Public Board of Directors papers 27.01.22

and on how to safely put it on and remove it Adherence to national guidance on the use of PPE is regularly audited with actions in place to mitigate any identified risk Gloves are worn when exposure to blood and/or other body fluids, non- intact skin or mucous membranes is anticipated or in line with SICP’s and TBP’s The use of hand air dryers should be avoided in all clinical areas. Hands should be dried with soft, absorbent, disposable paper towels from a dispenser which is located close to the sink but beyond the risk of splash contamination as per national guidance Staff maintaining physical and social distancing of 1 metre or greater wherever possible in the workplace

The trust has maintained a position above and beyond that of national guidance on PPE. This regularly reviewed and approved via the Clinical Advisory Group due to the vulnerable nature of our patient group.

See PPE policy

Hand air dryers are not prioritised in clinical areas. Paper towel dispensers are appropriately positioned, close enough to the sinks yet far enough away to avoid potential risk of splash contamination in these areas.

There is no audit information as evidence.

Placement of hand driers and paper towel dispensers has been undertaken with IPC and other relevant stakeholders.

Unless providing clinical care that requires closer distancing staff working and rest facilities have been re-configured to enable physical distancing in addition to all other biosecurity measures. Examples include reduction in on site staff footfall to reduce office capacity, fewer and more spaced tables, reduced number of chairs at each table in communal break facilities. Specific guidance on uniforms and laundering is available on the intranet and has been communicated to staff via global briefings. Staff are only to wear uniforms on trust premises, with clinical staff being provided with scrubs. See Staff uniforms – laundering.

Staff understand the requirements for uniform laundering where this is not provided for onsite

C1501: Infection prevention and control board assurance framework (24 December 2021 Version 1.8) – January 2022

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