Thank you Yvonne for your reply.  What about anyone else?  What do your theatre staff do with regards wearing scrubs and leaving theatre?

To answer your question, our parents do not wear overshoes unless their shoes are visibly dirty, then they put on a Bunny Suit (all in one overall including foot covers).

Kind regards

Lenora

Chair IPCIreland

Hi All,
We recently changed over to gel from foam, purely for the same reason you mentioned Helen, just to promote hand hygiene.
The feedback from clinical staff has been excellent, but the facilities are complaining that it marks the floors. I just wondered if anyone else had any issues like this? It was dripping so we reduced the amount…[Read more]

Lenora
The 3 hour reprocessing rule definitely applies to TOE probes
and also to all semi-critical and critical US probes that are processed
using Tristel Trio or Trophon. All are only HLD.
As well as the above, endoscopes that are not put into a drying cabinet
eg ENT Naso-endoscopes should be reprocessed using the 3hour rule.

Kind regards
Alison

Hi Natalia,
No one product is used here in OLH&CS but it is something we may look at so will keep you in the loop.
Kind Regards,
Terry

Hi Sabrina,

any probe that may be exposed to body fluids requires high level disinfection. We had a similar problem in ICU and theatre with the probe used for insertion of CVC’s and at best it got a cats lick and a promise.
We have recently introduced the UV light HLD system Germitec to decontaminate these probes which are being used more and…[Read more]

Sabrina
I think the first question to ask is what are the non invasive probes used for?
– Are you talking about Sonosite’s for placement of CVC’s in ICU/ OT or IR ?
– Is the probe being used on intact or non intact skin ?
– Is there likely to be contact with body fluids?
According to the HSE guidelines if the probe is used for non intact skin or…[Read more]

Thank you Mary Clare for your response.

Hello Mary Clare,

When you say ward staff do you mean HCA or nurses?

We have the same problem Terry but hoping to tie in with our service contract.

Kind regards
Lenora
Chair IPCIreland

Hello Helen

Several years ago we changed our ABHR but only put alcohol foams in non-clinical areas i.e. entrances and main atrium of hospital.

The reason for this was at the time it was thought more foam was required for hand coverage and therefore hands took longer to dry. I do know now that several hospitals have moved to alcohol foams.…[Read more]

https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/5/publichealth/publichealthdepts/extreme/fan-guidelines.html

Hi Fiona

The HSE issues some guidance on the use of fans during the summer of 2018.
It’s on the link attached if this isn’t live google HSE and Fans and it will come up.
Regards
Patricia

Hello Fiona

We do not recommend the use of fans in clinical areas in our hospital as fans are considered an IPC risk. Dust is attracted to the fan blades and then when the fan is turned on it disperses this dust.

Also the use of fans creates a current and circulates dust and microorganisms.

If a fan must be used I would recommend cleaning…[Read more]

hello Fiona

Refer to HBN 00-03: Clinical and Clinical Support spaces from UK. It has a section on Dirty Utility layout.

Kind regards
Lenora
Chair IPCIreland

Hi Lenora,

CWS BoCo is another one that I have heard mentioned that operates in Irish Healthcare.

I am currently on the OGP Linen/ laundry Procurement Evaluation Group for HSE acute and non- acute services. There is a Manager from The Mater Hospital on that procurement group, who would help I am sure & close to you Lenora.

When you are like us…[Read more]

Hi Lenora,
I am aware of Celtic Linen & Berendsen .
Regards,
Terry