Last updated on January 4th, 2022 at 03:32 pm
It is critical that staff continue to follow ALL PPE and social distancing guidelines and ensure that we continue to protect our patients and each other.
Please remember to check the Staff Covid Website (password STHKcovid19) for all the latest Covid related guidance and information.
In today’s update:
- PHARMACY UPDATE
- SAFETY MEASURES – SOCIAL DISTANCING IN LIFTS
- COVID BOOSTER AND FLU JABS
PHARMACY UPDATE
The following Trust guidelines are now available on the intranet and Microguide
- Guidance for the prescribing and administration of IL 6 inhibitors (i.e. tocilizumab and sarilumab) – here IL 6 inhibitors
- Casirivimab/imdevimab (referred to as “neutralizing MABs” or “nMABs”, brand name “ronapreve” and referred to as “Regeneron’s monoclonal antibody combination” in the RECOVERY trial) – here neutralizing MAB
FAQ
- Tocilizumab Shortage – The current stock of tocilizumab in the Trust is for rheumatology patients as per national guidance. It is fair to assume that this will remain the case unless we are allocated a significant supply – when this happens we will inform clinicians via this route. All eligible COVID 19 patients should receive Sarilumab as the first line IL-6 inhibitor until further notice
- The only exception to the above is if a patient’s platelets are below 150 when we would use/source tocilizumab. It may be appropriate, after discuss with the wider MDT, to use sarilumab in borderline cases
- As explained in the IL 6 antagonist guidance, both sarilumab and tocilizumab are now considered equally effective so are interchangeable when a patient meets the criteria i.e. both are now indicated for ward AND NIV/ICU patients (options 1 and 2 on the blueteq form. The options are based upon the inclusion criteria from the RECOVERY trial and REMAP-CAP trial respectively)
- Sarilumab once diluted needs to be administered to the patient through a 0.2µm, low protein binding, in-line filter. One of these will be issued by pharmacy at the point of supplying sarilumab to the ward
- The external packaging of sarilumab only has the brand name on it KEVZARA
- Sero-negative status only applies to the nMABs NOT the IL 6 inhibitors
Prior to supply of this therapy a Blueteq form is required to be completed by consultant initiating therapy and sent to pharmacy.
For the Tocilizumab Blueteq form click here
For the Sarilumab Blueteq form click here
SAFETY MEASURES – SOCIAL DISTANCING
ALL staff are reminded that they are still required to follow social distancing guidelines when using the lifts around the hospitals.
The number of people able to use the lifts at any time HAS NOT CHANGED. It is clearly marked at each lift how many people can use the lifts – either one or two people, depending on the size of the lift.
It is Trust policy that ALL staff MUST wear the appropriate PPE in ALL clinical and non-clinical settings, and it is critical that we continue to follow ALL PPE and social distancing measures.
Any breach in Trust policy may result in disciplinary action
COVID BOOSTER AND FLU JABS
Staff that still require their COVID-19 Booster jab, or indeed their 1st or 2nd dose jab, can still book an appointment at the Mass Vaccination Centre, St Helens Rugby Ground.
At present, the Trust is waiting on a delivery of flu jabs, we are therefore not currently able to give the Booster and Flu Jab at the same appointment.
To book your COVID-19 Booster, click here: https://sthelensknowsleyhospital.nhsbookings.com/v2/
As soon as flu jabs are available we will communicate upcoming flu clinics and DeliverFlu details.