Coronavirus: advice to our agency workers

We are contacting all agency workers regarding the Coronavirus to establish protocols/processes that have been put in place and to remind you of the official advice.

There are some key points to emphasise:

  1. Agency workers may be asked about any travel before they go on a shift.
  2. We will keep you up to date with Coronavirus hotspots that are emerging, as these are changing rapidly. We will issue an email with each update to your consultants to make them aware, your consultant will then keep you informed.
  3. You can find the latest news of infection hotspots HERE. This should be checked daily.
  4. It is your responsibility to mention any travel that could compromise your health status. Anyone at risk of potentially having the virus due to recent travel patterns should self-isolate until they are outside the incubation period and should not be placed in shifts. Health and care agencies are reminded that so far the Coronavirus seems to be causing the greatest number of fatalities in individuals who are older or who have weakened immune systems or pre-existing conditions – and that therefore patients and care home residents could be particularly compromised if they were to come into contact with a worker carrying the virus. As a reminder the official advice governing precautions based on travel to certain countries can be found at HERE
  5. Good hygiene has never been more critical. Please remember to;
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
    • Stay home when you are sick
    • Cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
    • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe
    • Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
    • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol
  6. If people have been requested to self-isolate and they are unsure what this means, explain that they should take simple, common-sense steps to avoid close contact with other people as much as possible, like they would with other flu viruses. This means remaining at home for 14 days and not going to work, school or public areas. Where possible, they should avoid having visitors to their home, but it’s ok for friends, family or delivery drivers to drop off food. They should not use public transport or taxis. They should contact a friend, family member or delivery services to carry out errands on their behalf or take their children to school.

The current situation

The World Health Organisation has declared this is a public health emergency of international concern and certainly infections are now spreading rapidly outside China. A current update from the WHO can be found HERE.

Downloads

Corona Virus Contingency Plan

Health Screening Form