Which COVID procedures apply to healthcare staff?

As the vaccination campaign throughout the UK gathers pace, a range of changes to national law have been announced. Most notably, NHS England has withdrawn the standard operating procedure introduced in March of 2020.

The end of the majority of COVID-related restrictions will understandably impact healthcare professionals. Be sure to familiarise yourself with the latest adjustments to regulation.

As usual, some regulations are not set in stone, and healthcare facilities are adapting the rules accordingly, to suit their needs. It goes without saying that locums must keep abreast of the way that their particular placement is operating. The rules in this article applied as of 3rd August 2021.

Patient appointments

Perhaps the biggest change to the way healthcare professionals will now work is the ability to meet patients face-to-face.

The age of enforced telemedicine has passed, and unless there is a compelling argument not to do so, all patients must be offered the opportunity to attend a consultation in person. Equally important is the guidance that reception desks must now welcome walk-in patients that have not pre-booked an appointment.

Face masks and PPE

Whilst mask protocol is now in general a matter of personal comfort and preference for both parties, staff, patients and visitors are still expected to wear face masks in healthcare settings. NHS England has stated that “the NHS will continue to support staff in ensuring that the guidance is followed in all healthcare settings.” Healthcare professionals will be expected to continue following all existing infection prevention and control recommendations. This means that the wearing of face coverings remains essential.

If you’re uncomfortable meeting a patient that refuses to wear PPE, even if medically exempt, discuss this with your employer. NHS England remains keen to encourage healthcare professionals to protect their own safety, and it’s very likely that you’ll be permitted to complete a consultation from afar in such an instance. It is still essential that doctors, nurses and all those in healthcare, either primary or secondary, continue to wear applicable protective clothing.

Social distancing

Social distancing is potentially a little more challenging than PPE. After all, being seated alongside a patient in a consultation room may not always permit two metres of distance. What’s more, everyday practices such as blood tests will require a measure of unavoidable close contact. However, NHS England again expect everyone to social distance in healthcare settings unless unavoidable. The emphasis must always be placed on remaining protected and comfortable without sacrificing quality in service.

COVID tests

Healthcare professionals, whether locum or full-time, must be vigilant about regular COVID testing. Anyone that develops any of the core symptoms of the virus will be expected to isolate immediately and take a PCR test.

Naturally, the isolation needs to continue until the results of the test are confirmed. Asymptomatic locums must also undertake regular testing, responding immediately to any positive result. Some healthcare establishments requirements are still everyday testing, but this is at the surgery’s discretion.

Self-isolation, including ‘pings’

The NHS track and trace app has always had its detractors, but concerns have risen exponentially in recent weeks. As positive test cases are rising, it is believed that users have deleted the app to avoid the dreaded ‘ping’ that demands self-isolation for ten days.

This will not be a concern for anybody with two vaccinations following August 16th, but for now, the standard period remains in place.

The good news for healthcare professionals is that self-isolation is not mandatory when receiving an exposure notification. NHS and care staff are entitled to work if they have a received a negative PCR test and then must take daily COVID tests for 7-10 days. This only applies to those who have received two vaccinations. Naturally, a positive result must be followed by isolation.

In order to mitigate risks, those continuing to work must not work with extremely clinically vulnerable patients and comply with PPE regulations. Read in more detail here. 

To be on the safe side, consult your employer about this strategy. The government has been at pains to point out that, while they are keen to keep the wheels of industry turning for essential frontline workers, this is not a blanket policy for any sector. For locums, it is important to check this with each employer if you are taking on longer placements  Instead, individuals should be in conversation with their employer about the particular rules of each organisation.