Last updated on October 23rd, 2023 at 11:31 am
The rates of infections continue to rise significantly in our local communities and increasing numbers of COVID positive patients are being admitted to our hospitals.
The risk of COVID remains high and we must remain vigilant at all times.
The Staff Covid Website (password STHKcovid19) is the place to go for the latest information including the self-isolation referral forms and testing process.
In today’s update:
- LFD Tests
- Wearing and cleaning uniforms and scrubs
- Visiting restrictions
- How to get your vaccine/booster
LFD Tests
For staff who are self-isolating due to suspected Covid and who do not have any LFD tests at home:
- When you have your PCR test in the swabbing tent at Whiston Hospital you will be given a supply of LFD tests to test yourself from day 6 onwards.
For staff who are confirmed Covid positive but had their PCR swab at a different centre:
- Please order LFD tests via gov.uk and ask a relative/friend to collect them on your behalf and drop off on your doorstep.
All other staff who are not currently self-isolating should:
- Ensure you have a small amount of tests at home (at least 5 per person)
- If you need to request some tests please place your LFD test order via gov.uk and collect from a local pharmacy.
Uniforms/Scrubs
Please can we remind all staff that the risk of Covid-19 has NOT reduced and infection prevention procedures surrounding uniforms, scrubs and other work clothes should continue to be adhered to. Appropriate PPE must still be worn in all areas.
For patient facing staff who would ordinarily wear a uniform or scrubs:
- Staff must travel to and from work in their own clothes, only changing into their uniform/scrubs once inside the hospital
- Uniforms should be removed prior to leaving the hospital and transported in a separate plastic bag, with the bag disposed of, if being laundered at home. No medical equipment, e.g. stethoscopes, should be visible on staff outside the hospital premises.
- Scrubs are to be left at the hospitals and cleaned by our laundry service. Please do NOT travel to and from the hospital wearing scrubs
For all other staff wearing a uniform:
Uniform must not be worn outside the hospital premises unless completely covered by a coat or outer garment that is fully fastened. This includes during any mode of transportation to and from work and during all seasons.
All staff undertaking work in community settings should wear hospital uniform when on duty, unless otherwise agreed, for example, due to safety reasons.
Washing uniforms/work clothes/scrubs
Uniforms and other work clothes: Launder daily on a separate wash at the highest temperature available on a domestic washing machine (minimum 60˚C). DO NOT add other clothing items to the load.
Scrubs are to be left at the hospitals and cleaned by our laundry service.
Visiting guidelines
Visiting restrictions remain in place across the Trust with the below exemptions:
- Patients receiving end of life care
- A parent / responsible adult visiting a child
- Carer supporting a patient with mental health issue such as dementia, learning disabilities or specific rehabilitation needs
- Maternity – one birth partner permitted to attend appointments, throughout labour and limited post-natal visiting
This must be agreed with the nurse/midwife in charge of the ward/department BEFORE coming to the hospital.
No other visitors are permitted on any ward/department at any time.
Visiting restrictions remain under regular review and any changes will be communicated via the Staff Covid Update
Book your vaccine/booster
ALL STHK STAFF can have their 1st/2nd/3rd/ booster COVID-19 vaccination at the Mass Vaccination Centre, St Helens Rugby Ground.
No appointment is required but you MUST take your staff id badge with you.
To have your flu jab, please follow instructions on the staff global emails – either attend a clinic in your area of work or call DeliverFlu to bring the vaccination to you when they are at your place of work.
Please can managers share this information with staff who do not have access to email