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COVID-19 Bulletin: Tuesday 16 February

February 18, 2021

1. Reminder: Know how to stream patients correctly  

Streaming patients to the most appropriate ward areas is critical to not only preventing the spread of COVID-19 in our hospitals but it’s a practice that allows us to balance the risk of inconclusive test, clinical suspicion and likelihood of asymptomatic infection.

We know that the sensitivity of a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test is around 80 per cent. With this in mind, colleagues must look at the clinical presentation with the swab result when deciding how to stream a patient. For example if the swab is negative but the clinical presentation is highly suggestive of COVID-19 they must be streamed onto a Red ward or for patient presenting with low suspicion of COVID-19 and in Red stream initially, with subsequent negative swab result must be transferred onto a Contact ward (Newton 3 at Sandwell, with ward on City site TBC) while they await a further PCR test.

You can find the COVID-19 Infection control patient risk stratification table and the guidance in full on the Connect swabbing pathways page. Please ensure all staff are aware of both these important documents so we ensure our patients are cared for in the right place.

2. Reminder: Restricted visiting arrangements for inpatients

We’d like to remind colleagues that although visiting restrictions remain in place for all inpatients, there are exceptional circumstances where limited visiting is allowed, for example for young patients, those who lack mental capacity and patients who are at the end of their life. For these patients it is really important – not least as an act of kindness – that we are able to safely facilitate limited visiting rather than adopt a blanket ban, so please if in doubt ask your group for advice.

It is essential to note that even for these groups visiting is NOT ALLOWED by anyone who is self-isolating, regardless of the circumstances.

3. Reminder: Let’s talk about mental health

Managing our stress and psychological health at this time is as important as our physical health. Taking care of basic needs and employing helpful coping strategies are top priorities.

The Trust offers a range of support including one to one counselling, referral to mental health practitioners as well as helpful advice through the Wellbeing Together newsletter. But it is important that you decide what the right support is for you.

Remember, it’s ok to not be ok, and if you aren’t, there is support available to you.

An example of this is Frontline19 –  an independent UK nationwide service delivering psychological support to those who are, or have been on the frontline of COVID-19. The service can ensure you get the right help quickly and easily and is free and confidential. So, if you need someone to talk to, they can put you in touch with a therapist and you can take it from there.

Some common themes healthcare professionals request support for include:

  • Worrying and over-thinking a situation and its consequences
  • Poor concentration on other things and easily distracted
  • Feelings of anxiety
  • Feelings of panic
  • Irritability
  • Restlessness and fidgeting
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Poor daily functioning and difficulty carrying out routine tasks
  • Avoidance of usual tasks and routines
  • Feelings of helplessness and loss of control or incompetence
  • Fatigue and muscle ache.

To get started all you need to do is fill in a short online form. Pairing usually takes seven days or sooner if possible. Visit https://www.frontline19.com/ for more information.

4. Reminder: Donate your plasma in the fight against COVID-19

Colleagues will be aware that NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is leading a major programme, on behalf of the Government, to collect convalescent plasma as a potential treatment for COVID-19.

The organisation is now urgently appealing for more people to donate and is prioritising males who have been hospitalised due to a tendency to have high antibodies.

The appeal is not only urging colleagues to donate, but also encouraging our male patients to put themselves forward for this important study.

Colleagues and patients can donate plasma by calling 0300 123 23 23, or by providing details at www.nhsbt.nhs.uk.

Convalescent plasma is being collected at NHSBT’s 23 donor centres around the country, and a number of pop-up donor centres. Donation takes about 45 minutes. Your body usually replaces the plasma you’ve donated in 24-48 hours. Your body also quickly replaces the donated antibodies. All donations are tested for COVID antibodies.