[Luis Mata Mendez]

Hi Leasa,

According to the ACSQHC guidelines.
Alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) must be available inside each room, affixed to mobile work trolleys (e.g., medication and dressing trolleys), and in high-traffic areas (e.g., nurse’s station, pan room and resident room entrances—one dispenser for every two rooms, depending on accessibility, would be appropriate). Public areas, such as dining rooms and foyers/lounges, should also have dispensers.
In areas with residents experiencing dementia, cognitive decline, or mental illnesses, a risk assessment must be conducted (small personal bottles carried by healthcare workers (HCWs) may be an option).
Some considerations:
Product usage signs should be clearly visible and laminated.
ABHR dispensers must NOT be placed next to sinks, as this can cause confusion for some HCWs who may mistakenly think they need to rinse their hands with water after using the ABHR.
ABHR dispensers should be located at a height of between 92 cm and 122 cm above the floor (avoid placing them at eye level).
Regarding hand soap and paper towels, they must be within arm’s reach of sinks. Additionally, moisturising lotion dispensers are also needed.

I hope this helps to give you a brief overview of the topic.

Regards,

Luis

[Luis Mata Mendez]

Hello there,

I assume we are discussing a resident who experiences recurrent bacterial respiratory infections. Based on their lack of knowledge, they assumed that having antibiotics available PRN (in stock at the RCAF) would expedite the start of treatment. This is speculative, but it’s the only explanation I can think of.

However, I’m unsure about the doctor’s expectations. Nurses cannot legally diagnose, so how would the antibiotics be started? The GP still needs to assess the resident and make the diagnosis.

If the doctor is informed of the situation described above, they may consider removing the PRN antibiotics.

[Luis Mata Mendez]

Hi all,

Excellent article, it highlights the significant benefits of communal dining for residents while also emphasising the importance of implementing IPC measures. It is a great reminder of how crucial it is to balance safety with quality of life for residents.

Thanks for sharing Carrie.

Warm regards,
Luis

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