Frequently asked questions for Trust staff

There are two options; you can ask families to bring their own toys although staff would not be allowed to use these unless effectively cleaned and appropriate PPE is being used.

If the toys are being provided by the service ensure these are effectively cleaned prior to the child using them.

Over the last few years much hard work has taken place in collaboration with infection prevention and control and services around cleaning of equipment and toys.

Where toys have fabric pieces of clothing, hair etc, these need to be cleaned as thoroughly as possible and quarantined for 72hrs before being put back into circulation.

The service/team must dispose of any toys or equipment that cannot be effectively decontaminated with chlorine releasing solution where contaminated with blood or body fluids.

An individualised assessment with be undertaken, with support from infection prevention and control.

Clear face masks are being sourced, once received they will be distributed.

Where services deviate from Trust policy and guidelines, services / clinicians must undertake an individual risk assessment. he decision to deviate must be documented with clear rationale explaining why wearing full PPE is clinically detrimental to the service user, e.g. causing unnecessary distress, breakdown of therapeutic relationship.

The risk assessment must demonstrate all mitigating factors, be reviewed by infection prevention and control team and signed off by the service’s deputy director.

Clinell ‘I am clean’ stickers / tags can be used for toys and equipment.

Over the last few years much hard work has taken place in collaboration with infection prevention and control and services around cleaning of equipment and toys.

Where toys have fabric pieces of clothing, hair etc, these need to be cleaned as thoroughly as possible and quarantined for 72hrs before being put back into circulation.

The service/team must dispose of any toys or equipment that cannot be effectively decontaminated with chlorine releasing solution where contaminated with blood or body fluids.

Paper based assessments need to be put in quarantine in a plastic pouch/pocket for 72 hours.

The Trust has agreed minimum standards of contact between managers and staff who are isolating to reduce risk and promote safety and welfare of colleagues.

For colleagues who live alone and are symptomatic there must be a check in every 48 hours or daily if staff do not have support.

For colleagues isolating and living with others there must be contact every 5 days.

Staff without symptoms should be contacted every week (if shielding is reintroduced).

There is an escalation process if no contact has been made to ensure colleagues are safe.

We are strongly encouraging everyone who is isolating with symptoms to book a test through the national Covid testing site on the Government website.

Family members with symptoms should also be tested where there is household isolation.

Where a test cannot be obtained via the national system please contact the infection prevention and control team on 01226 644340

Firstly you should speak to the staff members to understand their concerns. There may be a legitimate answer so listen to what they have to say.

You should also speak to the individual and ask them if they have been following the social distancing rules at work or home. The Government guidelines are very clear about how people should socially distance. If it is clear they are not following the rules remind them that they are required to do so.

If you feel able to challenge, you should do so.

If you do not feel able to challenge, speak to your manager, HR, staff side or a freedom to speak up guardian to help you.

You should tell your manger the day you develop symptoms and book a test.

A special leave payment will only be paid if you have a positive test.