine information is available here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/regulatory-approval-of-covid-19-vaccine-astrazeneca

Will the cost of the vaccine be deducted from my salary should I have it?

No, the COVID-19 vaccination is only available through the NHS to eligible groups and it is a free vaccination.

I’m pregnant, should I have the vaccine?

The MHRA have updated their guidance to say that pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding can have the vaccine but should discuss it with a clinician to ensure that the benefits outweigh any potential risks.

I suffer with allergies, should I have the vaccine?

People with history of a severe (anaphylactoid) allergy to any of the ingredients within the vaccine should not be vaccinated currently, nor should those with severe allergy to multiple drugs or where there is a history of anaphylaxis where the cause is unknown. If you are unsure of your risk please contact Occupational Health for advice.

Is the vaccine actually safe?

Yes. The MHRA, the official UK regulator authorising licensed use of medicines and vaccines by healthcare professionals, has reviewed these vaccines as safe and highly effective. As with any medicine, vaccines are highly regulated products. There are checks at every stage in the testing, development and manufacturing process, and continued monitoring once it has been authorised and is being used in the wider population.

I have COVID-19 currently, can I get the vaccine?

People currently unwell and experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should self-isolate and should not receive the COVID-19 vaccine until they have recovered. The guidance is that this should be done 28 days after a positive PCR swab or from development of COVID symptoms to avoid  mistaking any COVID related symptoms with  adverse effects of vaccination or vice versa and to be confident that you are well enough.

Now I have had my vaccine do I still need to wear a face covering or surgical mask?

Yes you certainly do! Though you may be protected against the harmful effects of COVID-19 having had your vaccine you could still be a carrier and unknowingly pass it on to patients, a member of your family, one of your friends or even a fellow co-worker, so with this in mind please continue to wear a mask.

Now I have had my vaccine do I still need to follow social distancing rules?

Yes you definitely should! Though you may be protected against the harmful effects of COVID-19 having had your vaccine you could still be a carrier and unknowingly pass it on to a member of your family, one of your friends or even a fellow co-worker so with this in mind please continue to wear a mask.

Are there lots of side effects of the vaccine?

For these vaccines, like lots of others, they have identified that some people might feel slightly unwell, but they report that no significant side effects have been observed in the tens of thousands of people involved in trials. All patients will be provided with information on the vaccine they have received, how to look out for any side effects, and what to do if they do occur, including reporting them to the MHRA. More information on possible side effects can be found at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/coronavirus-vaccine/

I had my flu jab this season, do I need to bother with the COVID vaccination?

The flu vaccine does not protect you from COVID-19. As you are eligible for both vaccines you should have them both but please ensure you separate each vaccine by at least a week.

 3. Update – Keeping well throughout COVID-19

We are seeing a huge number of patients across our sites and we know this is having a huge impact on colleagues as you continue to feel the pressure of fighting the pandemic whilst balancing your work and home life. We’ll do everything we can to tend to you and find ways and means to ease the burden.

If you haven’t already discovered them, across our Trust we have a number of rest areas that you can use to relax and unwind during your shift. This list of rest areas on Connect is not definitive, so please do speak to your line manager if you don’t know where your nearest rest area is.

You may also consider taking advantage of our energy pods to help you recharge. We have three state of the art energy pods available in AMU at City, at Sandwell and maternity at City.

The groups are also currently collating ideas regarding what you would like to see to aid your wellbeing. We have already had requests for items such as radios and massagers. If you feel that there is something that could really help the wellbeing of your team then please email swbh.wellbeing@nhs.net and the team will consider your request.

Temporary closure of staff gym facilities

Due to the continued high case rate in the community and the lockdown restrictions we have taken the difficult decision to temporarily close our gym facilities. This is to avoid any potential transmission. The changing rooms and shower areas will remain open. We realise that exercising is vital for our health and wellbeing so would encourage you to access online classes or apps to maintain your health and fitness or if you want to start a fitness programme.

The NHS publishes a list of apps that are useful for health and wellbeing and can be accessed here.

4. Reminder – Restricted visiting arrangements for inpatients

As you may know, due to the current increase in infection rates and lockdown measures, our Trust has retained our restrictions on all inpatient visiting unless in exceptional circumstances, i.e. for patients who are at end of life, those who lack mental capacity or children. The Women’s and Child Health Group have arrangements in place to allow limited visiting on postnatal wards, a partner to accompany scanning appointments and an additional birthing partner.

As the infection rates decrease and the situation improves we may change this decision depending on the numbers of COVID patients in the hospital, community cases and any hospital outbreaks.

5. Reminder – Staying safe if you have to car share  

Car sharing is not permitted with someone from outside your household or your support bubble unless your journey is undertaken for an exempt reason. For example, if car sharing is reasonably necessary as part of your work.

It is difficult to socially distance during car journeys. Where it is essential to car share, you must reduce the risk of transmission by:

  • Driver and passengers to wear a fluid resistant surgical mask during the journey
  • Share the transport with the same people each time where possible
  • Minimise the group size at any one time
  • Opening windows for ventilation
  • Travelling side by side or behind other people, rather than facing them, where seating arrangements allow
  • Facing away from each other
  • Considering seating arrangements to maximise distance between people in the vehicle
  • Keep your bags on your lap if possible.
  • Avoid touching inside of the car/ vehicle if not necessary.
  • Avoid long conversations, if possible.
  • Wash/Gel your hand before & after the ride
  • Cleaning your car between journeys using standard cleaning products – make sure you clean door handles and other areas that people may touch
  • Avoid eating inside the car while sharing