COVID-19
Introductions and Links
We are curating up-to-date information on COVID-19 for medical staff, students and other healthcare workers in NHS Lothian.
All of Scotland is currently under tier 4 restrictions. More information on the current advice is available on the Scottish Government website.
The NHS Lothian staff test-and-protect policy is available for review here. Please also see the daily NHS Lothian Speed Read updates and NHS Lothian intranet resources.
You can read the recent letter to Doctors in Training from the 4-nations Chief Medical Officers here.
(Last updated 26 November 2020; 12:00)
On this page
- Important Updates
- Logged In Resources
- Events
- COVID-19 Webinars
- Doctors in Training
- Medical Students
- Wellbeing and Support
- PPE and Infection Control
- Resources and Guidelines
- Contact Us
- FAQs
Some of these resources will require you to log in to this site (at the top right on browser and phone).
If you don't yet have an account, please email med.website@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk using your NHS email.
Trainee Wellbeing Feedback through COVID-19 (July 2020)
Reskilling for COVID-19
Reskilling Sessions
As more patients became hospitalised with COVID-19, we provided regular interactive teaching sessions for NHS Lothian doctors in training as refreshers in respiratory medicine and other skills for managing COVID-19 patients.
These sessions were run daily using videoconferencing, designed by Dr James Tiernan (resp consultant) and Dr Emma Scahill (clinical teaching fellow).
Session Objectives
- be able to perform an A-E assessment
- discuss causes, recognition and management of respiratory failure
- review oxygen therapy and titration
- appreciate the role of anticipatory care planning and escalation pathways
COVID Zone Induction Pack
COVID Zone Induction Guide (16-04-20)
The Allocation section below has further details on the steps in the allocation process.
University of Edinburgh Teaching Materials
This material is available via a special log-in set up by UoE. Using your NHS account, this can be accessed here.
Turas Learn Resources
Access Turas COVID-19 resources with your NHS account.
Senior Doctor Resources
These materials are tailored toward senior clinicians toward helping with decision making in respiratory failure and COVID-19 patients.
Senior Decision Support Guide PDF (pan-Lothian 16-04-20)
Oxygen Therapy / NIV Guidance (20-03-20)
Recorded Webinar
The session below was recorded with James Tiernan and a group of interim FY1s on 17-04-20 (all infomation correct as of this time).
00:00 -- Intro
04:32 -- A-E assessment and initial management
11:00 -- ABG interpretation and Respiratory Failure
27:00 -- Cases
38:50 -- COVID management
41:00 -- Role of junior doctors
47:00 -- PPE
49:20 -- Deteriorating Patients and Escalation
1.00:30 -- FAQs
This session was recorded with James Tiernan and some of the interim FY1s (all information correct as of 17-04-20).
Preparation for Critical Care
Following the success of the "Reskilling for COVID-19" webinars, similar online drop-in sessions were planned for any health care worker who had been re-allocated to a critical care environment (or for those looking to prepare themselves for future changes).
These sessions were run by ICM and anaesthetic registrars covering: critical care environments and equipment, systems and processes, troubleshooting, common emergencies, and management of specific ITU conditions.
VIDEO - webinar recorded 23 April 2020
00:00 - introduction
03:52 - what is "critical care"?
06:49 - equipment
32:25 - daily assessment
41:15 - CXR interpretation
47:25 - critical care emergencies
57:22 - tracheostomy management
64:09 - specific critical care conditions
71:30 - summary
Course - COVID-19 Critical Care: Understanding and Application
The University of Edinburgh and Royal College of Physicians (Edinburgh) have created a free online course developing themes discussed in this webinar including: daily critical care practice, ventilation and organ support, COVID-19 specific care, self-care and staff wellbeing.
Useful Resources
Critical Care Handbook (developed by UoE MSc Critical Care faculty)
NHS Lothian ICU Infusion Guide (last accessed 13-04-20; these are the "yellow sheets" in ITU)
Intubating COVID-19 patients
Video from RIE Critical Care (filmed 11-03-20)
Proning in ITU
Video from RIE Critical Care (filmed 11-03-20)
Redeployment
Redeployment
We would like to reassure you as much as possible that should it be necessary to make changes to work patterns, including redeployment, in response to COVID pressures we will support you and there is a plan that we have made in collaboration with NES. The letters below have additional information about redeployment.
COVID unit induction guide
This is a pan-Lothian guide to working in the COVID zones in RIE, SJH and WGH. This has relevant contact numbers, information on diagnostic tests and management pathways but is constantly under review and update so please check here for the latest versions. If there is information you feel would be useful to include, please discuss with your local medical team (including the authors on the front page) or you can contact us.
Senior Decision Guidance
This document has been prepared by the Lothian Respiratory team to help support registrars and consultants who are moving to COVID Zones. Included is advice on escalation pathways, common respiratory conditions and PPE guidance.
SENIOR DECISION GUIDE 16-04-20
Oxygen Therapy / NIV Guidance 20-03-20
COVID-19 specific documents
- Anticipatory Care Plan (adult admissions in NHSL) (24.03.20)
- Diabetes UK - Management of Diabetes in COVID-19 Patients (09-04-20)
- NHSL - Guideline for Adult CPR in COVID-19 patients, v1.2 (25.03.20)
- NHSL - Oxygen Support / NIV Flowchart (consultant level decision) (20-03-20)
- COVID Zone Senior Support Pack (all sites, 16-04-20)
Anticipatory Care Planning
All adult admissions in NHS Lothian should be accompanied with a recorded Anticipatory Care Plan (a copy of the form is available here). This is a standardised document which staff will be able to refer to throughout the patient's hospital admission. It should be completed by the most senior doctor available, in consultation with the patient, family and with the responsible consultant.
The paper form is required in all admissions, and this should also be actioned on Trak within the EPR (Green C indicates full escalation, red C with line through indicates DNACPR).
Part of this process will involve discussions with patients regarding anticipated levels of care and DNACPR status. With the Palliative Care team (Dr Colette Reid, Dr Stephen Fenning) we have created the videos below as examples of conversations you may have with patients and family members around dying, particularly during this COVID-19 pandemic. They have prepared some phrases which you may find useful when having these discussions (PDF here).
EC4H (Effective Communication for Healthcare) also have a section for communication with patients and families during COVID-19, including the RED-MAP conversation approach.
Not On Site Working
There is a small number of doctors who due to existing health conditions or pregnancy have been advised to step back from front-line clinical work (the information regarding at-risk groups is available here).
Looking after yourself is a priority, but we know that a number of you are still wanting to support your colleagues and contribute where you can.
There are a number of ways that non-clinical work (even from home) can help, and be counted as work suitable to match the Gold Guide for trainee progression (including updates regarding Outcome 10 and COVID-19). A guide produced by some of our not-on-site doctors on what to prepare and cover is included here.
Documents
- NES - August Training Rotations (19-05-20)
- Junior Doctor Contractual Provisions (rota, banding, leave) during COVID-19 (09-05-20)
- NES Principles for Return of Redeployed Trainees (01-05-20)
- 4 Nation (inc. NES) ARCP Decision Aid (late April 2020)
- ARCP codes relating to COVID-19 (late April 2020)
- UK training bodies summary document (late April 2020)
- COPMeD - SOAR FAQs and guidance (24-04-20)
- NES - Welcome to FiY1 Letter (23-04-20)
- UKFPO - Welcome Letter to Early Graduating Doctors (Scotland) April 2020
- NES - Specialty Recruitment with COVID-19 (30-03-20)
- AoMRC - Exams for doctors in training (19.03.20)
The University of Edinburgh has made changes to the formats of year 4 and 5 to allow NHS staff to deliver clinical care to patients. More details can be read on each year's Learn discussion board and in this letter from Prof Kluth (17-03-20).
The final year (year 6) students who passed their final examinations were invited, as with other final year students across the country, to help clinically by starting interim Foundation doctor positions. Please welcome them to NHS Lothian and support them, as they will support us.
Letter from Chief Medical Officer to all Medical Students in Scotland (01-04-20)
Academic Year 2020/21
Plans are still being finalised but the future of clinical teaching in the University of Edinburgh and across NHS Lothian will look very different to what came before COVID-19.
Year 4 will follow a 10 week model of rotations, in the community and primary care, acute hospital services, and specialist / outpatient specialties.
Years 5 and 6 will also have adjustments, to broader clinical placements.
Students in all these years will have longitudinal ward based placements, including making use of hours outside 9-5, with the intentions of reducing student rotation throughout our units and increasing clinical experience. Measures will also be taken to reduce exposure to AGPs. Students will be provided with branded university scrubs; information on changing sites is available on the main hosptial pages.
Local Services
NHS Lothian Advice Line
Monday - Friday, 0800-1800
0131 537 8530 (ext. 88530)
Staff are not to call RIDU or our Public Health teams with queries, as both areas are under extreme pressure.
Occupational Health Staff Counselling and Support
Self referral process to OHSCS@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk
"self refer" as message title, and include your name, date of birth and a contact number.
Staff Listening Service - Edinburgh and Lothians Health Foundation
T: 07888998084 (between 9am and 9pm, calls last 30 minutes and you can re-call)
email: stafflistening@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk
Here4U
Open to all NHS Lothian staff, confidential psychological support and guidance
T: 0131 451 7445
email: Here4U@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk
Edinburgh Medics' Share
A medical student led volunteer group offering childcare and support for health care professionals.
Facebook Group (sign in required)
Food and Supplies
RIE
Canteen: Opening hours extended (now continuous 0700-1930, with extended meal times)
Aroma: hot and cold drinks, with sandwiches / snacks available 2100-0000 (supported by FeedNHS)
WGH
Dining Room: Open 0700-1930 - hot drinks and snacks available all day.
Cooked: breakfast 0700-1000 // lunch 1145-1400 // dinner 1630-1900
Tea/Coffee Facilities in MEC 24/7
National / Online Services
NES Wellbeing Planning Toolkit
A PDF resource developed by NES to help with knowing your warning signs and actively managing your wellbeing
Wellbeing and Self-Care (ICS)
A PDF resource developed early by the Intensive Care Society.
The second page in particular has a number of suggestions and tips excellent for general use.
MIND
A PDF resource to help with shift work during COVID-19, including simple checklists before getting home.
If you need to speak with someone:
BREATHING SPACE: breathingspace.scot - T: 0800838587
SAMARITANS: samaritans.org - T: 116 123 (free phone)
SHOUT: giveusashout.org - Text 85258
FRONTLINE 19: frontline19.com free counselling service
Headspace
Free app access for all NHS staff throughout 2020 (register with NHS email).
Unmind - use NHS email
From sleep and coping through to parenting and supporting others, we provide tools and training across the entire spectrum of mental health.
Ten Percent Happier
Free podcasts and online guides to caring and coping with the anxieties and challenges presented by COVID-19.
BMA 24/7
(confidential and peer support line for doctors and medical students)
0330 123 1245
Rest Facilities
As well as the additional food and drink facilities being set up, the MED has secured funding for recliner chairs to be added in a number of locations around our acute hospitals, to provide suitable space for doctors in training to have a safe rest space.
Some beds (for short spells of rest) are also available, and other rest facilities are provided by some specialties already.
RIE Recliners
4 recliners in Braids Room (PGEC). Beds in Doctors' Mess (close to ward 104).
WGH Recliners
CSAC and Wellbeing Wing (former Library on South Corridor)
SJH Recliners
3 recliners in Wellbeing hub / Doctors' Mess in Education Centre
REH Recliners
Recliner for trainee doctors in CAHMS. Bed in ADC.
RHSC Recliners
3 recliners in HAN space
Parking
RIE Parking
Free parking has been extended to January 2021.
Day time: Staff are asked to park in 2C (or if directed to, 2B). This leaves 2A and 1G closest to the hospital entrances available for patients.
Night time: Staff are asked to park in the closer car parks (1G, 2A, 2B) to facilitate quicker leave times and morning arrivals to the main staff car park.
WGH Parking
There is metered parking available along Carrington Road to the south of the hospital.
Staff car parking is only available by permit. In line with NHS Lothian Policy, only those staff based on this site and who meet the parking criteria will have access to a parking permit.
SJH Parking
Currently staff without permits are permitted to park in the Patients & Visitors Car Park. Communication will go out to staff when this changes.
RHSC / Central Parking
Local on-street parking charges were reintroduced by City of Edinburgh Council on 22 June.
PPE and Infection Control
Current NHS Lothian recommendations for community and hospital based PPE is available here (updated 09-04-20).
An update from PHE and NERVTAG on PPE required for early CPR procedures from 24-04-20 is available here.
As of Monday 29 June, FRSMs are to be worn on the wards at all times and face coverings elsewhere, with maintenance of 2 m social distancing. This follows recommendations from Scottish Government (24-06-20).
COVID-19 transmission (August 2020)
Clinical Guidelines
- NHSL - Guide for Proning out with HDU/ITU Level Care - 17-04-20
- Diabetes UK - Management of Diabetes in COVID-19 Patients (09-04-20)
- RHSC - Interim Guidance for Deteriorating Suspected/Positive COVID-19 Paediatric Patient (03-04-20)
- NHSL - Guideline for Adult CPR in COVID-19 patients, v1.2 (25.03.20)
- Anticipatory Care Plan (adult admissions in NHSL) (24.03.20)
- NHSL - Oxygen Support / NIV Flowchart (consultant level decision) (20-03-20)
Organisational / Workforce Updates
FAQs
Answers (as we have them) to questions from our doctors-in-training.
Ethics During the COVID-19 Pandemic (May 2020)
Let us know what you need to know on Trickle or by talking to your trainee reps, the ADMEs or anyone else in the MED team.
Ways to get in touch
Lothian Trainee and Management Forum
The LTMF is a grouping of trainees, trainers and managers in NHS Lothian, and is a great opportunity to find out what is going on at work and in training, and to raise questions via your representatives.
Please email us to be included in the LTMF mailing list and find out about future meetings. These are currently being held every other Wednesday.
Trickle is a new feedback service we have launched for doctors-in-training earlier this year.
Downloadable as an app or through your browser you can raise issues and ask questions relating to your work and training. Trickle lets you see what people are talking about and you can upvote topics for discussion.
More details are here on the Trickle page.
National Clinical Advisor, Scottish Government (26-03-20)
Michael is Senior Visiting Fellow at The King’s Fund and Professor at Lancaster University. He has worked with us in NHS Lothian before and shares here his ideas on wellbeing while dealing with COVID-19 (25-03-20)
Supporting doctors in training
You can find information on training as well as materials for ACP discussions, online interactive respiratory skills teaching and support sessions.
Keeping safe
The latest information for staff regarding testing and NHS Lothian PPE guidelines are published above.
Looking after yourself
Symptomatic (new continuous cough and/or temperature 37.8° or higher): self-isolate for 10 days. Health care workers can return after this 10 day period when apyrexial for 48 hours (even if ongoing cough).
Household symptomatic: the whole house must isolate for 14 days.
Further advice in the HPS / NHS Lothian occupational health links (including for high/increased risk health conditions and staff testing) above.