COVID-19 Bulletin: Thursday 12 May

May 12, 2022

Numbers not statistics: This week (last week)

Note: Vaccination uptake figures may decrease due to changes in the number of inpatients and in the number of staff members (starters and leavers). Other figures may change as data is processed and cleansed. 

1. New: Lateral flow testing is a necessity to keep colleagues and patients safe in our hospitals

Lateral flow testing is not simply a nicety that colleagues can ignore unless they are symptomatic, it’s an absolute necessity to keep people safe in our hospitals. 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 by clicking here. Colleagues can either have them delivered directly to their home address or alternatively arrange to 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.

2. Reminder: Changes to viral transport media (VTM)

There has been a change in the allocation of viral transport media (VTM) to the Black Country and we have received the following update from Black Country Pathology Service:

Due to a change in supply, colleagues will find they now receive new green topped Sigma-Virocult Viral Transport Medium (VTM) 3ml containers in place of the previously  used red-topped Remel MicroTest M4RT Transport tubes or clear/white topped Viral Transport Medium (VTM) 3ml containers for viral tests (including RSV and COVID-19).

The testing procedure remains the same as previously used with Red-topped Remel or clear/white topped VTM. The new green topped VTM containers have been validated to ensure that the results are the same. Please continue to order in the same way.

BCPS change in VTM container May

For any queries relating to the change in VTM please contact Microbiology.

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

It has been recently reported that fake text messages are being sent encouraging people to order a COVID-19 PCR test kit. If you receive a text message similar to the image here, 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.

4. Reminder: Violence and aggression from visitors

Regrettably there have been incidents of verbal aggression from visitors towards staff when asked to comply with our restricted visiting arrangements. We understand that relatives and other visitors may be distressed when they visit, however, it is not acceptable for staff to experience verbal or physical aggression when asking people to following our visiting guidance. Please escalate any cases immediately. Security can be contacted for support if you feel unsafe.

We would request that as visits are booked, staff are clear with visitors about our visiting restrictions so that they are prepared and fully informed before they reach our sites. Managing these expectations will help visitors to understand our arrangements ahead of their visit rather than be surprised and upset if informed on the day. Thank you for your support with this.

5. Reminder: Infection control needs everyone to play their part

It is really important that all staff continue to wear masks in all shared areas (including non-clinical areas). Transmission of COVID-19 is still high and we need to ensure we protect ourselves, our loved ones and our patients and minimise risk of passing on or catching COVID-19. Our IPC arrangements continue to be reviewed weekly based on community case rates, hospital outbreaks, inpatient numbers and staff absence due to COVID-19.

For the present time, please continue to follow our existing IPC guidance which includes:

Social distancing:

Please continue to abide by social distancing measures to keep a minimum of 1 metre between you and those around you at all times, including when you go for breaks and lunch.

Face masks:

Colleagues and patients are also required to ensure they wear masks in communal areas in our hospital buildings and in rest areas. Colleagues are reminded to ensure they follow the correct PPE guidance when in direct contact with patients. You must also follow your individual risk assessment for PPE. Occasionally this will recommend a higher level of protection depending on your individual assessment.

Audits of mask compliance are currently taking place. If you see someone not wearing a mask where they should be, please respectfully challenge them.

Hand washing:

This is an essential part of infection, prevention and control. All colleagues must wash their hands and or use hand sanitiser frequently and always on entering and exiting clinical areas.

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.

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. Handbags should not to be taken on ward rounds.

 If you need further advice you can contact the infection control team on ext. 5900 or email  swb-tr.SWBH-Team-InfectionControl@nhs.net.

5. 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.

Check out the short video below for more information.

6. Reminder: Wellbeing Hubs at Sandwell, City and the Sanctuary

Focusing on ensuring that colleagues have a good day every day, the hubs aim to help improve mental health, relieve stress, build resilience and restore balance for colleagues closer to their work base.

Services in the wellbeing hubs include:

• Confidential chat – an opportunity for colleagues to offload and talk about anything which is troubling them
• Meditation
• Relaxation POD (massage chair)
• Back, hips, leg massager
• Seated acupressure massage
• Hypnotherapy (sanctuary only)

The wellbeing hubs are completely confidential. All services and treatments are free of charge for Trust colleagues and delivered by trained wellbeing coaches and holistic therapist.

The wellbeing hubs are a regular weekly service across all sites which are listed below, 8am – 4pm and the Sanctuary, 10am – 5pm.

• Monday – Friday, Jayne Wright Therapy Room, Trinity House, Sandwell
• Monday – Friday, Wellbeing Hub, Arches, 1^st Floor, Corridor A (old physiotherapy corridor) Room B002/F/049 situated to the right of the corridor, City Hospital
• Monday – Friday, The Sanctuary, Unett Street, Smethwick B66 3SY

Wellbeing events are available to book for group bookings of 16 staff +. Our wellbeing events programme will help you to look after your mental health and wellbeing. Please submit your interest to christine.rickards@nhs.net.

If you would like to register your interest and book on to one of our sessions please contact the wellbeing team on 0121 507 5886 or 0121 507 3854. Alternatively you can email Jatinder.sekhon@nhs.net.