The Trust has seen demand and pressures like never before throughout 2021 and as Christmas approaches EEAST understands that staff will wish to celebrate with each other. However, the Covid-19 pandemic is still very much ongoing and it is important that we continue to protect ourselves and those that we serve.
Gatherings of large staff groups having contact outside of work whilst they celebrate the festive season alongside large volumes of the public is likely to increase the risk of staff sickness and increase risk of staff-to-staff transmission in the workplace.
From an infection control perspective, a good risk reduction measure is not have gatherings at all, but the Trust recognises that parties will happen but to give you a real example of the risk that all of EEAST faces. The COVID Team has been dealing with the first Christmas party, where with the best of intentions mixed with alcohol resulted in close contact for prolonged periods which has resulted in two positive cases, 13 staff stood down and a between EEAST and the ED department over a hundred staff needed a PCR test. The impact on this area to deliver either of the services are severely compromised and nobody would want our Christmas party to render this result.
Therefore, the following guidance has been put together to help staff make safer choices during this time, to help protect themselves, their loved ones, their colleagues, and the community that we serve.
In the workplace
In preparation for your party
Considerations and recommendations for outside of the workplace
EEAST thanks you for abiding by the guidelines and wishes you the best of the seasons greetings.
Published 3rd December 2021