Major changes made to covid testing when you are heading to the Eliot
MAJOR changes have been made to Covid testing for patients and staff at Nuneaton’s hospital.
The George Eliot Hospital has revealed that, following a step change in national guidelines, it has made some changes on when its staff and its patients have to take tests for coronavirus.
In some cases, the hospital has stuck with what is being recommended nationally. However, there are areas where it has decided to enforce its own rules.
This includes staff are no longer required to undertake twice weekly LFD testing, which is outside of what is being recommended.
Routine patient testing has also changed - with a PCR test on day 3 only and no other tests unless they start showing symptoms.
However, the hospital is continuing to do some tests that nationally have changed. This includes for those who are to undergo surgery.
In a report to board members, Glen Burley, the hospital’s chief executive, explains that decisions were made based on advice of medics at the hospital.
“The national IPC guidelines related to managing Covid19 have been recently reviewed,” it explains.
“Alongside this, Trusts were encouraged to consider their local circumstances and where necessary to make further changes based on the balance of risks.
Across the Group we have considered the current position and made some amendments based on the views of front-line clinicians and local IPC experts.
“The changes have then been through Silver (Covid-19operational) Command and Trust Management Board (where clinical and managerial leads oversee the day to day running of the Trust).
In some cases, we have gone further than the national guidelines suggest, in others we have decided not to fully implement.”
All of the changes:
STAFF TESTING: Asymptomatic Staff are no longer required to undertake twice weekly LFD testing. Outside national guidance. Potential reduction in staff absence Outbreak wards Staff must perform twice weekly LFD if working on outbreak wards. PCR if recommended by outbreak team and to be treated according to result.
If negative can undertake twice weekly LFD test not daily
PATIENT TESTING: GA Elective pathway - Continue with PCR testing 3 days before general anaesthetic procedure. Late cancellations can be backfilled after discussion with clinical team and rapid PCR to be performed. Continue with check LFD on admission. Above national guidance
NON GA ELECTIVE PATHWAY: Continue with PCR testing 3 days before general anaesthetic procedure. Late cancellations can be backfilled after discussion with clinical team and rapid PCR to be performed.
Continue with check LFD on admission. Above the national guidance
EMERGENCY PATHWAY ADMISSION: Day 0 PCR test Above national guidance. Routine patient testing - continue with PCR test on day 3. No further PCR testing unless patient symptomatic. Outside national guidance. OUTBREAK TESTING: PCR test daily until day 6.
Covid contacts step down Targeted outbreak screening as identified by IPC. Direct contacts to have daily PCR Day 0-6. If negative step down Day 7. Indirect contacts as identified by IPC will have symptomatic testing
EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT WAITING ROOM:
Return to pre-pandemic distancing measures. Ventilation, mask wearing and symptom check to remain and avoid overcrowding.
Continue with all patients having an LFD test on attendance
SAME DAY EMERGENCY ADMISSIONS (SDEC) WAITING ROOM:
Return to pre-pandemic distancing measures. Ventilation, mask wearing and symptom check to remain and avoid overcrowding. Continue with all patients having an LFD test on attendance