Last updated on October 2nd, 2020 at 02:44 pm
IMPORTANT MESSAGE ALERT
There have been a number of incidents across the Trust where staff have not been following the hands, face, space safety measures.
We’re not entirely sure why that is – perhaps they think they won’t catch Covid? Or if they do, won’t pass it on to their patients or their loved ones
We know our staff are out of this world (the CQC told us so!) and do extraordinary things every single day, they are without doubt complete and utter super heroes but guess what?
We also know our staff are human and not sticking to the rules will increase their chance of catching Covid.
With that comes the chance of becoming seriously ill, passing it onto the extremely vulnerable patients who are in our hospitals or their wonderful colleagues.
They may even carry the infection home and pass it on to their loved ones.
So can we please be very clear…
The infection rate is rising in our community and we are admitting an increasing number of Covid positive patients so we must be absolutely vigilant about our own safety.
- Clean hands regularly – wash and gel frequently especially before eating and / or drinking
- Wear a surgical face mask (not your own home-made leopard print face-covering – lovely as they are!) in all public areas as well as the correct and relevant PPE in clinical settings
This includes staff moving between offices and along corridors, staff visiting offices that are different to their usual base, Nightingale House and Alexandra Park
- Socially distance where possible including when travelling to and from work as well as when you are on breaks and in our retail and restaurant outlets.
Thank you
Staff Flu Vaccine
The Trust’s staff flu vaccination programme launched today.
We have 99 fantastic Peer Vaccinators based at all sites across the Trust who are ready and raring to protect us all.
To find out how to contact them, drop into a clinic or book an appointment to have your vaccine in a COVID secure location click here
Shielding
We understand there has been some confusion amongst staff regarding shielding advice and hope we can clarify this
shielding advice for people identified as clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV) to COVID-19 was lifted in most parts of the country on 1 August 2020.
There are currently two exceptions, in Leicester City and North East Blackburn, where shielding advice remains in place but will be lifted from 5 October.
Areas subject to local lockdown restrictions are not automatically subject to shielding guidance; this decision is made on a case-by case-basis by the Deputy Chief Medical Officer alongside the local director of public health.
If shielding guidance is reintroduced into our local area, staff will be informed of the changes.
Criteria for determining whether someone has had significant exposure to COVID-19 within the Trust for Test and Trace purposes.
If a member of staff/patient or visitor has been found to be positive for COVID-19, the Test and Trace process requires the Trust to identify significant contacts within the Trust.
Ward/Department managers (or designated deputy) of each area attended by the positive person will be responsible for identifying any significant contacts.
The following is classed as significant exposure to COVID-19 within the Trust:
- Being less than 1 metre away from a COVID positive person for any length of time
- Being within 2 metre from a COVID positive person for more than 15 minutes
and
- Not wearing correct PPE as per Trust policy
Significant exposure is based on the following timeframes:
- If the contact was with a symptomatic person who has tested positive for COVID-19, up to 48 hours before their symptoms began, or up to 10 days after symptoms began and until they have been well without a fever for 48h hours.
- If the contact was with an asymptomatic person who has tested positive for COVID-19, up to 48 hours before the date of the positive test, or up to 10 days after the positive swab test.
Further Information
The Staff Covid Website remains the place to go for all your Covid related guidance and information
In the meantime, if you require any further information or guidance please contact your Line Manager