COVID-19 Bulletin: Thursday 21 January

January 21, 2021

Numbers not statistics: This week (last week)

New:

• Revised PPE Guidance: Important update
• Misinformation and Mistrust – Don’t delay getting vaccinated
• Our NHS People Understanding different bereavement practices and how our colleagues may experience grief
• Confidently showing everything is clean

 Reminder:

• Supporting our colleagues

1. New: Revised PPE Guidance: Important update

We have carried out a further risk assessment in relation to PPE usage in our clinical areas. This has taken into account the current high volume of infection rates in the community, the corresponding high number of COVID-19 admissions, some cases where patients on amber non-COVID wards have subsequently had a positive Covid PCR swab test after initial negative test, and the ventilation in our ward areas. The outcome of that risk assessment has led to a decision to increase the required level of PPE in these inpatient environments for some staff. This is above and beyond  the current national guidelines.  This is  under constant review and may well change if the regular review of the risk assessment indicates  that the risk is lowered.

For all inpatient areas where there is direct patient contact (in red and amber wards), staff should wear

• Silicone mask /FFP3 mask , visor, these can be sessional use – single use gloves and aprons. (please ensure you have been fit tested for an FFP3 mask before use)
• You should wear a fluid-resistant surgical face mask if you do not have direct patient contact.  Non-direct patient contact includes walking on a ward area, pharmacists, clerical staff, estates and facilities staff. Disposable gloves / aprons should be worn for contact with patient / immediate environment. Porters who are transferring patients should wear FFP3 / silicone face mask when transferring patients to red / amber wards.
• If you are visiting the ward from another area, a minimum requirement when entering the unit will be to wear a fluid resistant surgical face mask

Please note: staff must follow their individual risk assessment for PPE, occasionally this will recommend a higher level of protection depending on your individual assessment.

For all Outpatients and Community staff inclusive of Health Visitors/School Nurses/GP practices, for staff visiting care home facilities, patients and families homes, surgical face masks and visors should be worn as a minimum with disposable apron and gloves for direct patient care. Consideration should be given to the clinical intervention which is being undertaken, and a clinical risk assessment should be undertaken in relation to this prior to the contact to establish whether there is a requirement for a higher level of PPE e.g. patient with known respiratory condition who has a persistent cough (not COVID related) then to wear an FFP3 and a visor in the event that the contact is essential and cannot be delayed.

Porters and facilities staff on wards can continue to wear a surgical face mask unless in direct patient contact and they will then need to follow the guidelines for inpatient staff above.

If you have any questions please speak to your line managers or infection control who will advise you.

2. New: Misinformation and Mistrust – Don’t delay getting vaccinated

Research recently released by the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) found that vaccine hesitancy was highest amongst Black or Black British groups with 72% stating that they were either unlikely or very unlikely to get the jab.

Fuelled by misinformation, mistrust and religious concerns, the high rates of Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) Groups declining the offer of a COVID-19 vaccination is definitely cause for concern.

Today we hear from Deputy Medical Director Chizo Agwu on why she got the vaccination and why she’s encouraging colleagues to step forward and get the lifesaving protection offered by the COVID-19 vaccination.

If you are yet to get your first dose of the vaccination contact the booking team on 0121 507 4112 to book into an available slot.

3. New: Our NHS People Understanding different bereavement practices and how our colleagues may experience grief

At home or at work, many of us are thinking through loved ones’ lost or deeply unwell.  It is really important to find space and scope to talk and think.

With support from a wide range of organisations, colleagues and staff networks, NHS England and NHS Improvement have developed a bereavement resource that recognises the diversity of our staff, and, together with a short supporting animation, intends to build upon existing managerial cultural competencies recognising the diversity of our staff. This resource will enable line managers to be able to confidently start conversations with staff who have experienced loss in a more compassionate way, as a result of gaining a deeper understanding of the different ways in which our colleagues may experience a bereavement, noting the varying practices different religions and cultures may follow.

4. New: Confidently showing everything is clean

COVID-19 has once again proven to us that spotlessly clean wards and attention to detail isn’t just something that we aim for but something that we must see as our standard. Every ward area should be spotlessly clean, every colleague should be seen to carefully wash their hands and every piece of equipment should be clearly identifiable as being clean.

When it comes to equipment on wards, there has always been a standing rule that everything must be sanitised after use, but how do you know when it is clean? Many of the germs, bacteria and virus are incredible small and can be spread without knowing. This is where our latest change in practice comes in to play with the roll out of our ‘I am clean’ stickers.

Colleagues no longer need to assume that equipment has been cleaned when they can now look to see if it carries a fresh ‘I am clean’ sign, showing not only that it has been sanitised but also when it was last sanitised.

As well as being helpful sign, the new stickers help build confidence in our practices and processes. When patients see a blood pressure monitor or even a commode being brought to them, they will be able to clearly see that it carries a sticker that shows it has been cleaned.

The stickers are also a very welcome sign to patients, a lot of work goes in to cleaning, sanitising and preparing every bed, bay, surface and piece of equipment in a ward, but the patients often have to assume this has all been done, the new stickers clearly show that someone has taken the time to clean and sanitise the equipment.

To find out more about the Infection Prevention and Control practices and programmes, contact ext. 5900.

5. Reminder: Supporting our colleagues

A range of guides have been developed by the NHS Leadership Academy to help support colleagues with skills and new ways to improve their experience of work. The guides cover topics such as personal resilience and support for line managers.

Topics available include:

• Managing with kindness civility and respect
• Personal resilience
• Making decisions under pressure
• Maintaining routine
• Leadership and wellbeing

You can access the guides on the following link: https://people.nhs.uk/