PPE for care homes – Covid-19 Guidance

The advice given from Public Health England and Health Protection Scotland regarding PPE in care homes is as follows:

Local authorities CCG’s (clinical commissioning groups registered care providers, including those involved in community health services need to be vigilant and follow the strict guidelines below to contain the spread and prevent further transmission of COVID-19. 

The guidance advises that healthcare workers need to wear PPE in care homes and whilst providing personal care, especially when COVID-19 cases are suspected.

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is a vital element of prevention and control of infection, as part of a broader strategy of advised implementations including: hand and respiratory hygiene and environmental control.

Recommended use of PPE 

These recommendations are also for the wider healthcare sector and care settings.

The following information is the current advice stipulated by Health Protection Scotland and Public Health England in regards to the use of PPE for the control and prevention of further transmission of coronavirus (Covid-19.)

The advice has recently been updated to reflect the evolution of the pandemic and varying risk levels to healthcare professionals and potential exposure to SARS-CoV-2 as it spreads through the UK.

Health and social care workers due to the close proximity of personal care are likely to be repeatedly exposed to the risk of droplet and contact transmission during their day to day duty of care.

There are certain environments and instances where health care and care home workers are placed at higher risk of transmission and aerosol generating procedures (AGPs) present risk of aerosolised transmission. 

Especially as the other challenge is that a patient won’t be known to be carrying the COVID-19 infection prior to a personal face to face assessment or provision of care.

PPE in Intensive Care and Emergency Departments

Those healthcare professionals working in high-risk procedures, due to the nature of the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, aerosol generating procedures that any care worker is required to deliver or assist with requires full PPE equipment.

Aerosol generating procedures include: tracheostomy, intubation and bronchoscopy.

This advice is especially crucial to adhere to with the highest of caution in emergency departments and intensive care units as they are considered “hot zones.” for COVID-19 infection.

PPE Recommended equipment includes:

•  FFP3 respirator
•  Long sleeved disposable gown
•  Gloves
•  Eye protection (disposable goggles or full-face visor)

PPE in Care Homes

Healthcare workers due to the nature, close proximity and contact during personal care and the potential of exposure to COVID-19, they are required to wear appropriate PPE equipment inline with stipulated guidelines.

It is a requirement for face masks to be worn at all times in care homes, this is regardless of whether there are any known cases of Coronavirus in the care home or not.

The recommended PPE in care homes includes:

• Fluid repellent face mask – Type IIr mask
• Apron 
• Gloves 
• Eye protection must be worn if there is a splashing risk or exposure to respiratory droplets (plastic eye protector reusable goggles may be suitable)

A detailed overview of what PPE for the varying clinical environments and aspects, including:

• PPE in Health & Social Care
• PPE for Aerosol Generating Procedures
• First Responders PPE & Covid-19 Guidance
• NHS PPE Policy
• Dentist Gloves
• Dentistry PPE
• PPE for Schools
• PPE for the Deaf

Medicshield hope that the information provided for PPE in Care Homes is useful, please review our other articles for further guidance.

• Face Masks PPE
• Nitrile gloves
• nitrile glove faq’s
• Benefits of transparent face masks
• Clear face masks – Why we should be wearing them