Updates
Update, 10 December
Published: 10 December 2020
Visual COVID-19 inpatient screening guide available to support wards
A new visual COVID-19 screening guide has been developed to support our wards, with a printed version distributed in the coming days.
Until now all patients are screened on admission, at days five to seven, and upon the development of any COVID-19 symptoms. However, to support earlier identification of cases, patients must now also be screened at day three.
Patients must also be screened if they are being discharged into another care setting such as a residential/nursing home, or if they are discharged with a package of care – this must take place at least 48 hours prior to discharge to ensure a timely result that avoids unnecessary delay.
Where a patient has been in contact with a patient with confirmed COVID-19, patients are screened upon the instruction of Infection Prevention and Control and at day 14 following the last contact.
The guide can be found in the "Downloads" section.
Near Patient Rapid Testing Hubs
Near Patient Rapid Testing Hubs, for patients in ED and assessment areas, are now live at QEHB, Heartlands and Good Hope hospitals.
For more information, please see the link below:
Blood donor appointments available
The COVID-19 pandemic has meant fewer people are travelling into city centres to work and shop and that means blood donor centres have more appointments available than usual.
The NHS urgently needs more donors at Birmingham Donor Centre. NHS Blood and Transplant is asking people to book and keep an appointment to donate or spread the word to others about the need.
Register to give blood: