Our personnel dept send copies of Locum HEP B blood test results to us and we advise them whether or not they are able to perform EPP - we don't routinely do any other health clearance for locums

Karen
-----Original Message-----
From: Gallagher Deirdre (RGZ) [mailto:[log in to unmask]] 
Sent: 19 August 2003 15:27 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Latex and Clearance of Agency staff.

I think the main issues with Latex gloves have been the Powder, but I
believe the NHS supplies catalogue now only offers powder-free latex gloves,
along with Vinyl and nitrile as alternatives.
How do other NHS Trusts manage to ensure correct screening of agency staff,
especially Locum Dr's who work through agencies.I know some agencies do
employ the services of an OHD to clear their workers, but others assume we
should do it!!Or worse still, agency clerical staff have had training
sometime in the past as to how to decide on what constitutes Hep B
immunity,and they vet the HQ's also and if problems they send on to another
Dr!!!
They are not medically qualified to assess immunisations and certainly not
HQ info...so why do they receive them???
Anybody have any experiences of this?
Deirdre Gallagher
Occupational Health Service Manager
Tel: 0208 302 2678 ext:4543



-----Original Message-----
From: Christine Bouckley [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Tuesday, August 19, 2003 02:56
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Latex


Thanks Chris,
I have been aware of these issues, and do also have concerns over
alternatives not always being the best option! We currently operate with low
protein and powder free gloves and seem to have few problems given the
number of staff using latex gloves and other heathcare appliances..we offer
alternatives to those who report problems, but more often than not it boils
down to the need for good skin care rather than to the gloves. I dont think
we will be rushing into a total latex glove ban. I cannot justify the
'change over' well enough ayway at the moment!
christine

-----Original Message-----
From: Chris Packham [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 19 August 2003 14:48
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Latex


I would caution against attempting to go latex free altogether and
particularly against replacing natural rubber latex with vinyl. The thin,
single use vinyl gloves do not provide the same level of biological
protection as does natural rubber latex. They puncture easily. Thus by
changing to vinyl you could be putting the users at increased risk of
infection. This raises some interesting legal aspects! You must also
consider disposal of vinyl gloves. They should NOT be incinerated, as this
releases vinyl monomer and dioxins, extremely hazardous chemicals.

In fact, many studies have shown that low free protein, unpowdered natural
rubber latex gloves offer optimum biological protection and do not present a
significant risk of latex sensitisation. You might also be interested to
know that in Germany (where a very comprehensive review was carried out by
Dr. Angelika Heese - Allergien gege Latexhandschuhe, ISBN 3-609-62850-2)
there is now a regulatory requirement for all natural rubber latex gloves to
be unpowdered (Technische Regeln fur Gefahrstoffe, TRGS540).

In fact, several recent studies indicate that the most common cause of skin
problems from latex gloves was irritant contact dermatitis, followed by a
type IV reaction to the chemicals in the latex glove. The type I, latex
allergy, came in third place.

Of course, if you do have someone who is extremely latex sensitive, then you
will have to go to something such as nitrile or polychloroprene (Neoprene).
Bear in mind, however, that (a) these are more expensive and (b) they may
also contain the sentising chemicals for the type IV reaction.

If anyone wants more on this please feel free to contact me. I have a mass
of information, papers etc. and will willingly discuss latex/latex policies.

Chris Packham

EnviroDerm Services
Solutions in skin management
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