Today’s staff update is below:
- TEMPORARY DELAY IN PCR FOR COVID-19 TESTING
- SHIELDING STAFF RETURNING TO WORK – RISK ASSESSMENTS
- NHS COVID HEROES
TEMPORARY DELAY IN PCR FOR COVID-19 TESTING
There is currently a delay in PCR for COVID-19 testing.
If you have an urgent request, please contact the Microbiology Lab on: 0151 430 1830/1837.
SHIELDING STAFF RETURNING TO WORK – RISK ASSESSMENTS
At the start of the COVID 19 pandemic, the Government made a decision for those in the population who were identified as ‘at risk’ of severe illness if they were to catch Coronavirus (also known as COVID-19) to shield at home, the aim being to minimise the risk of coming into contact with COVID 19.
Staff identified in this category were sent home or worked from home.
The Government have recently announced that from 1st August those clinically vulnerable people who are shielding will be able to return to work if they cannot work from home.
Risk Assessments
Those staff that have been shielding will need a completed COVID Risk Assessment excel form:
https://covid.sthk.nhs.uk/staff-risk-assessments/ (password: STHKcovid19)
This has been developed to allow managers to work with each of their staff members to ensure that they can work in a COVID secure environment.
Where this is not feasible, then the necessary control measures and an action plan with adjustments or additional PPE should be put in place to safeguard them against Coronavirus. Those adjustments could be e.g. redeployment to a low risk area or working from home.
Staff members are to consult with their managers if they have any concerns about whether reasonable steps have been taken to protect them and others from Coronavirus. Managers are to ensure that risk assessments have been completed for all staff affected.
Each question and response has an associated score which will allocate the staff member a risk rating of low, moderate or high depending on their health conditions, gender, age and ethnicity.
Whilst it highlights a number of known factors, the score is not clinical, therefore if you are in any doubt you should contact Health Work and Wellbeing or your HR Business Partner for further advice and guidance.
The risk assessments should be completed by Tuesday 28th July 2020 where possible. Our most clinically vulnerable staff identified as high risk will be assessed by a Risk Assessment Panel next week to establish a plan for their return.
All managers have been sent the Risk Assessment Form along with a Guidance document on how to complete the assessment. Once completed please return to: covid.staff@sthk.nhs.uk
More information can be found on the Staff Covid Website: https://covid.sthk.nhs.uk/staff-risk-assessments/ (password: STHKcovid19)
NHS COVID HEROES
Every single patient treated for Covid-19 at our hospitals has needed the service of our amazing Radiology Department.
They have worked round the clock to ensure all patients were imaged promptly, efficiently and safely by providing X-ray and ultrasound at the bed side.
Whilst this has meant changes to shift patterns to provide extra resource 24/7, they have also continued to provide their excellent service to all patients who require imaging, notably providing fast turnaround reports for urgent cancer cases to ensure speedy diagnosis and treatment.
It’s been a team effort with the clinical team supported superbly by clerical staff who have worked extra hours to help ensure a smooth patient pathway.
Well-deserved recognition team!
