NHS England and NHS Improvement (NHSE&I) have written to NHS providers requesting the urgent completion of staff risk assessments.

In light of the risks to healthcare staff posed by the COVID-19 outbreak, the letter from NHSE&I outlines the responsibilities of employers as well as the support available to help them.

In particular, NHSE&I set a deadline saying that individual risk assessments for at least staff in at-risk groups (including Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) staff) should be completed within the next four weeks.

NHSE&I refers to the following resources which may assist:

• A risk reduction framework published by the Faculty of Occupational Medicine;
• Updated guidance from NHS Employers; and
• Practical tools and case studies on the NHSE&I website.

The letter also contains an annex highlighting examples of good practice.

Read the NHSE&I letter on risk assessments for at-risk staff groups