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Content Article
When the Covid-19 pandemic arrived in the UK in March 2020, Professor Paul Elkington and a team at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust (UHS) quickly developed a new form of respiratory protective equipment (RPE) called PeRSo (Personal Respirator Southampton) for hospital staff to use. PeRSo is a portable, wearable device which blows air through a HEPA filter into a hood, providing a high level of protection against respiratory infection. In this interview, Paul describes how, working with industry partners, his team was able to provide 3,500 members of staff at UHS with PeRSo during the pandemic. Describing the impact this had on staff morale and Covid infection rates, he explains why PeRSo is a preferable alternative to the FFP3 masks recommended by the Government during the pandemic. Paul outlines how, in the event of another pandemic, providing personal respirators would offer effective protection for healthcare workers and the wider population at relatively low cost. He also outlines what the Government needs to do to ensure the UK is prepared for future pandemics, including making changes to the regulatory framework and incentivising the development of personal respirators designed specifically for infection control. Further reading on the hub: A personal respirator to improve protection for healthcare workers treating Covid-19 (PeRSo) Powered respirators are effective, sustainable and cost-effective Personal Protective Equipment for SARS-CoV-2 Respiratory protective equipment: An unequal solution for healthcare workers? A blog by David Osborn "Forgotten heroes" – the sequel: a blog and resources from David Osborn -
News Article
Cuts to international aid ordered by Donald Trump have caused many African HIV researchers to fear for the future of long-term research programmes. In January, as one of his first acts after taking office, the US president froze all foreign aid and announced a 90-day review. That move and the firing of all but 15 employees at the US Agency for International Development (USAID) mean the agency has, in effect, been closed down. Also under threat are US National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants that support HIV research in Africa: cuts have affected funding for HIV-related research in specific populations, and a mechanism that awards grants to international collaborators has been suspended. US dollars have been key in mitigating the scourge of the virus, both through research and by providing lifesaving antiretroviral drugs. Salim Abdool Karim is co-founder and director of the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA) at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in Durban. He says three USAID-funded collaborative grants for HIV research and one NIH grant related to tuberculosis have been terminated, totalling US$1.4 million. The public-health physician, who founded CAPRISA with his wife Quarraisha Abdool Karim, an infectious-disease epidemiologist, says that these funding cancellations will stymie the centre’s research, which prioritises slowing the number of new HIV infections in young women and reducing deaths from HIV–tuberculosis coinfections in Africa. “All our HIV-vaccine trials, and most of our HIV-treatment trials, will be stopped as these are funded by the NIH,” he says. Although he does not expect the suspended work to result in increased deaths, “it will, however, slow scientific progress on HIV vaccines and treatment”, he adds. He doesn’t think that USAID funding will be restored. “Although it has many great scientists, the United States government is now an unreliable funding partner. We have to mobilize our own resources.” Read full story Source: Nature, 20 May 2025 -
Content Article
Presentation from David Osborn, health and safety consultant and member of the Covid Airborne Transmission Alliance (CATA), to the Safer Healthcare Biosafety Network. You can watch the video of the presentation and download the pdf presentation slides below. David Osborn, health and safety consultant and member of the Covid Airborne Transmission Alliance (CATA), has given an account of CATA’s journey through the Covid-19 Public Inquiry to the Safer Healthcare Biosafety Network (SHBN). This has been in two parts: His first presentation was delivered on 3 December 2024, just as the public hearings for module 3 (impact of the pandemic on healthcare systems) were drawing to a close. In this second presentation (28 March 2025) David updates the group on CATA's current position and summarises their final submissions to Baroness Hallett. The detail in CATA’s closing submissions to the Inquiry may be found in its written statement at this link. Links are provided in the last two slides of the attached PDF file to CATA’s letters to the Chief Nursing Officers and Ministers. 2025-03-28 SHBN Presentation.pdf It should be noted that, as at 19 May 2025: No reply has been received from the Chief Nursing Officers to CATA’s letter of 4 March. No reply has been received from the Minister (Rt Hon Ashley Dalton MP) to CATA’s letter of 18 March. CATA has therefore written again to the Rt Hon Ashley Dalton MP. The letter is attached below: cata-letter-to-ashley-dalton-mp-1-may-25 (1).pdf -
News Article
NHS Tayside has been formally ordered to improve maternity services at Ninewells Hospital following an unannounced inspection by a health watchdog. Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) expanded its safe delivery of care inspections following a neonatal mortality review last year to “provide women, birthing people and families with an assessment of the quality of care” in maternity services. It carried out its first safe delivery of care inspection in an unannounced visit to maternity services at Ninewells in Dundee between 27 and 29 January this year. This was followed up with another unannounced visit on February 12 due to concerns, including that breastfeeding equipment was being cleaned in a sink with kitchen utensils, which had not been addressed at the time of the return visit. In an inspection report published on Thursday, HIS said after the revisit, “we were not assured that sufficient progress or improvement had been made with some of our concerns”, and it formally wrote to NHS Tayside to urge it to meet national standards for maternity services. Concerns included “variations in oversight and governance observed in both the hospital inspection and maternity services, and a lack of oversight by senior managers within maternity services”. Other areas of improvement included “safe staffing, fire safety issues and the maintenance of the hospital environment”, according to HIS. Read full story Source: The Scotsman, 15 May 2025 -
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At least 216 children have died of influenza in the US during the last flu season in what the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said was classified as the first high severity season overall and for all age groups since 2017-2018. That number marks the highest pediatric death toll in 15 years; the previous high reported for a regular (non-pandemic) season was 236 pediatric deaths in the 2009-2010 season, according to the CDC. More recently, 207 paediatric deaths were reported during the 2023-2024 season. The high number of paediatric fatalities reported for the past flu season comes as health authorities in New York said that 25 children in the state had succumbed to influenza-associated paediatric deaths – the highest recorded amount ever in New York. “As we begin to analyze the data from the 2024-2025 influenza season, we see this flu season was a challenging flu season for all, yet particularly for children,” said New York state’s health commissioner, Dr James McDonald. The health commissioner warned that “misinformation around vaccines has in recent years contributed to a rise in vaccine hesitancy and declining vaccination rates”. Of the 25 pediatric deaths attributed to flu, only one involved a vaccinated child and five were below six-month age minimum to receive the flu vaccine. “We live in a challenging time, where honest objective information is sometimes blurred by misinformation – therefore, it remains the department’s goal to continue to provide as much education and information as possible about flu and other vaccines that remain our best protection against many viruses and preventable diseases,” McDonald said. Read full story Source: The Guardian, 8 May 2025- Posted
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AHRQ's MRSA prevention toolkit: Targeting SSI
Patient Safety Learning posted an article in Surgical site infections
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) toolkit for MRSA Prevention: Targeting SSI highlights four key evidence-based strategies to prevent MRSA and SSI: nasal decolonisation, preoperative skin antisepsis, antimicrobial prophylaxis and evidence-based prevention strategies. Surgical teams can incorporate concepts from the AHRQ Comprehensive Unit-based Safety Programme framework into their current care team to promote patient safety culture and enhance teamwork and communication. Access the toolkit’s extensive resources, including presentations and facilitator guides, plus staff and patient training materials to help your facility get started or supplement your existing MRSA and SSI prevention efforts.- Posted
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Can you think of a campaign that has really got your attention, stuck with you and made you do something differently? Claire Kilpatrick has been involved in the World Health Organization’s (WHO) World Hand Hygiene Day campaign since its launch 17 years ago. In this blog, Claire gives her thoughts around campaigning, explains this year's World Hand Hygiene Day slogan, 'it might be gloves, it’s always hand hygiene', and shares some of WHO's campaign resources. All the outreach activities for a successful campaign take time and effort, and often considerable resources. But if it works, it can work for a long time! Do you know what campaign activities actually expect to achieve? How do you evaluate the reach and impact of any of your campaign efforts? Campaigning can ultimately help make up people’s minds with regards to what they think, how they will act and how they will continue to sell the message in the long term. Ideas exist about how you can undertake annual campaign evaluations. And even if your campaign impact expectations are not met, it doesn't mean your campaigning efforts aren’t worth it. You might still persuade people to change, in some way, at some point. You don't always dash out and buy those new running shoes immediately after you see the ad, but you might in a couple of month’s time because you remembered them… But, if people feel bombarded with information it makes it harder for them to become informed. This makes succinct campaign messaging and clarity even more important, in order to achieve the desired impact. For 17 years, since its launch, I have been involved in WHO's World Hand Hygiene Day campaign, commemorated every 5 May. Working with communications experts and colleagues in regions and countries around the world, I have learned so much about the importance of messaging and was inspired to come up with this year’s slogan: it might be gloves, it’s always hand hygiene. Why this theme? Because: Medical gloves used in healthcare—disposable gloves used during medical procedures—can get contaminated as easily as bare hands and do not protect 100%. When worn, gloves should be removed, for example, after touching a wound site/non-intact skin, and hand hygiene performed immediately. But not everyone knows or practices this. Regardless of whether gloves are worn, hand hygiene—at the right times and in the right way—is still one of the most important measures to protect patients and health workers. By 2026, hand hygiene compliance monitoring and feedback should be established as a key national indicator, at the very least in all reference hospitals. Currently 68% of countries report they are doing this. Do all countries know this is a mandate to be achieved? Excessive glove use contributes significantly to the volume of healthcare waste and does not necessarily reduce transmission of germs. An average university hospital generates 1,634 tons of healthcare waste each year and this number is increasing 2 –3% per year (especially since Covid-19); wealthier countries generate more waste. Appropriate glove use and hand hygiene can help minimise this waste. Some country efforts are evident in this regard, but more needs to be done. And there are more facts available that you can use to explain these topics to your colleagues. The great news is, WHO provides a range of resources to help meet the World Hand Hygiene Day campaign goal—to bring people together and to maintain the profile of life saving infection prevention action. By providing these, WHO helps to cut down on the time, effort and materials that countries and healthcare facilities have to find to maintain their own campaign efforts. Essentially the campaign is nothing without local action, without you. So, for 5 May 2025, and for long term impact, here are some of things you could do: A campaign badge Use it in your email signature, in your socials, or you can even print it and make real badges/pins – show that you are always part of the campaign community. An advocacy slide Drop it in to your presentations. Posters Your own ready to use poster maker. Place these in your work areas. Aim to reach different target audiences. Personalise the posters and remember to change them over time to continue to get attention. Two-minute educational video Embed this new short video into your training sessions. In this eye-opening short story, follow two nurses—one who always practices hand hygiene at the right moments and another who relies on gloves. Spoiler: Gloves aren’t the hero here. Video background Use this as your backdrop for virtual meetings to maintain the campaign profile. Social media messages Use the WHO FAQs to create messages. Repost WHO’s social media messages around 5 May. Remember to use #handhygiene so we can have a socials takeover and have maximum reach. Idea for an engagement activity Start discussions in an informal way, for example, in wards or clinics when you visit, or advertise more formal sessions, maybe including treats! Use the WHO FAQs and then ensure that conversations are informed by actual staff experiences of glove use and hand hygiene. Consider how you will share copies of FAQs for ongoing reference. Improvement documents and tools To show impact over time, use the Hand Hygiene Self Assessment Framework alongside other infection prevention assessment tools. The results guide you to available improvement tools. One of the most popular resources on the WHO YouTube channel remains the 5 Moments for Hand Hygiene training video. Some of the most visited WHO web pages remain the how to handrub, how to handwash and 5 Moments for Hand Hygiene posters. Implementation is also key A guide to implementation for hand hygiene explains the necessary on-going commitment. WHO has a number of guides to implementation for different infection prevention topics, and I have just co-led on a new guide for implementing an infection prevention national action plan – to be launched by WHO in June. Global IPC community of practice Chat with people from around the globe to share and learn more on IPC. As the world of global health evolves, we will need to get even more creative, in both what we say and how we disseminate our messages. Partnerships might help this going forward. In a 2021 paper by Storr et al, they highlighted some considerations for the future around environmental cleaning and infection prevention, including combining advocacy efforts. They noted that “the current melee of global campaigns that countries are called on to be involved in may be resulting in competition and dilution of messages, rather than being complementary.” There is still a lot of buzz around hand hygiene, but I am grateful to be issuing this blog with Patient Safety Learning because the campaign is more than just hand hygiene and to continue to get attention we can do more together. But now that it’s 5 May, as my colleagues in the Global Handwashing Partnership say – all the best for clean hands! Further reading on the hub: Top picks: Nine resources about hand hygiene- Posted
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By 2026, hand hygiene compliance monitoring and feedback should be established as a key national indicator, at the very least in all reference hospitals. Currently 68% of countries report they are doing this. World Hand Hygiene Day in 2025 coincides with the need for countries to rapidly consider implementation of the global action plan and monitoring framework on infection prevention and control (IPC) – supported by a guide to implementation – and the need to continue to improve IPC as demonstrated in the latest WHO IPC global report. Additionally, the WHO Framework for Action 2024-2030 focused on WASH, waste and electricity services highlights the need for universal safe access to ensure quality of care (linked to climate and health), including by integrating WASH and waste requirements into health system planning, programming, financing, implementation and monitoring, which can in part be supported by IPC efforts. Therefore, it is recognised that at this time countries and health care facilities should continue to highly prioritize optimal hand hygiene practices (using the appropriate technique and according to the WHO 5 Moments) alongside appropriate glove use, including through greater awareness and supported by IPC practitioners as part of an IPC team and programme. Objectives To highlight the IPC situation globally including the need for investment cases, and the impact of optimal hand hygiene practices (using the appropriate technique and according to the WHO 5 Moments) To highlight the need for on-going promotion of appropriate glove use, alongside hand hygiene action. To raise awareness of the environmental and climate impact of gloves on waste generation and management. To outline the role of hand hygiene within national IPC strategies, as well as standard operating procedures (SOPs) at facility level, according to the recommendations of the WHO global action plan and monitoring framework 2024-2030 and highlight a new WHO guide to implementation. To showcase how World Hand Hygiene Day plays a role in bringing people together and raising the profile of IPC improvement as one part of IPC national and health facility programmes. Register- Posted
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Don't miss this insightful conversation with C-level executives Leah Binder, President and CEO of the Leapfrog Group and Devin Jopp, President and CEO of APIC. In this leadership conversation, they'll share their perspectives on how the new presidential administration presents both opportunities and challenges to advancing patient safety and infection prevention. Register- Posted
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News Article
Lack of access to antibiotics is driving spread of superbugs, finds research
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
Less than 7% of people with severe drug-resistant infections in poorer countries get the antibiotics they need, a new study suggests, with researchers warning that not only is this causing suffering and deaths, but is also likely to be driving antimicrobial resistance (AMR). With AMR forecast to cause 1.9m deaths a year by 2050, they are calling for urgent action, akin to the fight earlier this century to get HIV drugs to Africa’s virus hotspots. “The stark reality is that most people with highly drug-resistant infections are not getting access to the antibiotics they need,” said Dr Jennifer Cohn, a senior author of the study. AMR is a process whereby bacteria and other pathogens evolve resistance to treatments typically used against them. One driver is the overuse of antibiotics, with greater exposure to drugs offering bacteria more chances to learn how to evade them. But a focus on overuse has meant access has been neglected, the experts warn. Read full story Source: The Guardian, 30 April 2025- Posted
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Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) a critical global health threat that undermines the safety of routine medical procedures and reverses many advancements in modern medicine by making antimicrobials ineffective to treat infections. Inappropriate use of antimicrobials is a major driver of AMR. This Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS) report describes global progress in antimicrobial use surveillance and antibiotic use in 2022, reported by 60 countries.- Posted
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Content Article
In a blog earlier this year, Patient Safety Learning’s Associate Director Claire Cox looked at how corridor care within the NHS is affecting safety culture and examined its implications for both healthcare professionals and patients. In this new blog, she turns her attention to the associated health and safety risks, questioning whether these are being properly addressed. Claire draws out key areas for consideration and suggests practical measures that can help protect patient safety in such challenging working environments. In recent years, corridor care has become an unfortunate reality in many NHS hospitals across the UK. With hospitals operating over capacity, patients are often treated in corridors due to a lack of available beds. While this practice may provide temporary relief in overcrowded healthcare settings, it also introduces significant health and safety risks for patients, staff and visitors. What is corridor care? Corridor care is a term used to describe the practice of providing medical attention to patients in hallways or other non-designated clinical areas due to overcrowding or resource shortages. This is typically due to emergency departments being overwhelmed or a shortage of inpatient beds. Corridor care is no longer an exception—it has become the norm in many hospitals. A new report published in January by the Royal College of Nursing illustrated the prevalence of this, sharing the experiences of more than 5,000 nursing staff on corridor care in the UK.[1] [2] In February, the Royal College of Physicians published a snap survey of its members highlighting the prevalence of corridor care, with 78% of respondents having provided care in a temporary environment in the previous month.[3] Key health and safety risks of corridor care When speaking about the impact of corridor care, understandably our initial focus tends to be on its direct impact on the care of the patient and the staff member providing that care. However, a somewhat overlooked aspect of this is how it can impact on the wider health and safety of those working in, or using, healthcare facilities. This can manifest itself in a number of different ways: Infection control risks Corridors lack the necessary infection control measures—for example, hand washing facilities and appropriate waste disposal, including sharps—which increases the risk of hospital-acquired infections, such as MRSA and Clostridium difficile.[4] The inability to maintain appropriate isolation for infectious patients poses a serious public health concern.[5] Delayed emergency response Corridors are not equipped for life-saving interventions in emergencies. Delayed access to equipment, medication and clinical teams in a corridor setting can increase mortality and morbidity.[6] A lack of emergency call bell alarms may incur delays in receiving appropriate emergency help. Swift transfer of unwell patients is often made challenging due to obstacles obstructing a usually clear path. Emergency teams may find it difficult to locate the unwell patient in a corridor as there may be numerous ‘temporary escalation’ areas within the department. Obstruction and fire safety hazards Corridors crowded with trolleys, equipment and patients create obstructions that can impede fire evacuation routes. Fire doors may be left open to accommodate trolleys, compromising compartmentalisation and increasing the spread of fire and smoke. NHS Trusts are legally required under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 to ensure that escape routes remain unobstructed, which is often compromised by corridor care.[7] The London Fire Brigade recently highlighted these issues with their local hospitals, citing concerns about obstruction of fire escape routes, increased fire load in circulation spaces and delayed evacuation times in the event of an emergency.[8] Manual handling and staff safety Healthcare staff face increased manual handling risks while manoeuvring equipment and providing care in narrow corridors. This can lead to musculoskeletal disorders and workplace injuries, further exacerbating staff shortages.[9] The question is, are these risks being addressed? Risk assessments: A key to mitigation While some NHS Trusts have implemented risk assessment templates for corridor care, these are not yet standardised across the system. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommends that risk assessments for corridor care include: infection control protocols fire safety compliance manual handling risk reduction patient privacy and dignity measures emergency response protocols.[9] What about fire safety? Fire safety is one of the most pressing concerns associated with corridor care. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, NHS Trusts are required to ensure that: Escape routes remain clear at all times. Adequate fire risk assessments are conducted and updated regularly. Staff are trained in evacuation procedures, especially in high-risk areas like corridors.[7] Are Trusts compliant? While most Trusts have fire risk assessments in place, reports from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) indicate that compliance varies across the country. Some hospitals have been flagged for failing to adequately mitigate the fire risks associated with corridor care.[10] What measures can we take to protect patient safety? The below points offer some practical health and safety measures that can be put in place to help reduce risk: Fire risk management: Regular audits to ensure corridors are not overcrowded and escape routes remain clear. Patient identification and monitoring: Implementing digital systems to track patient location and their condition when placed in corridors. Enhanced infection control: Providing hand hygiene stations and maintaining isolation protocols even in corridor settings. Staff training and awareness: Ensuring staff are trained in dynamic risk assessments and evacuation procedures. Establishing escalation protocols: Creating clear guidelines on when to escalate corridor care situations to prevent patient harm. The need for systemic change Corridor care is a symptom of a healthcare system under immense pressure. While temporary risk mitigation measures can improve safety, long-term solutions require increased capacity, better resource allocation and investment in community-based care to prevent unnecessary admissions. If the current trend continues, addressing health and safety risks associated with corridor care must become a top priority to protect both patients and healthcare staff. Call to action Do you work in healthcare or health and safety? Your expertise can make a real difference! Share your corridor care risk assessments with Patient Safety Learning to help identify risks, prevent harm and improve outcomes for patients. Comment below (sign up first for free) or email [email protected]. References Royal College of Nursing. On the frontline of the UK’s corridor care crisis, 16 January 2025. Patient Safety Learning. Response to RCN report: On the frontline of the UK’s corridor care crisis, 17 January 2025. Royal College of Physicians. Doctors confirm ‘corridor care’ crisis as 80% forced to treat patients in unsafe spaces, 26 February 2025. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Infection Prevention and Control Quality Standard, 2014. London: NICE. Public Health England. Guidelines on Infection Prevention and Control, 2019. London: PHE. Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM), 2021. Crowding and its Consequences: Policy Brief. London: RCEM. HM Government, 2005. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. London: The Stationery Office. London Fire Brigade. Letter to Trusts to review your Fire Risk Assessments, 17 February 2025. Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (as amended), September 2016. London: HSE. Care Quality Commission (CQC). State of Care Report, September 2021. London: CQC. Related reading on the hub: How corridor care in the NHS is affecting safety culture: A blog by Claire Cox The crisis of corridor care in the NHS: patient safety concerns and incident reporting Response to RCN report: On the frontline of the UK’s corridor care crisis A nurse's response to the NHSE guidance on their principles for providing safe and good quality care in temporary escalation spaces A silent safety scandal: A nurse’s first-hand account of a corridor nursing shift- Posted
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WHO: Vaccines explained (April 2025)
Patient Safety Learning posted an article in Infectious diseases
"Vaccines Explained" is a series of illustrated articles from the World Health Organization that describe how vaccines work, how they’re developed and distributed and how their safety is carefully monitored. Check the links below to learn more. How do vaccines work? What's in a vaccine? How are vaccines developed and produced? Ensuring vaccine safety Vaccine efficacy, effectiveness and protection How to talk about vaccines- Posted
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News Article
CDC says measles cases are most likely underreported as outbreak swells in Texas
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
Measles cases are most likely being underreported in the United States as public health officials scramble to find resources to address a ballooning outbreak in the Southwest, according to a senior scientist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. So far this year, 747 cases have been recorded in the United States, according to NBC News’ tally. Two unvaccinated children in Texas and an unvaccinated adult in New Mexico have died. The adult tested positive for measles, but the official cause of death is still under investigation. Dr. David Sugerman, a senior scientist leading the CDC’s measles response, said Tuesday at a meeting of the CDC’s vaccine advisory committee that more than 90% of the cases are “related to the Southwest outbreak, driven by transmission in close-knit, undervaccinated communities.” The other cases have largely been imported from other countries, he said. “We do believe that there’s quite a large amount of cases that are not reported and underreported,” Sugerman said Tuesday as he updated the committee on measles. “In working very closely with our colleagues in Texas; in talking with families, they may mention prior cases that have recovered and never received testing, other families that may have cases and never sought treatment.” Read full story Source: NBC News, 16 April 2025- Posted
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In today’s digital era, data is generated at an unprecedented scale. Healthcare is no exception— data is produced continuously as a result of our interactions with healthcare organisations - community, acute and tertiary alike. The challenge for healthcare institutions and their governance systems is to utilise this rich healthcare data effectively and efficiently to improve patient outcomes. Towards this objective, AI is emerging as a key enabling tool. Infection prevention and control (IPC) units have varied work streams - infection surveillance, patient pathway monitoring, novel pathogen intelligence, policy and guidance directives and are best poised to take a leading role in utilising healthcare data to increase the impact of these activities. IPC is poised to embrace the transformative potential of AI, ensuring its services evolve in step with technological advances. Achieving this will require a multi-pronged approach to support the parallel development of both AI capabilities and IPC services.- Posted
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To support the implementation of the National Patient Safety Plan of the Republic of North Macedonia, this handbook provides a structured framework using the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle and focuses on six core intervention areas, including infection prevention, medication safety, surgical safety, safe birth practices, capacity strengthening, and error-reduction strategies. It emphasises stakeholder engagement, monitoring and evaluation, risk management, and sustainability planning. By providing a clear roadmap, this initiative aims to foster a culture of patient safety and improve health-care quality in North Macedonia.- Posted
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News Article
US exceeds 700 measles cases as officials struggle to contain outbreaks
Mark Hughes posted a news article in News
The US reached a grim milestone Friday surpassing 700 confirmed measles cases in 2025, according to figures posted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Thirty-two percent of cases occurred in patients under 5 while 38% were reported in those between 5 and 19, according to the agency. As of Friday, the CDC reported 79 hospitalisations, including 45 patients who were under 5. Most measles cases, 97%, occurred in unvaccinated patients or whose vaccination status is unknown. Read full story Source: USA Today News, 14 April 2025- Posted
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Second child dies of measles as Texas outbreak worsens
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
A second child has died from measles as an outbreak of the highly contagious virus continues to grow in western Texas. The school-aged child was not vaccinated, had no underlying health conditions and was in hospital suffering complications from measles, Aaron Davis, the vice-president of UMC Health System, told the BBC. US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, who has faced a backlash over his handling of the outbreak, visited Texas on Sunday in the wake of the death, which is the third overall in recent weeks. The southern US state has reported more than 480 cases of measles so far this year as of Friday, a jump from 420 earlier in the week. The outbreak has extended to neighbouring states. Across the whole of the US, more than 600 cases of measles have been recorded so far this year, more than double the 285 cases that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recorded last year. In 2019, there were a total of 1,274 measles cases recorded across the US, but prior to that there had not been a larger outbreak than this year's since the early 1990s, according to the CDC. Many of this year's cases - nearly all in unvaccinated people - are related to the outbreak that began in western Texas. "This unfortunate event underscores the importance of vaccination," Mr Davis said in a statement. "Measles is a highly contagious disease that can lead to serious complications, particularly for those who are unvaccinated." Read full story Read full story: BBC News, 6 April 2025- Posted
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USA: NIH sued over ‘ideological purge’ of DEI, Covid and vaccine research
Patient Safety Learning posted a news article in News
A group of public health experts and major labor organizations are suing the National Institutes of Health (NIH) over what they call an “ongoing ideological purge” of scientific research. In a legal complaint filed on Wednesday, the American Public Health Association; the United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW); and other health experts say the NIH has abruptly canceled hundreds of grants since February 2025. The complaint says the cuts have targeted research tied to topics like diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), gender identity, vaccine hesitancy and even work involving collaborators in other countries. These cancellations, they argue, provide a “window into the devastation to medical and scientific research playing out across the nation right now”. The lawsuit claims that NIH broke from its usual science-based review process and started shutting down projects based on “vague” new priorities. It alleges that the organization often justified cancellations by saying the research “no longer effectuates agency priorities”. Researchers affected by the cuts include those studying Alzheimer’s disease, pregnancy health disparities and HIV prevention. “Ending these NIH grants wastes taxpayer money and years of hard work to answer the world’s most pressing biomedical questions. This is an attack on scientific progress itself,” Brittany Charlton, a plaintiff and associate professor at Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, said in a statement. “Important discoveries and treatments will be delayed, putting lives at risk. Health issues in one community affect everyone, so this concerns us all,” Charlton added. Read full story Source: The Guardian, 2 April 2025- Posted
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The provision of high-quality personal protective equipment (PPE) was a critical challenge during the Covid-19 pandemic. This study evaluated an alternative strategy—the mass deployment of a powered air-purifying respirator (PeRSo), in a large university hospital.- Posted
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During the Covid-19 pandemic, global stocks, supply logistics and suitability of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to protect healthcare workers were recurrent challenges. The “Personal Respirator – Southampton” (PeRSo) was developed by a team of healthcare professionals at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust during the first wave of the pandemic. It delivers High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filtered air from a battery powered fan-filter assembly into a lightweight hood with a clear visor that can be comfortably worn for several hours. This study looks the development of PeRSo and highlights feedback from doctors and nurses that the PeRSo prototype was preferred to standard FFP2 and FFP3 masks, being more comfortable and reducing the time and risk of recurrently changing PPE. Patients also reported better communication and reassurance as the entire face is visible.- Posted
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This guidance aims to support integrated care boards (ICBs) in planning and commissioning services to manage infectious disease outbreaks. With over 10,000 outbreaks managed annually in England, these incidents can strain NHS resources and exacerbate health inequalities, especially among vulnerable populations.ICBs are responsible for developing health plans, managing budgets, and arranging services. The guidance emphasises the importance of activities like diagnostic testing, clinical assessment, vaccination, and post-exposure chemoprophylaxis to prevent illness and reduce transmission.Clear prior arrangements with providers are crucial for timely responses and minimizing disruptions to routine services.This guidance is intended to help ICBs prepare their response to infectious disease threats up to and including NHS incident response level 2, ranging from individual exposures to localised outbreaks.It should be used alongside national legislation and policy and operationalised through commissioning arrangements with local providers in conjunction with local outbreak plans and multiagency memorandums of understanding.- Posted
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News Article
A California coastal destination is telling visitors to leave the measles virus at home this spring break, as cases continue to crop up across the country. San Diego County’s communications office said that while no cases have been reported there this year, the potential for new infections could rise with “many people taking advantage of spring break.” “If you have traveled internationally or nationally near an outbreak area and are experiencing the symptoms of measles, call your healthcare provider immediately,” Medical Director of County Epidemiology and Immunization Services Dr. Seema Shah said in a Monday statement. “Measles isn’t just a fever and rash. It can be a very dangerous illness, especially for young children and babies.” The county has also released a Public Service Announcement on social media to warn people of the potential spread and the vaccination. The warning comes as a deadly outbreak in West Texas grew even larger, with 327 cases identified since late January, officials announced Tuesday. That’s up by 18 since Friday. Read full story Source: The Independent, 25 March 2025 -
Event
Warming up for World Hand Hygiene Day
Patient Safety Learning posted an event in Community Calendar
until“It might be gloves, it’s always hand hygiene Warming up for World Hand Hygiene Day (5 May 2025)” Regardless of whether gloves are worn or not, hand hygiene at the right times and in the right way - is still one of the most important measures to protect those receiving care as well as health and care workers. Medical gloves used in health care are defined as disposable gloves used during medical procedures. These gloves can get contaminated as easily as bare hands and do not protect 100%. When worn, medical gloves should be removed, for example, after touching a patient, and hand hygiene performed as per the WHO 5 Moments for Hand Hygiene. Besides educating health and care workers on the appropriate use of gloves, as well as the WHO 5 Moments for hand hygiene, action should also be embedded clearly within national IPC strategies, as well as standard operating procedures (SOPs) at facility level, according to the recommendations of the WHO global action plan and monitoring framework 2024-2030. Objectives of the warming up webinar To discuss promotion and education of optimal hand hygiene practices (using the appropriate technique and according to the WHO 5 Moments) alongside the times for appropriate glove use within health care workflow. To outline the value of campaigning, as one part of hand hygiene improvement activities, and demonstrate how to maximise use of WHHD 2025 resources. To outline the environmental and climate impact of gloves on waste generation and management, especially when used inappropriately. To stimulate WHHD 2025 activities in the lead up to 5 May 2025. Register- Posted
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News Article
Struggling to contain a raging measles epidemic in West Texas, public health officials increasingly worry that residents are relying on unproven remedies endorsed by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the health secretary, and postponing doctor visits until the illness has worsened. Hospitals and officials sounded an alarm this week, issuing a notice explaining which measles symptoms warranted immediate medical attention and stressing the importance of timely treatment. “I’m worried we have kids and parents that are taking all of these other medications and then delaying care,” said Katherine Wells, director of public health in Lubbock, Texas, where many of the sickest children in this outbreak have been hospitalized. Some seriously ill children had been given alternative remedies like cod liver oil, she added. “If they’re so, so sick and have low oxygen levels, they should have been in the hospital a day or two earlier,” she said. In his first public statements about the outbreak, Mr. Kennedy faced intense backlash for minimizing the situation, saying it was “not unusual” and falsely claiming that many people hospitalized were there “mainly for quarantine.” In the following weeks, Mr. Kennedy altered his approach, offering a muted recommendation of vaccines for people in West Texas while also promoting unproven treatments like cod liver oil, which has vitamin A, and touting “almost miraculous and instantaneous” recoveries with steroids or antibiotics. Read full story (paywalled) Source: New York Times, 15 March 2025