Updates
Update, 18 February 2021
Published: 18 February 2021
Working from home
Following a number of recent COVID-19 outbreaks among non-clinical, non-patient facing teams, managers and colleagues are reminded that the Trust has instructed that those who are able to do their jobs remotely should be working from home wherever possible.
Where there is a requirement for non-clinical, non-patient facing teams to be on-site, for example if telephone cover is required, managers must ensure that the fewest people possible are in at any one time, that a rota is implemented and that social distancing measures are in place. This is essential to keep colleagues safe and reduce the pressure on our hospitals.
If you have any concerns about your current working arrangements, or your ability to do your job remotely, please contact Emily Leach, HR Manager.
Email: Emily.Leach@uhb.nhs.uk
Shielding - update on guidance
The Government has advised that those individuals identified as clinically extremely vulnerable who have been shielding should continue to shield for an extended period through to the end of March 2021.
Affected staff and managers should therefore note that staff who have been advised to shield through formal notification by the NHS should remain shielding at home until 31 March 2021.
There has also been an extension to individuals who may now be categorised as clinically extremely vulnerable. This means that there will be some individuals who are newly notified to shield.
Where staff receive for the first time now notification to shield, they should share this notification with their line manager and follow the guidance. Working from home should be explored and we have set out below the working from home guidance and wellbeing resources developed by Human Resources.
Some staff may be concerned that they could be considered clinically extremely vulnerable in this new categorisation, but have yet to receive guidance on shielding.
Please be assured that individuals are being identified and notified through national communications so if you are affected you will be informed. If you are particularly concerned about your risk factors, please do speak to your GP.
All staff will have undertaken an individual risk assessment, and the risk reduction measures should continue to be followed by individuals as set out in their plan. Risk assessments only need to be revisited where health factors have changed.
Where a requirement to shield is new, the risk reduction measure is set out in the shielding advice to be followed.
For staff who are clinically extremely vulnerable, including those newly identified, please do take the opportunity to book your COVID vaccination if not already received. Managers should also be reminding all staff of the booking arrangements.
We understand that for those who are shielding for an extended period, as well as those who are being newly identified as clinically extremely vulnerable, this can be a particularly stressful and isolating time.
We encourage managers to maintain regular contact with those shielding at home, and also for teams to stay connected with colleagues.
Staff who are struggling with the psychological impact of shielding are encouraged to access the occupational health and wellbeing resources available, including the staff counselling service.
Email: StaffCounselling.Services@uhb.nhs.uk
Other support and resources can be found in the Health and Wellbeing section.
Working from home guidance
Where staff have VPN (remote working) access to Trust networks and the appropriate IT equipment (Trust or personal) they should discuss working from home with their manager. For further guidance on homeworking and useful information, visit the homeworking section.
Where staff are in a role where working from home is not practical or they do not have the remote working facility, the manager and staff member should agree what work can be undertaken which may include consideration of working outside of own role or department.
Managers may need to be flexible and creative in identifying tasks that can be undertaken from home. The types of tasks could include:
- Online learning packages. Reflection log on how the learning will be implemented, including mini briefing note for colleagues
- Policy/Procedure/SOP review
- Data review (complaints, compliments, etc.)
- Review of appraisal objectives or completion of appraisal documentation if appraisal due within two months
- Research on agreed topics
- Wellbeing messages for staff notice boards
- Motivational messages for patients
- Ideas generation on improvement opportunities. What could be improved, why and how
- Welcoming message for new starters. What is helpful information for a new starter to know from their peers
- Supporting other teams within your division with administrative tasks
- Departmental induction pack
The above are indicative examples, and managers and staff will be best placed to know what could be meaningfully done in their own area. These may be tasks that the member of staff would not typically get involved in, and may not be a current priority but are nevertheless areas of work which would make a difference.
Dealing with grief and loss
Message from Lisa Stalley-Green, Executive Chief Nurse
Many of you are patient-facing or responding to the current pandemic, and will have to deal with extremely distressing events, while working under pressured and stressful conditions.
We are working with Cruse Bereavement Care to provide a range of support to help you manage yourself and help others:
Working as a reservist
A number of staff have joined the Reservist Workforce to help with the management of COVID-19 patients at our hospitals - and it has been greatly appreciated.
With the majority of elective and outpatient activity postponed to manage the current COVID-19 wave, this is why having the support of medical staff outside of their speciality has been invaluable, whether helping as a bedside reservist or supporting nursing staff, and is still valued to continue with this work to manage the latest surge.
The Intensive Care Units across the Trust sites are one of the main locations Reservists may be asked to support.
We encourage you to watch the video from our staff working in ITU, so they can share their experiences and let you know what to expect when you arrive.
If you would like to join the ITU Team, please contact your line manager in the first instance and ask them to contact the Reservist Team with your details.
Email: Reservists@uhb.nhs.uk
BAME staff network
The next BAME staff network meeting is February 24 (12:00–13:00) and will focus on talking about COVID-19 and supporting our communities.
The session will hear from Professor Paul Cockwell, Consultant Nephrologist, on how the vaccine works; Gemma Rauer, Assistant Director of Communications and Engagement at the CCG, will talk about community take-up and Nicole Davis-Gomez Consultant Anaesthetist will give a clinical perspective . Akm Kamruzzaman, Muslim Chaplain, will speak about taking an Islamic view. Theo Ngatchu - Consultant Gastroenterologist and panel member will also be joining.