Updated PPE COVID-19 advice from BAOMS & BAOS
15 April 2020 (Last updated: 4 May 2020 13:43)
Two specialty associations have come together again to build on their original COVID-19 (coronavirus) advice to support and protect dentists and doctors.
British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (BAOMS) Chair Patrick Magennis said: “We want to stress to our colleagues that clinical judgement remains important to protect patients and staff. Clinicians should always remember that the guidance from Public Health England is just that, guidance. PHE does not create rules, they indicate the minimum recommended not the maximum allowed PPE.”
British Association of Oral Surgeons (BAOS) President Paul Coulthard stated: “PPE is not just about the mask! It is about everything else. This includes risk assessment of the urgent procedure to ensure coronavirus is not transmitted to surgeons who could then spread to other patients.”
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 President Rob Bentley said: “As Urgent Dental Care (UDC) facilities are opened they should use the lessons learnt from Emergency Departments, OMFS units and dental hospitals that already provide emergency care. UDCs should apply the PARA principles we have described before.”
PPE
Avoid unnecessary visits and use thorough telephone triage
Restrict procedures to the minimum necessary to address the urgent problem
Abbreviate the duration of exposure for patient and clinician by delivering care with the most expert members of the team.
Full information about the new guidance can be found by visiting the BAOMS, BAOS and ENT UK 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.
The British Association of Oral Surgeons (BAOS) represents all practitioners with a special interest in Oral Surgery in both Primary and Secondary Care. The Association’s aims are to promote the development of Specialist Oral Surgery practice and address issues relating to NHS and private practice, training, clinical governance and post-specialist training.
Aerosol Generating Procedures (AGP) are procedures that stimulate coughing and promote airborne transmission.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - protective garments or equipment designed to protect the wearer's body from injury or infection.
Public Health England Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for health professionals and other organisations
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