Today’s update is below :
Asymptomatic staff testing
Symptomatic relatives visiting end of life care patients
Visiting restrictions apply to staff
Asymptomatic staff testing
The Trust has begun to test some asymptomatic staff. If you are asked to take a test, more information can be found on the staff covid website:
https://covid.sthk.nhs.uk/asymptomatic-staff-testing/ Password: STHKcovid19
Please remember:
• Ensure that a legible / correct mobile number is on the request form and tracker
• Results can take up to 72 hours, the text may take a little longer
• Please do not ring the lab as they will not be giving results out over the phone
• Assume your result is negative if you do not receive a text or are not contacted – the self-isolation team will be in touch with you ASAP if your result is positive
• Make sure you read your text and act on the results accordingly. The system can tell if you do not open the text.
• Follow the self-isolation guidance if you receive a positive result and ensure you inform your line manager immediately
• Regardless of the result, remember you must continue with Trust protocols around social distancing and PPE adherence
Symptomatic relatives visiting end of life care patients
Please can we remind staff that visiting is suspended throughout the organisation until further notice. This applies to all our hospitals; Whiston Hospital, St Helens Hospital and Newton Community Hospital.
One visitor (wearing full PPE – goggles/visor, apron, surgical mask and gloves) is permitted for patients receiving end of life care.
The visitor MUST NOT attend the hospital if they have symptoms of COVID-19 or if they are within the self-isolation period having tested positive for the virus.
Whilst we acknowledge that this is an extremely difficult situation and sympathise greatly with the families, it is crucial that we continue to prioritise the safety of everyone and reduce the risk of spreading infection.
Visiting restrictions apply to staff
Staff are also reminded that visiting restrictions apply to them too and they MUST NOT visit family or friends in our care even though they work at the Trust.
Apart from the risk of spreading infection, restrictions must be equal across the board and it is unfair on those patients who are not receiving visitors and inappropriate to put your colleagues working on the wards under pressure to allow visits.