MSI are working hard to keep all of our candidates up to date with the latest information, developments and advice regarding the current coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
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If you are currently unwell
If you have any of the following symptoms:
a new continuous cough
a high temperature
a loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia)
you will need to self-isolate for 10 days following the start of your symptoms. Please inform your consultant asap - we will not be able to book you onto shifts for these 10 days.
After 10 days, if you do not have a high temperature, you do not need to continue to self-isolate. If you still have a high temperature, keep self-isolating until your temperature returns to normal. You do not need to self-isolate if you only have a cough or anosmia after 10 days, as these symptoms can last for several weeks after the infection has gone . Find out more details about ending isolation.
If you live with someone with COVID-19
If you live in the same household as someone with COVID-19, you should stay at home and self-isolate. From 16 August, if you are fully vaccinated or aged under 18 years and 6 months you will not be required to self-isolate if you are a contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
Even if you do not have symptoms, you will be advised to have a PCR test as soon as possible. You should not arrange to have a PCR test if you have previously received a positive PCR test result in the last 90 days, unless you develop any new symptoms of COVID-19, as it is possible for PCR tests to remain positive for some time after COVID-19 infection.
Even if you are vaccinated, you can still be infected with COVID-19 and pass it on to others. If you are identified as a contact of someone with COVID-19 but you are not required to self-isolate, you can help protect others by following the guidance on how to stay safe and help prevent the spread. As well as getting a PCR test, you may also consider:
limiting close contact with other people outside your household, especially in enclosed spaces
wearing a face covering in enclosed spaces and where you are unable to maintain social distancing
limiting contact with anyone who is clinically extremely vulnerable
taking part in twice weekly LFD testing
This advice applies while the person in your household with COVID-19 is self-isolating.
If you are a health or social care worker who has been identified as a household contact and are exempt from self-isolation, there is additional guidance available that you should follow to reduce the risk of spread of COVID-19 in these settings.
Testing
Testing for COVID-19 is now available for key workers and members of their household who are currently self-isolating due to being symptomatic.
If you are currently self-isolating, please use the link below to register for testing at one of the regional testing centres or for the home testing kits when they become available:
If your test result are negative, you can safely return to work, as long as:
you are well enough
you have not had a high temperature for 48 hours
everyone you live with also tests negative
If your test result is positive, or a member of your household tests positive, you cannot return to work. You’ll need to continue to self-isolate.
PPE
Personal protective equipment (PPE) and training for PPE is provided by NHS Trusts or our private sector clients.
Public Health England (PHE), states that all staff (whether they are from the bank, agency or local staff), should follow the same advice as permanent staff. PPE providers must ensure that all staff are trained adequately in safe systems of work and understand how to wear PPE, even for those who may need to wear respiratory protection.
Training
Skills for Health, the UK’s leading provider of online learning for healthcare, offer a free Coronavirus (COVID-19) Awareness course.
The resource is approximately 2 hours in duration and includes information such as infection prevention, PPE, hand and respiratory hygiene, management and assessment, sampling and testing, patient transfers/managing patients and much more, to support you in your role.
Staff Offers
Many organisations are offering special discounts and services to healthcare workers for the duration of the pandemic.
Support
There are many different ways to access support during this pandemic:
Immediate Support
Send the text ‘FRONTLINE’ to 85258to start a conversation
Listening Line - For all NHS Staff – call 0300 131 7000, 07:00-23:00
Bereavement and loss support call 0300 303 4434, 07:00-23:00
Online Support
NHS - Supporting our People
A range of materials to support you and your teams perform under this pressure.Horizons #Caring4NHSPeople
Wellbeing webinarsPractitioner Health
Advice, support and events
Apps
Free access to psychological support – use your nhs.net email address to download
Self guided mental heath support
Silvercloud
use the code NHS2020
Common Rooms
NHS - Supporting our People
Meet other professionals in a safe and guided space. Get support and share your experiences.
