Daily Lateral Flow and PPE Home Care

COVID-19 Lateral Flow Device testing (LFD)

Early evidence suggests that the new Covid variant is much more transmissible. This means we all have to be more vigilant, conscientious and observant when it comes to adhering to the current health and safety protection measures.

As a matter of urgency, in response to the Omicron variant of Covid-19 and growing concerns around transmission and prevalence, we are asking you to follow the latest Scottish Government advice by carrying out an LFD test every day as well as still carrying out weekly PCR testing.

This step is being taken to protect your residents as clinical evidence suggests the Omicron variant can be very easily transmitted between people.

You should already have LFD test kits from current testing arrangements and we ask that these are used in the first instance. NSS are putting in place arrangements to provide additional test stocks to care homes.

We are also asking our staff to note the following:

• We are encouraging all social care staff to take a LFD test on a daily basis, and particularly on the days they are working with potentially vulnerable people
• For all other social care staff tests can be collected at your local pharmacy or test site – see link to find nearest (Find where to get rapid lateral flow tests – NHS (test-and-trace.nhs.uk))
• We ask that staff record their result (positive and negative) on the following portal for work based testing kits (issued from care home) – Welcome – COVID Testing Portal (service-now.com)and the following portal for kits collected at a pharmacy or test site Report a COVID-19 rapid lateral flow test result – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) Staff can select their profession in both portals.

Care home use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

Given how transmissible the new Omicron variant appears to be, it is vital that awareness is raised and IPC measures are strictly enforced and followed in order to reduce the risk of spread and ensure the safety of both staff and residents.

Please click here to view the latest winter respiratory guidance (including Covid-19)

that staff should familiarise themselves with as soon as possible.

Key points from the guidance include:

PPE

• Ensure the correct order of removing PPE is followed to reduce risk of self-contamination (see link above)
• All PPE (including face mask) should be removed when leaving each resident’s room
• Masks should also be changed if becomes wet/soiled/damaged.
• Don’t touch the front of your mask or wear it below your chin as this can potentially cause self-contamination

Hand Hygiene

• Hand hygiene is essential to prevent the spread of infection. This should be carried out when entering and leaving the room, before carrying out care, after removal of PPE
• Hand hygiene can be carried out using soap and water and/or alcohol based hand rub. Hand wipes followed by ABHR can be used if hand hygiene facilities are unable to be used then hands washed at the first available opportunity
• Jewellery should not be worn except a plain wedding band (no stones) to allow effective hand hygiene.

Car Sharing

• Avoid care sharing wherever possible as sharing the small space within the vehicle increases the risk of spread of respiratory infections including COVID-19
• If this can’t be avoided, please adhere to guidance in guidance link above

Please support this crucial protective measure by sharing this information as appropriate.

Thank you again for your continued hard work and dedication. We know how much it means to your residents and their loved ones.