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COVID-19 Bulletin: Tuesday 31 May

May 31, 2022

1. Reminder: Infection prevention and control guidance

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.

2. Reminder: Did you know lateral flow testing twice a week is a Trust policy?

We have now moved our testing for COVID-19 away from LAMP testing and over to lateral flow testing. Colleagues must 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. Colleagues can either have them delivered directly to their home address or alternatively 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.

Colleagues are reminded that any unused LAMP test bags and sample containers can be returned to the phlebotomy departments on each site.

3. Reminder: We have eased some of our visiting restrictions

Yesterday (Monday 30 May) we took a further step on our Living with COVID-19 plan in line with NHS national guidance.

 In relation to general visiting:

  • Patients can now 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 – 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 have been rolled out across our sites and the Trust website. For any queries about the guidance please contact Infection Control on ext. 5900 or email swb-tr.SWBH-Team-InfectionControl@nhs.net.

4. Reminder: Long term effects of COVID-19

NHS Black Country and West Birmingham CCG have put together a short video featuring Dr Mohit Mandiratta around the post-COVID-19 syndrome known to many as long COVID, as for some people COVID-19 can cause symptoms that last weeks or months after the infection has gone.

Watch the short video below for more information.

5. Reminder: Scam alert – fake NHS PCR text message

It has been recently reported that fake text messages are being sent encouraging people to order COVID testing. If you receive a text message similar to the image below, please delete the message and do not click the link.

Need a lateral flow test? Lateral flow tests are free for NHS colleagues. You can order your lateral flow kit by visiting https://www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests. You will be prompted to set up an account using your NHS email address. Once set up please select “Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust” from the list and continue to place your order.

All suspicions of fraud or bribery should be reported to the Local Counter Fraud Specialist Sophie Coster (Tel: 07436 268747), Chief Finance Officer Dinah McLannahan; or NHSCFA via 0800 028 40 60.

6. Reminder: Keep fit at Sandwell or City Gym

If  you wish to use the gym facilities at Sandwell, simply register your interest with the wellbeing team. Following an online induction, you can commence using the gym which is located in Trinity House, ground floor. The gym accommodates a maximum of two users at any one time and colleagues will be limited to a maximum of 40 minutes each.

At City gym, 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 with the maximum gym time usage being one hour per visit, in order to allow other colleagues the opportunity to use the facility.

We’ve placed more hand sanitiser dispensers and wipes around both gyms 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 ventilation, colleagues will be responsible for opening windows whilst exercising and closing when finished.

Existing members: Your pass will already be activated ready for use.

For new members: Please contact Jatinder Sekhon, by emailing jatinder.sekhon@nhs.net to complete your registration. The relevant forms can be found below: