- Coronavirus Symptoms
- PPE guidance for handovers
- PPE guidance for break/meal times
- Test and Trace
- Visiting restrictions
- Testing emergency admissions for Covid-19
- Bronze Command
- Pay progression
__________________________________________________
Coronavirus Symptoms
Staff are reminded that the risk of Coronavirus remains high.
If you develop any of the following symptoms you MUST contact your line manager as soon as possible. It is crucial that you DO NOT attend work
- a high temperature (37.8 degrees or higher)
- a new continuous cough
- loss or change in sense of smell or taste
PPE guidance for handovers
Where social distancing is not possible during handovers, staff must wear PPE as follows:
- Surgical mask
- Visor
- Gloves
- Apron
Please remember where possible hold meetings in a socially distanced manner or virtually.
PPE guidance for break / meal times
Staff are reminded that they must socially distance at ALL times in ALL staff rooms/break out areas including during all break and mealtimes. This means:
- Reducing the number of people permitted in a room at any one time
- Staying at least 2m apart by sitting at separate tables, moving chairs etc
Please risk assess all staff rooms and areas and display a notice on each staff room door with the maximum number of people permitted in the room at any one time
The staff covid website has branded poster templates for you to complete and print (STHK-Add_your_Own-Message) click here (password STHKcovid19)
Test and Trace
If you are contacted by the Test and Trace Service (the alert will come by either text or email for over 18s) please contact your line manager immediately so that your particular circumstances can be discussed and a way forward agreed.
Visiting restrictions remain in place
Visiting remains suspended throughout the organisation with immediate effect and until further notice to keep our patients, visitors and staff safe. This applies to all our hospitals, Whiston Hospital, St Helens Hospital and Newton Community Hospital.
Only the following exceptions have been made where one visitor is permitted:
- Visiting a patient receiving end of life care
- A parent / responsible adult visiting a child
- Supporting a patient with mental health or learning disabilities
- A birthing partner accompanying a woman in labour
This must be agreed with the nurse / midwife in charge of the ward / department
No other visitors are permitted to visit any other ward at any time.
The Trust’s Executive Team understand this is a difficult situation for both patients and staff and will review visiting restrictions as soon as it is safe to do so.
Testing of emergency admissions for COVID-19 INCLUDING RETEST
All patients requiring emergency inpatient admission (i.e. at least admission overnight) require testing for COVID-19 regardless of symptoms or clinical features of COVID-19.
Patients who test negative on their admission screen should have a single REPEAT test conducted 5-7 days after admission.
A daily report from EIS is emailed to all consultants/ward managers and matrons which contains details of patients requiring repeat testing. Please review this information daily and ensure that the specimens are sent for COVID testing in a timely manner. This is crucial for reducing the risk of transmission of COVID-19 within the Trust.
Please refer to the Trust COVID website for further detail on testing https://covid.sthk.nhs.uk/current-case-definition-and-assessment-flow-chart/ [password STHKcovid19]
Bronze Command Centre
The COVID-19 Bronze Command Centre has been stepped down, all future calls will be diverted to Switchboard. Should there be a need to re-establish Bronze Command in the future, further communications will be disseminated.
Pay Progression
Due to the COVID19 Pandemic it has been agreed that all staff due an increment in July, August or September will have their increment automatically processed with the exception of staff who have a live disciplinary sanction on their record.
Staff will be contacted individually if their incremental progression is being paused.
Where capacity allows staff are encouraged to complete any outstanding mandatory training and appraisals
For any queries please contact Leanne Williams, HR Business Partner on 1008 or via email Leanne.Williams2@sthk.nhs.uk
NHS Covid Heroes
Today, we recognise the brilliant Safeguarding Team who have continued to provide vital advice and expertise to staff and patients throughout the pandemic. Their unwavering commitment to providing the very best care and support to children, young people and adults living in complex situations has been exceptional and we could not be prouder! Well done team!
