COVID-19 bulletin: Sunday 15 March
March 15, 2020
The Trust is now publishing a daily bulletin. This will take all guidance and information and tell you which changes we are implementing when and how. Please use this bulletin and daily cascade arrangements within clinical groups to guide local action. Remember KINDNESS is our watchword in implementing these changes.
1. Changes to non-urgent surgical procedures and outpatient appointments
Changes to outpatient appointments begin next week with many clinic appointments taking place over the telephone instead of face to face. Patients whose appointments have changed are being contacted directly.
Most routine surgical procedures requiring inpatient beds have been postponed to free up beds for an increased number of patients who need to be admitted.
2. Collating information on staff carer responsibilities and clinical experience
An exercise is taking place to understand the caring responsibilities of all colleagues including assessment of the number of clinicians who are currently working in non-clinical roles and people with critical care experience within the past five years. This will help us to put arrangements in place to support our clinical areas and to help people if schools and nurseries should close. An online survey will be distributed tomorrow Monday 16th March.
3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Our Trust policy on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) remains as follows:
Patients who have tested positive for coronavirus:
- Gloves
- Long sleeve gown
- FFP3/respirator hood
- Face visor
- Hijab wearers will need to cover with disposable theatre hat to ensure full coverage
- All staff required to wear scrubs
- Strict hand hygiene
Patients who are suspected of being positive for coronavirus:
- Gloves
- Plastic apron
- Surgical mask
- Strict hand hygiene
Today and overnight, any shortages of PPE can be collected from the capacity offices at both Sandwell and City sites.
4. Handwashing and infection control practices
Proper handwashing is essential. Please take a moment to watch this video on how to wash your hands thoroughly.
Bare below the elbow – please ensure that you are bare below the elbow whilst in clinical areas. This means your sleeves must be rolled up and any wrist jewellery should be removed, prior to entering the area.
Lanyards – should not be worn in clinical areas – If you are a member of staff who wears a lanyard, please remove it before entering a ward or clinical area.
Coats and bags – Outdoor coats should be removed prior to entering a clinical area and should be placed, along with bags in lockers. They should not be taken into the main ward area.
5. Make sure you understand the different precautions between our query COVID-19 and our asymptomatic wards
This weekend we have divided each of our A&E departments and created some new AMU areas. Next week we will probably need to do the same with ITU. It is important you know which ward is which. If you work as a pharmacist, therapist, porter or WSO and move between our wards we ask you pay particular attention guiding you. If you are unsure on the precautions you need to take, talk to your line manager or contact our Infection Control team. Please do not wear COVID PPE in general hospitals areas or corridors.
6. Shower and rest facilities for staff
Colleagues have asked for information on shower and rest facilities at City and Sandwell Hospitals. Please see attached a guide to where the facilities are including access codes.
The Connect coronavirus page is continually being updated with the latest news and guidance regarding the virus, please take the time to read and familiarise yourself with the available guidance.