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COVID-19 Bulletin: Tuesday 23 February

February 23, 2021

1. New: SWB leads the way in COVID-19 research recruitment

Good news to report as we’ve recently received a letter from Public Health England congratulating the Trust for its efforts with the SARS-CoV2 Immunity & Reinfection Evaluation study – aka SIREN. With Sandwell and West Birmingham, thanks to the efforts of our Research and Development team, having been identified as one of SIREN’s most successful recruiters.

Following the roll-out of vaccinations among healthcare workers, SIREN will be leading the way in providing estimates of vaccine effectiveness. This is particularly important for groups that are currently underrepresented in the overall data: non-clinical support workers, males and people from ethnic minority backgrounds.

R&D is a crucial step in our understanding of not just COVID-19, but countless other illnesses. It has a direct impact on the survivability of patients and improving the patient journey. So well done R&D team and a big thank to those of you who have volunteered for this important study.

 

2. Update: Donate your plasma in the fight against COVID-19

Last week we advised you that NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) has restarted collections of convalescent plasma as a potential treatment for COVID-19, and they are appealing for more donations specifically from males who have been hospitalised. (This is due to them having a tendency to have high antibodies.)

NHSBT has produced postcards to go in patient discharge packs, which will be delivered to wards this week.

As soon as you receive the cards please start getting them out by ensuring every patient who has been diagnosed with COVID is given a postcard in their discharge pack.

The appeal is urging both patients and colleagues to donate to help 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.

 

3. Update: Surgical Services next in line to join the LAMP testing programme

Earlier this month we began our switch to LAMP (Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification) testing from the Lateral Flow tests. These remain screening tests for asymptomatic staff. If you have symptoms suggestive of COVID then you must still self-isolate and obtain a PCR swab test and not just wait for the LAMP test result.

LAMP testing is a weekly test where you collect a saliva sample first thing in the morning (before you brush your teeth or have your breakfast). You collect your sample at home and as you come into work, you deposit your sample in to one of the collection boxes which is then sent off to the lab to be tested. LAMP test results are processed quicker than the usual PCR swab tests and notifications of both positive and negative results sent back to you via text message.

Instructions on how to perform the test can be accessed by clicking here.

If the result comes back positive you and your household will need to immediately isolate for 10 days and you will not require a PCR swab test to confirm the result.

Colleagues in the following directorates should now call 0121 507 2664 option 6, to register and book a kit collection slot for LAMP Testing in order to go live with testing from 1 March:

  • Anaesthetics
  • Specialist Surgery
  • Theatres
  • Ophthalmology
  • General Surgery

By 22 March, we will have testing available for all staff. You should continue with the lateral flow testing until you move to the LAMP testing programme.

If you have kit left over from your lateral flow tests please return these to your service area and we will arrange for left over testing kit to be collected. If you are at the end of your Lateral Flow Test kit and not due to transition over before you run out of kit, please contact the Community Contact Centre on 0121 507 2664 option 6.

You can read the Frequently Asked Questions by clicking here.

 

4. Update: Don’t take risks – ensure assessments are followed

Every colleague should have undergone a risk assessment – it is essential, as it will determine how you will continue to undertake your duties whilst COVID-19 remains in our lives.

Therefore it is important that managers take the outcomes of these assessments into account.

There are four categories:

  • Relatively very high risk
  • Relatively high risk
  • Relatively medium risk
  • Relatively low risk

Managers can read more about how to support their staff by reading the document: generic advice to managers for supporting at risk groups of staff in their teams information sheet. 

 

5. Reminder: Online COVID vaccination event for BAME colleagues to share their experiences

NHS England and NHS Improvement will be facilitating a series of online events for BAME staff in the region to share their lived experiences around the vaccination programme to date. The events will take place on the following dates:

  • Wednesday 24 February 2021, 2pm to 3.30pm – book here
  • Saturday 27 February 2021, 1pm to 2.30pm – book here

The events aim to provide a clearer understanding of vaccine uptake and potential hesitancies that are emerging among BAME colleagues and communities across the region, as well as helping to allay concerns by providing a safe space for staff to ask questions of experts from a diverse range of backgrounds.

The sessions are open to all health and social care colleagues working in the Midlands region, as well as BAME Workforce Allies, Chaplains, BAME Staff Networks, EDI Leads, Freedom to Speak Up Guardians (FTSU), Staff Sides representatives and health and wellbeing champions.