July 17, 2009
Today Alberta Health reported that there are now 1,401 confirmed cases of H1N1 influenza virus in Alberta with 20 new cases since July 16th.
WHO Changes Reporting Requirements
Yesterday the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that it was changing the reporting requirements for pandemic H1N1 virus infections. In their July 16th briefing notes they state that the increasing number of cases with sustained community transmission is making it difficult for many countries to confirm them through lab testing. In addition, WHO officials have determined that the counting of cases is no longer essential for monitoring the level or nature of the risk posed by the virus. They also are of the opinion that reporting is not necessary to guide implementation of response measures.
They do recommend that countries closely monitor unusual events, such as clusters of cases of severe or fatal H1N1 virus infection, clusters of cases requiring hospitalization or unusual clinic patterns. Countries are also urged to watch for changes in the current pattern of transmission (spikes in rates of absenteeism, increase in number of emergency department visits).
At this point the health organization says that further spread of the pandemic is inevitable given previous experience with influenza viruses. The viruses have needed more than six months to spread widely. This new virus has spread in less than six weeks.
Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women At Greater Risk
The Public Health Agency of Canada has identified pregnant women in their second and third trimester and women within four weeks post partum as a group at higher risk of influenza related complications.
The agency had issued new clinical guidelines related to pandemic H1N1 virus for this at risk group. In the guidance clinicians are strongly encouraged to consider treating pregnant women with antivirals (Tamiflu & Relenza) suspected or confirmed to have a H1N1 infection.
Health Care Unions Meet with AHS
Representatives form UNA, HSAA and AUPE met with Susan McGillivray, Acting VP of OH&S for AHS. Also attending the meeting were other AHS representatives from the Medical Officer of Health, Public Health and Population and Emergency Response.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss a mechanism for ongoing communication and dealing with concerns. AHS are now working to have a coordinated pandemic response plan, which merges the previous pandemic plans developed, by the previous health regions. They have created a steering committee and various working groups to deal with various aspects of pandemic response.
The Union representatives identified a number of concerns including income continuation, communication, prevention, and supplies of appropriate respiratory protection. The group will meet regularly to discuss these and other concerns and Susan McGillivray will be the contact person for concerns/issues that need to be addressed quickly.
Over the last few weeks we have received a number of calls from members regarding various issues. I encourage you to contact you local representative or your Labour Relations Officer with any concerns or questions related to the H1N1 virus so that we can deal with them as quickly as possible
Good Samaritan Society Responds to Outbreak
On June 29, 2009 H1N1 outbreak restrictions in place at the Good Samaritan Millwoods facility were lifted by Albert Public Health. All of the staff that were previously off work with flu-like illness have now returned to work.
Once UNA became involved the employer reacted to the outbreak by offering all staff Tamiflu and Alberta Health Services was brought in to perform N95 respirator fit-testing for all staff. They followed the H1N1 guidelines for Acute Care and their Emergency Response Committee has been conducting regular meetings .
They are currently developing a plan to fit-test staff working in their facilities throughout Alberta and British Columbia.
Although the Good Samaritan Society has now put proper precautions in place this situation supports the need to have an effective plan of action in place before an outbreak hits. Hopefully other Continuing Care employers are taking note of this employers actions.
What You Need to Know:
Get Fit Tested! - The Multi-Employer/UNA Joint Committee has reached an agreement regarding N95 Respirator Provision and Fit Testing, which requires the employer to provide N95 respirator fit-testing to all employees covered by the Multi-Employer/UNA Collective Agreement. Fit-Testing is mandatory as per Article 35.02 (a)
Ensure you have enough N95 respirators - The Joint Committee agreement obligates the Employer to ensure that an appropriate supply of N95 respirators is available.
You may be temporarily transferred - In the event of an emergency Article 44: Mobility (44.05 (e)) allows the Employer to reassign Employees from any site to perform work at any other site in emergency circumstances. An emergency is defined as “an unforeseen combination of circumstances or the resulting state that calls for immediate action”. Contact you Local representative or Labour Relations Office for additional information regarding emergency transfers.
Do not report to work if you are sick - Nurses should not be reporting to work if they have influenza like illness (fever and respiratory symptoms). Nurses who do report to work are putting patients and their co-workers at risk of infection and illness. The Alberta Government is asking that individuals with flu like symptoms stay home from work and avoid public places when ill.
You do not have to put your health at risk - The agreement between the parties states that employees who have not been fit-tested for an N95 respirator or are unable to achieve an effective facial seal shall not be expected to enter or provide services in an area where a suspected or confirmed case of swine influenza A has been identified. These Employees may be deployed to another area.
You need to assess whether you believe that you need to provided with N95 respirators (fit-tested), gown and eye protection. If your employer refuses then ask to be reassigned.
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