Living with COVID-19

The Government has implemented new measures as part of ‘Living with COVID-19’. New measures include changes to universally free COVID-19 testing and updates to self-isolation guidance for those experiencing symptoms.

Mask wearing and social distancing

Masks are still required in healthcare settings, including across all our sites in clinical & non clinical areas. This is as important in meeting rooms as it is in clinical areas to protect your colleagues. In offices if you are unable to distance >1m masks are required. Masks must be worn in meeting rooms. Please challenge those you see not wearing masks within the hospitals/ clinics.

Although masks are no longer a legal requirement in most public settings, it is strongly encouraged to continue to wear face masks in enclosed spaces and on public transport.

If you are required to leave the house and are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, or have tested positive, you should wear a face mask and social distance.

Self-isolation guidance:

• If you have symptoms with a negative lateral flow test please arrange a PCR test, available on each site. If you have a positive lateral flow test please arrange a PCR test. Whilst awaiting the PCR result please stay at home.
• If your PCR is positive but you are asymptomatic lateral flow test from day 5 & you can return to work with 2 negative lateral flows.
• If you are a household contact you do not need to undertake a PCR test but please lateral flow test every day for 10 days, if a test is positive please arrange a PCR test.
• If you have been COVID positive you should return to lateral flow tests twice weekly but not repeat a PCR test for 90 days.

Lateral flow tests are no longer free to members of the general public, however healthcare staff can still order kits through the government website, & if you are unable to order these are available on presentation of your ID from procurement on our 2 main sites Tues & Thurs 10am – 2pm. 

More details on ‘Living with COVID-19’ measures, can be read on the Government website & there is further information on the intranet for staff.