Thread by @JoePajak

'𝗩𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻* is an important line of defence for infection control in the healthcare environment.' @NHSEngland
✍️1,077,993 people currently predicted to have symptomatic COVID in the UK: report @Join_ZOE 9 May 2023.
Healthcare settings to note:
england.nhs.uk/long-read/appl…

https://twitter.com/JoePajak/status/1656018683494375425

✍️Important notice for healthcare settings:
'Application of #HEPA filter devices for air cleaning in healthcare spaces: guidance and standards.'
✍️Ventilation* is an important line of defence for infection control in the healthcare environment. @NHSEngland
england.nhs.uk/long-read/appl…

The current focus on #𝗩𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 highlighted areas of 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗸 due to 𝗽𝗼𝗼𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 and 𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 in 𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹𝘀 and other 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀. @NHSEngland
england.nhs.uk/long-read/appl…

✍️The high risk may be due to change of room use, age, condition of air handling plant, lack of maintenance, challenges with effective use of natural ventilation or other.
✍️Important to bring these facilities up to the minimum specification of current standards.
@NHSEngland

#Ventilation #InfectionControl
✍️'It is [therefore] important to bring hospitals and other healthcare settings up to the minimum specification of current standards, particularly recognising the challenges of COVID-19 and other infections.' @NHSEngland
england.nhs.uk/long-read/appl…

#Ventilation #InfectionControl
'Local HEPA filter-based air cleaners are one option for improving and supplementing ventilation. Installation of a high efficiency particulate air filter air cleaner can reduce the risk of airborne transmission.' @NHSEngland england.nhs.uk/long-read/appl…

#Ventilation #InfectionControl
'Guidance = interim specification to set the basic standard required for #HEPA filter devices to be utilised in healthcare and patient-related settings - primarily aimed at portable and semi fixed devices.' @NHSEngland england.nhs.uk/long-read/appl…

#InfectionControl
'𝗩𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 is the process by which ‘fresh’ air is intentionally provided to a space and stale air is removed - achieved by mechanical systems using ducts and fans, or natural ventilation most commonly provided through opening windows.' @NHSEngland

#InfectionControl
'Ventilation is an important feature in the control of airborne infection. However, the emergence of #SARSCoV2 as a highly contagious virus has demanded new and innovative solutions to safeguard patients, staff and visitors.' @NHSEngland england.nhs.uk/publication/sp…

'Ventilation is an important feature in the control of airborne infection.'
Quote: 'The COVID-19 #pandemic has shown that greater attention must be paid to the improvement and maintenance of #ventilation in #healthcare settings.' @NHSEngland

'The focus on ventilation has also highlighted areas of high risk due to poorly performing and inadequate ventilation, particularly in older hospitals and other healthcare settings such as primary care and dental suites, which increase risks of nosocomial infections.' @NHSEngland

#Ventilation #InfectionControl
'Weather conditions, external noise and air pollution and restricted window openings for safety affect the ability to open windows and means that #ventilation in some settings can fall below recommended rates.' @NHSEngland

#Ventilation #InfectionControl #AirborneViruses
'Local #HEPA filter air cleaners are one option for improving and supplementing ventilation. The correct installation and operation of a HEPA filter air cleaner can reduce the risk of #airborne transmission.' @NHSEngland

#InfectionControl
'Healthcare trusts are under pressure to improve #ventilation and in the meantime are considering options including filter-based air cleaning. This standard will assist trusts in selecting and implementing good quality, reliable equipment.' @NHSEngland

#InfectionControl #Healthcare #Ventilation
'There is substantial evidence from laboratory studies and real-world settings that filtration is an effective technology for reducing #airborne #pathogens within room air and #HVAC systems.' @NHSEngland england.nhs.uk/long-read/appl…

#InfectionControl #Healthcare #Ventilation
'A number of research studies have been carried out which indicate that measured levels of microorganisms in air are greatly reduced by air filters.' @NHSEngland #HEPA
E.g. William G. Lindsley et al
cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/7…

#PortableAirCleaners
#InfectionControl
#Ventilation
'What is already known about this topic?
Ventilation systems can be supplemented with portable high efficiency particulate air (#HEPA) cleaners to reduce the number of airborne infectious particles.' William G. Lindsley et al

#InfectionControl #Ventilation #AirborneViruses
Credit: @NHSEngland @IMechE @CIBSE @ipemnews @AHSNNetwork and colleagues.
england.nhs.uk/long-read/appl…

Important research: 'Removal of #Airborne Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 and Other Microbial Bioaerosols by Air Filtration'. @NCBI
'Application of #HEPA devices in healthcare settings: @andymoz78 et al.' @CUH_NHS
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34718446/