Archive for the “Decontamination” category
Are we expected to isolate everyone and clean the ward like a cohort ward following the new guidance?
There is no requirement to isolate individuals that are not displaying symptoms and the ward can be cleaned in the usual manner.
Should personal items i.e. cups and plates be removed from work areas and placed in a clean, safe place?
Please ensure that this occurs. Ward managers should liaise directly with the infection prevention and control team about clinical issues.
Are we able to have a drinks trolley on the ward that can be accessed by service users when they want or should staff make individual drinks upon request?
During the pandemic, drinks trollies are not permitted in order to reduce the risk of cross infection.
What’s the longest time that the virus is believed to remain active outside the body at room temperature?
This is dependent on the environmental conditions and the material that the surface is manufactured from. Generally, it is indicated that the virus remains active for approximately 72 hours on hard surfaces but regular hand washing and cleaning will mitigate the risks.
How should we clean/isolate patients’ own medications which are brought in from home?
Follow the Covid-19 guidance on handling and use of service users’ own medication (PODS) brought from home into hospital available on the Trust coronavirus intranet pages.
Will some parts of the ward be less of a risk than others?
Bedrooms are more likely to contain a high viral load as service users are spending lots of time in there sleeping or isolating and if they have the virus, this is where it is most likely being shed. PPE (mask, gloves and apron) should be …
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Is it possible to obtain some stickers to put on toys/equipment that has been cleaned so that the next person will know?
Clinell ‘I am clean’ stickers / tags can be used for toys and equipment. Over the last few years much hard work has taken place in collaboration with infection prevention and control and services around cleaning of equipment and toys. Where toys have fabric pieces …
What should be done about paperwork? How can that be cleaned?
Paper based assessments need to be put in quarantine in a plastic pouch/pocket for 72 hours.
Read more [Continue reading] What should be done about paperwork? How can that be cleaned?