Updated PPE COVID-19 advice from BAOMS & ENT UK
15 April 2020 (Last updated: 4 May 2020 13:39)
Two specialty surgical associations have come together again to build on their original COVID-19 (coronavirus) advice to support and protect their surgical teams.
ENT UK President Nirmal Kumar, rocked by the recent loss of a colleague ENT surgeon to COVID-19, said: “Our colleagues should use their clinical judgement and remember that PPE guidance from Public Health England is just that, guidance. PHE publications define the minimum recommended not the maximum allowed. Aerosol Generating Procedures done in any clinical situation should be considered carefully, and appropriate PPE worn as there is now evidence of high community transmission.”
British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (BAOMS) Chair Patrick Magennis, explained the risks associated with providing tracheostomies for COVID-19 patients on Intensive Care Units: “Tracheostomies on COVID patients are a high-risk procedure. Decisions should be multidisciplinary and timed to help patients recover. Planning and preparation, control of environment and process, and above all teams must work together efficiently to protect each other and the patient.”
In recent surveys both associations found that members highlighted concerns about limited access to all types of PPE including the FFP3 mask, which PHE recommends for Aerosol Generating Procedures (AGPs). BAOMS and ENT UK recommend FFP3 masks for procedures involving the oral, nasal and pharyngeal mucous membranes.
BAOMS President Rob Bentley said: “This crisis will last for many months. We need to plan for the short, medium and long-term. As we move from emergency-only care, through to giving urgent care and, ultimately, return to providing surgery for all patients we must look at all our pathways of care. Surgery provides the best chance of survival for individuals with mouth cancers, this has to be prioritised because operations can offer 95% of cure for some of our patients.”
Full information about the new guidance, please visit the BAOMS, ENT UK and BAOS websites.
For further information and interviews contact: Siân Evans on 020 8674 8921 / 07752 414433 / or BAOMS
Notes to editors
The British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (BAOMS) promotes the advancement of education, research and the development of oral and maxillofacial Surgery in Great Britain, and encourages and assists postgraduate education, study and research.
ENT UK is the professional membership body representing Ear, Nose and Throat surgery, as well as its related specialities, in the United Kingdom. We support members at every stage of their careers, from student-level right through to retirement – a total of more than 1,600 medical practitioners.
Aerosol Generating Procedures (AGP) are procedures that stimulate coughing and promote airborne transmission.
Public Health England Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for health professionals and other organisations
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - protective garments or equipment designed to protect the wearer's body from injury or infection.
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