Today’s update is below:
- Urgent information about FFP3 masks
- Patients with Dementia / Delirium, Autism or Learning Disability
Urgent information about FFP3 masks
The Trust relies upon the National Pandemic Store for the supply of FFP3 masks and the Trust Procurement team have been working hard with colleagues to ensure steady supply of all FFP3 masks.
Over the coming weeks, all trusts are likely to see the supply of all 3M branded FFP3 masks reduced (3M 1863+ being the main one used currently). Please be assured there are plenty of other models of FFP3 masks available and the Fit Testing Team are therefore working to get as many staff fit tested, as quickly as possible, on these alternative masks. The Fit Testing team are undertaking intensive fit testing for other brands of masks, to ensure all staff have alternatives should 3M supply become an issue.
If you use any 3M FFP3 masks currently then please contact your local fit testers or Georgia.Keegan@sthk.nhs.uk or 0151 430 1781 to arrange fit testing on an alternative model, as soon as possible.
The single use models you are likely to be fit tested on are:
- Meixen MX-2016V
- GVS31000
- Several other new FFP3 masks that are being made available this month
If none of the new single use models are appropriate for you, half face reusable respirators are also available, which also may be fit tested.
The masks listed above are being used in a variety of areas and well received.
For the time being please continue to maintain your usual stock levels, but seek alternative fit testing ASAP- we have plenty of FFP3 masks locally but need to take action now to ensure all staff are protected with the best FFP3 masks for our needs.
Visors
It has been highlighted that some single sessional use visors are possibly being reused. Please note visors such as these pictured are single sessional use, they should not be shared and are not designed to be cleaned (foam and elastic etc). There are plenty of these visors on site and if you require them please order via Oracle or increase your top up level by emailing purchasing@sthk.nhs.uk
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Recent NHS England guidance regarding visiting patients with Dementia / Delirium, Autism or Learning Disability:
In line with NHSE guidance, staff are reminded that the Trust permits one person to attend the hospital (a familiar carer/supporter/personal assistant) for those patients with dementia / delirium, autism or a learning disability.
The Trust supports the rights of carers to stay with the person with any cognitive impairment, where it is safe to do so, and is signed up to John’s Campaign, Dementia Action Alliance and The Dementia Charter.
However, the health and safety of patients, carers and staff remain our absolute priority. Every carer must be shown how to don and doff PPE and must not have any Covid symptoms when attending the hospital.
To assist in the care of patients, the ‘Forget me not’ card helps staff to understand and remember what is important to the person that we are caring for. There is also a Carers Pass which allows the named carer to visit at any time. This pass is signed by the nurse in charge and when used by the carer at ‘The Spice of Life’ restaurant staff at either Whiston or St Helens hospitals, where they will receive staff discount at the till for their food and beverages. Each ward has a supply of these cards but if you need more supplies, please contact the dementia team on ext. 5253 or email marie.honey@sthk.nhs.uk or lauren.hanson@sthk.nhs.uk