Heartbeat: New face mask testing keeping colleagues safe from infection

December 10, 2018

Do you know when, where and how to wear your respiratory protective equipment? Do you know if you are wearing a mask that fits you correctly?

A new high tech system called Portacount has been introduced to check and test the fit of face masks at our Trust.

Heartbeat caught up with Infection Prevention and Control Nurse Advisor, Kasmiro Aheer who has been leading the work to find out more.

“Clinical colleagues generally wear masks when deemed necessary, for example if there is suspected or confirmed multi-drug resistant tuberculosis or other high-risk infections transmitted via the respiratory route. These masks protect our colleagues from infection and they are a critical piece of equipment which need to be safe, effective and reliable. We can’t simply expect colleagues to pick up a face mask from stores and for it to be a universal fit for all.

“Face masks only work well when there is a firm and tight fitting seal between the wearer’s face and the mask. Our fit testing helps us identify and rectify any issues with face masks so that when the time comes to use one, the wearer can feel safe that the face mask will do its job properly.”

If you are yet to be fit tested for a face mask or it has been quite some time since you last were, you can get in touch with the infection control team to book in testing or find out who your local fit tester is, simply call ext. 5900.