Last updated on April 2nd, 2020 at 04:18 pm
Thank you so much for your continued hard work, the health and safety of our staff and patients is a priority and we appreciate all you are doing.
Please note: As of today the Trust has introduced further visiting restrictions, details are included below:
Positive Patients
The Trust continues to have a small but growing number of patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 and is stepping up its arrangements for managing these patients and preparing for increased numbers in the days and weeks to come.
PPE
There has been further information provided by NHSE on PPE and supply. The Trust has supplies on site and deliveries of visors, FFP3 face masks and surgical masks are expected tomorrow (Tuesday). All staff are asked to follow the national evidence based guidance regarding PPE, to ensure that it is available for those who do need it, when they need it.
Staff Testing
Further refinements and streamlining of the staff testing process are being made this week. This testing facility is available for symptomatic staff only. Managers of staff in this category must complete the self-isolation form with their staff member and email the completed form (with as much detail as possible) to self.isolation@sthk.nhs.uk This will then be triaged by HWWB. If a swabbing appointment is required they will contact the staff member directly. If a swabbing appointment is not required, advice will be emailed to the manager who must discuss with their staff member.
Patient Testing
Clinical staff are reminded that patients need to be swabbed separately for COVID-19 and Flu/RSA, with two requests made.
Patients in Isolation
Positive patients can come out of isolation on day 7 IF they have been clinically well for 48 hours (may still have a viral cough but their temperature is normal and has been for 48 hours)
Out of Hours
The out of hours and on call arrangements for key services are being reviewed this week, but in the meantime staff are reminded to contact the designated on call or out of hours lead if they have an issue or need advice. This allows other staff to rest and will support our continued resilience.
Visiting
Patient visiting is being restricted further from today to 1 hour (6pm-7pm) on ALL wards and 1 visitor per patient per day. Visitors are not permitted for patients suspected or positive COVID-19 patients. (concessions to this are to be agreed on an individual basis with the nurse/midwife in charge)
Patients are also being instructed not to leave their ward.
All information relating to this has been updated including on the Trust website, at main entrances and across all media. A patient letter has been emailed to all ward managers and matrons to print and distribute and posters for ward entrances have also been shared.
Social Distancing
Staff are asked to respect the social distancing guidance in public spaces such as the retail outlets and restaurants. This means leaving a gap in queues and sitting at separate tables in the Spice of Life restaurants.
Staff working in open plan offices should also apply the social distancing guidance as much as possible, making use of the available space.