COVID-19 Bulletin: Tuesday 9 February

February 9, 2021

1. New: COVID-19 vaccination slots available throughout this week at Sandwell

If you are yet to get your first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination, there are still several slots available for both clinical and non-clinical colleagues at Sandwell Hospital. The Vaccine Hub at Sandwell is located in the Education Centre.

Note: Your second dose will be booked once you have had your first dose of the vaccination.

To book your COVID-19 vaccination please call 0121 507 4112 between 8am – 8pm.

For more information about the vaccine, please visit our Connect page by clicking here.

2. New: Fighting COVID…with kindness

We are fast approaching the first anniversary of the impact of COVID wave one, and we are exhausted. Things have changed, our routines, our rituals and our habits. For some of us our job roles have changed, our working patterns, our sites and our colleagues. But this is not a time to look back in sadness, it is a time to look to the future, to support our colleagues – old and new, and to take a stand against the aftermath of COVID by showing each other kindness. The definition of kindness is a type of behaviour marked by acts of generosity, consideration, or concern for others, without expecting praise or reward. But it is much more than that, it is the choice you make to brighten a moment in someone’s day and give them the glow of wellbeing, as they appreciate what you have just done. Kindness is a global movement that we can all share, and will make everyone who participates feel just a little better as we work our way out of the pandemic.

We’ve heard some touching stories of kindness from colleagues across the organisation, and we’d like to hear more. Do you have a story – however small – to share? Sometimes a small act can become planet sized in effect, so let us know by sharing your story at swbh.comms@nhs.net so we can recognise our #GiantsOfKindness.

3. New: Keeping the tanks topped up

In a bid to provide a simple solution to colleagues needing a snack or drink during breaks, we are currently offering free food for colleagues through £4 vouchers, which are redeemable through our in-house catering outlets. As this was a quick response to an urgent need, we rolled the initiative out at pace without time to design a comprehensive distribution system, however we’d like to be clear the vouchers are available to all colleagues at work.

The aim is that they are shared fairly across wards, teams and departments, and we are reviewing how this is working. There is no monetary value to the vouchers, and therefore change cannot be given. We understand that at times colleagues may be buying on behalf of team members, but where possible, one voucher per transaction please.

4. Reminder: Looking after your wellbeing – pause and join in with mindful yoga with Chris

There is now a collection of up to 12 yoga videos on Connect as part of the “Mindful Yoga with Chris” series. The most recent additions are designed to help colleagues relax and switch-off after work.

There are multiple benefits of yoga both mentally and physically as it may help reduce stress and improve relaxation levels.

Click here to access all the sessions.