Gino Kenny (Dublin Mid West, People Before Profit Alliance)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

104. To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to a call by an organisation (details supplied) for ventilation in hospitals to be examined, to ensure the safety of nurses and midwives in their workplaces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52403/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Thank you, Deputy.

Building ventilation has remained an important component of our broader infection prevention and control response over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, both at population and sectoral levels. It should also be noted that the most effective way to reduce the impact of this disease is for those who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 to self-isolate until 48 hours after symptoms have substantially or fully resolved, and for those who are eligible to receive their primary and booster doses.

With regard to ventilation in the healthcare sector, it is one aspect of a suite of measures that are used in hospitals and other healthcare settings to mitigate the spread of respiratory infection, including COVID-19. It is important to remember that other preventative measures are still advised in healthcare settings, including respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette and appropriate use of PPE, including face masks.

The HSE’s Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control Division (AMRIC), publishes infection prevention and control guidance for healthcare settings.

On 22nd September last, the AMRIC published the latest iteration of its Acute Hospital Infection Prevention and Control Precautions for possible or confirmed COVID-19 cases, which provides specific guidance with respect to ventilation in hospital settings. The guidance is published on the Health Protection and Surveillance Centre’s website and will continue to be regularly updated. The HSE implemented the guidance on 3rd October.

Additionally, on 12th October, I published my Department’s Strategic Approach to the Management of COVID-19 for Winter 2022/23. The Department’s strategic objectives are presented thematically in the report. This report was informed by the work of the COVID-19 Advisory Group, whose multidisciplinary membership includes an expert on ventilation. Information is provided on ventilation under the heading of non-pharmaceutical interventions.

The importance of ventilation as one measure within our overall layered response to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 is also embedded in Government communications on the pandemic. This will continue to be the case in upcoming campaigns.