TheatrePracticeStandardsGeneric1

• Protective face shields must be worn whenever activities place personnel at risk of
splashes or aerosol contamination.
• Masks must cover the nose and mouth, fitting the contour of the face and must be
tied securely. They must be changed between patients.
• The mask should not be touched once applied. A used mask must be handled by
the tapes only.
• Used masks must be discarded into a yellow clinical waste bag for disposal after
each case, or if soiled.
• Masks must not be worn around the neck or put into pockets for future use. Hands
must be washed following mask removal.
• When caring for patients with suspected or confirmed influenza, all healthcare
workers need to – prior to any patient interaction – assess the infectious risk
posed to themselves and wear the appropriate personal protective equipment
(PPE) to minimise that risk: Face masks with shields - Surgical mask with
intermediate filter to ensure high protection against bacterial contamination
Personal Hygiene
• Personal hygiene should be of a high standard.
• Showers and towels are provided, for staff accidentally contaminated with body
fluids whilst on duty.
2. Patient Attire
• Patients in preparation for surgery must wear suitable clothing
• Patients will be supplied with disposable underwear to maintain privacy and dignity
• Patient gowns should be correctly fitting to enable them to be securely closed at
the rear to maintain privacy and dignity
• Patients who walk to theatre must be allowed to wear their own dressing gown
over the patient gown and if they do not have their own gown they must be
provided with a disposable gown to cover the patient gown during the transfer
• Patients must wear appropriate footwear during walking transfers to theatre to
maintain safety.
• Patients undergoing procedures which do not require them to change out of their
own clothes e.g ophthalmic procedures must have their own clothing protected
during the procedure.
3. Visitors to the perioperative environment
All theatres must have available a copy of the RCHT Protocol: Perioperative Uniform, stating
the correct preparation for staff and visitors entering and leaving all areas of the perioperative
environment. Staff/visitors other healthcare professionals must be made aware of these
policies and procedures.
Theatre Practice Standards - Generic
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