COVID-19 Bulletin: Tuesday 2 June

June 2, 2020

This is our seven days a week bulletin. Please use this bulletin and cascade arrangements within care and corporate groups to guide your actions. Throughout June we are determined to reduce avoidable harm and death in the people we are taking care of. Kindness remains the guiding principle of all the actions in our work to tackle the virus – kindness in how we look after patients, visitors, and one another.

Today Public Health England published their review of Black and Minority Ethnic deaths related to COVID-19.  The report confirms national data suggests much higher incidence of the virus in some communities, which is not inconsistent with some local Trust data.  Our own Assessment Framework for Workplace Safety for staff incorporates this and other evidence and launches on Thursday June 4th.  In responding to the PHE document, we will work with both local authorities to examine what additional actions need to be taken to ensure that we learn lessons from the enquiry outcome.

Numbers not statistics: Today’s totals (Yesterday’s totals)

1. Patient Swabbing – Testing, reporting and timely treatment

Thank you to colleagues who have been following our updated guidance on swabbing patients using white oropharyngeal swab kits.

Following agreed guidance on swabbing is critical to ensure accurate testing and timely reporting, as well as the to protect patients and colleagues from the risk of cross infection.

Where swabs are taken, colleagues must ensure that they are hand delivered to the pathology departments as soon as possible so that they can be tested and reported without delay. Samples must not be left on wards for extended periods of time as this significantly delays the time taken to report results and ultimately puts patients and colleagues at risk.

Swab samples should not be sent by post or by air pod system.

Further details further details on the swabbing process are available in the attached poster. Please ensure this process is followed carefully as failure to do so will result in samples being rejected and discarded.

Triple bagging swab samples for safety

Remember when you are bagging your swab sample, you must ensure the red topped bottle is first put in a clear specimen bag, this should then be placed in a clear zip lock bag and finally packaged in a blue specimen bag alongside any paperwork.

2. Infection control: Don’t use fans, instead open windows 

With the temperature rising in wards, areas and departments we’re strongly encouraging all colleagues to open windows for better circulation.

Do not use fans.

Using fans can disperse airborne particles which could increase the spread of COVID-19. Fans cannot be properly cleaned to meet our infection control standards which could result in the increased risk of transmission of any microorganisms.

By opening windows during the summer months it will help increase the natural ventilation around wards and departments. This enables greater dispersal of any airborne particles.

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

3. Social distancing – looking after your wellbeing 

Social distancing doesn’t only apply when you are standing in the queue of a supermarket or getting your lunch, social distancing is now a way of life as we manage our response to COVID-19. Make sure this is observed whatever you are doing.

Remember the two metre rule. Whether you work in an office or ward, you should be taking steps to limit close contact with colleagues. Make good use of the available spaces and technologies we have available and keep yourself safe and well.

This week the Health and Safety Team are out on the ground assessing office spaces against the guidance issued by the Government on safe working spaces.

4. Antibody testing – book your test now

Antibody testing launched across the Trust yesterday and in the first day alone we managed to test an incredible 648 colleagues. Testing is continuing and phone lines are open for colleagues to book.

Any staff member can arrange a blood test, whether you have previously had a positive or negative test result for COVID-19 or no COVID-19 test previously. For the test to be accurate you must have no COVID-19 symptoms and be symptom-free for at least 21 days.  

To book a test please call 0121 507 6104 and select option 2 when prompted.

You can find out more in this questions and answers document. For more information please click here.

5. Changes to redeployment arrangements

Thank you to all colleagues who have supported different areas during the COVID-19 Pandemic. This week everyone who has been redeployed into a clinical area will receive a letter informing you of the next steps regarding redeployment with many of you being released back to your previous roles. We still need to keep some people in place at present to support critical care and our medical wards and, if this affects you, your letter will explain this. We expect to update you on further changes within the next six weeks. Thank you for your co-operation and flexibility.