Hi All Lots of queries this week on how to interpret the updated HPSC infection control guidelines in our practices. It's not going to be a one size fits all answer, but the HPSC document is quite extensive in its guidance. I would encourage you all to read it with your teams and have a discussion about how best to implement it in your practice with your staff and patients. https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/guidance/infectionpreventionandcontrolguidance/ppe/Current%20recommendations%20for%20the%20use%20of%20PPE.pdf To try to distil it down into a few points- 1. All patients should be assessed for symptoms/risk. They use this point of care risk assessment tool https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/microbiologyantimicrobialresistance/infectioncontrolandhai/posters/A3%20Poster%20Resist.final%20online%20version.pdf Essentially its what we have been doing to triage patients during covid already into symptomatic vs non symptomatic. 1. All patients with symptoms should be asked to wear a mask. They should be flagged as symptomatic on the appointment diary if possible so the HCW is alerted (probably already being done). Their HCW should wear a mask +/- additional PPE depending on the risk level of the contact planned. 2. Patients without symptoms do not have to wear a mask but may of course choose to. HCW treating low risk patients may also still choose to wear a mask. And thats about it really in a nutshell! It does mean it might be difficult to enforce an ongoing mask wearing policy for all patients as we might be seen as being out of line with national guidelines. However if you or staff or patients are vulnerable i think its still reasonable to ask patients would they wear a mask anyway. Dr. Paul Carroll, who you all know, has some nice patient info slides which he might share. He added some points saying 'please don't be offended if we ask you to wear a mask while you are here which will be for the protection of our more vulnerable patients and our staff' and also, if you prefer your doctor'nurse to wear a mask feel free to ask them etc. I hope this helps you to make start the discussion locally. Best regards Jean Please note my workday may not match your workday please do not feel obliged to respond to this email outside of your working hours