Archive for the “PPE” category
How does the PPE guidance apply specifically to my ward?
The infection prevention and control team are visiting wards and services to explain the national and Trust PPE guidance and how it should apply in different areas. The ability to maintain social distancing will vary between areas but will also fluctuate depending on the activity …
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Can a member of infection prevention and control visit each individual inpatient unit to establish when and where staff should be wearing full PPE?
Yes, the infection prevention and control team have already started doing this. Ward managers can also contact the infection prevention and control team to arrange a specific visit on 01226 644343.
I have seen someone walking from an office (not an inpatient area) to a reception to collect something and back to the office wearing a mask, is this normal practice?
No. This is inappropriate use of PPE.
Is a fluid resistant gown for aerosol generating procedures sessional?
No, all of the PPE that is worn when undertaking an aerosol generating procedure should be used for dealing with that individual service user only.
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What should I do if while at work I see someone not wearing their mask correctly, ignoring social distancing or ignoring the number of people allowed in a room?
If you feel able to challenge, you should do so. If you do not feel able to challenge, speak to your manager, HR, staff side or a freedom to speak up guardian to help you.
If a service user was to require restraint, staff would not have adequate time to put on PPE. Should it be worn at all times as a contingency?
Please follow the infection control guidance for physical restraint of service users suspected / confirmed of having Covid-19 on the Trust’s coronavirus intranet pages. Contingency planning should be based on assessment of the individual and environmental risks at the start of a shift and as …
Should we be changing our PPE going from a non-shielded area to a shielded area?
PPE for shielded service users should be newly applied before close contact care is performed. No PPE used on suspected or positive service user should be used sessionally. This needs to be discarded immediately upon exit of their isolation room.
If I feel anxious and at risk, can I use PPE all the time?
No. PPE should only be used when necessary to prevent cross infection. Please discuss with your line manager or the infection prevention and control team if you are feeling anxious.
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When will fit testing for FFP3 masks start?
Training is ongoing. Many of the staff that perform aerosol generating procedures have already been fit tested. A programme for fit testing all clinical staff who work in inpatient areas started on 27 April 2020. Staff will be called to fit testing sessions in due …
Read more [Continue reading] When will fit testing for FFP3 masks start?
I am a member of therapy staff who covers several wards within a unit. Do I need to change my PPE every time I enter a different ward, even if not having had physical intervention with a service user?
Yes, PPE should be discarded safely in between different ward areas.