PrintUNA and AHS continue to discuss Ebola preparedness
United Nurses of Alberta representatives met with Alberta Health Services and Infection Prevention and Control officials on Oct. 30, 2014 to discuss issues related to preparedness for the Ebola Virus Disease. UNA representatives are meeting with AHS on a weekly basis to discuss relevant updates related to Ebola preparedness.
At the meeting, UNA representatives raised concerns brought forward by UNA members over the past few weeks about the protocols, signage, and proper training and equipment available for treating patients thought to be infected with Ebola.
Supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE) are being distributed to worksites across Alberta. Additional supplies are being made available in areas AHS has identified as a high priority.
UNA raised members’ concerns about potential neck exposure in the current PPE starter kit. AHS is working to resolve the issue.
AHS is continuing to work on simplifying its Ebola information documents in order to ensure they are clear and understandable.
AHS provided an update about staff training for Ebola preparedness, which varies in each AHS Zone. In the South, Central and North Zones, only Emergency Department staff will be trained for Ebola preparedness procedures (eg: practicing donning and doffing PPE).
In the Calgary Zone, staff employed in Emergency Departments, Critical Care units and containment units at the designate sites, the Alberta Children’s Hospital and South Health Campus, are being trained.
In the Edmonton Zone, staff who volunteer in the Emergency Department, Intensive Care and containment units will be provided with further training at the designated sites at the Stollery Children’s Hospital and the University of Alberta Hospital. Code response teams are also being trained at designated sites.
AHS has created a dedicated information line for Alberta Health Services staff who have questions about Ebola. The phone line is available 24/7 at 1-866-301-2668.
UNA encourages members to remain patient and calm as AHS continues its preparedness planning, which is being rolled out in phases. UNA is committed to working with AHS to ensure the safety of front-line health care workers and the public is a priority.
Members are encouraged to refer to AHS and the Public Health Agency of Canada for information relevant to Canadian health care. Please refer to the AHS Ebola website for updates and guidelines.
Please continue to alert UNA to any concerns you have about protocols, preparation and equipment related to the Ebola Virus Disease.
