Updates
Update, 2 April
Published: 02 April 2020
Fit checking resources for respirator masks
Extra resources are now available to help staff with the system of self-fit checking announced earlier in the week.
A video explaining how to put on and fit check FFP3 respirators and a Moodle course can now be accessed. Further guidance and assessment documents are also available.
A decision has been made to implement a system of self-fit checking as opposed to fit testing due to the requirement to increase critical care capacity.
This is to ensure that we have a deliverable and sustainable process in place to protect our staff. This decision will be reviewed regularly in line with any further changes to guidance.
Clarification on PPE use-by/expiration dates
Please be advised that:
- All 3M Respirators dated 2019 are shelf-life extended to 2020 and can be used
- The boxes will not be re-labelled as this would have taken additional time when hospitals are in urgent need of them
- Shelf-life extension testing is an approved and certified methodology. The respirators are retained in temperature monitored warehouses inside sealed plastic packaging. They are independently tested for any degradation
For further information, please refer to the PPE FAQs page.
Mental health support
NHS Birmingham and Solihull Clinical Commissioning Group has announced a range of mental health support for local people during this difficult time.
For many, the current circumstances are uncertain and stressful, and may make underlying mental and physical health conditions worse.
New, easily accessible support has now been made available by the local NHS for the following groups:
- 0–18 year olds in Birmingham
- 0–18 year olds in Solihull
- Over 18s in Birmingham and Solihull
- Key workers
The services, which are provided by a range of local organisations, offer emotional help, guidance and reassurance to people in Birmingham and Solihull, who may be finding the current situation we are living with overwhelming.
For more information about how to access the support, including opening hours and contact details please visit the Birmingham and Solihull CCG website:
Rota queries and sickness helpline
Medical Workforce has launched a seven day telephone line for doctors to report sickness or ask questions about rotas.
The phones will be manned every day from 07:00 – 22:00.
- Good Hope Hospital - 07920 086579
- Heartlands Hospital - 07586 493372
- QEHB - 07919 042698
- Solihull Hospital - 07775 017311
- Emergency Department - 07971 462306
OPAT – weekend discharges (HGS)
When referring patients via OPAT for discharge at the weekend, please ensure the community team you are referring to are contacted via telephone to ensure a community visit is scheduled.
The telephone numbers for Solihull/Birmingham and South Staffordshire community teams are displayed within Concerto once you complete your electronic referral or found on the OPAT intranet page under "Contacts and community teams".
Temporary closures at Solihull Hospital
WH Smith and the Seasons Restaurant at Solihull Hospital have temporarily closed until further notice due to pressures around COVID-19. The coffee shop on the hospital site is still open to purchase food and beverages and there is also a takeaway offer that staff have access to.
For details please see the "On-site catering" page.
Advice for staff about discharging patients on long-term anticoagulants
Patients already on enoxaparin during their admission and able to self-inject are to be discharged on current enoxaparin dose; consider a six week supply if patient is on long term anticoagulation.
Patients with target INR of 2.0-3.0 and no metallic valve, no recent history of bleeding, no history of LV thrombus and no diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome to be swapped over to a direct anticoagulant, complex cases to be discussed directly with thrombosis consultant.
Patients initiated on direct anticoagulants - kindly provide a six weeks supply.
Warfarin initiation should only occur if advised by anticoagulant service consultant.
Please be aware that the anticoagulation service may be overwhelmed with enquires at the moment so this may not be possible immediately.