AHS Ebola Preparedness Update

United Nurses of Alberta representatives met with Alberta Health Services and Covenant Health officials on Nov. 28, 2014 to discuss issues related to preparedness for the Ebola Virus Disease. UNA representatives are meeting with the employers on a biweekly basis to discuss relevant updates related to Ebola preparedness.

UNA raised concerns about important Ebola information signage being blocked by sliding doors at entrances of the University of Alberta Hospital and Stollery Children’s Hospital. AHS has committed to investigate the signage.

AHS continues to investigate and pursue new options to improve Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) available to health care staff trained in proper donning and doffing procedures. Covenant Health is continuing to train and provide staff with the same PPE as AHS staff.

AHS and Infection Prevention and Control officials commended health care staff for their reaction to a recent situation in Calgary where a patient with a potentially contagious illness was transferred from the Peter Lougheed Centre to South Health Campus.

Relevant information and guidelines will continue to be updated on the AHS Ebola website.

AHS has created a dedicated information line for Alberta Health Services staff who may have questions about Ebola. The phone line is available 24/7 at 1-866-301-2668.

UNA is committed to working with AHS to ensure the safety of front-line health care workers and the public is a priority.

Please continue to alert UNA to any concerns you have about protocols, preparation and equipment related to the Ebola Virus Disease.

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