Archive for the “Face masks” category
Is there any specific support for menopausal women who experience hot flushes and find the masks very difficult to wear?
Refer to occupational health for a full assessment. Staff are encouraged to take regular breaks and drinks.
I work in a team based in a police station; do the same rules apply around wearing masks?
Follow the recommendations of the host organisation as long as it’s the same or above Trust guidance.
Is wearing masks just for the test and trace set up?
It may have some impact on test and trace but it is not specifically for this.
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We undertake exercise with service users – I can’t wear a mask during this due to breathing. Can we go without the mask if social distancing during exercise?
Staff should only exercise with service users if this is done outside and social distancing can be maintained. If guidance on the use of gyms and sports halls changes, we will review our guidance.
With people from BAME backgrounds being more likely to develop severe coronavirus symptoms, will BAME staff be given FFP3 masks in the community?
Surgical masks protect just as much as the FFP3 mask in terms of droplet production that you encounter through a conversation. The only reason an FFP3 mask is needed is for aerosol generating procedures to protect against the finer mist.
Should service users be wearing masks too?
Guidance for service users wearing masks has not changed. Visitors and those attending for outpatient appointments are expected to wear a face covering.
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Do visors need changing regularly like masks?
Visors will need cleaning with So-chlor each time they are removed. This will be when leaving the work environment and when taking a break.
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Will the Trust be providing visors for community teams when we visit violent/aggressive patients for Mental Health Act assessments?
We provide visors for community staff in these situations. We are also looking at using goggles.
Can we re-use masks?
No, face masks are single use and should be disposed of safely when removed.
Do we need to have face masks on all the time in a clinical location?
Yes, whenever you are in clinical inpatient areas unless you are working alone in an office on a ward or you are visiting the toilet. In community clinical locations and where an estates led risk assessment has deemed it a Covid-secure environment, face masks may …
Read more [Continue reading] Do we need to have face masks on all the time in a clinical location?