We are introducing changes to our minimum PPE requirements in line with falling community COVID case numbers, reducing COVID hospitalisations and advice from our PPE Expert Advisory Group.
The updated PPE Compulsory Standards can be downloaded here.
Effective 11.59pm Monday 10 October:
- COVID, SCOVID, Met Call/Code Blue, and patient-facing HCWs in ED require N95 plus standard precautions (change from N95 plus droplet and contact precautions)
- Non-COVID, non-suspected COVID, non-Emergency Department examination/care requires a surgical mask. (Change from N95 mask.)
- Public-facing areas require a surgical mask, for example, a corridor used by the public (No change)
- Non-public facing areas do not require a mask, for example, shared office spaces. (No change.)
- There will be no changes to patient, visitor or carer PPE or screening requirements.
These will be our new minimum PPE standards in hospital and community settings – if you choose to wear an increased level of PPE any setting, you may do so.
Importantly, you should always risk assess to determine the appropriate PPE before any patient interaction.
These changes reflect what we know about COVID-19, lower community cases and high vaccination rates. They simplify our PPE use, will provide relief to healthcare workers experiencing discomfort with N95 masks, and will improve care provision by improving hand hygiene and removing barriers to care.
Approved by Professor Rhonda Stuart