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COVID-19 Bulletin: Monday 30 November

November 30, 2020

To keep up to date with the pace of change we will be sharing a bulletin on a daily basis. There’s a lot of change taking place at the moment so please make sure you catch up with the latest bulletins throughout the week, as even if some points seem familiar you may find the details have been updated a great deal.

During this second lockdown period, we must ensure we look after ourselves and others within our community. Make sure you keep in touch with those you love and your neighbours. People may well be feeling anxious, lonely and scared at this time.

Thank you for looking out for one another.

In today’s COVID-19 bulletin 

New

Reminders

1. New: The spirit of Christmas looks different this year

As you may imagine, Christmas decorations must be different this year, as traditional tinsel and Christmas trees are not COVID safe, so we are currently considering some alternatives to the norm to introduce the Christmas spirit during the festive season. 

The traditions we have enjoyed in the past are denied to us this year, as Christmas trees, advent

calendars, and sharing festive food must pause for 2020. Please do not purchase your own decorations or accessories. Deely boppers, antlers and festive headwear this year must remain at home.

We trust we will return to such joys next year – including the marvel of colleagues’ creativity in imaginative decorations to claim a prize in our annual competition.  However for now we will focus on what we can safely do, next year will wait.

We will be updating colleagues with some ideas of what will be acceptable this festive season, in line with the infection prevention and control policy. Keep an eye out for more information around Christmas in bulletins later this week.

2. New: Booking a hotel? Then follow the “how to” guide

A flow chart which details the process colleagues should follow when booking a hotel room is now available.

There is a certain criteria that staff should meet for them to be able to access accommodation. This is if they live with a vulnerable family member who maybe shielding, isolating or clinically extremely vulnerable and the staff member is working with positive COVID-19 patients.

Further steps are detailed in the guidance.For more details about the process, please click here.

 3. New: NHS Blood and Transplant issue urgent appeal for plasma donations

Colleagues will be aware that NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is leading a major programme, on behalf of the Government, to collect convalescent plasma as a potential treatment for COVID-19.

The organisation is now urgently appealing for more people to donate and is prioritising males who have been hospitalised due to a tendency to have high antibodies.

The appeal is not only urging colleagues to donate, but also encouraging our male patients to put themselves forward for this important study.

Colleagues and patients can donate plasma by calling 0300 123 23 23, or by providing details at www.nhsbt.nhs.uk.

Convalescent plasma is being collected at NHSBT’s 23 donor centres around the country, and a number of pop-up donor centres. Donation takes about 45 minutes. Your body usually replaces the plasma you’ve donated in 24-48 hours. Your body also quickly replaces the donated antibodies. All donations are tested for COVID antibodies.

4. Reminder: Look out for the green button on Connect: Self-testing for frontline colleagues

We have added a green button prominently on Connect so colleagues can easily find the correct location to load the results of their lateral flow test.

Yesterday we advised you that all patient-facing staff of NHS Hospital Trusts are being asked to take part in the new self-testing programme. As the new lateral flow tests start to be distributed across the Trust, frontline colleagues will receive their home tests within the next fortnight. All the information you need is here.

As a summary, here is what to do when you receive your tests:

  • When you are given your test supplies you will be asked to sign a form to say you have received them.
  • Your kit will contain 25 tests.
  • You should familiarise yourself with the instructions on how to use the test. A useful video can be viewed by clicking here: You can view this at home as long as you have an internet connection as it is hosted on YouTube.
  • You should take your test at home twice a week (every three or four days) for the 12 weeks after receiving your kit.
  • If you have a question please check here for our Frequently Asked Questions.
  • If you are not confident about the process, you should be supervised by a clinician while you complete your first test.
  • As soon as you start testing, you should record your results here. Please record your result even if it is negative. Note you must read your result 30 minutes after you have taken the test. Leaving the test longer before you read the result may lead to an inaccurate reading.
  • If you get a positive result you should notify the contact centre who can submit the information on your behalf. You will be asked to supply a photograph of the positive test result. They will also arrange for you to have a COVID-19 swab to confirm your result. Do not come into work if you see a positive result other than to have a swab taken.

 You can contact the contact centre on the following numbers:

Monday to Friday, 8am – 6pm

  • 0121 507 2664

When you hear the options, press 6 for your call to be transferred into the swabbing queue and prioritised.

Weekends, 8am – 4pm

  • 07816 992873 or
  • 07970 428995

These tests are being distributed in a phased way. Your department is likely to receive additional kits over the course of the next week as part of the phased roll out. If by Thursday 3 December you have not received a kit, please call the contact centre.