page last updated 16/10/2020
As you are likely aware, the situation with coronavirus or COVID-19, is constantly changing and we are always consistently reviewing and following the latest advice provided by NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care. To ensure you are kept up to date we will be keeping this page up to date with the latest recommendations, advice and information.
The health and safety of our nurses, support workers and clients is our absolute priority and we will continue to update you with any information or measures that we have put in place.
We’ve put together some FAQ’s to support you and answer some of the questions you may have but if you still have questions or concerns please do not worry. Our team are on-hand 24/7 to answer any query you may have.
Latest advice if you have symptoms
Who to contact if you are self-isolating
Wellbeing, emotional and financial support
ID badges and key worker verification
Training and compliance
Masks and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Infection prevention and control
Updating your availability for work
Contacting the Pulse Nursing at Home team
For more information and guidance on the COVID-19
The latest advice if you have symptoms:
It is essential you stay up to date with the latest Government and NHS advice on the signs and symptoms of COVID-19.
View Government guidance
View NHS guidance
These pages are updated as anything relating to the current situation changes so please check them regularly to ensure you are up to date.
The Government website also offers a daily email updates service that alerts you to any new information you need to be aware. To sign up click here
In addition, if you have symptoms of coronavirus the NHS has created an online service for you to use. To access the NHS 111 online service click here
If the client you care for or any of their family members are showing symptoms of Coronavirus, then their GP should be contacted via telephone. Please also use https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19 for advice and pass any instructions given to the family and/or parents as well as the Pulse Nursing at Home team .The Clinical Lead for your client will then direct all care to be given. If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact the care coordination team, who are available 24/7 to support you on 0207 959 1003.
< Jump to the top
Who to contact if you are self-isolating?
If you are concerned that you have COVID-19 you should follow NHS advice. If you are advised to self-isolate at home, you should follow the stay at home guidance and contact the care coordination team to let them know you are self-isolating.
After following the advice above, it is imperative that if you are concerned that you have COVID-19, you must not visit the client that you care for until it is safe to do so.
< Jump to the top
COVID-19 testing for key workers
Who is eligible for testing?
The National Testing Programme provides coronavirus (COVID-19) tests to key workers who are self-isolating (not able to leave home). This means as a healthcare professional working for Pulse Nursing at Home you can now apply for you and your household to get tested for coronavirus (COVID-19).
What do you need to do?
If you live in England and work for Pulse Nursing at Home, you can now apply for testing by calling your care coordinator who will support you in booking the test or you can choose to book directly for testing through the GOV.UK self-referral form. Please be aware that due to high demand the site may be unavailable at the time you try to access it. If that is the case, please try again later.
Please remember that if you are self-isolating because either you or someone in your household is symptomatic, you must let us know as soon as you begin experiencing symptoms.
You will have the option to be directed to the nearest testing station or request a home testing kit.
If you have chosen to attend a local testing site, you are only able to if you have a car or a member of your household has a car. You must drive/be driven to the test site.
Wellbeing, emotional and financial support
Wellbeing and emotional support
During these challenging times we understand how important it is that you are able to look after your mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. The RCN has provided some self care tips that you may find useful:
- Make sure you are getting your news from trusted sources
- Limit your exposure to social media if you find it is heightening your anxiety
- Think self-care, sleep, routine, rest. You may find yourself working longer hours or more shifts so take care of your physical health as best you can.
- Stay connected to family and friends by phone, email or video calls
- Check local arrangements for key worker childcare plans in your area
The wellbeing of our employees is paramount, if Pulse Nursing at Home is your substantive employer and you feel you need additional support during this time, we want to be here for you. Please let us know by sending an email to: SupervisionAppraisalteam@ukics.com
In addition, you can access counselling and support services through the following:
RCN counselling service for nurses
Mental Health Foundation advice service
Financial support
We know that our nurses and support workers are worried about having to self-isolate or becoming ill as a result of COVID-19, or even being out of work to care for loved ones who have contracted COVID-19 and the financial impact this will have. We have put some information together to help you identify what support is available to you during this time: click here
< Jump to the top
ID badges and key worker verification
The government has finalised the list of key workers whose children will be allowed to remain in school so they can continue to provide critical services. As you are included within this list, please get in contact with us if you require evidence that you are classed as a key worker for your child’s school.
In addition please make sure you are carrying your ID badge with you when out and about. If you don’t currently have your ID badge, we can provide you a letter confirming your employment. Please email compliance@pulsenursingathome.co.uk
< Jump to the top
Training and compliance
The safety of our nurses and support workers is our absolute priority and we do not want to put you at any unnecessary risk by attending face to face training courses at this time. We do not however want to impact your ability to continue your work with us so we have released some new policies and procedures to support you.
If you are due to attend one of our courses within the next few weeks, your compliance or recruitment coordinator will have been in touch regarding the next steps for you but if you have any questions at all, please do contact us at compliance@pulsenursingathome.co.uk.
< Jump to the top
Masks and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
We have implemented new processes regarding the supply of PPE.
For any PPE enquiries regarding the package of care you work in, please contact your Regional Clinical Lead (RCL) who will be able to assist.
< Jump to the top
Infection prevention and control
For all guidance on infection prevention and control for COVID-19 please click here
< Jump to the top
In light of current circumstances, there has never been a greater need for more simple and flexible ways of working. Our new and improved ipoint app makes managing your work life as easy as possible. Everything you need is in one place including your availability calendar, booked and worked shifts.
We would greatly appreciate if you can update your availability using the ipoint app as regularly as you possibly care. This will ensure we are able to supply you with the relevant shifts you are able to work.
You can download the app in Apple App Store, or Android Google Play.
If you are having any issues accessing the ipoint app please contact us at:
ipoint.servicedesk@ukics.com
< Jump to the top
Contacting the Pulse Nursing at Home team
Following our previous communications, we are now transitioning to home working. To enable this, we have our teams using additional phone lines to contact you. If you receive a call from an unknown number, no caller ID or a number you don't recognise, please do answer the call as it will likely be our care coordination team trying to contact you.
At the current time and based on our understanding of what is known of COVID-19 and other similar respiratory viruses, it is likely that older people and those with chronic medical conditions may be vulnerable to severe disease. As more information emerges, recommendations may change.
< Jump to the top
For more information and guidance on the Coronavirus
COVID-19: guidance for health professionals
Read more
COVID-19: infection prevention and control:
Read more
COVID-19: residential, supported living and home care guidance:
Read more
The latest information for the public about the situation in the UK:
Read more
Detailed guidance on the epidemiology, virology and clinical features:
Read more
Coronavirus (COVID-19): UK government response:
Read more
If you have any further questions about the information provided, please do not hesitate to contact us:
If your query is urgent please contact the care coordination team on 0207 959 1003
Finally, we want to take this opportunity to once again thank you for your support. We would not be able to get through this challenging time without the continued dedication you have shown to the clients you care for. We are truly grateful. Please continue to contact us with any questions you have. Stay safe and take care, we are stronger together and together we shall stay ♥