COVID-19 Update 25Keeping up the good work on risk assessmentsTrust Update We have now heard from the government about restrictions and the three tier system being implemented across the country. As we all know, cases of COVID-19 have continued to increase across the country and in particular in our neighbouring areas to the North. I would encourage all our staff to adhere to these rules and restrictions in full if you are subject to them – keeping in mind the local variations which now exist and the rules that apply to one member of staff may not apply to another, depending on where you live. We can expect these rules to change over the winter as the position with the virus develops. Should the situation around how we provide services (including guidance on PPE, face-to-face contact and remote working for staff) change, then we will notify staff directly through these updates as well as through the Trust’s structure. In order to keep everyone informed about the situation in our Trust at this moment in time, I can advise and reassure that we continue to test all inpatients on admission to our facilities and monitor all patients for any symptoms of COVID-19. IPC guidance is being implemented if we pick up a positive case, as is now our tried and tested process. We currently have one outbreak situation. This is on Ward 2 at Harplands Hospital and are working with our internal and external teams to manage this in line with best practice. I would like to thank the staff on Ward 2 and the supporting staff for their professionalism and continuing care for service users on the Ward. The reality is that this will not be the only challenging situation we have over winter relating to COVID-19 and I appreciate fully the next six months may appear daunting. However, having now seen a vast number of staff across all professions respond to such situations successfully on multiple occasions, I every confidence our teams will pull together to get us and our service users through the next six months safely. As a senior team, we will be with you all the way. Today I have two key updates and these are on:
Many thanks, Jonathan Keeping up the good work on risk assessments We have done really well with carrying out risk assessments for our staff, but I would emphasise that we need to keep the good work up. The OH advice line (for managers only) is still available and can we also ask managers to send confirmation of the name of any RAs completed to humanresources@combined.nhs.uk Please ensure that regular check ins by managers take place to check if individual circumstances have changed, and bearing in mind new starters and transfers. For individual members of staff, if your health circumstances have changed, you're concerned or think that you may be at increased risk, please contact your line manager as soon as possible. If you are working from home in line with the recent government guidance, it is really important that you carry out and regularly review a DSE Self-risk-assessment and share this with your line manager. This will inform ongoing conversations with your manager to ensure that you have the right equipment, physical and psychological working environment, enabling you to work from home effectively and to look after your health, safety and wellbeing during this difficult time. Please note that if you have already completed the risk assessments, you do not need to do these again, unless you would like to do so or if your circumstances have changed, there have been any changes to your workplace or government guidance, or you are feeling anxious and have any concerns. Your manager will have a supportive conversation with you and review your risk assessment to identify any support and reasonable adjustments. There are links below to Team Prevent and Royal College of Psychologists Risk Assessments - BOTH of these need to be completed. In particular, you should continue to be aware that some staff may be at increased risk due to COVID-19. HR and OH can provide advice and support to the line manager and colleague in concluding an approach that supports the individual, and, should any adjustment to staffs working arrangement place a strain on services, these issues must be escalated to ensure support is provided to resolve the issues as quickly as possible. You may find the links below useful to refer to in relation to risk assessments and wider OH and workforce support: Supporting our people through COVID-19 Team Prevent Demographic-Responsive Staff Risk Assessment Form Covid-19 RCPsych – Risk Assessment Tool for Staff during the Covid-19 pandemic (Word version) Updated Covid-19 advice for pregnant staff The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists has updated its guidance for employers and pregnant women in a joint statement. The original guidance was written at the peak of the pandemic when there was clear instruction from the government that clinically vulnerable individuals were advised to apply social distancing measures, and extremely clinically vulnerable individuals were advised to shielded. However due to the easing of some restrictions on lockdown, and introduction of local lockdowns, a single recommendation is no longer appropriate and employers must now consider a variety of factors regarding the safety of their staff, including pregnant women. Employers are advised to undertake individual risk assessments for pregnant staff members that considers the individual’s circumstances, alongside the advice. For more information, read the updated guidance in full and visit our dedicated advice for supporting our most vulnerable people. https://www.nhsemployers.org/news/2020/09/updated-covid-advice-for-pregnant-staff
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