Last updated on July 27th, 2020 at 03:18 pm
Dear colleagues,
Although the number of patients being admitted to our hospitals with COVID-19 has reduced in recent weeks, we still need to be vigilant to the dangers of this unpredictable virus.
One of the main boroughs we serve, Knowsley, is currently recording some of the highest figures for the number of cases in the country.
The threat of COVID-19 has not diminished in our community, and it is therefore critical that we all remain aware of the risks and do everything that we can to protect our patients and each other.
The risk of spreading the virus is greatest in a healthcare environment where patients with the virus are being cared for.
Regardless of whether a patient has previously tested negative, it is critical that staff continue to follow guidelines, and use full PPE protective equipment when in direct contact with patients.
The following PPE guidelines MUST continue to be followed:
- Staff in direct contact with patients should wear a surgical mask, apron, gloves and eye protection (goggles or visor).
Masks are to be changed every 3 hours or when moving from one clinical department to another, or if it becomes damaged or soiled.
Gloves and aprons are to be changed after each patient contact or episode of patient care.
Re-usable goggles and visors should be cleaned with 1000 parts per million chlorine (e.g. Chlorclean). - Staff working in ICU/HDU, ED Resus, Wards with Non-Invasive Ventilation and operating theatres with aerosol generating procedures (AGP), should wear FFP3 mask, gloves, gown, apron and eye protection (goggles or visor).
FFP3 Masks are to be changed every 6 hours or when moving from one clinical department to another.
Gloves and aprons are to be changed after each patient contact or episode of patient care.
Gowns are to be changed when moving from one clinical department to another.
Re-usable goggles and visors should be cleaned with 1000 parts per million chlorine (e.g. Chlorclean). - Staff outside of ICU/HDU, ED Resus and operating theatres, carrying out aerosol generating procedures (AGP) e.g. CPR on a general ward, must wear an FFP3 mask, gown, gloves and eye protection (goggles or visor).
All PPE must be changed after each patient contact or episode of patient care. Re-usable goggles and visors should be cleaned with 1000 parts per million chlorine (e.g. Chlorclean). - Staff working in Delivery Suite/home births should wear a surgical mask, gown, gloves, apron and eye protection (goggles or visor).
Masks are to be changed every 3 hours or when moving from one clinical department to another, or if it becomes damaged or soiled.
Gloves, gowns and aprons are to be changed after each patient contact or episode of patient care.
Re-usable goggles and visors should be cleaned with 1000 parts per million chlorine (e.g. Chlorclean).
Please ensure that all equipment is disposed of in the ORANGE waste bags/bins provided, and you follow the appropriate hand hygiene procedures.
To access supplies, please speak to your line manager.
PHE’s detailed guide on what protective equipment is required across the Trust can be found here:
In a hospital setting: https://covid.sthk.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Recommended-PPE-for-healthcare-workers-by-secondary-care-clinical-context-3.4.20.pdf
(password: STHKcovid19)
Primary and Community: https://covid.sthk.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Recommended-PPE-for-primary-outpatient-and-community-care-by-setting-poster-3.4.20.pdf
(password: STHKcovid19)
Thank you for your continued hard work.
Ann Marr OBE
Chief Executive