COVID-19 Bulletin: Thursday 7 January

January 7, 2021

Numbers not statistics: This week (Last week)

1. New message: Highest COVID-19 rates ever recorded across region  

Colleagues will be aware that we are experiencing the highest ever number of COVID+ patients needing our care, since the beginning of the pandemic. The numbers above will give you a flavour of where we are now, but unfortunately the situation is getting worse, and we expect it to continue to do so for at least the next two weeks. This is a real test of our resilience, our fortitude and our endeavour to work as one team to come through this intensely pressured time.

Writing to all staff last night, Acting Chief Executive David Carruthers said: ““Please accept my deepest thanks for all the added work that you are all providing to maintain safe services within the organisation for our patients. We are trying to reduce the amount of disruption to any of our routine services but that will unfortunately be unavoidable with the sort of pressures we are under at present. While we make arrangements for any service change, please can I ask that you continue to support your colleagues and patients, maintain infection control processes and identify those patients where discharge can be safely facilitated and organised at the earliest opportunity.”

Figures released today by colleagues at Sandwell Council show that: “Infection rates of Covid-19 in Sandwell have risen sharply since the New Year. The last 24 hours have seen the highest ever reported levels of Covid-19 cases across the West Midlands, including in Sandwell. The current Covid-19 infection rate in Sandwell is 886 per 100,000 people based on data from 29 December 2020 to 4 January 2021.  With 2,913 people in Sandwell testing positive for Covid-19 during this one week period.”

Against this backdrop there is little positive to report, only to reiterate that the vaccine remains the hope to see us out of this period, but that obviously will take time to impact on what we are currently dealing with. Our collective behaviour to respect the IPC rules we have in place will go a long way to protecting us, so please do follow guidance both at work and outside, to do all you can to keep yourself, your family and your colleagues safe.

2. New message: Snow warning 

All colleagues should prepare for snow tonight and tomorrow. Please have plans in place for late arrivals of staff due to the impact of expected snow and ice. We are advised that public transport should still be running, although disruption may occur. The following text is from the SWB Severe Weather Plan which you can access by clicking here.

All areas should have business continuity plans agreed with their staff for cold weather, ice and snow. These should include:

• Working with staff regarding their ability to report for work if transport systems are affected or schools closed
• Agreeing working arrangements for severe weather in advance, including potentially the need for staff to stay overnight

Staff are expected to make every reasonable effort to attend work (including using public transport when they wouldn’t normally) providing it is safe to do so.

• If not able to reach their normal base, to attend an alternative base if that is easier to reach.
• To work from home (if applicable and agreed with their manager)
• Staff unable to attend work or work from home, to notify their managers ASAP and required to either take the day as annual leave or time in lieu (to be agreed locally).
• Staff who are able to walk in but are not rostered to work may be asked to support their work area. This is not mandatory and will be based on mutual agreement and rescheduling of work duties

Please ensure that all staff contact details are up to date and that you have a plan in place so that you are aware of any issues at departmental level.

3. New message: Advice regarding second dose of COVID vaccine

In order to ensure we vaccinate our way out of the pandemic as quickly as possible, our staff have been able to get vaccinated through a number of different channels. However, this means that there are different procedures attached to each pathway. Please read the following carefully and take appropriate action in order to ensure you receive your second dose.

If you received your first dose at Walsall Hospital – don’t attend your second dose if scheduled between 7 January 2021 – 3 February 2021. The appointment will be rescheduled to approximately 10 weeks after your first vaccination, and Walsall will advise you of the new date. You do not have to do anything.

If you received your first dose from a Walsall or Wolverhampton GP – these practices are continuing to complete the second dose after three weeks for people who have already received their first dose so please attend your booked appointment.

If you receive your vaccine now at either Sandwell or City your second dose will be booked within 12 weeks.

4. New message: Take a ‘jab’ at COVID-19 and join the vaccination team

Our Trust recently launched as a local vaccination hub providing our patients and colleagues with an opportunity to protect themselves against COVID-19. Whilst we are working hard to vaccinate as many people as possible, obviously this means we need the help and support of colleagues who are willing and able to lend a helping hand and vaccinate. We’re calling on colleagues to ensure they are registered with the Trust Bank and to take up the opportunities that are available to join the vaccination team working at Sandwell Hospital. We’re vaccinating 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm so there are plenty of opportunities for shifts. Join the fight against COVID, register with the Trust bank and lend a helping hand in tackling this pandemic. For more information and to register, call the Trust Bank on 0121 507 3600.

5. Updated message: Guide to car sharing during lockdown

As we have entered a new lockdown we’d like to remind you about car sharing. We recognise that car sharing is convenient and for some colleagues essential, especially in some instances to enable you to do your job. Please see following our guide to help limit the potential transmission of the virus whilst you and a colleague are travelling together. It is difficult to socially distance during car journeys. Where there is no suitable alternative to car sharing, you must reduce the risk of transmission by:

• Wearing a fluid resistant surgical mask during the journey.
• Sharing with the same people each time where possible.
• Opening windows for ventilation.
• Maximising distance between people in the vehicle by considering seating arrangements.
• Keeping your bags on your lap if possible.
• Avoiding long conversations whilst close together.
• Washing or gelling your hands before and after the ride.
• Avoiding eating inside the car while sharing

The full list is available on Connect here.