Course Access
Interesting discussion and good points Maree re: the issue of waste disposal.
What is the evidence that disposable curtains reduce the risk infections? Im not aware of any but happy to be corrected.
If there is no evidence then this is not an infection control issue.
From those responding to this thread it seems like most sites introduced disposable curtains/screens for either aesthetics, poor terminal cleaning resulting in increased turnaround times (a management issue) or HCW occupational health and safety issue.
Hence while there may be other reasons for introducing disposable curtains/screens HCF executive management need to be made aware of the following:
the lack of evidence to support the introduction disposable curtains/screens as an infection control strategy to reduce infections
the need to offset the introduction costs against the increased cost that will be associated with disposal of disposable curtains/screens.
Regards
Glenys
Glenys Harrington
Consultant
Infection Control Consultancy (ICC)
PO Box 5202
Middle Park
Victoria, 3206
Australia
H: +61 3 96902216
M: +61 404 816 434
ABN 47533508426
I have been following the conversation in this thread and would like to raise an issue/question
My organisation is constantly looking at ways to reduce its environmental footprint.
We are a member of the Victorian Green Health Round Table Group, which provides a forum of information sharing for member organisations related to environmental concerns.
One key activity undertaken by this group is comparing waste volumes generated with the goal to reduce.
One of the major changes in providing health services since I began nursing (which was a good few years ago) is the increasing use of disposable items; from kimguard wraps, surgical drapes, suction tubing, endotracheal tubes, and surgical glovesthe list goes on.
Some of these are absolutely no-brainers when it comes to rationale.
Disposable curtains are large and take up a lot of space in a bin, hence in landfill, prior to breaking down.
How do organisations who use disposable curtains weigh up this issue in contrast to the infection control risk related to privacy screens?
Maree Sommerville
Infection Control Coordinator
Mercy Hospital for Women
Heidelberg
(03) 8458 4759
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Hi All,
Have a small issue Disposable curtains/screens!
Would appreciate feedback from areas that are using the disposable curtain/screens in their facilities
The issue is around cost of linen vs disposable curtains/screens.
We have trialed & like what we have but those who watch the pennies are questioning their use.
Originally we brought them into our ED because the poor terminal cleaning staff were frantic with attending the cleaning ( which involves the replacement of curtains).
The NUM of ED was indicating at this particular incident -that there were three ambulances waiting to off load patients onto ED beds which were being held up by the terminal cleaning required.
Amongst other actions taken regarding this issue in ED-was the implementation of the disposable curtains.
Now the question being asked is who else in other health areas has disposable curtains/screens & where are they ( ie high risk areas).
Much appreciate any assistance with this.
Thank you
Vicki Denyer
Clinical Nurse Consultant | Infection Prevention & Control Unit
Lismore Base Hospital
Tel 02 6620 2385 | vicki.denyer@ncahs.health.nsw.gov.au
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