COVID-19 Bulletin: Thursday 12 November

November 12, 2020

Welcome to your Thursday edition of the COVID-19 bulletin.

Many of you have been and may over the coming weeks be approached to take part in temporary redeployment to support key functions across our organisation. We would like to reassure you that we will listen to your concerns and ensure that any work you are asked to do or the area you are asked to work in is suitable for you. If you have any concerns please feel free to contact any of the executive team who are ready to support you

Numbers not statistics: This week (Last week)

1. Contacted by NHS track and trace? Do not give details of your work contacts if you have complied with our IPC guidelines

Many of you will have downloaded the new NHS contract tracing app designed to help the NHS understand where and how quickly the virus is spreading, so we can respond quickly and effectively.

On the chance that you are contacted through NHS track and trace stating that you are considered a contact of a case of COVID-19, it is important that you ONLY give your personal/community contacts if you have been complying with PPE and infection control guidelines whilst at work. You should then contact your line manager, who will complete a risk assessment with you to understand the occasions where you may have been in close contact with a patient or member of staff who has tested positive for COVID-19.

As the app is anonymised, it will not be apparent whether your contact occurred within or outside the Trust setting. Where there are cases of transmission of the virus within the Trust we will carry out our own contact tracing processes.

Remember to pause the app when at work

You must pause the app when:

• You are at work following infection prevention and control (IPC) guidance.
• You are wearing correct PPE at work and maintaining 2m social distancing in clinical and non-clinical areas.
• 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.

You can read the latest government guidance for healthcare workers by clicking here.

2. Don’t delay, get fit tested today  

Do you wear the Alpha Solway, or 3M 1863 mask?

If so, due to a change in our stock, it is important you act NOW to get fit tested for a replacement. It is critical that colleagues stay up to date with the availability of masks that they have been fit tested for, so if you wear the Alpha Solway, or 3M 1863 mask please ensure you book into a face mask fit testing clinic as soon as possible. If you need a fit test, for a silicone or disposable FFP3 mask in stock (3m 1863+ or 9330+ mask), these are your options:

Non-urgent – please call ext.5050. There is currently a wait time of approximately one week, you will be asked when your next shift is and your appointment will be offered to you on that basis. Please ensure you book in good time, and please attend your appointment – we have too many DNAs!

If you need urgent on the day testing, contact the IPC team on 5195 and they will facilitate the earliest possible test for you or your staff member.

There are two machines in the bungalow behind City ED. If you have a fit tester in your team, you can book out the machines via the IPC team on 5195 to fit test your teams.

Fit testing has changed at Sandwell. You will now be seen in the Hallam Restaurant in the room to the right as you enter the building.

Please help us to ensure that a lack of planning does not become someone else’s emergency, by planning ahead as much as possible and ensuring you attend all booked appointments. If you cannot attend the appointment you have been given for your fit testing, please ensure you cancel your appointment in good time.

3. Siren Study is still seeking new recruits

Interim Chief Nurse, Kathy French is the newest recruit to the SIREN study, which focuses on NHS workers working within the hospital setting.

SIREN (Sarscov2 Immunity & REinfection EvaluatioN) specifically looks into the impact of antibodies that fight the virus which causes COVID-19. The study is open to anyone working in a hospital building where there will be contact, and those participating may have had the virus, or tested negative.

Colleagues taking part in the study are regularly asked to complete a questionnaire and nose swabs. Blood samples are taken every two/four weeks for up to 12 months. Whilst SIREN focuses on healthcare workers only, there are also many other R&D projects being undertaken by the Trust that the public can join. By taking part in research projects we help to speed up the fight against Coronavirus. For information on the SIREN study and details on how to join click here.

For information on other COVID-19 studies currently ongoing within the Trust click here.

4. Set an example – wash your hands, wear your mask, practice social distancing  

It is vital we continue to abide by social distancing measures ensuring you keep two metres between you and those around you at all times including during handovers and MDTs and when you go for breaks and lunch. There are clear floor markings at all catering outlets and seating areas highlighting the necessary spacing. It is important that staff take breaks and social distancing should be maintained whilst you are taking a break.

Colleagues and patients are also required to ensure they wear a face mask inside any of our buildings, both clinical and non-clinical.

Alongside practising social distancing and PPE, it is important to remember that you need to continue to wash and sanitise your hands thoroughly at regular intervals and for a minimum of 20 seconds. Alcohol gel dispensers are often within arm’s reach of all clinical areas and additionally are available from the procurement team if you feel your department is lacking any. Ensure that the dispensers are topped up and that your team know where the hand gel is and how to refil.

Fighting COVID-19 is a team effort, it needs the cooperation of everyone at our Trust to ensure we keep the virus at bay, keeping us safe and well and ensuring we are able to continue safely caring for our patients.

Set an example, wash your hands, wear your mask, practice social distancing and play your part in keeping yourself and those around you safe.

5. Your mental health and wellbeing is paramount

Your mental health and wellbeing is vital to us. We’d like to remind you that we offer a variety of health and wellbeing resources available for you. These include:

• Access to the Thrive app. Go to https://swb.thrive.uk.com to create an account and claim your free access to Thrive.
• Our recharge booth takes place every Thursday. It offers a safe space to come together with others, reflect, recharge, decompress, and join a safe and confidential discussion. For more information please contact Richard Burnell on 07747 144874 or Angharad MacGregor on 07976 322893. Alternatively, drop an email to swbh.rechargebooth@nhs.net.
• The wellbeing sanctuary offers a chance for colleagues to de-stress and relax. You can take advantage of a free massage, meditation, music therapy and relaxation hypnotherapy. It is located at the Learning Works on Unett Street, Smethwick, B66 3SY with free onsite parking.

Click here for a detailed list of health and wellbeing resources available to colleagues.

There is also, for both colleagues and patients, a 24/7 mental health helpline available operated by the Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. If you are feeling low, having difficulty sleeping due to things on your mind, suffering from anxiety – anything that is bothering you – if you feel unable to cope and need to speak to someone urgently please dial 0800 008 6516.