Re: Toilet lids

I think that the lack of toilet lids is due to them being attributed to increased falls in the toilet when the patient is opening and closing the lids. The act of opening and closing the lids cause the patient to become unsteady and lead to falls. So to reduce the falls risk, the lids have been removed.

It also is easier to get commodes over the toilet if there is no lid.

I agree with you all about the plume when flushing be of concern but it seems that falls outweigh infection prevention and control issues.

Interesting point of discussion.
Thanks,
Terri Cripps | Clinical Nurse Consultant – Infection Prevention and Control | SCHN Medical Diagnostics and HIV/Immunology
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From: ACIPC Infexion Connexion [mailto:AICALIST@AICALIST.ORG.AU] On Behalf Of Kelly Barton
Sent: Monday, 4 December 2017 11:49 AM
To: AICALIST@AICALIST.ORG.AU
Subject: Re: Toilet lids

I think the lack of toilet lids is very widespread. After advising staff to put the lid down to flush during an outbreak I was advised there were no lids. I have been taking note when I am in other facilities in the last few years and have found that most places I have seen do not have them. Considering what we now know about plume and MROs becoming more difficult to treat I am surprised this has not come up more often. Current design of over toilet chairs and equipment would make it difficult for lids to close for flushing.

I have seen toilet systems overseas where there is a vacuum system of evacuating contents with minimal water used. I would assumes that there would be less plume generated with these, but have not seen any research/study on them.

Keen to hear of other approaches also.

Kelly

Kelly Barton
Infection Prevention & Control Officer
Monday- Friday
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From: ACIPC Infexion Connexion [mailto:AICALIST@AICALIST.ORG.AU] On Behalf Of Van Someren, Leah M (THS)
Sent: Monday, 4 December 2017 10:02 AM
To: AICALIST@AICALIST.ORG.AU
Subject: Toilet lids

Hi everyone,

We are currently building a 10 storey hospital here in Hobart. The redevelopment team have recommended against installing lids on the toilets.

The Infection Prevention and Control team have recommended that all toilets have lids. We have based this decision on the evidence of toilet plume and the potentially increased risk of transmitting pathogenic organisms through environmental contamination.

We are interested in the approach taken in other hospitals.

If you are working in a newly developed hospital that has recommended toilets lids on all toilets we would particularly like to hear from you including what influenced your decision making.

Furthermore, we have heard that there are a number of new hospitals built or being built around Australia where toilet lids are either not installed, or installed only in specific locations. If you are working in a facility that did not recommend installing toilet lids in all locations, can you please share your rationale for this?

Thank you in advance.

Leah

Leah Van Someren
Clinical Nurse Consultant
Infection Prevention and Control Service

THS- Southern Region
PH: 61662704
Mobile: 0417 986 084
Email: leah.vansomeren@ths.tas.gov.au
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