Surgeons promote the most efficient use of precious PPE for their emergency patients
25 March 2020 (Last updated: 4 May 2020 14:02)
New personal protective equipment (PPE) guidance from the British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (BAOMS) and British Association of Oral Surgeons (BAOS) advises surgeons on how to treat patients with emergency oral and dental conditions efficiently and safely.
BAOMS Chair Patrick Magennis said: “For the emergency patients, who are the only people who should be receiving treatment at present, we need to try to examine, treat and discharge them in a single visit if we can. This will reduce the risk to patients and staff, and also limit the use of precious personal protective equipment. We hope this new guidance will help.”
BAOS President Paul Coulthard said: “'After a careful telephone patient triage by a senior clinician, the clinical team undertaking examination and treatment should be prepared. Operations in the mouth can be Aerosol Generating Procedures (AGP). Aerosols are mists of water or saliva which can transfer viruses to the surgical team putting them and their next patients at risk. It is important that staff are protected with PPE so that they stop the transmission of COVID-19.”
BAOMS and BAOS expect the new Public Health England (PHE) Guidance tomorrow will reflect their concerns about the risks of examining mouths, noses and throats.
PPE, AVOID, RESTRICT and ABBREVIATE
Full information about the new guidance, see the BAOMS, BAOS & ENT UK websites.
Ends
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.
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