COVID-19: 27th August round-up for primary care
Last week we shared Public Health England’s updated infection prevention and control (IPC) guidance, helping primary care colleagues to assess appropriate IPC measures. The guidance includes the following information on the use of PPE when administering vaccinations:
In some clinical outpatient settings, such as vaccination/injection clinics, where contact with individuals is minimal, the need for single use PPE items for each encounter, for example, gloves and aprons is not necessary. Gloves and aprons are recommended when there is (anticipated) exposure to blood/body fluids or non-intact skin. Staff administering vaccinations/injections must apply hand hygiene between patients and wear a sessional facemask.
Pharmacy news
The most recent guidance letter and standard operating procedure for community pharmacy is available on our website
COVID-19 Crisis Counselling Support Service
As we continue to respond to the impact of COVID-19 on health and social care staff, we are delighted that so many colleagues have taken up one or more of the various elements of the national support offer through the NHS People website.
In addition to those services we have commissioned, we have now added a free service developed and funded by the Association of Christian Counsellors, who are offering up to 10 online or telephone counselling sessions to people working within the NHS who are directly impacted by COVID-19; people working in residential care homes who have been impacted by caring for those with COVID-19; and anyone who has been bereaved during this time. The confidential service is open to people of all beliefs and none, and you can ask to be matched on ethnicity. You can call them on 0247 644 9694.
