COVID-19 Bulletin: Friday 24 December

December 26, 2021

1. New: PCR testing for symptomatic staff or contact tracing requirements

Over the bank holiday period if you are patient facing staff member and require a negative PCR test to work over the following 24 – 48 hours then please discuss your needs with the on-call site team.

The on-call site team will determine the appropriate approach for you for PCR testing using the resources we have available to allow the result to be returned in as timely fashion as possible.

Please escalate any requests via your line manager.

2. Updated: Closing to visiting from midnight on Christmas Day – Rowley visiting closed today

Due to the rising levels of COVID-19 infection in the community and the increased risk this poses to our patients we have had to make the difficult decision to close general visiting at wards at Sandwell and City Hospitals from midnight on Christmas Day. However, due to outbreaks on two wards at Rowley Hospital, we have had to close visiting on McCarthy Ward and Westwood Ward with immediate effect this morning.

Visiting arrangements however will remain in place as they have done throughout the pandemic for our most vulnerable patients, those patients who are at the end of life, those with limited mental capacity, parent/guardian supporting their children and birthing partners in maternity.

Vulnerable patients attending our emergency or outpatient departments can be accompanied by one person.

Where visiting is allowed in exceptional circumstances, please ensure that this is agreed with the ward, is limited to one visitor and crucially that they are able to evidence a negative lateral flow test from that day and do not have any COVID-19 related symptoms.

Please can all colleagues ensure that patients on their wards and departments are supported to be able to contact their loved ones, there are iPads and mobile phones available to support this.

3. Updated: Update to self-isolation guidance – Isolation period reduced to seven days with additional testing

Staff who have tested positive for COVID-19 may now be able to end their self-isolation period after seven days (the requirement has been 10 days), following two negative lateral flow device (LFD) tests taken 24 hours apart. The first LFD test should not be taken before the sixth day.

If both these test results are negative, they may return to work after the second (day 7) negative LFD under the following conditions:

• The staff member should not have any COVID-19 symptoms.
• The staff member should continue to perform LFD tests every day for the remainder of the 10-day isolation period to increase the sensitivity for any residual transmission risk.
• If any LFD test result is positive the staff member should continue to isolate and should wait 24 hours before taking the next LFD test.
• On days the staff member is working, the LFD test should be taken at home prior to beginning their shift, as close as possible to their start time.
• All staff must comply with all recommended infection control precautions.
• If the staff member works with patients or residents who are especially vulnerable to COVID-19, a risk assessment should be undertaken, and consideration given to redeployment for the remainder of the 10-day isolation period.

If any of the above cannot be met, the staff member should not come to work and should follow the stay at home guidance for the full 10-day period.

Whilst colleagues are encouraged to use lateral flow devices sourced from community locations in their locality, we are aware some areas do have limited supply. In cases where colleagues are unable to source their own lateral flow test kits, they can collect these from the testing hub at Little Lane at Sandwell between 9am-3pm. These test kits are only for the use of staff members to test themselves as part of their recovery and not to be used as part of a household supply.

 4. Reminder: Do your bit, get your jabs – get boosted now

Our vaccination hubs at City and Sandwell hospitals are open to 3pm today for walk-ins, and to 3.30pm at Tipton Sports Academy, so you have still time to get protected before the big day. The COVID-19 booster jab delivers peace of mind with only minor side effects, so give yourself a present this Christmas. Our opening times for next week are below. City Hospital emergency department matron Michael Brennan has had his booster so he can spend precious Christmas time with his family safely.

Missing out on that protection will leave you much more vulnerable to severe illness. Get both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and the booster jab if you’re eligible.

When and where to get vaccinated of the festive period

               *Walk-ins finish an hour earlier than booked appointments.

Are you yet to receive your first or second dose of the COVID-19 vaccination? You can get these at our vaccination hubs too. You can also get the flu jab which is safe to have alongside the COVID boosters. Please get your vaccinations as soon as possible. Get boosted now.