Photo courtesy the Canadian Press

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

MORE TRANSPARENCY NEEDED, SAY DOCS

AHS working with provider to address doctors’ PPE concerns

May 10, 2020 | 10:16 AM

Alberta doctors are demanding the provincial government be more transparent about the standard of personal protective equipment (PPE) being distributed to medical professionals.

Dr. John Julyan-Gudgeon, who practices in Red Deer, says a petition from ABDocs4Patients outlines how certain pieces of PPE are so sub-standard, they do not protect against COVID-19.

“Our direct experience with these masks confirms: the fit is poor and the material over the bridge of the nose does not hold its shape nor keep the mask solidly in place,” says a letter sent to Health Minister Tyler Shandro and AHS President and CEO Dr. Vernia Yiu on April 24. “This causes the wearer to inevitably touch the mask to prevent displacement. This entirely undermines the rationale for wearing a mask. The mask has caused skin irritation, nausea, and profound headaches, which is amplified over many hours of work.”

Julyan-Gudgeon says they received a response from Alberta Health Services saying the issue would be addressed.

Though in a Twitter exchange between Julyan-Gudgeon and the verified @ahs_media account on May 6, he was told, “All equipment procured by AHS meets Canadian health safety standards.”

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Julyan-Gudgeon replied that still doesn’t address the concerns about particular standards the masks in his office and others’ should be made to meet.

AHS reiterated its stance in a statement to rdnewsNOW on May 9.

“AHS has worked with the suppliers to have the nose pieces adjusted and the length of the mask (from nose to chin) increased for a better fit. These changes will be in place for the next shipment to AHS,” the statement reads.

“In the meantime, AHS has recommended the following strategies for staff and physicians with concerns: Compressing the entire edge of the mask containing the nose piece in a ‘W’ shape will help the fit across the nose; If providing direct patient care and experiencing mask fit issues, we suggest adding a face shield to offer extra protection; Note that for patients suspected or known to have COVID-19, face shield/goggles, mask, gown and gloves should always be used.”

AHS says changes are also being made to how items are packaged in an effort to reduce odour, and that they are very pleased with the provider’s responsiveness.

Julyan-Gudgeon explains there are four primary standards for mask protection, only two of which, doctors agree, provide measurable particle filtration or splash protection; those being one specific Chinese standard and another from the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).

He says the masks that doctors are concerned about don’t meet the two ideal specifications. AHS suggests that while what’s available does meet a technically different standard, it is consistent with that of the ASTM.

“This has caused largely a combination of distrust and frustration,” says Dr. Julyan-Gudgeon. “There are intrinsic risks within the profession, and ones we’re willing to take. However, there comes the social contract meaning if we’re going to be taking care of the public, the governance should also be doing what it can to protect us.

“We get the government telling us these are just aesthetic issues,” he adds, “while some doctors have said the masks have literally left a bad taste in their mouth combined with skin rashes.”

Julyan-Gudgeon says the research doctors have done into better understanding issues such as this proves there are deficiencies in the system.

He also notes it hasn’t been made clear to doctors if any of the PPE that does meet higher standards and better protects not only doctors, but patients from COVID-19, was shipped to other provinces.

“These are extraordinary times with massive global demand for PPE supplies. It is in this context of intense competition that AHS continues to source products to protect our front line staff and physicians,” says AHS. “It is important to note that none of our masks from our standard suppliers have been shipped out of province.”

AHS is asking front-line staff who note any product concerns with respect to PPE to report through the existing Medical Device Incident or Problem form online, or email ppe@ahs.ca.