Responding to issues in relation to fit-testing of respiratory masks in the HSC, Pat Cullen, Director of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) in Northern Ireland said:
“The RCN is extremely concerned at the revelation that some health care staff have been put at risk as a result of incorrect fitting of respiratory masks. We have written to the Department of Health and health care Trusts urgently, demanding answers on a number of issues.
“We have requested immediate assurance that no staff will be put at risk during this time and welcome the statement by the Director of Nursing at the Public Health Agency today that a serious incident review will be carried out. The RCN has asked the Department of Health to withdraw the company involved from completing any further work until an objective, external investigation is completed. This is what our members expect and deserve.
“It is a priority for the RCN to ensure that nurses and other health care staff are reassured that these essential pieces of protective equipment are being fitted to the highest possible safety standards. Our members will rightly be very concerned about these unfolding developments and will require support and advice on managing the levels of risk they have been exposed to.
“It is deeply disappointing that many members had to learn of the risks via the media. It is totally unacceptable that staff find out about such issues in this way and we have no doubt anxiety will be heightened. Communication with staff must improve as a matter of urgency.”
