The infection prevention team at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust are promoting their ‘gloves off’ message, explaining to patients when disposable gloves are not needed and at the same time promoting a greener NHS.
It’s important to explain that gloves are not needed during activities such as:
- Taking patients’ vitals (e.g. blood pressure, temperature etc.)
- Examining or touching a patient (where there is no contact with blood or body fluids, non-intact skin, mucous membranes or harmful drugs or chemicals.)
- Assisting a patient with food and drink
- Giving vaccinations
- Administration tasks near a patient (e.g. answering the phone, using the computer)
- Moving a patient’s belongings
- Tidying the bedspace.
There’s also an important focus on reducing plastic waste and promoting a Greener NHS. Due to unnecessary glove use, around 1.1 billion gloves are used in the NHS each year which contributes to the planet’s plastic and microplastic problem.
It’s also important for good skin health for staff, as inappropriate glove use can lead to skin conditions like dermatitis for staff, as well as the spread of infection and cross-contamination if hand washing is not done whilst wearing gloves.
Infection prevention lead nurse at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, Arlene Beausire, said:
“We want our patients and visitors to understand that gloves aren’t always needed and it’s not just that staff have forgotten to put them on. Evidence shows that clean hands are as effective a barrier as non-sterile gloves.”
Children's charity praise Skipton nursery and building society for support with bake sale
Nursery to raise money for childcare with annual Easter Egg Hunt
Red Lion Pub to host grand re-opening after refurbishment
Council update on operator of Alpamare water park
Visitor levy would be mayor's decision, says senior councillor
Artisan market to return to Skipton this March
Skipton families able to access free breakfasts for children during school holidays at Morrisons
Skipton MP responds to recent claimant figures
Skipton schools encouraged to join Tesco's grant scheme for access to healthy food
Bus company reminds locals of Haworth routes following 'Wuthering Heights' release
Dacre, Son and Hartley share the love for Random Acts of Kindness Day
Council chiefs deny claims of conspiracy to remove committee chair
Council agrees £150,000 funding to reduce winter deaths
The Craven Heifer Inn officially reopens
Half term events: Skipton Library
Silsden green grocers nominated for New Business Award
1,000 Smiles: Pateley Bridge woman wins £1,000 prize
Tribute night in Skipton to raise money for Skipton Pride
Council agrees council tax hike because they don't live "in world of unicorns and rainbows"
The Skipton Academy to host clothing swap for children's hospice
