Hello Rafaela

I understand that is happening in James Hospital (3 masks) and then other hospitals are supplying 4 masks per staff per day.  In our hospital we are advising standard surgical masks for all staff in contact with patient and all staff in contact with staff <2 metres and > 15 minutes, leave mask maximum time 3 hours or change when go on break and when mask becomes wet.

We changed last wednesday when HSE issued recommendations & we are keeping a record of the deliveries of mask to the wards.  So far it is approx 5 mask per staff member used per day but its early days yet and we will get a better picture next week.

Obviously if patient in Droplet precautions, mask has to be removed , hand hygiene performed & new mask put on.  Then you have the problem in ICU where FFP2 are used frequently performing AGP, then staff change to standard surgical mask outside the room at nurses station because they cannot maintain the 2m distance.

We have several problems as follows:

1. We have had many complaints of headaches, hot, sinus problems etc.  Last week I was advising staff to remove masks and wear appropriately, this week I’m telling staff to apply masks and wear appropriately.
2. Other problem is where we were advised to dispose all surgical mask in Healthcare risk waste bin.  While this is fine in patient rooms where patients are isolated & in Dirty Utility room,  we do not have yellow bins in other areas.
3. Another problem is the advise to change your mask when answering the phone, we cannot advise this as our supply of masks would be high.  We advise leave the mask on and wipe the phone down with a disinfectant wipe frequently.

We are strongly encouraging the social distancing especially in offices where the clinical staff are i.e. dietician, social workers, IPC so in the office space mask for clinical staff masks are not required.

Hope this helps.

Kind regards

Lenora

Chair IPCIreland