Staff Bulletin 18 May 2021
Remembering the principles of good infection control
As measures for the public to restrict the spread of Covid-19 lessen, we know that we cannot lessen our focus on good infection control practices.
For all of us at UHD, this week it is business as usual. All of the practices that we have introduced, learned from and refined and all of the hard work that has helped Covid-19 cases fall in Dorset are as necessary now as when they were first put in place.
The new variant emerging from India is a timely reminder of how the Covid-19 virus is also working hard - to infect and to spread - and we must work equally hard to contain it doing the things we all know work. There is no evidence to suggest that the current Covid-19 vaccines available are not effective against this variant.
So please remember:
- to wear the right PPE for the environment you are in (and ensure you only wear the supplied surgical face masks while at work, unless you are exempt),
- that timely swabbing enables us to make the best decisions around a patient's care
- taking an accurate travel history is vital, and
- maintaining good hand hygiene, social distancing and vigilance all support us to keep ourselves, our patients, our colleagues and our families safe.
- In non-clinical work areas, make sure that the completed 'Covid secure' assessment is up to date and that any restrictions it indicates are adhered to.
See the front page of the intranet for a refresher article on the principles behind PPE, the precautions we can all take and a guide to the right PPE to use for low, medium and high risk patient pathways.
RBH: tributes paid to Karen Rice
We are sorry to announce the sad loss of one of our ED colleagues, Karen Rice. Karen was a genuine, wise, funny, brave and humble person. She was an inspiring nurse who continued to work in ED despite her illness making an invaluable contribution to the safeguarding and governance team until very shortly before she died. She always will be remembered because of her dedication to her work and family. She will also be remembered for her immense heart, friendship and for her fight until the end. We will always carry a special place in our hearts for her. Sleep well and sleep in peace Karen.
With love from your ED family.
POOLE: Car parking update
As hospital services return, the multi-storey car park (MSCP) has been reaching 100% capacity on a daily basis, and as a result some changes to parking access for staff has to be made.
Support for staff parking will continue, however it must be managed in order to maintain capacity for patients, visitors and staff. To that end, access to free parking will remain as directed under current guidance, but for the avoidance of doubt, will only be available under these circumstances:
- Charges for all staff permits are waived.
- Permit holders are to park in their allocated car parks.
- Permit-holding staff allocated to offsite (stadium) parking may continue to access the MSCP facility for the duration of shifts that end after 7pm and at all times weekends and bank holidays
- Staff working night shifts may access the MSCP free of charge providing they exit before 9.30am
- Non permit-holding staff may obtain a free weekly ticket from the car parks office (a week in advance) giving access to the MSCP, numbers of these tickets are limited.
Due to the continued increase in demand, regrettably the practice of presenting trust ID and obtaining and free exit can no longer be supported. Parking outside of the above will be deemed as visitor access and charges will be payable on exit.
Parking capacity is constantly reviewed and allocations may change where possible.
Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.
RBCH: Change to transfusion sampling policy: two samples - no exception
All patients who require a blood transfusion now require two separate group and save blood samples before group specific blood components can be issued for use. This includes all urgent requests and in a massive haemorrhage. This is to reduce the risk of the never event of ABO incompatible transfusion of blood components. National guidance requires two samples with no exceptions.
If the patient requires a transfusion and is not a 'known patient,' (no transfusion samples have been grouped before), two samples will be required. If the patient's blood group is known from a historic sample, only one G&S blood sample is required to confirm the blood group. All samples must be collected separately following the safe sampling procedure. The request form must be completed prior to sampling and used to positively identify the patient at each draw. The sample must be labelled whilst with the patient and directly from the patient wristband, for each sample required. Ideally this should be done by a different member of staff and there are no time restrictions between the samples.
For more information or queries please contact the transfusion practitioner ext. 6727
Reminder: Ask Aly on Thursday (20 May)
Join our chief medical officer, Dr Alyson O'Donnell, for her latest 'Ask Aly' event on Thursday (20 May) from 12-1pm. It's a great opportunity to ask questions, raise concerns or share your views. Alyson will be joined our infection prevention and control lead nurse, Paul Bolton, to answer your questions as we journey along the Covid roadmap.
You can join the meeting here and if you'd like to send any questions in an advance, pop them through to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we can ask on your behalf.
Standing against homophobia, transphobia and biphobia
We marked yesterday's international day against homophobia, transphobia and biphobia with activity across the trust, highlighting that micro-aggressions are still a reality for those identifying as LGBTQ+, including within our own organisation.
Pete Papworth, chief financial officer and a UHD LGBTQ+ Network champion and ally, recorded this message of support - watch it here.
If you are interested in joining the LGBTQ+ Network or becoming an ally, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or read the trust's statement of support for the Hate Crime Charter here.
Quality Improvement (QI) drop-in session today
Our QI team is having a drop in today (18 May) at 1pm - all are welcome to meet the team, mull ideas over or find out what support may be available. Click here to join the meeting
POOLE: It all adds up to fun in the education centre tomorrow (19 May)
As champions of National Numeracy Day tomorrow, we want to empower all staff to improve their number confidence and skills. Whether for home finances, work and supporting children in your care to learn, the National Numeracy Challenge can help. It's a free and easy-to-use website for improving your number confidence and skills. It is all about everyday maths, helping you be better equipped to get on at work, make your money go further, or support your children with maths.
Events will be held throughout the day from 7.30am-3.30pm in seminar room 1 In the education centre at Poole Hospital.
Click here to find out more.
Advice about phishing or malicious emails
Following reports of a ransomware attack experienced by an Irish health organisation last week now is a good time to refresh yourselves on guidance on email vigilance.
A phishing email is where the sender is attempting to gain personal information from the recipient, eg banking details or usernames and passwords, or tries to install malicious software onto the recipient's PC via a link or attachment. It is important not to open attachments or follow links from unsolicited emails.
There's more information and guidance about how to spot a phishing emails on the intranet and can be found in the IT Security section, linked from the front page of Informatics.
Job of the week - assistant practice educator
An exciting development opportunity is available in our main theatres at Royal Bournemouth within the practice education team. An assistant practice educator is required to help support and develop the skills and knowledge of theatre healthcare assistants.
The job will require supporting and assessing new staff in order to gain their Care Certificates, role modelling best practice and principals. The post holder will promote standards outlined in the Code of Conduct for Healthcare Support Workers and Adults Social Care. The successful candidate will work as part of the practice education team to supervise learners in gaining Theatre HCA competencies and facilitate development opportunities and mandatory training for experienced staff. There is an aspect of delivering formal and informal teaching sessions as well as offering pastoral care for staff.
Care first sessions next week
Care first is our employee assistance provider, offering a wide range of support and advice. The following sessions all take place, virtually, next week. All sessions run from 12-12.30pm.
