Last updated on January 4th, 2022 at 03:33 pm
Please remember to check the Staff Covid Website (password STHKcovid19) for all the latest Covid related guidance and information
In today’s update:
- CHANGES TO SELF-ISOLATION RULES – AS OF MONDAY 16TH AUGUST 2021
- PATIENT ISOLATION GUIDELINES
- SAFETY MEASURES – PPE, SOCIAL DISTANCING AND VISITING RESTRICTIONS
- VISITING RESTRICTIONS
CHANGES TO SELF-ISOLATION RULES – AS OF MONDAY 16TH AUGUST 2021
From Monday 16th August, the rules around self-isolation are changing for the general public. HOWEVER, there are still rules and procedures in place for NHS staff.
As we await final details of the guidance, ALL staff must continue to follow the current self-isolation guidance:
- Inform your line manager immediately if you develop symptoms of COVID-19 or are in contact with a confirmed covid positive case and self-isolate immediately.
- Manager must refer the staff member to the Self-isolation Team and arrange for a PCR test.
Further information on the current self-isolation processes can be found on the COVID website (password: STHKcovid19): https://covid.sthk.nhs.uk/self-isolation-guidance/
PATIENT ISOLATION GUIDELINES
There are no changes to the isolation guidance for patients. In-patients who are known to have been exposed to a confirmed COVID-19 positive person (whether this is within the Trust or prior to admission) must be isolated or cohorted until their hospital admission ends, or until 14 days after last exposure if they remain in hospital. This applies to all patients, irrespective of whether they have been fully vaccinated or had a prior COVID-19 infection.
SAFETY MEASURES – PPE, SOCIAL DISTANCING AND VISITING RESTRICTIONS
It is Trust policy that ALL staff MUST wear the appropriate PPE in ALL clinical and non-clinical settings. Any breach in Trust policy may result in disciplinary action
Staff Safety Measures for ALL staff
- It is critical that staff continue to wear the correct PPE in ALL clinical and non-clinical settings, including office areas, and when transferring patients within and outside of the hospitals.
- Surgical face masks (covering noses and mouths) MUST be worn in all public areas and in any area where social distancing is not possible.
- Continue to stay 2m apart
- Continue to wash/sanitise hands frequently, especially when entering sites and clinical areas/wards
VISITING RESTRICTIONS
Hospital visiting remains suspended except for patients receiving end of life care, visiting for patients with mental health issues such as dementia or other disabilities, maternity visiting and visiting children.
Visitors should be questioned as to whether they have been in contact with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 10 days, and if they have should NOT be allowed to attend the hospital.