COVID-19 Bulletin: Friday 25 June

June 25, 2021

As you may have heard community rates within Sandwell are rising sharply – it has doubled in the space of a few days.

So we ask you now more than ever to remain vigilant and follow the rules – think hands, face, space, whether you are at work or at home, or simply out shopping. It’s important that we play our part in avoiding a third wave, so that life can return to normal as soon as possible – because after all, isn’t that what we all want?

In today’s bulletin we talk about ways in which we can do this. The importance of the vaccination and LAMP testing. By ensuring you are vaccinated and regularly tested, you will not only protect yourself, but your loved ones and our patients.

And lastly everyone should continue to follow the latest infection control and prevention guidance. Whether you are working in a clinical or non-clinical area.

Remember Every Action Counts. Thank you for looking out for one another.

Numbers not statistics: This week (last week)

1. New: Colleagues should not sign up to rapid testing study

Colleagues may have heard of a Public Health England pilot study which removes the need for self-isolation if you are undertaking lateral flow tests (rapid testing).

However NHS staff should not be taking part in this trial. Those taking part in the study will be asked to avoid visiting people who are clinically extremely vulnerable, in care homes or in hospitals. Therefore this would mean that healthcare staff are not eligible to be included in this work.

Lateral flow tests cannot be used to keep you in work, you must not be at work if you are known contacts of positive cases.

2. New: City gym to reopen next week

It’s been some time since we’ve been able to feel the burn and utilise our on-site gyms. However we are delighted to confirm that the City Hospital gym based at Ellis House is set to open again as of 29 June following a refurbishment to make the premises making it COVID-19 safe and compliant with Infection Control Guidance.

Being physically and mentally fit has never been more important and we’re committed to providing our staff with a safe place to get a great workout.  For this to happen there are a number of instructions that have to be carried out and you must adhere to them at all times, including reduced numbers and social distancing. Because of this, and the relative size difference, it is not possible to open the Sandwell gym at this time due to the restrictions but this will be reviewed again next month.

In the meantime you can still take advantage of a 20 per cent discount per month at Sandwell Leisure Trust via their one card membership.

Guidance for using City gym under COVID-19 restrictions:

• The QR code must be scanned for track and trace upon arrival. While we ask you do NOT scan the other QR codes in the hospital the gym is a different case.
• Social distancing of two metres remains in effect: We’ve created the space you need to work out while keeping a safe distance. The gym has also been rearranged and clearly marked out for you to use safely, so it is easy for everyone to follow.
• The maximum number of users is five at any one time; this will remain in place in line with the government recommendations. Please note: The maximum gym time usage is one hour per visit, in order to allow other staff the opportunity to use the facility.
• We’ve placed more hand sanitiser dispensers  and wipes around the gym so it’s easy to regularly clean your hands and equipment during your visit. We ask that you also sanitise your hands before entering the gym to keep yourself and others safe.

For existing members: Your pass will be activated ready for use on Monday 29 June 2021.

For new members: Please contact Jatinder Sekhon on 0121 507 5586/3854 to complete your registration.

The video below is the gym induction film that colleagues should watch before they use the facility.

Other options:

There remain a wide range of wellbeing options available to colleagues. These are just some of the ways you can support your personal wellbeing:

• Try something new such as mindful yoga with Chris
• Try out our relaxation pod. Call 0121 507 5886 to book.
• Book a chat or massage at the Sanctuary by calling 0121 507 5886. The ‘Daily Sanctuary Session’ flyer explains the different therapeutic sessions offered.
• Call our counselling service on 0800 06 96 222 between 7am – 11pm or book via occupational health on 0121 507 3306.
• Have a conversation with one of our REACT Practitioners by calling 0121 507 5886.

Sign up for a Blue Light Card to access exclusive discounts for NHS staff.

3. New: Praying safely with restrictions in place

In case you missed it, social distancing and infection control measures have been put into place which will ensure that colleagues who wish to use the chapel and prayer rooms can do so safely.

Jummah (Friday) Prayers have resumed in the chapel at Sandwell and Millers old restaurant in City. Prayer times are staggered so that there are only a maximum number of people using the spaces at any one time on both sites.

Christian services have also resumed in the chapels at both sites, which also remain open for individual worship. Both spaces are set out to reflect social distancing measures.

The chaplaincy has continued to provide a service throughout the pandemic and every Sunday they light candles for colleagues and patients. If you would like a candle lit for a loved one who has passed away or is sick, please email  mary.causer@nhs.net or call ext. 3552.

• Friday prayer – Khutbah, 1.15pm (Jamat, 1.13pm)
• Sunday communion services – City Chapel, 11am and Sandwell Chapel, 2.30pm
• City Hospital catholic mass – 12pm, first Wednesday of every month
• Sandwell Hospital catholic mass – 11.30am, first Friday of every month.

4. Updated: It’s walk-in weekend – vaccination hubs ready for action

As you know, the vaccination battle against COVID-19 continues and we’re thrilled to have helped deliver 11.5 million vaccines in the Midlands.

You may have seen that we reopened the vaccination hub at Sheldon Block, City Hospital on 21 June to administer first and second doses to colleagues and patients. The Sandwell Hub at the Education Centre is also open this weekend for second doses for colleagues.

If you can’t make it to either of our sites, then head on over to other venues across the Black Country which will also be offering walk-in sessions over the weekend (see right).

The Sheldon Block hub is open seven days a week for walk-ins from 8am – 6pm. Bookings can also be made from next week via the national booking website. Meanwhile, the Sandwell hub will be open 8am – 7pm on Saturday and Sunday for colleagues who are booked in for their second dose appointment only.

Second jabs will only be administered to people if it is eight to 12 weeks since their first. The hub will be administering both the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines, with Pfizer administered to under 40s and over 40s receiving AstraZeneca as per the current JCVI guidelines.

5. Updated: New infection control guidance for ICU and Endoscopy

As you know our clinical teams are constantly evaluating and re-evaluating our current guidance when it comes to COVID-19.

The latest version of the IPAC flowchart for ICU at both Sandwell and City is now in effect, with classifications for each site across the four risk categories from High Risk down to Low Risk.

Click here to view the updated version.

An updated Standard Operating Procedure document detailing the IPC requirements for Endoscopy as services start to resume is also available by clicking here.

6. Updated: Register and find out more about LAMP testing at pop-up sessions

Special pop-up sessions where colleagues can sign up to the Trust’s saliva testing programme (LAMP – Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification) are being held next week.

 The sessions mean those of you who haven’t yet signed up to this new speedier and more accurate way of testing for COVID-19 can register – you will then be given a booked slot to collect your kit from phlebotomy.

 The weekly saliva test is an easy way to help us all ensure we are remaining safe and playing our part in the battle against COVID-19.

 We all want to protect ourselves, friends and family members from COVID-19 and what better way than completing a weekly LAMP test. Even if you are vaccinated it is vital that you register and carry out the weekly tests as they will help identify if you’re asymptomatic.  

Please note your saliva sample is ONLY used to test for COVID and is disposed of after testing.

 Ruth May, Chief Nursing Officer for England has below message for all NHS Colleagues when it comes to testing:

The pop-up sessions will take place in Sandwell main reception from Tuesday 29 June – Friday 2 July 7.15am – 10.15am. City drop-ins will be available the following week.

Note: Colleagues will only be able to register for LAMP testing at the pop-up sessions meaning they will still need to attend phlebotomy to collect the testing kit but a time can be arranged at your point of registration.

Alternative, you can ring 0121 507 2664 (Monday – Friday, 8am – 6pm)  and select option 6, to register and book a kit collection slot. On weekends (Saturday – Sunday, 8am – 4pm) please call  07816 992873 or 07970 428995. For more information please email kulwinder.johal@nhs.net.   

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to register and continue with the testing programme.

The latest data by group is below:

7. Reminder: Are you compliant with your FIT Testing?

We have recently made changes to how you arrange to get FIT tested. Previously colleagues have been asked to call ext. 5050 to arrange an appointment. It has now changed and colleagues can now access FIT testing in the following ways:

• Log onto ESR and search for ‘fit testing’ under ‘my learning’ and book an appointment to be fit tested
• FIT testing is a mandatory role specific requirement
• FIT Testing is held in the Old Security Bungalow, City Hospital

Note: If you book an appointment for FIT Testing via ESR you will only become compliant on your mandatory training if you attend the appointment.

For any urgent requests or more information please contact the infection, prevention and control team on ext. 5195.

8. Reminder: Every Action Counts

As services begin to be restored across our sites and visiting is introduced, it’s important that you all recognise that each action you take has a big impact. We all have a responsibility to reduce the spread of coronavirus.

People with COVID-19 can have very mild or no symptoms at all. This means they can transmit the virus to others without being aware of it.

Many of you have had your first and second dose of your COVID-19 vaccinations, but that doesn’t mean that you should let your guard down.

We all need to continue to be careful and do things differently to what we would normally do for a little while longer.

So please make sure you do the following:

• You should always follow the rules, even when with colleagues, family, or friends
• You can still spread the virus to others, even if you have been vaccinated
• Observing Infection Prevention and Control measures helps keep your colleagues, patients, family and friends safe from coronavirus
• Make sure you do you weekly COVID-19 saliva test (LAMP) – see above for details
• There is no such thing as a ‘work bubble’. The virus can still spread between colleagues, so it is important to wear a mask and maintain physical distancing when on breaks and outside of work
• If you see something, say something – it is ok to gently remind colleagues, patients, and visitors to make space, fix or change their PPE, or observe other measures

We’re all in this together – it has been a challenging year and taking care of each other is important. If you need help, ask for it.

Watch this video for more information:

9. Reminder: Join the community swabbing reserves

Being able to test, track and tackle community outbreak of COVID-19 is critical in our fight to prevent the virus taking hold in our communities. Our community swabbing service has led the way in responding to local community outbreaks since the very first surge, playing a vital role in our ability to understand the spread of infections and to support the community to protect itself.

This vital work can only be done with support from our staff, calling on the colleagues who have been able to be redeployed or those who are willing to offer their time on the Trust bank. This role is not restricted to clinical staff as full training is provided.

To ensure this critical work can be carried on and to support our ability to respond to outbreaks at short notice we’re calling on colleagues to take the time to put their names forward to become Community Swabbing Reservists.

To join the reserves contact Jo Tonks on email: joanne.tonks@nhs.net.