Updates
Update, 2 July
Published: 02 July 2020
Thoracic Surgery and Vascular Services
Temporary changes to thoracic surgery and vascular services are taking place as part of our continued COVID-19 response. They will enable patients to undergo surgery and have their procedures safely as well as to ensure that we can maintain safe staffing levels.
The changes are:
- From Wednesday 1 July, West Midlands Ambulance Service started taking all patients who require emergency vascular medical treatment to Heartlands Hospital
- Also from Wednesday 1 July, all vascular procedures will take place at Heartlands Hospital, with elective surgery planned to commence from Monday 13 July. Vascular outpatient appointments will continue to take place at all sites (Heartlands, Good Hope, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham and Solihull Hospital)
- Some vascular day case procedures will continue to take place at QEHB
- From Monday 20 July all thoracic surgery will take place at QEHB. Outpatient appointments will continue to take place at Heartlands Hospital
Ophthalmology at Heartlands Hospital
The ophthalmology department at Heartlands Hospital is back up and running following a temporary closure.
Outpatient clinics and ward referrals are now running as usual with immediate effect.
Heartlands Eye Department will receive referrals Monday to Friday during normal working hours via the following numbers.
Fax Referrals
Tel: 0121 424 2068
Admin staff
Tel: 0121 424 0545
Ward base
Tel: 0121 424 0543
Out of hours provision remains with BMEC.
The outpatients department at Heartlands had been closed since April to consolidate resources as part of the Trust’s COVID-19 response.
Medical/device training or company reps
Company reps who provide training or demonstrations for devices or new equipment should be encouraged to pursue a digital solution i.e. video conferencing or webinars where this is practical. If face-to-face sessions are necessary, these must be authorised by the CSL or department head and there must be a commitment to social distancing and the wearing of face masks for the safety of all.
Good Hope Hospital Day Case Unit access
Due to COVID-19 restrictions and the implementation of a green pathway within theatre, please note that Day Case Unit (DCU) or theatres can no longer be accessed via the double doors (opposite the TC entrance) in the main corridor.
This entrance is to be used in the event of fire or emergency only. The DCU can only be accessed via its main reception.
Controlled drug ordering update
Since 2 April, wards and theatres across the Trust have been ordering controlled drugs for their clinical area using an electronic system, implemented to address and pre-empt the challenges presented by COVID-19.
Following a review of this process, all areas except those designated as COVID-19 'hot' areas will revert to ordering via their controlled drug order books. Full details are available via the link below.
COVID-19 and the African-Caribbean community
COVID-19 has had a significant impact on our local communities. The African-Caribbean community has been particularly affected by COVID-19 and we want to listen to the views of this community so we can understand the specific issues faced during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Dr Manir Aslam (Birmingham GP and Sandwell and West Birmingham CCG Governing body member), Healthwatch Birmingham and Sandwell and West Birmingham Clinical Commissioning Group would like to invite you to an online workshop to listen to your experiences on 6 July, 12:30 – 13:45.
This will be an online meeting via Zoom. If you have a smartphone, tablet or laptop and have access to the internet you will be able to join us.
Places are very limited. To confirm your place, please contact:
Email: SWBCCG.engagement@nhs.net
Tel: 0121 612 1663
FFP3 fit test study
NHS England and NHS Improvement have commissioned a study to identify any correlations in FFP3 mask wearer facial characteristics that are associated with passing a fit test.
The results of this study will inform the NHS England and NHS Improvement procurement strategy for FFP3 masks and is aligned with our continued commitment to ensure BAME staff are protected during clinical practice.
We are one of 12 Trusts nationally participating in the stud which ends 10 July and urgently need 100 volunteers who are willing to have a fit and facial features measured.
We need volunteers from all ethnic minority groups, e.g. Filipino, Ghanaians, Nigerian, Zimbabwean, Bangladesh, Indian, African-Caribbean, and Chinese; all ages and genders.
For more details about the study see the FAQ attached. To participate please email the UHB lead, Amy Wallett.
Email: Amy.Wallett@uhb.nhs.uk