COVID-19 Bulletin: Thursday 18 February
February 18, 2021
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Numbers not statistics: This week (last week)
As colleagues will know, it remains vitally important that we all follow the Government rules as we face a daily battle against COVID-19. Despite the roll out of the vaccination, the virus is still out there infecting many people so we must continue to act like we’ve got it – anyone can spread coronavirus. This means wearing your mask when you are on your break in a room with others and maintaining a distance of two metres. If you are on your lunchbreak for longer than 15 minutes and cannot safely social distance, then you must find an alternative space to take your break. If there is limited availability, then please speak to your manager who will help to source another area where you can continue your break safely. If you don’t follow social distancing guidelines you are in breach of both Trust policy and the law. Colleagues must not share a break facility without the ability to socially distance. By following these simple rules, it will ensure that you are not only protecting your patients, but also yourselves, your family and your colleagues. Taking breaks without following these measures could lead to the virus spreading amongst staff and to our patients, so it is essential that everyone plays their part and adheres to the rules. This also applies when colleagues are taking breaks outside. Please social distance and if you cannot do this in the space provided, then move to another area.
Many famous faces have lent their support to encourage people to have their vaccination when offered to them. One such person who has shared a message exclusively with SWB is ITV weatherman and our Star Awards host, Des Coleman. In his video, Des says: “I know there is a lot of misinformation circulating about the vaccine, and that some people are intent on discouraging others to get vaccinated. But I would urge you not to believe hearsay. Please look to trusted sources such as the NHS for your information.” Click below to watch the message from Des:
His message is echoed by Dr Masood Ahmed, Chief Medical Officer for the Black Country and West Birmingham CCG. He recently urged members of the BAME community to ignore the myths around the vaccine in a series of videos produced by the Trust, which feature hard-hitting footage of an intensive care unit at City Hospital. He says: “In terms of vaccinations, one of the concerns is misinformation and there’s been a lot of that going round, whether it be through Facebook or WhatsApp.” He adds: “The vaccines don’t have animal products in, they don’t have foetal cells in, they certainly don’t have microchips and 5G, and if you’ve got any concerns, go to trusted sources. Your GPs know what the truth is, we’ve looked at the evidence, we know that it’s safe, we know that it’s effective.” In another film, Deputy Medical Director Chizo Agwu, reveals she has been vaccinated and why she’s encouraging colleagues to step forward and get the lifesaving protection offered by the COVID-19 vaccination. Meanwhile, Dr Harj Kainth, a consultant in the acute medicine unit at City Hospital, delivers her message about the vaccination in Punjabi. We would encourage you to share these videos with your patients, family and friends. They can be accessed by clicking the names below:
There has been a marked increase in the number of disposable face masks littered across our sites and in the surrounding areas. The issue was highlighted this week by Sandwell charity Litterwatch, which was featured in a TV media report, with a focus on the area around Sandwell Hospital. We would like to remind colleagues that they should dispose of any used PPE in the bins provided. Used masks are an infection control risk to others and also are harmful to the environment and local wildlife. Please don’t be a litter bug – make sure you bin your masks. |
