13 March 2020: The CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19): NATIONAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR NHS SCOTLAND STAFF statement issued by Scottish Government. This sets out what is now expected of staff, line managers and NHS Scotland employers, in terms of the relevant HR policies, local arrangements, non-essential business and the deployment of staff.  

31 January 2020: The (HAI):Guidance for Staff Screening during Healthcare Associated Infection Incidents and Outbreaks published by Scottish Government, including guidance on special/carer leave and deployment of staff. 

Particular circumstances will vary Board by Board, and trainees should follow the advice issued by their local NHS Board. However, if you are in need of advice relating to your employment, please contact us, referring to the Placement Board Contacts page.

Health Protection Scotland has published a range of resources and information for practitioners on the COVID-19 response. Always check the HPS website to ensure that any guidance you are using is the latest version.

Members of the public seeking information should be directed to the NHS Inform site.

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Preventing infection in common work areas - what to do (@15/03/2020)

The following guidance relates to preventing infection in common work areas. Healthcare professionals should continue to follow 'Infection prevention and control in healthcare settings' guidance, available via the HPS website.

What can we do in the workplace to prevent spread of respiratory infections?

• If you feel symptoms consistent with Coronavirus, however mild, you should self-isolate for 7 days. The most common symptoms are a new continuous cough and/or high temperature. 
• You only need to self-isolate if you are experiencing symptoms.  

• You do not need to self-isolate even if you have had contact with someone who has tested positive. 

• We have set out further steps for staff and line managers in this document. 

You should:

• Wash hands often with soap and water
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
• Wherever possible, avoid direct contact with people that have a respiratory illness and avoid using their personal items such as their mobile phone
• Cover coughs and sneezes (nose and mouth) with disposable tissues, then dispose of these in the nearest waste bin after use - and then wash your hands
• Ensure any crockery and cutlery in shared kitchen areas is cleaned with warm general purpose detergent and dried thoroughly before being stored for re-use
• Avoid leaving food stuffs (e.g. crisps, open sandwiches) exposed and open for communal sharing unless individually wrapped

For the latest on Coronavirus, check the NHS Inform pages. 

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Please see here for a copy of an update as at 21st February 2020 outlining the New regulations coming into effect on Saturday 22 February 2020.

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The National Health Service (Charges to Overseas Visitors) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2020 introduces exemption from charging for the diagnosis and treatment of the Wuhan novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV).

It is vital that all NHS and healthcare staff understand the change means the NHS in Scotland (as in the rest of the UK), will not be charging overseas patients with suspected Wuhan novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). NHS Board staff must be clear that any overseas visitors who think they have Wuhan novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) but do not, will also not be charged to ensure absolutely no one is deterred from getting tested.

For any information related to COVID-19 and your Medical Education & Training please see News & Events on the Scottish Deanery website, please click here.

Members of the public seeking information should be directed to the NHS Inform site.

@16/03/2020

Information governance is all about how to manage and share information appropriately.

In the current circumstances it could be more harmful not to share health and care information than to share it. While we are waiting for Scottish-specific guidance, the UK Information Commissioner has stated that she cannot envisage a situation where she would take action against a health and care professional clearly trying to deliver care.

The statement covers:

• Mobile Messaging (including What's App)
• Videoconferencing
• Homeworking
• Using your own device

You can read the UK Information Commissioner's statement here.

@16/03/2020

This is a difficult and stressful time for all of us. It's important that we all take steps to look after ourselves and those around us.

Mental health charity Mind has published a guide to taking care of your mental and physical wellbeing, including

• dealing with anxiety
• planning for staying at home

You can read the guide here.

If you want someone to talk to, please refer to employee assistance services which may ve available via your Placement Board. 

Please check NHS Inform for up to date guidance on when to self-isolate and for how long, arrangements for return should then be discussed with your line manager and in line with NHS Inform guidance. If there is any uncertainty, Occupational Health guidance may be appropriate. Please find below guidance developed by the Occupational Health community:

 
assessment for staff return to work after self isolation

assessment for staff return to work after family isolation

The supply and availability of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is a key concern for health and social care staff as we respond to the covid-19 pandemic, and it is essential that all staff are aware of what PPE is available to them and who to contact locally if they need to raise any concerns or issues relating to PPE.

The following guidance outlines what PPE frontline health and social care workers should be wearing in different settings and scenarios. The guidance itself recommends the safest level of PPE to protect health and social care workers and it specifies the type of PPE that should be worn in the various healthcare and social care settings where patients or residents could be cared for.

Revised PPE Guidance Letter

Health Protection Guidance Scotland website

Direct link to the UK PPE Guidance

Staff working in clinical placements are advised to raise the concern with their placement Board, this being the position under our existant Employment Responsibilities Agreement. 

Please refer to this letter confirming the Joint statement on the application of contractual provisions for junior doctors and dentists in Scotland during the Covid-19 pandemic.