Last updated on April 2nd, 2020 at 04:28 pm
Dear Colleagues,
As you are all aware, the national response to the Covid-19 coronavirus has recently escalated. The Trust is actively engaged with colleagues at a national and regional level to ensure we are prepared.
ADVICE FOR DEALING WITH SUSPECTED CORONAVIRUS
NHS 111 has an online coronavirus service that can tell you if you need medical help and advise you what to do. Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. Call 111 if you need to speak to someone.
Our HR department is also preparing guidance for managers and staff, if staff have come in contact with an infected individual. The document covers how to record absence if staff are ill or required to self-isolate due to coronavirus. There is also advice regarding staff with pre-existing medical conditions. Further information to follow.
For both patient and staff confidentiality reasons we will not be commenting on any patient or staff member that presents for Coronavirus testing. Please help by directing any concerned patient or colleague to nhs.uk or to the Public Health England website where there is lots of helpful information.
OTHER ADVICE AND INFORMATION
The safety of our patients and staff is our priority and we have put together some practical advice and information which I hope you will find helpful this is now available on the staff intranet I understand you have lots of questions that need answering and we have compiled a list of FAQs also available on the staff intranet, this will be regularly updated.
CONCERNS AND WORRIES
I recognise this may feel like a worrying time. If you have any concerns and wish to discuss them, please speak to one of the following:·
- Your manager
Or, if it is not appropriate to speak to your manager·
- Freedom to Speak Up Guardian, Dr Peter Williams who can be contacted via his assistant, Jacqui Wallis ext 1725 email peter.williams3@sthk.nhs.uk
HELPING TO REDUCE THE SPREAD OF THE VIRUS
It is important that we all play our part in protecting our patients and colleagues. Please follow this PHE advice:·
- Wash hands with soap and water before and after each patient contact.
- Always carry tissues with you and using them to catch your cough or sneeze. Then bin the tissue, and wash your hands, or use a sanitiser gel
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
FURTHER INFORMATION
For further information the NHS has a dedicated coronavirus webpage which includes up to date advice
The Trust are establishing regular briefing sessions and will ensure staff are kept up to date with any changes to the situation, information will be shared on the staff intranet and via dedicated global emails.
MEDIA COVERAGE
Given the extensive media coverage around Covid-19, please remember to respect patient and staff confidentiality at all times and, as usual, follow social media policy guidelines
All media enquiries are being handled by the Communications Department ext. 7518 or email kim.hughes@sthk.nhs.uk
Please print this briefing to help make colleagues aware who may not have regular access to email.
Thank you for all your hard work at this time.
Sue Redfern
Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Governance