Message from the Infection, Prevention and Control team

Please see below some important points to note following an increase in winter respiratory viruses across the South West.

Universal masking

Due to the ongoing rapid increase in transmission of Flu, COVID-19, RSV and Norovirus (referred to as the ‘Quademic’) some South West hospitals and care facilities have introduced universal masking for all patients, visitors and clinicians including all SWASFT staff.

When attending any facility with a universal masking policy, please ensure that you comply with this at all times, including asking patients and carers to wear a mask where clinically possible.

PPE use

As always, when attending any patient with known, suspected, or potential respiratory symptoms, droplet PPE must be worn (disposable apron, fluid repellent surgical mask, gloves, plus eye protection if body fluid splash is possible). Aprons may be removed when there is potential for it to blow up into the face (such as when transferring to the ambulance), and a fresh one donned once back inside to protect the uniform from droplet contamination.

Note that following assessment, it may be necessary to upgrade to airborne PPE, or where possible to downgrade to contact PPE. Consult the A to Z of Disease Specific Precautions and Safe Use of PPE standard operating procedures, both available on the Clinical App, for further details.

The Trust has seen increasing incidents and reports of patient-facing colleagues omitting to wear fluid repellent surgical masks at the appropriate times, which results in increased risk of respiratory infections, illness, cross infection to family and work abstraction.

The Trust now highly recommends the wearing of fluid repellent surgical masks (FRSM) during all patient contact regardless of presenting condition (except where a higher level of PPE is indicated).

When using FRSM, please ensure the following guidance is adhered to:

• Masks must be changed after each patient, when soiled on the outside, or wet on the inside.
• Do not handle the front of a worn mask; handle only by the ear loops and decontaminate hands after removal.
• Do not cut or break the ear loops, as this involves additional handling and risk of cross contamination.
• Dispose of worn masks into the offensive waste stream.
• Cloth masks or under-masks must not be worn under any circumstances.

The Trust continues to support the wearing of masks outside of clinical practice if desired.

Hand hygiene

Hand hygiene is a vital element of Infection Prevention and Control. If there is no access to soap and water, use alcohol-based hand rub at each of the 5 Moments of Hand Hygiene (see the Hand Hygiene SOP available on the Clinical App). Wherever there is access to soap and water, the opportunity should be taken to use it – particularly at hospitals – at a hand wash basin and using disposable hand towels.

All staff wearing green uniform (except EOC), other operational uniform (e.g. HEMS, HART), blue uniform (with decontamination responsibilities), and any other clinician with patient-facing duties must comply with Bare Below the Elbows to ensure effective hand hygiene. Consult the Hand Hygiene SOP and the Uniform Policy for further details.

Vaccination

Vaccination not only reduces the likelihood of catching and becoming unwell from a disease, but drastically reduces the likelihood of passing the illness on to your colleagues, your patients and your family at home.

The Trust’s COVID-19 and Flu vaccination programme has been extended until March 2025, and can be booked via Vaccination Track.

If you are unsure of your vaccination status for other illnesses, you can consult Occupational Health or your GP.