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Medical Aids and Appliances

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 May 2020

Wednesday, 27 May 2020

Questions (632)

Gary Gannon

Question:

632. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Health the consideration that has been given to the protection of persons serviced by the community and voluntary sector in terms of appropriate provision of PPE to reduce danger of Covid-19 transmission from asymptomatic workers and volunteers to service users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8221/20]

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Written answers

The current advice from the HSE, regarding personal protective equipment (PPE), is as follows:

"Personal protective equipment (PPE) is valuable as an additional protection for patients and staff. It should only be used where it is likely to be beneficial as outlined in the HSE Personal Protective Equipment PPE guidance: (https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/guidance/infectionpreventionandcontrolguidance/ppe/). It should not be used in other settings where it does not provide any benefit. The unnecessary use of PPE will deplete stocks and increases the risk that essential PPE will not be available to help protect you, your colleagues and patients when needed".

In addition, the HSE’s Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) publishes 'Guidance on cocooning to protect people over 70 years and those extremely medically vulnerable from COVID-19', the latest version (version 1.4 17 May) of this guidance states the following:

"Visits from people who provide essential support to you such as healthcare, personal support with your daily needs or social care should continue, but carers and care workers must stay away if they have any of the symptoms of COVID-19. They may find this guidance for Health and Social care workers

(https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/guidance/infectionpreventionandcontrolguidance/healthandsocialcareworkers/Guidance-HealthSocialCareWorkersWhoVisitHomes.pdf) who visit homes useful. All people coming to your home should wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds on arrival to your house and often whilst they are there".

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