Public Board of Directors papers 27.01.22

trigger an outbreak investigation and are reported

COVID-19 outbreaks are also reported on the national outbreak system following daily internal outbreak meetings.

7. Provide or secure adequate isolation facilities Key lines of enquiry Evidence

Gaps in assurance Mitigating actions

Systems and processes are in place to ensure: That clear advice is provided, and monitoring is carried out of inpatients compliance with wearing face masks (particularly when moving around the ward or healthcare facility) providing it can be tolerated and is not detrimental to their (physical or mental) care needs.

Inpatients are encouraged to wear face masks both when mobilising around ward areas and between other departments within the trust provided these can be tolerated and not detrimental to the individuals physical or mental health care requirements. Even if patients are unable to tolerate these all the time, most are able for short periods of time when mobilising between facilities.

No formal audit of compliance undertaken

This is monitored and addressed in real time by all clinical staff involved in the patients care. Testing for COVID- 19 inpatients is above and beyond that of national guidance to enable prompt action of potentially asymptomatic patients.

Separation in space and/or time is maintained between patients with and without suspected respiratory infection by appointment or clinic scheduling to reduce waiting times in reception areas and avoid mixing of infectious and non- infectious patients.

Single rooms, reduced bay occupancy, demarcations and door signage support compliance of PHE guidance. In addition to this, floor markings demonstrating the required social distance and encourage single file direction foot flow through corridors to maximise social distancing on corridors and waiting areas. Seating has been minimised in waiting areas and arranged to comply with social distancing. Patients are encouraged not to arrive early for outpatient appointments to further limit capacity in these areas. This is communicated in posters around the trust and in appointment letters. Patients with known respiratory infections where possible attend OP appointments at designated times e.g. at the end of the day to avoid mixing of infectious and

C1501: Infection prevention and control board assurance framework (24 December 2021 Version 1.8) – January 2022

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