Coronavirus (COVID-19) update – Monday 21 December 2020

PPE – staff re-fit testing

Can we remind staff there are limited national supplies of the 3M 1863+ FFP3 masks so it’s really important that staff who have only been fit tested to these masks have a re-fit test. Staff can be refitted to one of the masks listed below, which we have good supplies of, trying masks in the order indicated. These masks can be ordered through the PPE order form.

1. FSM16
2. FSM18
3. 3M 9330+

Alternatively, staff can attend the national fit testing sessions, although places are limited. You can book a place through Pippa Breakspear-Dean or Lisa Penneyon extensions 24996 / 26471.

New national restrictions and changes to Christmas bubbles

This weekend, the Prime Minister introduced ‘tier 4’ restrictions in the areas most affected by coronavirus – London, the South East and the East of England – and also announced the spread is being driven by a new variant of the virus.

New advice was also issued on travel with everyone – living in all tiers – being asked to stay local, while further changes were made regarding Christmas plans which were as follows:

• In England, those living in tier 4 areas should not mix with anyone outside their own household at Christmas, though support bubbles will remain in place for those at particular risk of loneliness or isolation.
• Across the rest of the country, the Christmas rules allowing up to three households to meet will now be limited to Christmas Day only, rather than the five days as previously set out.
• As before, there will be no relaxation on 31 December.

You can read the Prime Minister’s full statement here.

The full guidance on making a Christmas bubble with friends and family is available here

End of Life care

We have a number of resources available to support good end of life care, including one-page guidelines on communication and symptom control, and practical resources such as crocheted hearts and fingerprint kits.

These are all available under clinical guidance: End of Life on the Coronavirus information page on the intranet.

Newcastle Hospitals’ Christmas Advent

At this time of year we are normally enjoying pantomimes galore in the run up to and after  Christmas. We may not be able to join them in person this year but today we have a message from a few of our favourite panto stars behind Day 21 of our Advent Calendar:

Thank you for your ongoing support

Executive Control Group