Dear colleagues,
You will be aware that cases of COVID-19 across the country are rising and I am increasingly concerned about the rate at which the infection is spreading across Cheshire and Merseyside.
There have been 577 diagnosed cases in St Helens over the last 7 days, this compares with just 14 cases diagnosed in the last week of August. Knowsley continues to have the highest levels of infection, topping the table for the number of positive cases recorded in the country, 867 new cases recorded last week alone.
Here at STHK, we are at the centre of this hotspot. We are the acute Trust serving both communities, caring for those most vulnerable to this deadly virus.
Once again we are treating COVID positive patients in the Intensive Care Unit, have re-established COVID cohort wards at Whiston Hospital, and are seeing the number of admissions increase rapidly each day.
Your safety will always be my priority, and it is my duty to remind you of the vital steps we must all take in order to protect ourselves and each other.
We must be vigilant in the use of PPE, we must follow the social distance guidelines at all times, and we must maintain high standards of hand hygiene.
If we follow the guidelines, then we can ensure the highest levels of safety for all.
PPE
There are clear guidelines on what PPE you should wear. These are available on the COVID website: https://covid.sthk.nhs.uk/what-to-wear-and-when/
In addition to this, we must all make sure we wear surgical face masks when moving around our buildings, and wear them correctly, covering the nose and mouth at all times.
Social Distancing
The Trust is following the Government’s guidance regarding social distancing. We have reduced the number of people permitted in lifts and through revolving doors, staff should keep their distance in the hospitals’ restaurants and at Costa Coffee.
Can I please remind you that this guidance also applies when arriving at work, walking from the car park, moving around the buildings and when on breaks etc. This is for your own safety as well as others.
Hand Hygiene
We must continue to wash our hands on a regular basis with soap and water, for no less than 20 seconds. Hand gel is available widely and hand hygiene stations have been installed across our hospitals and clinics.
Also, should you develop symptoms of COVID-19, it is crucial that you act immediately, self-isolate, inform your line manager and get tested.
This is a message reiterated by leaders across the NHS and Public Health England, we all have a duty to do everything we can to slow the spread of infection, in order to protect our patients, our families and each other.
I would thank you all for you continued commitment to caring for our patients, as ever your support is never taken for granted.
Ann Marr OBE
Chief Executive