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If you cant get specific details related to the decontamination and cleaning from a manufacturer you should report it to the TGA , in the last 12 months most medical devices have been subject to extreme chemical decontamination and cleaning, in most cases by support staff who dont have access to the manufacturers IFU , so if you are aware of any shortfall in detailed instructions, it’s in everybodys interest that this is brought to the TGAs attention and addressed by the company.
Medical equipment, their accessories and transducers are by definition Reusable and hence subject to NSQHS Advisory AS18/07 and AS/NZS4187:2014 hospitals are required to make sure all staff can access an IFU so it really is the make and model gold standard for cleaning.
It’s in the companys interest, it’s important with respect to patient and staff safety and it will end up costing your organisation a lot of money
Thanks
George Koning
CEO
BioClinical Services Pty Ltd
https://www.bioclinicalservices.com.au/infection-control
________________________________
I concur thank you Kate
My approach is the same for companies with regard to their SLAs and requirement for IQ, OQ and PQ of reprocessing equipment.
Many product specialists are new in the field and not across the requirements of 4187, requiring up front payment and then not delivering
So ask the question, dont just assume they know what they are doing otherwise you will receive validation reports that are not compliant
Regards
Michelle
Michelle Bibby
Infection Prevention Australia
0429071165
michelle@infectionprevention.com.au
http://www.infectionprevention.com.au
[cid:image001.png@01D6FA12.F46B8210]
Well said Kate.
I wont rehash the sentiment at length here but I have also taken this approach with RMDs at a local network and wider level, including requiring vendors to provide supplementary IFUs, where the original IFU was either arbitrary/unrealistic, or was limited to international cycles which dont prevail in Australia and would require additional validation to perform here (see: steriliser cycle parameters).
One of the most common problems I have run into when resolving IFU conflicts is obtaining a reliable statement of compliance from the vendor e.g. we can confirm that the process you have proposed will deliver a product compliant versus national standards etc, and not a statement like while this may decrease the life of the device, we confirm that it will not affect warranty replacement which is a very different offering and often conflated in the procurement process.
A conflict between the suppliers IFU and the organisations reprocessing resources is a risk which has to be held or eliminated by one of the parties. If the supplier cannot or will not resolve it at the product realisation stage then that is a consideration for the organisation going ahead.
Regards,
Andrew Ellis
Sterilising and Reusable Medical Device Reprocessing State Coordinator
Infection Control Service | Communicable Disease Control Branch
Health Regulation & Protection
Department for Health and Wellbeing | Government of South AustraliaLevel 13 | 25 Grenfell Street | Adelaide SA 5000
HCW infection prevention: http://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/infectionprevention
General public: http://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/hospitalinfections
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Hi Cate,
I am not going to be helpful in suggesting a solution for you! What I would like to do is use your example to encourage everyone needing to meet the needs of AS/NZ 4187 to push back on medical devices manufacturers and suppliers to ensure there are cleaning/disinfection/sterilisation options provided that are available in Australia and are TGA approved.
Since I started in my role a year ago, I have been contacting many companies to request that they provide a suitable Australian reprocessing option when none is given in the IFU. For the most part they have been particularly helpful, and have gone on to provide me with letters of approval to use the products we have in our hospital, or they have gone as far as doing proper compatibility testing and updating their IFUs as a result.
For those few that are unwilling to engage in the conversation, we have informed them that we will not be using their product in future once the existing requires replacement, or if a new product, that we will not be able to purchase from them at all. At the same time I am in the process of tightening up our purchasing policy to ensure that RMDs, and reprocessing equipment can’t be purchased unless they meet strict criteria, namely that they can be reprocessed using the products/equipment we have available.
If we all start pushing back on industry to do their part to enable safe and effective reprocessing, we might start to make change. So I would suggest that you go back to the dialysis supplier and suggest that it is their role to provide an option as per section 3 of AS/NZ 4187, and that alcohol is not a TGA approved product for RMDs.
Kind regards
Kate Ryan
RMD Program Officer
[logo_austin]
0434 609 208 | 03 9496 6706
Infectious Diseases Department
Level 7, Harold Stokes Building
145 Studley Road, Heidelberg
PO Box 5555, Victoria, 3084
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HI everyone
Our healthcare service recently installed new dialysis machines across a wide area. Unfortunately there was no consultation with infection prevention and control for advice on managing the infection risk of the machines, in particular cleaning and disinfection.
The manufactures instruction for use (IFU) recommend Ethanol (60% to 70%) Isopropanol 60% . There is a further large warning in the IFU stating clearly that only these 2 disinfectants are to be used to clean the touch screen. The rest of the machine maybe cleaned and disinfected with 2 in 1 wipe used in most hospitals .
The IFU do not provide sufficient information or guidance on cleaning the Touch Screen to prevent damage and voiding warranty. The Touch Screen is the most frequently touched area of equipment and likely to become highly contaminated with pathogens from healthcare worker hands. Therefore cleaning and disinfection between patients to prevent healthcare associated infections in this vulnerable high risk group is vital. The IFU describes the disinfection process but not the cleaning process.
The Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare NHMRC 2019 Page 59 which states:
Physical (mechanical or manual) cleaning is the most important step in cleaning. Sole reliance
on a disinfectant without physical cleaning is therefore not recommended
Given that these machines are currently installed and in use and the company representatives maintain that only alcohol is to be used to clean the touch screen, I was wondering if anyone else had a similar experience and would share with me how you managed the situation.
After all we all know cleaning and disinfection is vital in preventing the transmission of pathogens ,no more so during this COVID-19 Pandemic.
Thanks very much
Cate Coffey
RN BaAScN MPH&TM Grad Cert Infection Control Nursing
Clinical Nurse Manager
Central Australia Health Service
Department of Health
Northern Territory Government
Infection Prevention and Control Unit
Alice Springs Hospital
PO Box 2234, Alice Springs, NT 0871t. 08 8951 7737
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Hi Deborah
Hats for surgical safety are about preventing foreign objects for entering open wounds. I would be looking at opportunities for open wounds to be contaminated with loose hair.
Are all theatre doors closed during procedures? Do Day Surgery or Recovery staff stick their heads into OTs whilst procedures of being performed? Or instrument sets opened in the stock rooms before being taken into the theatres?
If none of these things apply, the opportunity for loose hair to get into an open wound is pretty small.
However, you should also check the ACORN guidelines (don’t have a current copy handy to look at, sorry) to see what the standard is for all staff entering the zones you have designated for theatre garb. If the ACORN guidelines say hats must be worn by all staff entering those zones, you should comply with this.
Hope this helps. Changing staff behaviours can be difficult, so you will need very sound arguments to any make changes necessary.
Cheers
MichaelMichael Wishart | Infection Control Coordinator, CICP-E
St Vincent’s Private Hospital Northside | 627 Rode Road CHERMSIDE QLD 4032
M +61 448 954 282 | T +61 7 3326 3068 | F +61 7 3607 2226
E michael.wishart@svha.org.au |
W https://www.svphn.org.auSt Vincent’s Private Hospital Brisbane | 411 Main Street KANGAROO POINT QLD 4169
M +61 448 954 282 | T +61 7 3240 1208 | F +61 7 3240 1166
E michael.wishart@svha.org.au |
W https://www.svphb.org.au[cid:image002.jpg@01D639A0.5B5D4C80]
[Stop the Flu before it stops you]
Dear Brains trust
I work in a small hospital and it has been customary here for the Day surgery and Recovery staff to NOT wear hats
They do go over the yellow line in the hallway which the theatres have their entrances opening onto and they do enter stock stores rooms –
Do others have a blanket rule? As to the wearing of Surgical hats?
Deborah Vos
Infection Control Coordinator
[cid:image001.png@01D6FA01.5F706100]
Calvary Central Districts Hospital
25-37 Jarvis Road, Elizabeth Vale, SA, 5112
P: 08 8282 5393 | M: 0418 694 673
E: Deborah.Vos@calvarycare.org.au
http://www.calvarycentraldistricts.org.auCalvary acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and Owners of the lands on which all our services operate, commits to Closing the Gap and to the ongoing journey of Reconciliation.
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Hi Marsha
The Commonwealth released some resources on a website yesterday. There is quite likely useful information in there, although not all details have yet been fully worked out.
https://www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/covid-19-vaccines
Cheers
MichaelMichael Wishart | Infection Control Coordinator, CICP-E
St Vincent’s Private Hospital Northside | 627 Rode Road CHERMSIDE QLD 4032
M +61 448 954 282 | T +61 7 3326 3068 | F +61 7 3607 2226
E michael.wishart@svha.org.au |
W https://www.svphn.org.auSt Vincent’s Private Hospital Brisbane | 411 Main Street KANGAROO POINT QLD 4169
M +61 448 954 282 | T +61 7 3240 1208 | F +61 7 3240 1166
E michael.wishart@svha.org.au |
W https://www.svphb.org.au[cid:image002.jpg@01D639A0.5B5D4C80]
[Stop the Flu before it stops you]
Hi All
I’m just wondering if anyone has any further information about the COVID vaccination roll out in Aust, does anyone have a consent form also wanting to educate staff and residents if anyone has any helpful material?
Warm Regards,
Marsha Blackbell
Clinical Nurse Educator[cid:image001.jpg@01D335D7.BFE56900]
p. 02 6582 8955| f. 02 6584 5062
marsha.blackbell@gardenvillage.com.au
w. http://www.gardenvillage.com.au
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Hi Emily
Yes, we do a QR code for all entering the facilities (except rostered employed staff). It mainly works, but there are issues with people who either do not carry a smart mobile phone or who are ‘technologically challenged’. So we have stations with iPads at each entrance and staff available to assist people complete the questions, as well as the QR codes on banners outside the doors.
We also have the form online for anyone to complete prior to arriving.
https://www.svphn.org.au/important-information-about-novel-coronavirus-covid-19#visitors
Cheers
MichaelMichael Wishart | Infection Control Coordinator, CICP-E
St Vincent’s Private Hospital Northside | 627 Rode Road CHERMSIDE QLD 4032
M +61 448 954 282 | T +61 7 3326 3068 | F +61 7 3607 2226
E michael.wishart@svha.org.au |
W https://www.svphn.org.auSt Vincent’s Private Hospital Brisbane | 411 Main Street KANGAROO POINT QLD 4169
M +61 448 954 282 | T +61 7 3240 1208 | F +61 7 3240 1166
E michael.wishart@svha.org.au |
W https://www.svphb.org.au[cid:image002.jpg@01D639A0.5B5D4C80]
[Stop the Flu before it stops you]
Hi
I would like to ask a question on the ACIPC_Infexion_Connexion please 🙂
My facility where I work is a regional private hospital in Queensland with 150 beds and other allied outpatient health services.
We have discussed the use of QR scanning system for all Hospital Visitors to assist contact tracing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Are there any health care facilities that have implemented this system? If so how well does this work?Thank you
Kind Regards,
Emily Stewart – Infection Control Coordinator RN
[image]
Tel: 07 43311168 Fax: 07 41512180
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Hi Jenny
This question has a couple of facets. One is, what is required to enter aged care in Queensland? That answer lies in the Aged Care direction, which states:
the person does not have an up to date vaccination against influenza, if the vaccination is available to the person.
The second part is what is an up to date vaccination (as you have pointed out). This is a bit more complex, but I believe we should take this for ATAGI where there is no specific state based mandata. ATAGI have said:
Timing of vaccination
Annual vaccination should occur before the onset of each influenza season. The period of peak influenza circulation is typically June to September in most parts of Australia.
While protection is generally expected to last for the whole season, optimal protection against influenza occurs within the first 3 to 4 months following vaccination.
Vaccination should continue to be offered as long as influenza viruses are circulating and a valid vaccine (before expiration date) is available. Some vaccine brands now have an expiry date of February 2021.
Revaccination later in the same year is not routinely recommended, but may benefit some individuals due to personal circumstances, such as travel or pregnancy.
https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2020/03/atagi-advice-on-seasonal-influenza-vaccines-in-2020.pdfI know ether is some suggestion that a repeat vaccination after 6 months will increase immunity, but the evidence for the need for this for the whole population is quite weak currently.
Hope this helps.
Cheers
MichaelMichael Wishart | Infection Control Coordinator, CICP-E
St Vincents Private Hospital Northside | 627 Rode Road CHERMSIDE QLD 4032
M +61 448 954 282 | T +61 7 3326 3068 | F +61 7 3607 2226
E michael.wishart@svha.org.au |
W https://www.svphn.org.auSt Vincents Private Hospital Brisbane | 411 Main Street KANGAROO POINT QLD 4169
M +61 448 954 282 | T +61 7 3240 1208 | F +61 7 3240 1166
E michael.wishart@svha.org.au |
W https://www.svphb.org.au[cid:image002.jpg@01D639A0.5B5D4C80]
[Stop the Flu before it stops you]
From: ACIPC Infexion Connexion On Behalf Of Jenny Bourne
Sent: Thursday, 26 November 2020 11:55 AM
To: ACIPCLIST@ACIPC.ORG.AU
Subject: [ACIPC_Infexion_Connexion] Fluvax requirements for Aged Care questionBrains Trust help needed
Everyone entering an Aged Care facility from May 1, 2020 had to have current Fluvax certificate. It is now more than 6 months since that date and those people who had 2020 Fluvax in March April May this year would be past the 6 months immunity.
Questions are:-1. Does everyone now need to have 2020 fluvax again to be able to enter Aged Care Facilities?
2. Do the people who had been vaccinated in March/April/May have a different immunity to influenza to the people who have not been vaccinated?
Thanks for your help
Jenny Bourne RN MHSc CICP-E
Education & Environment Coordinator
Canossa Services Oxley Brisbane *********************************************************************************
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Hi ACIPC members
As you will be aware, brand names and companies that supply specific products are requested not to be mentioned on Infexion Connexion. I have received several messages from members who have noted a certain company which provides linen trolley covers. If anyone is interested in the name of this company, please contact me directly via email.
Thanks
Michael Wishart
ACIPCList ModeratorMichael Wishart | Infection Control Coordinator, CICP-E
St Vincents Private Hospital Northside | 627 Rode Road CHERMSIDE QLD 4032
M +61 448 954 282 | T +61 7 3326 3068 | F +61 7 3607 2226
E michael.wishart@svha.org.au |
W https://www.svphn.org.auSt Vincents Private Hospital Brisbane | 411 Main Street KANGAROO POINT QLD 4169
M +61 448 954 282 | T +61 7 3240 1208 | F +61 7 3240 1166
E michael.wishart@svha.org.au |
W https://www.svphb.org.au[cid:image002.jpg@01D639A0.5B5D4C80]
[Stop the Flu before it stops you]
From: ACIPC Infexion Connexion On Behalf Of Helen Scott
Sent: Thursday, 12 November 2020 9:22 AM
To: ACIPCLIST@ACIPC.ORG.AU
Subject: [ACIPC_Infexion_Connexion] Fwd: linen trolley coversHi all,
Does anyone have the name of the company who provides vinyl covers for linen trolleys please?
Please reply to my email, not the discussion list.Many thanks,
Helen.Helen Scott CICP-P
CNE, Infection Prevention & Control
Northwest Regional Hospital
Tasmanian Health Service – North West
Phone: 0439 564 727
Email: helen.scott1@ths.tas.gov.au[cid:175b99cccf14ce8e91]
[cid:175b99cccf15b16b22]________________________________
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Just a clarification to Glenys advice: no one can enter the room during that time without wearing the appropriate PPE. We currently have this in place post AGPs in inpatient rooms, where staff may still need to attend the patient post AGP, but will need to wear an N95 mask, faceshield, full length gown and gloves.
Cheers
MichaelMichael Wishart | Infection Control Coordinator, CICP-E
St Vincents Private Hospital Northside | 627 Rode Road CHERMSIDE QLD 4032
M +61 448 954 282 | T +61 7 3326 3068 | F +61 7 3607 2226
E michael.wishart@svha.org.au |
W https://www.svphn.org.auSt Vincents Private Hospital Brisbane | 411 Main Street KANGAROO POINT QLD 4169
M +61 448 954 282 | T +61 7 3240 1208 | F +61 7 3240 1166
E michael.wishart@svha.org.au |
W https://www.svphb.org.au[cid:image002.jpg@01D639A0.5B5D4C80]
[Stop the Flu before it stops you]
From: ACIPC Infexion Connexion On Behalf Of infexion
Sent: Tuesday, 3 November 2020 11:12 AM
To: ACIPCLIST@ACIPC.ORG.AU
Subject: Re: [ACIPC_Infexion_Connexion] Covid cleaning post rest timeHi Tracey,
It is dependant on air exchange and time.
Once you confirm the air exchange with your hospital engineer see CDC table below to calculate the time and efficiency.
For example operating rooms in Australia usually have 20 air exchanges per hr so the time to remove air contaminants with an efficiency of 99.9% would be 21 minutes (see CDC table). Until that time elapses no one would be allowed to enter the room.
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Guidelines for Environmental Infection Control in Health-Care Facilities – Air borne contaminate removal table
http://www.cdc.gov/hicpac/pubs.html#a1
Appendix B, pages 233 of 241
RegardsGlenys
Glenys Harrington
Infection Control Consultancy (ICC)
M:+61404816434
E: infexion@oxemail.com.auSent from my Samsung Galaxy smartphone.
——– Original message ——–
From: Tracey Jones <jonestkj@BIGPOND.NET.AU>
Date: 3/11/20 11:15 am (GMT+10:00)
To: ACIPCLIST@ACIPC.ORG.AU
Subject: [ACIPC_Infexion_Connexion] Covid cleaning post rest timeAfternoon,
Reviewing our covid set up for theatre and if there needs to be a rest time post cleaning.
Originally I believe the theatre was to be rested for 1 hour ?
Looking for current literature and on what evidence it was changed.Thanks in advance Tracey
Sent from my iPhone
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Hi Derrick
There have been a number of useful responses already to this great question, but just wanted tio mention there are a number of disinfection chemicals that can be used at both high and low temperature wash cycles that you could look at.
As mentioned, the washing of personal clothing by a resident is a ‘grey area’, but good practice would dictate that disinfection of the washing machine between residents would be of value in reducing any cross-infection risks. This may or may not include use of chemicals which disinfect the machine at the same time as clothes are washed. We can’t mention actual product names or companies in Infexion Connexion (sorry, I let one slip through today, my apologies), but speak to your chemical suppliers, or speak to other similar facilities to see how they manage this as well.
Hope you can find a working process that fits your circumstances, as well as managing infection risk.
Cheers
MichaelMichael Wishart | Infection Control Coordinator, CICP-E
St Vincent’s Private Hospital Northside | 627 Rode Road CHERMSIDE QLD 4032
M +61 448 954 282 | T +61 7 3326 3068 | F +61 7 3607 2226
E michael.wishart@svha.org.au |
W https://www.svphn.org.auSt Vincent’s Private Hospital Brisbane | 411 Main Street KANGAROO POINT QLD 4169
M +61 448 954 282 | T +61 7 3240 1208 | F +61 7 3240 1166
E michael.wishart@svha.org.au |
W https://www.svphb.org.au—–Original Message—–
Hi all
Just wondering if anyone has a policy/procedure/guidelines for washing machines in their facilities?
We have a few domestic machines in our mental health wards for patient use. It has been brought to our attention that there are concerns of cross infections as these are domestic machines and the requirements for cleaning of machines in between patient uses.
Is there any guidelines on this? Any standard that dictate that we need to use commercial machines instead with a specific heat setting to avoid cross infections?
And cleaning in between patients? This will include the dryers.
We have been asked to produce a guideline for our wards to address this and any help will be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.
Best regards,
Derrick Hor
A/CN
Armadale Health Service
WA
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Hi all
If anyone can help Betty out, her email address is bmundua@GMAIL.COM
Thanks
MichaelMichael Wishart | Infection Control Coordinator, CICP-E
St Vincents Private Hospital Northside | 627 Rode Road CHERMSIDE QLD 4032
M +61 448 954 282 | T +61 7 3326 3068 | F +61 7 3607 2226
E michael.wishart@svha.org.au |
W https://www.svphn.org.auSt Vincents Private Hospital Brisbane | 411 Main Street KANGAROO POINT QLD 4169
M +61 448 954 282 | T +61 7 3240 1208 | F +61 7 3240 1166
E michael.wishart@svha.org.au |
W https://www.svphb.org.au[cid:image002.jpg@01D639A0.5B5D4C80]
[Stop the Flu before it stops you]
From: ACIPC Infexion Connexion On Behalf Of Betty Mundua
Sent: Tuesday, 29 September 2020 1:20 PM
To: ACIPCLIST@ACIPC.ORG.AU
Subject: [ACIPC_Infexion_Connexion]Hello, am from Papua New Guinea located at Angau Hospital that delivers 1000 babies each month. The labour ward is needed for episiotomy scissors, suture forceps, umbilical cord scissors, and wound dressing forceps.
Can anyone tell me where I can get these items from? as I’m unable to excess it through the internet as is very limited and a problem here. Most of what I mentioned is very difficult to find within the country to purchase.Regards,
Betty
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______________________________________________________________________
This email and any attachments to it (the “Email”) is confidential and is for the use only of the intended recipient, and may not be duplicated or used by any other party without the express consent of the sender. If you are not the intended recipient of the Email, please notify the sender immediately by return email, delete the Email, and do not copy, print, retransmit, store or act in reliance on the Email. St Vincent’s Health Australia (“SVHA”) does not guarantee that the Email is free from errors, viruses or interference. Emails to and from SVHA or its related entities may be scanned and filtered in locations outside Australia.MESSAGES POSTED TO THIS LIST ARE SOLELY THE OPINION OF THE AUTHOR, AND DO NOT REPRESENT THE OPINION OF ACIPC.
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I had a discussion with someone performing temp screening at an airport about this. They were wearing gloves, and doing tympanic temperature readings. They quite frequently had to manipulate either the persons hair or their pinna to get a reading, but were not changing gloves nor performing hand hygiene between patients! They said that is what they had been instructed to do.
It will depend on what devices you are using, and whether you actually have to have physical contact with each person, etc. Tympanic temperature readings will probably have the most contact with each person, and thus hand hygiene after each patient contact without gloves being worn would be the most practical. Using a non-touch infrared device will mean the likelihood of having physical contact with patients will be much lower, and gloves could be worn for longer between hand hygiene opportunities.. Certainly not a one-size-fits-all type situation.
We have thermal scanners at the entrances to our hospitals, and thus no direct contact with most people. If the thermal scanner detects a high temperature, we then take the person aside and perform tympanic readings to verify. In that instance gloves are worn and discarded and hand hygiene performed for each patient.
Interesting discussion, thanks.
Cheers
MichaelMichael Wishart | Infection Control Coordinator, CICP-E
St Vincents Private Hospital Northside | 627 Rode Road CHERMSIDE QLD 4032
M +61 448 954 282 | T +61 7 3326 3068 | F +61 7 3607 2226
E michael.wishart@svha.org.au |
W https://www.svphn.org.auSt Vincents Private Hospital Brisbane | 411 Main Street KANGAROO POINT QLD 4169
M +61 448 954 282 | T +61 7 3240 1208 | F +61 7 3240 1166
E michael.wishart@svha.org.au |
W https://www.svphb.org.au[SVPHN sig]
[Stop the Flu before it stops you]
From: ACIPC Infexion Connexion On Behalf Of Crystal Polson
Sent: Wednesday, 9 September 2020 4:44 PM
To: ACIPCLIST@ACIPC.ORG.AU
Subject: [ACIPC_Infexion_Connexion] PPE for Temp ScreeningsHi all,
Hope everyone is doing well.
Just wondering – if your facility is doing temperature screenings, what is your PPE protocol?
I am in Victoria. Work Safe guidelines mention that gloves and masks should be worn. My question is, how often should the gloves be changed?
We’re using non-contact forehead thermometers so the screener is not touching the person being screened.
Cheers
CrystalCrystal Polson
Infection Control Coordinator
University of Melbourne
crystal.polson@unimelb.edu.auMESSAGES POSTED TO THIS LIST ARE SOLELY THE OPINION OF THE AUTHOR, AND DO NOT REPRESENT THE OPINION OF ACIPC.
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This email and any attachments to it (the “Email”) is confidential and is for the use only of the intended recipient, and may not be duplicated or used by any other party without the express consent of the sender. If you are not the intended recipient of the Email, please notify the sender immediately by return email, delete the Email, and do not copy, print, retransmit, store or act in reliance on the Email. St Vincent’s Health Australia (“SVHA”) does not guarantee that the Email is free from errors, viruses or interference. Emails to and from SVHA or its related entities may be scanned and filtered in locations outside Australia.______________________________________________________________________
This email and any attachments to it (the “Email”) is confidential and is for the use only of the intended recipient, and may not be duplicated or used by any other party without the express consent of the sender. If you are not the intended recipient of the Email, please notify the sender immediately by return email, delete the Email, and do not copy, print, retransmit, store or act in reliance on the Email. St Vincent’s Health Australia (“SVHA”) does not guarantee that the Email is free from errors, viruses or interference. Emails to and from SVHA or its related entities may be scanned and filtered in locations outside Australia.MESSAGES POSTED TO THIS LIST ARE SOLELY THE OPINION OF THE AUTHOR, AND DO NOT REPRESENT THE OPINION OF ACIPC.
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Hi Pam
Just to clarify… are you looking for a patient HAI surveillance system, or a staff exposure surveillance system, or both?
Cheers
MichaelMichael Wishart | Infection Control Coordinator, CICP-E
St Vincent’s Private Hospital Northside | 627 Rode Road CHERMSIDE QLD 4032
M +61 448 954 282 | T +61 7 3326 3068 | F +61 7 3607 2226
E michael.wishart@svha.org.au |
W https://www.svphn.org.auSt Vincent’s Private Hospital Brisbane | 411 Main Street KANGAROO POINT QLD 4169
M +61 448 954 282 | T +61 7 3240 1208 | F +61 7 3240 1166
E michael.wishart@svha.org.au |
W https://www.svphb.org.au[cid:image002.jpg@01D639A0.5B5D4C80]
[Stop the Flu before it stops you]
Good afternoon,
I am looking into surveillance/contact tracing electronic systems.
If anyone is willing to share what they use (offline) I would be appreciative.
Kind regards,
PamPamela Boon | Infection Prevention Senior Management Consultant
Top End Health Service | Department of HealthNorthern Territory Government
2nd Floor, Building 4, Royal Darwin Hospital, Rocklands Drive, Tiwi
GPO Box 41326, Casuarina, NT 0811p …08 892 27426
e … Pamela.Boon@nt.gov.au
w… http://www.nt.gov.au/healthOur Vision: Building Better Care | Better Health | Better Communities Together
Our Values: Teamwork and Trust | Excellence and Equity | Honesty and Accountability | Service and Innovation______________________________________________________________________
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Thanks for that Rachel.
I agree with your concerns about fit-testing, and my understanding is that the evidence that a fit-testing program actually increases safety to healthcare workers against respiratory infections is fairly thin.
Some states have already moved to make fit testing mandatory for healthcare workers wearing N95/P2 masks, and so facilities in those states will need to comply.
But for facilities where there is not yet a mandate from their regulator, my personal view is that they should pause and consider the wider ramifications of running such a program at the current time. And get advice on what benefit it may have for staff, versus what negative impact it could have on staff.
Doing something for the sake of doing something is not really useful nor helpful, in my opinion.
Cheers
MichaelMichael Wishart | Infection Control Coordinator, CICP-E
St Vincents Private Hospital Northside | 627 Rode Road CHERMSIDE QLD 4032
M +61 448 954 282 | T +61 7 3326 3068 | F +61 7 3607 2226
E michael.wishart@svha.org.au |
W https://www.svphn.org.auSt Vincents Private Hospital Brisbane | 411 Main Street KANGAROO POINT QLD 4169
M +61 448 954 282 | T +61 7 3240 1208 | F +61 7 3240 1166
E michael.wishart@svha.org.au |
W https://www.svphb.org.au[cid:image002.jpg@01D639A0.5B5D4C80]
[Stop the Flu before it stops you]
From: ACIPC Infexion Connexion On Behalf Of Thomson, Rachel EA
Sent: Tuesday, 1 September 2020 4:53 PM
To: ACIPCLIST@ACIPC.ORG.AU
Subject: Re: [ACIPC_Infexion_Connexion] FW: Poorly fitting N95 masks – My assessment of six masksHi all,
At the risk of making controversial comments, I think that as Infection Prevention and Control professionals, we need to very carefully consider the perceived gold standard in staff safety that may be provided by undertaking fit-testing. I believe that it is important for us to remember that a fit-test provides an individual with a single opportunity to assess the fit of a mask either qualitatively or quantitatively. This does not provide assurance of competence with PPE use more broadly, especially in the clinical milieu.
My open disclosure is that from 2007 until this year our service ran a targeted Qualitative fit-testing program in our organisation. We suspended this program early on in the pandemic when it became apparent that the task of fit-testing all staff was more than we could resource both in terms of time and PPE. In addition, the information available to us did not indicate increased adverse outcomes in those facilities where fit-testing was not offered both in our own State and within Australia, and where the focus was on PPE training including appropriate mask selection and fit-checking. Our organisation was the only one in our State undertaking fit-testing.
I am becoming extremely concerned that if organisations go down the path of fit-testing that any process must be equitable. Will all craft groups be given access to this? Who will determine who is most important? In some settings there are programs suggesting that high-risk staff be offered fit-testing. Who really is high-risk? I think that this is a slippery slope and wonder where the line would be drawn? If offered to all staff, the resource implications in terms of initial fit testing and repeat interval fit-testing are not insignificant. I wonder if this is the best use of our precious healthcare dollars?
I believe that rigorous and thorough PPE training, provision of trained spotters to support staff when they are using PPE in all care settings; PPE use auditing with direct and timely feedback; implementing and maintaining COVID-Safe work plans; working to prevent presenteeism etc. will all provide increased safety. I do not believe that there is evidence to link the current Australian situation to fit-testing or lack of fit-testing.
In addition, I believe that there are numerous potential unintended consequences of implementing a fit-testing program which includes, but are not limited to, the following;
* Use of PPE will be significantly increased to support fit-testing for larger numbers of staff
* Will staff members not fit-tested be allowed to work? (Think of locums, casuals, agency staff)
* Will staff member not fit-tested to the masks available be allowed to work?
* What if the mask that a staff member is fit-tested to is unavailable at the point of care?
* What frequency of fit-testing will be acceptable? Annual? Who will oversight and this for the 1,000s of staff requiring fit-testing across our country?
* If staff fit-test frequency lapses, will they be allowed to continue to work?
* Will there be WH&S risks and claims associated with any program gaps?A friend of mine working in support of COVID activities recently told me a phrase they had heard commonly used in the Department of Health (not specifically about fit-testing), but what are the optics on this? I wonder if fit-testing is more about being seen to do something to build on the safety culture, rather that actually implementing something with a strong evidence base in preventing disease transmission?
I hope that these thoughts and comments assist in others contributing to discussions and providing input to processes being considered in your facilities and jurisdictions.
Kind regards
Rachel..
Rachel Thomson
Nurse Unit ManagerInfection Prevention & Control Unit
Royal Hobart Hospital
Tasmanian Health Organisation-South: 03 6166 7882/ 6166 8658
Mobile: 0400 718 574
Email: rachel.thomson@ths.tas.gov.auLevel 4, H Block
48 Liverpool Street
Hobart, 7000From: ACIPC Infexion Connexion <ACIPCLIST@ACIPC.ORG.AU> On Behalf Of Crystal Polson
Sent: Tuesday, 1 September 2020 9:23 AM
To: ACIPCLIST@ACIPC.ORG.AU
Subject: Re: [ACIPC_Infexion_Connexion] FW: Poorly fitting N95 masks – My assessment of six masksGreat assessment, Glenys. Your findings underline the necessity of proper fit testing – and not just fit checking – when using respirators.
Here’s a great article on fit testing: https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2020/fit-testing-n95p2-masks-protect-health-care-workers#:~:text=The%20Australian%20Standard%20AS%2FNZS,fit%2Dtesting%20(9).
Cheers
Crystal Polson
Infection Control Coordinator
University of Melbourne
crystal.polson@unimelb.edu.auOn Mon, Aug 31, 2020 at 10:43 PM Glenys Harrington <infexion@ozemail.com.au> wrote:
Hi All,With the change in guidelines in relation to the use of N95s in VIC I have been assisting a HCF to identify a suitable N95 masks.
As a start I have reviewed a number of N95 masks on the market to see if they pass a seal check (fit check) on myself.
Note: Im assuming that if worn correctly and with correct/recommend adjustments a mask that fails a seal check (fit check) on myself will also fail fit check.
A user seal check should be done every time a N95 mask is to be worn to ensure an adequate seal is achieved.
In the last 2 weeks I have obtained and reviewed six N95 masks. Four have been supplied to healthcare facilities from stockpiles (i.e. hospitals and/or aged care facilities), one masks was supplied by a manufacture and one mask was provided by a distributor.
Of the 6 masks only 1 passed a seal check (fit check) on myself.
Happy to share my assessment to date which includes details and images of failure issues I noted see attached.
In addition I have attached two recent articles (MAGAZINE OF THE AUSTRALIAN SOCIETY OF ANAESTHETISTS, SEPTEMBER 2020 and JAMA Intern Med. Published online August 11, 2020. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2020.4221) in relation to this issue which may also be of interest/assistance if you are reviewing such masks.
Regards
Glenys
Glenys Harrington
Consultant
Infection Control Consultancy (ICC)
P.O. Box 6385
Melbourne
Australia, 3004
M: +61 404816434
E: infexion@ozemail.com.auMESSAGES POSTED TO THIS LIST ARE SOLELY THE OPINION OF THE AUTHOR, AND DO NOT REPRESENT THE OPINION OF ACIPC.
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________________________________
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE AND DISCLAIMER
The information in this transmission may be confidential and/or protected by legal professional privilege, and is intended only for the person or persons to whom it is addressed. If you are not such a person, you are warned that any disclosure, copying or dissemination of the information is unauthorised. If you have received the transmission in error, please immediately contact this office by telephone, fax or email, to inform us of the error and to enable arrangements to be made for the destruction of the transmission, or its return at our cost. No liability is accepted for any unauthorised use of the information contained in this transmission.______________________________________________________________________
This email and any attachments to it (the “Email”) is confidential and is for the use only of the intended recipient, and may not be duplicated or used by any other party without the express consent of the sender. If you are not the intended recipient of the Email, please notify the sender immediately by return email, delete the Email, and do not copy, print, retransmit, store or act in reliance on the Email. St Vincent’s Health Australia (“SVHA”) does not guarantee that the Email is free from errors, viruses or interference. Emails to and from SVHA or its related entities may be scanned and filtered in locations outside Australia.
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This email and any attachments to it (the “Email”) is confidential and is for the use only of the intended recipient, and may not be duplicated or used by any other party without the express consent of the sender. If you are not the intended recipient of the Email, please notify the sender immediately by return email, delete the Email, and do not copy, print, retransmit, store or act in reliance on the Email. St Vincent’s Health Australia (“SVHA”) does not guarantee that the Email is free from errors, viruses or interference. Emails to and from SVHA or its related entities may be scanned and filtered in locations outside Australia.MESSAGES POSTED TO THIS LIST ARE SOLELY THE OPINION OF THE AUTHOR, AND DO NOT REPRESENT THE OPINION OF ACIPC.
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Thanks Chris
I think it is very indicative of the confusion around mask types and uses when the photo in an article on fit testing has staff wearing surgical masks!
Cheers
MichaelMichael Wishart | Infection Control Coordinator, CICP-E
St Vincent’s Private Hospital Northside | 627 Rode Road CHERMSIDE QLD 4032
M +61 448 954 282 | T +61 7 3326 3068 | F +61 7 3607 2226
E michael.wishart@svha.org.au |
W https://www.svphn.org.auSt Vincent’s Private Hospital Brisbane | 411 Main Street KANGAROO POINT QLD 4169
M +61 448 954 282 | T +61 7 3240 1208 | F +61 7 3240 1166
E michael.wishart@svha.org.au |
W https://www.svphb.org.au[cid:image002.jpg@01D639A0.5B5D4C80]
[Stop the Flu before it stops you]
Press release re Illawarra Health
Kind regards
[cid:image002.png@01D67090.1CB8E850]
Chris Pollard
Sales Engineer
Kenelec Scientific Pty Ltd, 23 Redland Drive, Mitcham VIC 3132
d 03 9872 9929 | m 0437 007 810 | e chris.pollard@kenelec.com.au
Visit our website | View our Terms and Conditions
[cid:image004.png@01D67090.1CB8E850]______________________________________________________________________
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MESSAGES POSTED TO THIS LIST ARE SOLELY THE OPINION OF THE AUTHOR, AND DO NOT REPRESENT THE OPINION OF ACIPC.The use of trade/product/commercial brand names through the list is discouraged by ACIPC. If you wish to discuss specific reference to products or services by brand or commercial names, please do this outside the list.
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______________________________________________________________________
This email and any attachments to it (the “Email”) is confidential and is for the use only of the intended recipient, and may not be duplicated or used by any other party without the express consent of the sender. If you are not the intended recipient of the Email, please notify the sender immediately by return email, delete the Email, and do not copy, print, retransmit, store or act in reliance on the Email. St Vincent’s Health Australia (“SVHA”) does not guarantee that the Email is free from errors, viruses or interference. Emails to and from SVHA or its related entities may be scanned and filtered in locations outside Australia.MESSAGES POSTED TO THIS LIST ARE SOLELY THE OPINION OF THE AUTHOR, AND DO NOT REPRESENT THE OPINION OF ACIPC.
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Hi Sarah
I found a link to the document
https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/Movement-of-healthcare-workers-and-health-service-employees-during-the-coronavirus-COVID-19-pandemic-docCheers
MichaelMichael Wishart | Infection Control Coordinator, CICP-E
St Vincent’s Private Hospital Northside | 627 Rode Road CHERMSIDE QLD 4032
M +61 448 954 282 | T +61 7 3326 3068 | F +61 7 3607 2226
E michael.wishart@svha.org.au |
W https://www.svphn.org.auSt Vincent’s Private Hospital Brisbane | 411 Main Street KANGAROO POINT QLD 4169
M +61 448 954 282 | T +61 7 3240 1208 | F +61 7 3240 1166
E michael.wishart@svha.org.au |
W https://www.svphb.org.au[cid:image002.jpg@01D639A0.5B5D4C80]
[Stop the Flu before it stops you]
Hi Team,
I am after some advice regarding staff working across multiple sites in RACF.
We are Victorian based, and lucky enough to be in an area of no known active cases but am cautious at the idea of ‘sharing’ staff.
Does the department currently have any recommendations out, or is it up to each facility to determine the risk?Kind regards,
Sarah Bulzomi
Infection Control Officer (Wednesdays)
[cid:image001.png@01D56E25.E2C982C0]
Robinvale District Health Services
PO Box 376, Robinvale VIC 3549
Mobile:
[cid:image002.png@01D56E25.E2C982C0]
Robinvale District Health Services would like to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.P If this document is not required for record keeping purposes, please consider the environment before printing.
______________________________________________________________________
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______________________________________________________________________
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Here is the attachment.
Cheers
Michael Wishart
ACIPCList Moderator
________________________________Dear ACIPC Members,
VincentCare Victoria are seeking urgent assistance from a Melbourne based IPC consultant to develop Phase 5 of the VincentCare COVID-19 Management Plan.
The attached Consultant Brief EOI outlines the requirement, please note the key deliverable are highlighted in yellow on page 7-9.
The timeline for engagement is critical with EOIs due back by midday Monday August 3.
If you are able to assist, please send to joann.furbank@vincentcare.org.au by 12.00 noon Monday August 3, a 1 page summary of your response to the attached Consultant Brief- EOI along with your credentials.
Kind regards,
Sara Kirby
[ACIPC_Logo_Colour_RGB]
Australasian Office Manager
______________________________________________________________________
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______________________________________________________________________
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