[Carrie Spinks]

Hi Everyone,

To let you know the Laundry Practice Standards were superseded in Dec 2024 = Laundry practice AS 4146:2024.

Purchasing and preview: https://www.standards.org.au/standards-catalogue/standard-details?designation=AS-4146-2024

Note: only an AUS Standard

Resource of assistance – An overview by AUSMED: https://www.ausmed.com.au/learn/articles/laundry-infection-control-in-aged-care

Kind regards Carrie

[Carrie Spinks]

Hi Michelle,

The residential aged care setting may approach things differently to the acute sector where risk reduction mechanisms are not in place/available.

For example: The ventilation is often minimal and laundry size usually small- to house both unclean and clean areas. Aged Care laundry staff are not routinely in the same level of PPE as a large industrial laundry. Staff training in soiled laundry management can vary. Transmission risks due to decanting from plastic bags may present – these plastic bags may also be required to be placed in clinical waste – depending on the scenario/pathogen (adding cost). Full fluid resistant linen bags are not generally purchased in aged care, and consistent colour coding practices are recommended.

Where risks can potentially be reduced by the use of soluble bags – aged care organisations do use them.

There are many brands of soluble bags and determining the right one for the service and machine wash (thermal or Ozone disinfection) is beneficial.
Bagging both soluble and linen bag at the point of care can reduce risks. Careful handling and transport of soiled bagged linen is well documented to reduce organism movement and bag breakage. Wrapping sodden items in a dry towel prior to placing in the soluble bag reduces risk of soluble bag breakage due to fluid exposure. On completion of wash the remains of the soluble bag can simply be removed (it is clean/disinfected) and placed into general waste.

Hope that helps.

[Carrie Spinks]

Thanks Amberlea,

To confirm these are Victorian directives at this time.
Link: https://www.health.vic.gov.au/immunisation/vaccinadfor-healthcare-workers

[Carrie Spinks]

Hi Logan,

I cant help with onsite information, but…..

Some resources if you require them:

Rocket Information:
RESOURCES: https://rocketmedicalipc.com/resources/
Instructions for use: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GET4X3djwsA
Information for patients and nurses: https://sales.rocketmedical.com/media/attachment/file/r/o/rocket_ipc_pleural_catheter_-_information_for_patients_and_nurses.pdf

Management overview:
How to manage and drain an Indwelling Pleural Catheter (IPC): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCGyjVXUCEk

Regards Carrie

[Carrie Spinks]

Hi Michelle,

A similar query came up 6 months ago on the forum, there may be some useful information here – the link: https://www.acipc.org.au/members/forums-members/topic/mask-exemption-management/

Tip: you can search previous topics clicking on the boxed numbers at the top right-hand side of the page.

It’s a complex situation considering situation, risk assessment, safety, guidelines, organsisation policy, etc

Regards Carrie

[Carrie Spinks]

Hi Monkika,

This may be of assistance:

Chapter 7: Staff health and safety https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-08/the_aged_care_ipc_guide_-_chapter_7.pdf

Regards Carrie

[Carrie Spinks]

Hi Jewel,

Perhaps this statement will assist to answer:

Health services and other settings where the risk of COVID-19 transmission and impact is particularly significant (i.e. RACF) are recommended to take actions based on local risk assessment. Taken from: Increase in COVID-19 activity – https://www.health.vic.gov.au/health-alerts/increase-covid-19-activity

Although surgical masks are recommended for use in Victoria as a safety measure against RTI transmission, the risk assessment and decision are currently up to the provider or service to make.

Infection Prevention and Control Expert Group – Guidance on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) for health workers in the context of COVID-19: https://www.health.vic.gov.au/covid-19-infection-prevention-control-guidelines/resources – provides a good risk assessment process to assist with this.

The following links provide recommendations around PPE and masks (for Victoria) to assist with decision making:
Personal protective equipment (PPE) –
https://www.health.vic.gov.au/covid-19-infection-prevention-control-guidelines/personal-protective-equipment-ppe – information on mask use
COVID-19 Infection Prevention and Control Guidelines References – info on masks and respirator standards for decision making –
https://www.health.vic.gov.au/covid-19-infection-prevention-control-guidelines
Better Health Channel – Face masks and COVID-19 –
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/covid-19/face-masks-covid-19

The Aged Care Infection Prevention and Control Guide addresses the use of masks and risk assessment – https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/publications-and-resources/resource-library/aged-care-infection-prevention-and-control-guide as does the National IPC Guideline.

• This reply was modified 1 month, 2 weeks ago by Carrie Spinks.
• This reply was modified 1 month, 2 weeks ago by Carrie Spinks.
• This reply was modified 1 month, 2 weeks ago by Carrie Spinks.
• This reply was modified 1 month, 2 weeks ago by Carrie Spinks.

[Carrie Spinks]

Hi Karen,

Its called The Singh Thattha technique

There is some information out there.

AS/NZS 1715 requires that employees be clean-shaven the day of the fit test and prohibits any facial hair in areas where the respirator comes into contact with the face
In summary, there are no exceptions regarding facial hair and any tight-fitting respirator (negative or positive pressure) to comply with AS/NZS 1715.
https://respfit.org.au/new-as-nzs-1715-ruling-document-from-standards-australia/

Victorian trial:
The Singh Thattha technique
https://www.health.vic.gov.au/quality-safety-service/the-singh-thattha-trial

RMH-developed mask technique given green light across Victoria
https://www.thermh.org.au/news/rmh-developed-mask-technique-given-green-light-across-victoria#:~:text=The%20Victorian%20trial%20follows%20other,approved%20for%20use%20across%20Victoria.

Research: (including participation from NSW)

Under-mask beard covers achieve an adequate seal with tight-fitting disposable respirators using quantitative fit testing
https://wslhd.intersearch.com.au/wslhdjspui/bitstream/1/4616/1/Bhatia-2022-Under-mask%20beard%20covers%20achieve%20an.pdf

Prospective comprehensive evaluation of an elastic-band beard cover for filtering facepiece respirators in healthcare workers
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10782203/

Use may be jurisdictional.

Hope this helps.

Regards Carrie

[Carrie Spinks]

We are in metro Melbourne

Staff only wear masks in the first 3 days of >2 residents testing positive whilst spread is ascertained and of course when providing care to symptomatic or positive residents.
Visitors are only encouraged to wear masks when visiting a symptomatic or positive resident (it is at their own risk)
Our RAT supply from government is running low, but at this stage we offer to relatives and staff until we run out.

Vanessa Watkins
RN, Quality Manager & IPC Lead
Donwood Community & Aged Care Services

11 Diana Street, Croydon 3136

9845 8509 (Mon – Thur)

vwatkins@donwood.com.au

http://www.donwood.com.au

[Carrie Spinks]

Hello,

We don’t RAT our visitors on our mixed ward (Acute/Aged Care) unless there is a higher incidence in the community.

Masks for staff – No unless we are in an outbreak or there is a higher incidence of staff furlough.

Masks for Visitors – it is encouraged for immunocompromised patients or visitors as barrier precautions OR whilst in an outbreak.

We supply RATs for visitors in outbreaks or patients who present to our UCC with respiratory symptoms.

Cheers

Leia Colbert

Infection Prevention and Control, Clinical Nurse Consultant
Orbost Regional Health
104 Boundary Road, Orbost Vic 3888
Phone (03) 5154 6707

[Carrie Spinks]

Hi Andryna,

In the southwest of Victoria, we are no longer wearing masks unless in Outbreak.

We are only testing visitors in high peak Covid-19 or other virus in community and yes, we supply to them.

Hope this helps,

Jane

Jane Wilkeson

Infection Prevention Coordinator

ANUM Perioperative Services

03 5232 5120 | 0429 137 279

2-28 Connor Street, Colac, Victoria 3250 jwilkeson@cah.vic.gov.au

http://www.cah.vic.gov.au

Quality Care Close to Home

[Carrie Spinks]

Hi Milja

Just a query: Is the resident colonised or have an acute infection?

Retesting would be GP led and based on prev testing dates.

Below are a few links to assist.

‘Aged Care IPC in Focus’ has a great ‘managing MRO in aged care’ presentation, this will assist to manage all MRO: Link https://www.acipc.org.au/members/ipc-in-aged-care/
QLD provide a Residential Aged Care MRO Guide: https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0031/719068/mros-info-sheet-residential-care-facilities.pdf

In the aged care setting a risk assessment is required to determine the precautions- as per Aged Care IPC Guide: https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/our-work/infection-prevention-and-control/infection-prevention-and-control-aged-care

Consider with risk assessment:
If the urine can be contained – resident is continent, or has incontinence aids, or has IDC – transmission risk is reduced.
Isolation is not required if urine can be contained. Mental health must also be a consideration where risk is reduced.
Standard precautions are always in place.
Contact and (if droplet risk) droplet precautions should be applied only when managing urine (toileting, bathing, aid change etc), or handling items contaminated by urine.
Any clothing or linen items contaminated by urine should be placed in a washing soluble bag and linen bag – colour coded infectious – for transport
Items for disposal which are contaminated with urine should be placed in clinical waste – including PPE
Daily room/bathroom clean/disinfection would be required – TGA approved to MRSA
Encourage and assist with resident hand hygiene

Regards Carrie

[Carrie Spinks]

Hi Anonymous,

Here is a Victorian compost guide – I note that it is 2012 – but still current.

Composting organic waste from healthcare facilities: https://www.health.vic.gov.au/publications/composting-organic-waste-from-healthcare-facilities

May be worth asking site maintenance/gardening teams to see if there are any local guides or requirements.

Regards Carrie

[Carrie Spinks]

Hi Anonymous

Consider:

Device Cleaning Process
• Devices should be cleaned/disinfected at commencement and completion of every shift, and post use if soiled
• Devices are to be wiped over completely (front, back sides) with the wipe. A new wipe is to be used for each device.
• Leave for a couple of minutes to dry prior to using or storing the device

Manufacturer’s instructions will guide on the appropriate cleaning chemical. Information identified has included either a neutral wipe, 2:1 neutral detergent/disinfectant wipe or alcohol wipe (with pre cleaning)

Regards Carrie

[Carrie Spinks]

Hi Rosanna,

Here are a couple of web links that will assist to answer your question.

-Core strategies for VRE prevention and control: https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/sites/default/files/2019-12/core_strategies_for_vre_prevention_and_control_03_12_19.pdf
-TGA Disinfectants and sterilants: https://www.tga.gov.au/how-we-regulate/supply-therapeutic-good/supply-other-therapeutic-goods/disinfectants-and-sterilants

This may assist with cleaning structures….

Environmental cleaning practices in small health service organisations: https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/sites/default/files/2022-06/environmental_cleaning_practices_in_small_health_organisations.pdf

All the best

Carrie

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