COVID-19 guidance

As you will be aware, we have seen a continued increase in patients who have tested positive for COVID-19. Additionally, there has also been an increased number of members of staff who are self-isolating due to COVID-19 symptoms, either personally or as a member of their household has become symptomatic. This is in line with the increase in COVID-19 cases in our local community, which has also been seen across other areas of the country.

We are working closely with colleagues at organisations across the region to share key learning from outbreaks of COVID-19. In response to this, and as part of how we adapted our services ahead of the start of the lockdown this month:

All staff are now required to wear fluid resistant surgical masks (FRSMs) at all times, in all areas of our hospitals and office buildings (COVID secure and non-COVID secure). Supplies of face masks are provided. You must take off your mask to eat and drink and sanitise your hands before putting a new face mask on. Staff who are unable to wear a face mask due to medical exemption should speak to their line manager for advice.

All staff who can work from home should do so, as agreed with your line manager. Ensure that you do not hold non-essential face-toface meetings.

Please also remember the following:

It is vital that you continue to maintain social distancing, keeping two metres apart at all times in all areas of the hospital, both COVID-secure and non-COVID-secure areas. Please ensure that you also follow this in staff areas when you are on your breaks. We recognise that outside of work, you may see people not adhering to this – however, it is vital for our safety and the safety of others that we follow this national guidance. Practise good hand hygiene, washing your hands with soap and water thoroughly, and regularly using the hand gel provided across the hospital. You are all responsible for cleaning your desk spaces and communal touch points – door handles, kettle and fridge handles regularly. It is recommended to gel your hands before leaving your desk space. You must ensure, with your line manager, that your COVID-19 risk assessment is up to date. An updated version is available on the front page of Alex and on the COVID-19 information page.

Thank you for the responsiveness you have demonstrated to this ongoing period of change, both during the latest lockdown and across the year. Your hard work and commitment to patient care and the support you provide is greatly appreciated.

What to do if you (or someone in your household) have symptoms of COVID-19

If you or someone in your household, including children, have any symptoms of COVID-19 (a fever, new, continuous cough or loss of sense of smell or taste) or any upper respiratory tract symptoms such as those you may have with a viral infection, you must ensure that:

1. You and your entire household isolate immediately

2. You inform your direct line manager

3. You contact the staff health and wellbeing (SHaW) team to notify them of your selfisolation and book a COVID-19 test (by calling x 7015 or x 7016 MondayFriday, 8am-5pm). You must remain in self-isolation until you receive your test results and follow further advice from SHaW accordingly.

Upper respiratory tract symptoms include any cough (however mild, even if, for example, you believe it could be a pre-existing condition such as asthma), a cold; blocked nose and feeling unwell; sore throat; flu-like illness without a high fever; or generalised muscle pain, for example. You must not come into work – ensure you follow the above steps.