Page last updated: 8 February, 2021, 3:07pm
Coronavirus (COVID-19) update – Thursday 4 February 2021
Enhanced surveillance of patients who test positive post COVID-19 vaccination
Please find below the latest Government guidance in relation to enhanced surveillance of patients who test positive for COVID-19 after having a vaccine.
Further information is available on the internal Trust coronavirus intranet site.
COVID test results
Please do not contact the on-call Biomedical Scientist (BMS) or the laboratory for any COVID-related queries as they will be unable to help.
Urgent COVID tests may still take up to 3 hours so we ask all wards to be patient and not to chase up results with the laboratories.
Car parking
Due to a home fixture, the car park at Newcastle United will be unavailable all day on Saturday 6 February. There is plenty of alternative parking is available across the city which can be found here.
On all match days we would be grateful if staff, who usually park at the Football Club, do not park on the RVI site if you haven’t got a valid on-site permit. Thank you.
Chief Nurse letter
Attached is a joint thank you letter from the Chief Nurses of North East and Cumbria which acknowledges the dedication and hard work of staff throughout this pandemic.
Ramadan and COVID-19 vaccines
The British Islamic Medical Association has issued some useful information regarding fasting and covid vaccines which can be found here.
Experiences of matrons
Clinical Fellow Marsha Dawkins is working with Paul Reeves to explore the experiences of matrons in relation to infection, prevention and control during this pandemic.
A round table discussion, hosted through NHSE/I, will take place with matrons on 16 February from 5.30pm to 7,30pm and if you are a matron and interested in taking part please email marsha.dawkins@nhs.netby 1pm this Friday (5 February).
Looking out for each other
Today is Time to Talk Day and this year’s theme is ‘The Power of Small’. We know it is incredibly busy at the moment with many services under pressure. Sometimes it can feel like that pressure is relentless and it is important we acknowledge that.
Many of us are, understandably, feeling tired, stressed and anxious and checking in on colleagues and looking after each other may have the potential to make a huge difference to someone. We hope you find the following resources useful:
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) – You can find a full list of mental health first aiders on the Trust intranet site. Please contact Health and Safety on 29147 or 48084 if you have any questions about MHFAs in your area.
The Psychology in Health Care Team – have regular briefings to link you with information that can help support your psychological wellbeing.
Chaplaincy service – Chaplains provide a 24 hour on-call service every day. Please contact them through the Switchboard.
You can find out more information https://coronavirus.newcastle-hospitals.nhs.uk/staff-information/wellbeing/
If you are struggling and need to speak to someone,
please contact the OHS Support line
0191 282 4800 or email nuth.ohscounselling@nhs.net
Free bedside films at the RVI and Freeman
Patients at the Freeman Hospital and RVI can now watch free films at their bedside in a partnership between MediCinema, Hospedia and Filmbankmedia. Films are shown on Channel 39, starting at 8am, and repeat on a two-hour loop until 8pm.
Up and coming titles include:
- Dora – The City of Lost Gold (from tomorrow)
- Downton Abbey – from Tuesday (9 February)
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Executive Control Group