Archive for the “PPE” category
Is our PPE policy set on resources rather than best practice standards?
No. The Trust PPE guidance is based on the national guidance, which is available on the government PPE web pages.
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Kitchen staff already wear relevant kitchen PPE, do they also need to wear additional PPE?
No.
Is wearing PPE for long periods harmful?
If worn inappropriately PPE can damage skin. Please refer to the NHS guidance on helping to prevent facial skin damage beneath PPE, which is available on the coronavirus intranet page. Some people find PPE uncomfortable as it can make you warm and some people find …
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Are scrubs Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?
No, scrubs are NOT Personal Protective Equipment, they are work wear capable of being laundered at a higher temperature than most clothes.
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How often should we wash our PPE and how?
There is no requirement to wash any PPE apart from decontaminating visors. Visors should be decontaminated with So-Chlor on the ward or double bagged in the community and returned back to base where they should be cleaned with Clorox wipes or So-Chlor.
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If we open the cohort wards will our staff be wearing PPE all the time?
No. Staff will be wearing the appropriate PPE for the level of care that they will be providing on a sessional basis. This will depend on whether aerosol generating procedures are occurring. See inpatient guidance on the Trust’s coronavirus intranet pages.
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Do I need to wear PPE for escorted leave? There is additional guidance for people with learning disabilities and autism – staff may need to hold a service user’s hand in this instance.
Escorted leave is being closely monitored and in most cases will only be accessed if social distancing can be maintained. However, in exceptional circumstances where staff are required to hold a service user’s hand as part of their management and care plan (for instance in …
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.
Can I refuse to undertake a task if I do not have the correct PPE?
Under health and safety regulations where identified by specialist advisors the Trust should provide PPE. The Trust should also provide guidance on the different scenarios of when different types of PPE should be used. A member of staff can refuse to carry out a duty …
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When in the community, do we change full PPE between residents, but leave our mask on? Or do we just use the same kit for all patients?
Use of the mask will be sessional in this instance. However, the apron and gloves should be changed between service users to reduce the risk of cross infection of all healthcare associated infections. A session refers to a period of time where the staff member …