Hello and welcome to this week’s blog. 
It may sound crazy with the extremely warm weather we have been having this week, but it has come to the time of year where our planning for winter really steps up.
At ELHT, we have moved away from referring to ‘Winter pressures’. We are extremely busy all year round, it’s just that the winter months means we see a different set of patients with specific conditions. We plan extremely carefully every winter, but it is even more important this year due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. Given the current raised levels of infection in Blackburn and Pendle, I want to take this opportunity to urge everyone there to get a test. It doesn’t hurt, it’s quick and it gives the authorities the information they need to be able to target messages and advice for limiting spread. As ever, it is important that everyone, wherever you live or work, follows the advice to wash hands regularly; wear a mask or face covering when in enclosed spaces; and keep social distancing.
A key aspect of winter planning is the rollout of the flu vaccination programme. Now, more than ever, it’s critical that we all protect ourselves against the flu. This year, for staff, we will be aiming for 100% uptake. Please make sure you are an inFLUencer and get your jab! Look out for the details of when and where as they become available. As you probably know, we have twice been the top Acute Trust in the country for staff vaccination uptake – that needs to continue – and, urge your family, friends and neighbour to get one too.
Extremely busy waiting rooms in emergency departments can no longer be accommodated as social distancing must be maintained to ensure safety. Consequently, we need to do everything we can to help people attend the correct service for their needs – pharmacies, GPs, minor injury units or urgent treatment centres. We are working with our colleagues in primary care to facilitate bookable appointments via NHS 111 and GPs, and direct referrals to appropriate services without going via the Emergency Department. As we progress with our winter plans there will be more information on how we and our colleagues across the health and care sector will be working together to make sure patients get the right treatment in the right place.
You may recall I mentioned last week we now have the results of our first People Pulse Survey from July. We learned that following the COVID-19 situation around 28% of staff are feeling anxious. Firstly I think it’s really important to say it’s ok to not be ok and if you would like any help please do speak up as we have lots of support in place to help you. Check out our staff portal for more information.
Also as a result of your feedback, I can confirm a new ELHT approach to workplace trauma support and wellbeing, which is an essential element of the ELHT recovery and restoration programme supporting all teams to create and embed a wellness culture in all departments across the Trust. You can find more information here.
Please be assured – your safety and wellbeing is an absolute priority.
The NHS is nothing without the wonderful people who work in it, and I hope you agree that ELHT is a fantastic place to work. That is why I was really delighted to hear from Gill Cairns this week about the ongoing success we have in working with the Prince's Trust and helping to get disadvantaged young people into work. We are starting to attract national interest for our results, and the efforts and commitment of all involved. Well done, and sincere thanks to everyone connected to this, but particularly to Jimmy Maguire, Gill Cains, Occupational Health and HR colleagues. I am really proud of our record on this.
Well, that’s all for this week. I hope you all have a great weekend, and if you are working, thank you! Fingers crossed for more sunshine and less rain!
Best wishes
Kevin