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COVID-19 Bulletin: Monday 12 October

October 12, 2020

Welcome to our twice weekly COVID-19 bulletin now being issued on Mondays and Thursdays. The ‘numbers not statistics’ section you usually see below this introduction will be featured on Thursdays to maintain a weekly update.

Things are tough – and may well get tougher – but we remain determined to do what we can to reduce avoidable harm and death among those we are taking care of. Kindness must remain our watchword in all that we do.

Summary of key points

1. Relatives are just a video call away

One of the ways colleagues can help to make their patients more comfortable during their stay in one of our hospitals, is by arranging communication between them and their loved ones. We have an ample supply of iPads which patients can use to video call their relatives. Colleagues need to agree with relatives how often and when they will provide an update on their loved one so everyone receives the right communication at the right time, reducing any anxiety about loved ones in hospital.

If you should encounter any issues with these devices, then call IT on ext 4050.

We’d like to remind everyone that visiting restrictions are still in place across our sites in order to keep both colleagues and patients safe.

Only patients with booked appointments and those with emergency healthcare needs are allowed on site. In some exceptional circumstances visitors are permitted for certain patients.

These include birthing partners, one person for children, end of life patients and for those who lack mental capacity. Approved visitors also include birthing partners for women who are in established labour.

2. Updated: swabbing guidance on issues and pathways

An increasing number of COVID-19 swabs are being rejected from the laboratory, due to a number of issues. This may include a specimen leaking, incorrect swab received, or duplication of samples

Our Infection Prevention and Control team has put together a document which lists common issues and the relevant solutions. Click here to read the full document.

We have now increased the availability of urgent and rapid PCR sampling from 16 to 76 samples per day. These have been allocated to respective areas and detailed in the PCR flowchart which can be accessed by clicking here.

Routine samples: It has been agreed that COVID-19 samples will be collected by porters from all wards, ED and AMU every hour at City and Sandwell from 8am to 8pm.

Overnight samples (taken after 9pm) which are mainly taken in ED and AMU should be kept in these areas overnight to be collected by a porter during the early morning run at 5.30am. Please make sure that the sample is securely deposited in the MediBins provided. Do not leave any samples out on the side and remember not to use this for urgent samples.

Urgent samples: Please ensure that the ‘Urgent 2 Hour TAT’ sticker is attached to the outer blue transport bag and is hand delivered to pathology reception. DO NOT put urgent samples into the MediBins.

Remember:

  • Every patient MUST be swabbed on admission.
  • Patients on Lilac wards MUST be swabbed every three days.
  • Patients on Amber wards MUST be swabbed every five days.

Please refer to the following swabbing pathways for unplanned and planned admission.

3. Checking in with Test and Trace

As you know the NHS recently launched its COVID-19 contact tracing app. The app is designed to help the NHS understand where and how quickly the virus is spreading, so we can respond quickly and effectively. It is being used alongside traditional contact tracing, to notify users if they come into contact with someone who later tests positive for Coronavirus, while protecting users’ anonymity.

You may have seen posters featuring QR codes for people with the app to ‘sign in’ at selected locations across our sites, but there has been some question as to whether colleagues using the app should sign in at our locations. The recommendation from the NHS is that health or care workers should pause the app when:

  • You are at work and following infection prevention and control (IPC) guidance including wearing the correct PPE.
  • You are working behind a fixed Perspex (or equivalent) screen and are fully protected from other people.
  • You store your phone in a locker or communal area.

If identified as being in contact with someone that has tested positive for Covid-19 via the app, you should speak to your line manager in the first instance. You will need to let the Test and Trace team know  that you work in a hospital setting/NHS trust  and that, if a contact was from work then contact tracing for colleagues is being undertaken internally via the Trust. Contact tracing will be undertaken via your manager in conjunction with our occupational health team. The only exception to this is if you have contact with a positive case in the community in which case the Test and Trace team will complete the contact tracing.

You can find a general FAQ on the app here.

4. Hotel accomodation available, part of protecting you and others

Limited hotel rooms are available to support colleagues who may be at risk of being exposed to COVID-19 from people in their households. The accommodation can be used to help you remain at work so that you can stay in an environment away from a confirmed or positive COVID-19 case. We have accommodation available at:

  • Mercure Hotel, West Bromwich and
  • Holiday Inn Hotel, Snow Hill, Birmingham

You can access a hotel easily by emailing swbh.hotel-booking@nhs.net.

5. Stay Connected – by logging onto our intranet site

Did you know you can access all the latest information on guidance around COVID-19 by going to Connect, our Intranet site?

Colleagues are able to access clinical guidance, the latest guidance on when and where to wear PPE, information on our health and wellbeing initiatives, research and development currently taking place and news around the latest restrictions.

We are continually adding to this section, which you can access by clicking the link here. If there is information that you would like to see please email suggestions to swbh.comms@nhs.net.