Sterilisation NHS PPE

[James48]

Morning folks, does anyone know why PPE equipment like gloves etc are not sterilised for reuse when they can be? Doesn’t make sense when there’s a struggle throughout the world to get new supplies.

[sassy59]

No idea James. The PPE is to be reused apparently, that’s the suggestion anyway.

Stay safe xxx

[James48 in reply to sassy59]

Thank you Sassy and same to you!

[scotagee]

Not sure James but I heard that gowns lose their water resistance and would allow fluids to pass through. Sure gloves could be sanitized though

[James48 in reply to scotagee]

Thanks Scotagee!

[Badbessie]

Most PPE is designed to be single use only. Some gowns are made of a paper like material and if you wash them they fall apart.

[James48 in reply to Badbessie]

Thanks Badbessie!

[Blackbird6]

Any gowns gloves masks and PPE equipment are single use only

They can not and should not be re used cleaned or otherwise .

The above is according to manufacturers guidelines ...the gowns are waterproof but it soaks through rendering unsafe to use .

We used to use cloth gowns drapes which were washed sterilised and reused but they were taken of the nhs in the late 90 s to make room for single use items ..crazy to be honest but that's guidelines for you 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️💕

[RoadRunner44 in reply to Blackbird6]

I completely agree with you Blackbird.. Let's get back to basics once again!

[Blackbird6 in reply to RoadRunner44]

Should never have been taken away in my honest opinion cloth gowns and wraps were amazing but hey ho I'm retired now so have no claim to make suggestions 😂💕

[RoadRunner44 in reply to Blackbird6]

Who knows, after this experience things may change and those " old fashioned

things" could make a welcome return.

☺

[Blackbird6 in reply to RoadRunner44]

Without a doubt they would make a vast difference to things that are happening today

[James48 in reply to Blackbird6]

Thanks Blackbird!

[James48 in reply to Blackbird6]

Thanks Blackbird!

[Inamoment]

Like everything, it's a lot more complicated than you think it is. The article doesn't say, but i can't think why polypropylene gowns can't be washed. They aren't woven. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

[James48 in reply to Inamoment]

Thanks inamoment. Quite a read and as other peeps have said - more complicated than it seems!