Last updated on January 4th, 2022 at 03:39 pm
In today’s update:
- Uniforms
- LAMP testing
Uniforms
Staff are advised that they can now return to wearing their usual uniform or own work clothes, and unless they would normally wear them in their area of work, scrubs are no longer required to be worn.
Appropriate PPE must still be worn in all areas.
Staff are reminded they must follow the Dress Code Policy which states the following:
All staff who are patient facing, who would ordinarily wear a uniform or scrubs, must travel to and from work in their own clothes, only changing into their uniform/scrubs once inside the hospital. Staff should travel to and from work in their own clothes and change into uniform at work. 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.
For all other staff wearing a hospital uniform, it 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. In order to maintain a professional image at all times, staff must not be seen outside work with their uniform visible.
All staff undertaking work in community settings should wear hospital uniform when on duty, unless otherwise agreed, for example, due to safety reasons.
Uniforms and other work clothes must be laundered as per the Trust laundry policy: 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.
Please can we remind all staff that the risk of Covid-19 has NOT reduced and infection prevention procedures surrounding uniforms should continue to be adhered to.
LAMP testing
LAMP testing has been introduced at the Trust and is replacing Lateral Flow Device Testing (LFD) for asymptomatic staff.
This test involves providing samples of saliva once a week and is therefore less invasive than the LFD test.
If there are still staff that would like to take part in the testing, please email: lamp@sthk.nhs.uk
If you require any further information, or would like to view the instructions on how to register or take your samples, please visit the LAMP Testing webpage on the COVID site: https://covid.sthk.nhs.uk/lamp-testing/
Password: STHKcovid19