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Hi
Should we have separate donning and doffing stations in residential aged care? We had one station set up for both just outside our affected unit (the unit had multiple residents with covid and it was in memory care so unable to isolate).thanks
DeniseHi Denise,
Donning and doffing stations should be kept separate. The donning station should be located in a clean area, such as outside the affected resident’s room. The doffing station can be placed inside the resident’s room, preferably near the exit.
For MSU, this may be more challenging due to resident behaviours. A suitable location may be at the entrance or inside the unit, depending on residents’ behaviours.
Please refer to belowDonning and doffing stations
Positioning donning and doffing stations:Station should be located in places that are protected from excess foot traffic, contaminated environments, and from potential handling by patients, residents, or others.
Stations must have sufficient room for staff to comfortably and safely don or doff without risk of contamination to or from themselves and the environment.
Whenever possible maintain a minimum 1.5 metre distance between donning and doffing stations.
If the doffing station is inside the patient’s room, where possible maintain a minimum 1.5 metre distance from the patient.
The doffing station should be located immediately outside or inside the patients’ room or the designated isolation area/zone, as close as possible to the door.Hi Denise
Balancing infection prevention and control (IPC), resident safety, and person-centred care can be challenging in a memory support unit. PPE stations should be designed following a local risk assessment while supporting safe work practices.
The location and design of PPE stations should minimise risks to residents (e.g. wandering, tampering with equipment, or ingestion of supplies) while enabling healthcare workers to safely comply with IPC requirements. The risk assessment should consider the needs of residents living with dementia and maintain a safe environment wherever possible.
Donning Station – MSU Entrance
Where PPE is risk assessed for all healthcare workers entering the memory support unit, establish a dedicated donning station at the entrance.The station should include:
* PPE for contact and respiratory (PFR) precautions.
* ABHR positioned according to risk assessment.
* A general waste bin for PPE packaging.* Signage for:
* Contact and airborne precautions – PPE donning sequence.
* PFR fit check, mirror as possible.
* How to perform hand hygiene – hand rub.Doffing Station – Inside the Unit (Exit)
Where possible:
* Remove gown and gloves immediately before leaving the unit.
* Position a waste bin at the exit (general or clinical waste, as determined by risk assessment).
* Ensure alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) is available (wall-mounted where assessed as safe, or personal ABHR where appropriate).* Display signage for:
* Contact precautions – PPE doffing sequence.
* How to perform hand hygiene – hand rub.Doffing Station – Outside the Unit
After exiting the unit:
* Remove eye protection and the particulate filter respirator (PFR).
* Locate this doffing station away from the PPE donning station to minimise the risk of contamination.* Provide:
* A waste bin (general or clinical waste, as determined by risk assessment).
* ABHR.* Signage for:
* Airborne precautions – PPE doffing sequence.
* How to perform hand hygiene – hand rub.Hope this helps
Regards Carrie
