The Coronavirus pandemic is quickly spreading across the UK. Due to this, we have made the decision to postpone our training courses until further notice. The health and wellbeing of our nurses is our top priority and we want to minimise the risk of further spreading the virus.

However, times like these require us to adapt in order to keep moving, and we are proud to announce that we will now deliver our training using digital technology.

Our new Webinar-based training courses will be led by our trainer Andrew. Through these webinars, we will be able to deliver all mandatory theory training required for nurses to remain compliant. We are also looking at ways of delivering other training in this way.

We are delighted to see so much positivity in local communities, despite the devastating effects of the virus across the country. The Queen recently spoke of how people should support each other through this time, and we even heard a story of a young boy who chose to spend his pocket money on essential items for those unable to leave their homes.

During this time, we must pull together as one – stay safe and be kind!

Further information on the Coronavirus

The main symptoms of the Corona Virus as we know it, are:

- A high temperature (hot to touch on your back or neck), and
- A persistent, dry, cough (coughing for more than one hour or having 3 or more episodes in 24 hours).

If you are experiencing these symptoms, it has been advised that you self-isolate for 7 days. If other people in your household experience these symptoms, you should self-isolate for 14 days.

Certain groups of people are considered high-risk, and they should quarantine for up to 12 weeks. High-risk groups include the elderly and those with underlying health conditions. The government has written to an estimated 1.4 million people who are high risk.

People have been advised to regularly wash their hands, stay 2 metres away from other people, avoid touching their face, and to stay home as much as possible (unless to buy essential supplies like food, go to work if they cannot work from home, or for exercise).

As of 31st March, BBC News reported over 25,000 cases of the Coronavirus, resulting in 1,789 deaths.

For our nurses

Please be aware that if you are asked to look after a patient with either suspected or confirmed Coronavirus and have not received all of the required PPE, we strongly advise against doing so.

If you are asked to, please speak with the NIC of the shift immediately to ensure that the specific training required is received and also ensure to report back to your agency contact at the earliest opportunity.

Please also be reminded that it is your responsibility to familiarise yourself with policies and procedures of the Trust that you are deployed in prior to commencement of your shift - please be reminded that these will differ from Trust to Trust.

Please ensure to keep up to date with the latest guidelines and advice concerning COVID-19 here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/coronavirus-covid-19-list-of-guidance

For further training and information for healthcare professionals, please use the following link:

https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/covid19-novel-coronavirus