June 26, 2009
Outbreak at Good Sam Site in Edmonton
Staff working at the Good Samaritan Society Millwood's facility in Edmonton were informed yesterday that three residents have tested positive for the influenza H1N1 virus. One resident has been transferred to acute care and the other two residents remain in the facility. As of June 26, 2009 there are now five residents who have tested positive for the virus.
Also concerning is that eighteen staff have exhibited symptoms suggestive of influenza H1N1 infection. A number of staff are awaiting testing results and only three of the eighteen staff have been cleared to return to work.
Staff have not been fit-tested and provided with N95 respirators. At the June 24th meeting representatives of the employer said that all staff would be offered tamiflu. The employer was meeting this morning to draw up a plan of action and has committed to sharing that plan with UNA.
In May letters were sent to all long term care employers requesting information regarding their plans for fit testing all nurses working in their facilities and ensuring adequate supplies of N95 respirator masks. To date we have received three replies stating that the Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Corriveau, has advised them that N95 respirator mask are not required in LTC and that surgical masks provided adequate respiratory protection.
It is the position of United Nurses of Alberta that until such time as there is scientific certainty regarding the mode of transmission of Swine Influenza A (H1N1) all Employees that are required to provide patient care for suspected or confirmed swine influenza A cases must be provided with an appropriate supply of fit-tested N95 respirators and mandatory education regarding the care of procedures for donning and doffing N95 respirators.
Nurses working in LTC facilities and are not covered by the UNA/HBA Services collective agreement need to forward a concern to their OH&S committee as soon as possible. If you have a provision that requires the employer to meet within 10 calendar days of receipt of an OH&S concern then insist on a meeting within the 10 days.
If you are asked to provide care to a patient who is suspected or confirmed to have the H1N1 virus and you have not been fit-tested for a N95 respirator mask you can ask to be reassigned until appropriate controls including personal protective equipment are in place.
Working Off Site and/or in the Community?
Nurses who work in the community care sector and mental health outreach programs are required to be fit-tested for N95 respirator masks and your employer must ensure that you have access to an adequate supply of N95 respirators. I would suggest that these nurses should keep a small supply (enough for the day) of fit-tested N95 respirators with them when they visit other facilities or clinics or visit patients in their homes. Nurses should be wearing these respirators if they are likely to come within 2 meters (6 feet) of an individual who is suspected or confirmed to have the influenza H1N1 virus.
I would also advise nurses who are visiting facilities, clinics or homes that they ask if there are or have been any suspected or confirmed cases of influenza H1N1 amongst the patients (or other resident of the home) before performing their assigned duties. If it is likely that you will come in contact with a patient (or other resident) who is suspected or confirmed to have the virus you should wear a N95 respirator. If you do not have a fit-tested N95 respirator with you then you should ask if there are any of the appropriate size of N95 respirator available on site.
If you have not been fit-tested and do not have access to an adequate supply of fit-tested N95 respirators you should request to be reassigned. If you experience any problems with your supervisor and/or manager regarding this request please contact you Local representative or your LRO as soon as possible.
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.
|
