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COVID-19 Bulletin: Wednesday 25 November

November 25, 2020

We are always interested in feedback about our communications, especially when we make changes to the norm. Yesterday we chose to run a single message in our daily COVID bulletin – on the roll out of lateral flow testing for front line staff, because it is so important we get it right and colleagues understand the process of doing the test and recording the results. We’ve had feedback that you welcomed this focus, so we are aiming to reduce the number of different messages every day, to ensure the key messages are sufficiently brought to your attention. If a message is in the bulletin, then it means all staff need to know about it. It is your responsibility to read the bulletin every day and if you think of a way to improve the bulletin, please let us know by emailing swbh.comms@nhs.net.

 All the messages that are published in the bulletin are signed off during our daily Trust tactical meeting, and you can find the latest information about our COVID response on Connect here. Please take the time to keep yourself updated and safe.

  1. New message: Initial feedback from NHSEI inspection

Following a short notice inspection from colleagues at NHSEI, who were especially looking at our Infection Prevention and Control practices in clinical areas, we can share some initial feedback, whilst we await their full report.

 Sadly, despite repeated advice to colleagues, we were found lacking in some areas. These included some colleagues not being bare below the elbows in clinical areas and incorrect use of disposable gloves with some instances of staff wearing two pairs of gloves and using hand sanitiser on gloves. This is not in line with our infection prevention and control practices. We will share the full inspection report in due course, but for now a plea to all colleagues – please observe the PPE rules – and challenge your colleagues if you see the rules being broken. We are all in this together, and the rules are to protect you, your colleagues and patients. If you need a reminder of what PPE to wear in what situation or area please click here.

2. Updated message: Look out for the green button on Connect: Self-testing for frontline colleagues

We have added a green button prominently on Connect so colleagues can easily find the correct location to load the results of their lateral flow test.

Yesterday we advised you that all patient-facing staff of NHS Hospital Trusts are being asked to take part in the new self-testing programme. As the new lateral flow tests start to be distributed across the Trust, frontline colleagues will receive their home tests within the next fortnight. All the information you need is here.

As a summary, here is what to do when you receive your tests:

  • When you are given your test supplies you will be asked to sign a form to say you have received them.
  • Your kit will contain 25 tests.
  • You should familiarise yourself with the instructions on how to use the test. A useful video can be viewed by clicking here: You can view this at home as long as you have an internet connection as it is hosted on YouTube.
  • You should take your test at home twice a week (every three or four days) for the 12 weeks after receiving your kit.
  • If you have a question please check here for our Frequently Asked Questions.
  • If you are not confident about the process, you should be supervised by a clinician while you complete your first test.
  • As soon as you start testing, you should record your results here. Please record your result even if it is negative. Note you must read your result 30 minutes after you have taken the test. Leaving the test longer before you read the result may lead to an inaccurate reading.
  • If you get a positive result you should notify the contact centre who can submit the information on your behalf. You will be asked to supply a photograph of the positive test result. They will also arrange for you to have a COVID-19 swab to confirm your result. Do not come into work if you see a positive result other than to have a swab taken.

 You can contact the contact centre on the following numbers:

Monday to Friday, 8am – 6pm

  • 0121 507 2664

When you hear the options, press 6 for your call to be transferred into the swabbing queue and prioritised.

Weekends, 8am – 4pm

  • 07816 992873 or
  • 07970 428995

These tests are being distributed in a phased way. Your department is likely to receive additional kits over the course of the next week as part of the phased roll out. If by Thursday 3 December you have not received a kit, please call the contact centre.

3. Updated Message: NHS track and trace app – turn it off whilst on site

Please turn off the NHS track and trace app whilst on SWB sites, or any site where you routinely work – GP surgeries, health centres etc. – to prevent you potentially receiving repeated alerts advising you that you’ve been in contact with COVID positive cases.

You should 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.

4. Updated message: Do the right thing and bring back our scrubs

Tomorrow (Thursday 26 November) is the last opportunity for colleagues to return Trust scrubs at Sandwell in an amnesty set up to turn a blind eye to costly rule breaking. Between 10am – 3pm, there is an opportunity to return scrubs that have stored or stockpiled at home. It is essential that colleagues abide by the rules and think of others by returning their scrubs. If everyone does this we will have enough to go round so that each time a colleague needs scrubs they can have a newly laundered pair.

Currently we do not have sufficient sets of scrubs to meet the increase in demand as many have disappeared, been worn or taken home, contrary to Trust policy.

So for tomorrow only, a drop off point will be available in the main reception at Sandwell Hospital where returned scrubs can be deposited and once laundered will be put back in to circulation.

If we are unable to make up the numbers of our scrubs by inviting colleagues to return them voluntarily then harsher penalties will be introduced. You will be challenged if caught in person or on camera arriving in or leaving the hospital in scrubs. There is no special circumstance that allows ANY colleague to disregard this rule.

No Scrubs rules:

  • No scrubs should be stockpiled in lockers – they must be laundered regularly on site
  • No scrubs should be binned, they should be deposited in to the blue trollies situated on the links and in departmental areas
  • No scrubs should be worn outside the hospital or while travelling to and from hospital or taken home for laundering. By doing so you are putting yourself, your family and the public at risk.