Announcement of lockdown measures

The Prime Minister has announced a national lockdown and instructed people to stay at home to control the virus, protect the NHS and save lives.

The decision follows a rapid rise in infections, hospital admissions and case rates across the country, with hospitals now under more pressure than they have been at any other point throughout the pandemic.

This drastic jump in cases has been attributed to the new variant of COVID-19, which scientists have now confirmed is between 50 and 70% more transmissible.

Click here for detailed lockdown information.

Shielding update for vulnerable staff

Members of staff who have previously received letters instructing them to shield are now being sent these instructions again. The period specified is from 31 December 2020 to 1 February 2021. Please contact HR if you require further information.

All-staff briefing with our chair and chief executive

The first all-staff briefing of the new year will be held on Wednesday 10 February, 12.30-1.30pm. David Moss, our chairman, and Debbie Fleming, our chief executive, as well as fellow executives will provide the latest on managing the Covid-19 pandemic, an operational update and development plans for the year ahead.

Please join us if you can, or a recording of the briefing will be available afterwards on our intranet. The Teams link will be sent out nearer the time.

POOLE - BEAT VLE (Virtual Learning Environment) is now live

The BEAT (blended education and training) VLE, already in use at RBCH, now gives Poole staff easy access to their training records and online learning:

• Not sure what mandatory training you need? The VLE will show you.
• Struggle to find time to do face-to-face training? The VLE offers e-learning for many topics.
• Need to know if your team are compliant? The VLE provides reports for managers.

To access the system:

• Using Google Chrome or Safari, go to www.uhd.nhs.uk/vle (also available via the managed bookmarks in Google Chrome)
• Enter your user name – this is your 8-digit assignment number
• Enter your password – this is your date of birth in the format DD-Mmm-YYYY eg 04-Nov-1985

On the intranet you can also find a brief introductory video, a list of frequently asked questions and a manager's guide. As the system is intuitive, staff won't need any lengthy training to use it.

All Poole staff who access the system during January will be automatically entered into a prize draw to win a £50 Amazon voucher.

The eLearning for Healthcare website should no longer be used for any topics available via the VLE. Evidence from eLfH will only be accepted until the end of January; thereafter staff will be requested to repeat the training via the VLE.

If you have any queries about the VLE at Poole please see the intranet, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call ext. 3608.

Reminder on direct dial numbers

Staff are reminded that when calling direct dial numbers to use the format 0300 019 +ext.

From 1 April, with the exception of switchboard numbers, the old 01202 44 number will stop working and all other numbers will only work with the new 0300 019 number.

RBCH - update to cannulaton policies

The following cannulation policies have been updated:

• The cannulation policy, now known as: Cannulation Policy for Bournemouth and Christchurch Sites - Peripheral venous cannulation for adults
• The cannulation standard operating procedure (SOP), now known as: Standard operating procedure for cannulation (Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospital) - Insertion and removal of a peripheral venous cannula for adults

New competency framework documents will be issued soon.

All staff that practice the above cannulation skills should read the latest version of the policy and SOP to familiarise themselves of the changes and to ensure that they are practicing in line with policy.

E-learning reminder

For all non-clinical staff, please note resus level 1 is now a yearly requirement for all staff who don't require a higher level of basic life support (a core skills framework requirement). Staff will see a new red line on their brain on BEAT VLE. Please complete this as soon as possible.

POOLE - Healthcare support workers (HCSW) induction changes

The HCSW, formerly healthcare assistant, induction at Poole Hospital is now a two week programme. The first week will be similar to the existing provision.

The second week will include three days working on the wards. Those who are substantive staff will work on their home base ward. For those who are bank staff, the ward that the staff member is allocated to will be in agreement with the bank office to ensure the ward is able to support the new starter.

The future set up for HCSW induction will include a two-week induction for HCSWs at Poole Hospital during week one and two each month and a second induction at RBH during week three and four each month. The aim is if there is availability on inductions and a waiting list at either hospital, the individual can attend either hospital induction.

Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for further information.

Free bike maintenance for staff

Bike Fixed will be visiting UHD on the following dates to offer a free bike tune up for staff, to ensure your bike is in good working condition to bring in the new year:

• 12 January: Bournemouth Hospital
• 13 January: Poole Hospital
• 14 January: Christchurch Hospital

The tune up is funded by national cycling charity, Cycling UK, as part of their Big Bike Revival campaign. It is free for staff. Dave, the mechanic, will make minor adjustments such as tightening brakes, pumping up tyres and indexing gears. If you suspect your bike may need replacement parts, Dave may be able to supply these however they are not covered as part of the free tune up and will incur a charge. If Dave spots something that needs replacing, he'll advise you about this at the time of the service.

A limited number of appointments between 8am-3pm are available on each date. If you'd like your bike to be serviced, please email Elliot Prescott, travel and transport manager at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Care First webinars

Care First, our employee assistance programme, is putting on webinars this week and next. The themes are:

• Tuesday 5 January, 12-12.30pm - New Year's resolutions
• Wednesday 6 January, 12-12.30pm - Relationships
• Thursday 7 January, 12-12.30pm - Seasonal affective disorder
• Friday 8 January, 12-12.30pm - Budgeting

MoreBus discount code

From 1 January 2021 the new code for staff discount on MoreBus tickets is DHT21YEAR. The code is valid for 12 months and can only be used through the MoreBus app.

Staff have been reporting an error when using this code, however this should now be amended.

Roadworks

Click here for a list of the current roadworks taking place.