COVID-19 Bulletin: Thursday 26 May

May 26, 2022

If there was an overarching theme of this week’s COVID-19 bulletin it would be ‘change’. Not only are elements of our guidance changing, but the bulletin itself is changing. Next week we will issue a Living with COVID-19 special reminder bulletin and following this, our key COVID-19 messages will be incorporated into the Trust’s daily bulletin, as well as our other internal communication channels such as Connect.

Numbers not statistics: This week (last week)

Note: Vaccination uptake figures may decrease due to changes in the number of inpatients and in the number of staff members (starters and leavers). Other figures may change as data is processed and cleansed. 

1. New: Easing our visitor restrictions

From this Monday, May 30 we are taking a further step on our Living with COVID-19 plan in line with NHS national guidance.

In relation to general visiting:

• From this Monday (May 30), patients can receive up to two visitors per day for one hour. A child can attend as one of the two visitors and remains the responsibility of the parent / guardian
• Visiting appointments must continue to be booked with the ward, as they are currently
• Visiting hours are between 11AM and 7PM
• Visiting is extended to COVID-19 areas, but the appropriate PPE must be worn by visitors
• Masks must be worn by all visitors unless exempt

In relation to Outpatients and Emergency Department:

• A patient can be accompanied by one other person at outpatient appointments or in our emergency departments
• Masks must be worn by all unless exempt

As always, people who test positive for COVID-19 should not visit or accompany a patient. However,

household contacts of COVID-19 cases can attend, just not if they have COVID-19. Negative lateral flow tests are no longer required to attend.

Please note that visiting is further relaxed for those at end of life, children and those who lack mental capacity. Extensions to our general visiting arrangements can be considered for other vulnerable patient.

 Updated posters and guidance for the public will be rolling out across our sites and the Trust website on Monday. For any queries about the guidance please contact Infection Control on ext. 5900 or email
swb-tr.SWBH-Team-InfectionControl@nhs.net.

2. New: Further updates to our infection prevention and control guidance – changes to mask wearing in non-clinical buildings

As part of our Living with COVID-19 arrangements, all IPC practices have been reviewed and updated. The full list of changes can be found on the attached table. This includes updates to the aerosol generating procedures (AGP) list, isolation guidance for COVID-19 positive inpatients and bringing back of contractors / volunteers into clinical areas.

Mask wearing is no longer required in non-clinical buildings (such as Trinity House, SGH and Old Management Block, City) and shared offices where 1m distance can be maintained. If this distancing is not possible then masks must be worn. Please note that masks must be worn in all public areas where there may be contact with patients.

3. New: Pathways and guidance changes

This week we have a trio of pathway related updates to inform you of. If these documents relate to you and your department/service, please make sure you familiarise yourself with them as soon as you are able.

• Firstly, there is an update to the assessment process for pregnant workers. The Trust is committed to creating and maintaining a healthy and safe working environment. This is particularly important in relation to the safety of new and expectant mothers. You can find the updated guidance here.
• Second is the newest version of the Surgical Admissions pathway, which applies to all surgical patients requiring admission to either an inpatient or day-case ward. The latest version of the file (version 6) can be found here.
• Lastly is an update to the Elective Surgery COVID-19 Swabbing and Scheduling SOP. Which outlines the scheduling process and COVID-19 swabbing pathway for patients attending the Trust for pre-procedure testing prior to elective or day case surgery. Version 21 can be found here.

4. Updated: Wellbeing calling… about calling Wellbeing

Please note that also from next Monday the number for the Wellbeing Service’s booking line is changing from ext 5886 to ext 3306 opt.4. from 30 May.

The old extension will not work after this Friday.

5. Reminder: Lateral flow is still go!

One thing that isn’t changing is the guidance relating to lateral flow testing.

Colleagues are still mandatorily obliged to complete two tests a week at home before arriving at work.

We all know how important testing is and as restrictions have eased, we must remember that as healthcare colleagues, there is still a chance that we will come in to contact with those suffering with COVID-19 and vulnerable patients – so it’s critically important that we continue to test and report.

Lateral flow testing kits can be ordered online by clicking here. Colleagues can either have them delivered directly to their home address or alternatively arrange to collect from community locations.

Order your lateral flow kit online here: https://www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests.

 All completed lateral flow tests must be reported on the Trust Lateral Flow Test reporting form which can be found by clicking here.

 Note: To submit results, colleagues will be required to login with their NHSmail email and password.

 6. Reminder: Are you FIT test compliant? Book in on ESR

Colleagues who are needing to be FIT tested for their face mask can book their testing session on ESR.

• 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

For a step by step booking guide, follow the instructions here: Booking your Fit Test (Word)

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.

If you do not have access to ESR or you are having trouble, you can call one of the following numbers to see if there is availability on the day.

• Jack Southall – 07815 020836
• Kristian Burgoyne – 07815 020808
• Scott Shenton – 07866 007539