Archive for the “PPE” category
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 …
How long does each item of PPE last before needing to be changed?
During sessional use, masks should be changed when they become moist. This length of time will be different for each individual. Aprons and gloves do not have a specific duration before they should be changed when not in direct contact with service users. It is …
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We have experienced some distress from service users when wearing PPE. Do we need to wear it all the time?
No, there is information available on the intranet for service users. Please maintain social distancing to reduce the amount of times that PPE is required.
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.
How long does it take to catch Covid-19 if you are wearing PPE (mask, apron and gloves) within 2 metres of somebody confirmed as positive?
The use of appropriate PPE will reduce the risk of cross infection. However, this should only be used when a 2 metre social distance cannot be maintained.
Do we have to change PPE after every contact with a patient?
Aprons and gloves should be changed between every physical contact with a service user. Masks can be maintained for sessional use unless the service user is a confirmed case, in which case they should also be changed when not working on a cohort ward. If …
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