Leadership message from Juliet Beal, Director of Nursing, Clinical Quality and Improvement

I would like to start by thanking you all for your hard work over a very challenging Christmas weekend – with special thanks to those colleagues who gave up time with their families and friends to work over that period.

We are now preparing for New Year’s Eve which we anticipate will be every bit as busy as Christmas was.

Some of our ICS areas and acute trusts have been experiencing significant challenges with handover times increasing. We know that one of the biggest challenges that we are currently facing across the whole of the NHS is around the impact that COVID is having - with people needing to take time off as a result of catching COVID or being a close contact of someone who has. COVID is now the chief cause of sickness across EEAST as it is for all ambulance trusts. In November we recorded 196 positive results; in December we are up to 450 already so you can see the impact that this is having.

The guidelines on fit notes has been changed temporarily to allow people to self-certificate for 28 instead of 7 days for a limited period up to 28 January. This has been done to help increase GP capacity to administer booster jabs. We have asked all managers to ensure that they are supporting colleagues back into work as soon as it is safe to do so in order to keep our patients safe.

One of the simple things that we can all do is to ensure that we are implementing the existing guidance around PPE correctly so that we protect ourselves and our patients even if we do come into contact with COVID. This includes making sure that we are all wearing masks, gloves, aprons and eye protection when required, as a minimum with all patients

Unfortunately there have been examples where colleagues have not been using PPE correctly – for example, not wearing masks when travelling - and this has resulted in people becoming infected.

So please can I remind everyone of the following key points:

• You must wear level 2 PPE for all patient contacts
• You must wear level 3 PPE when conducting ‘aerosol generating procedures’ such as intubation, extubation and related procedures
• You must keep your arms bare below the elbows - so no watches, jewellery. Long sleeves only to be used if rolled up or with sleeve protectors.
• You should take care to ensure that PPE is donned and doffed correctly to avoid inadvertent contamination. Donning and doffing guidance is available.

 

Remember to continue the following practices:

• Physical distancing of 2 metres where possible
• Increasing ventilation by opening windows etc
• Regular decontamination
• Regular hand hygiene
• Working from home where possible
• Use of screens and barriers
• Always wear a mask when on Trust premises and vehicles
• You should undertake lateral flow testing at least twice a week minimum and more frequently when necessary
• Ensure vaccination status is up to date
• Follow site risk assessments
• Do not share food

 

The full guidance is attached and your manager will be able to talk you through it in more detail.

We recently reduced the number of days that people need to self-isolate following a positive COVID test so that they can return after 7 – 8 days. Please check the latest guidance so that you protect yourself and your patients against COVID-19.

Thank you for everything you are doing and please stay safe,

Juliet Beal, Director of Nursing, Clinical Quality and Improvement