I have noticed a significant increase in general laxity about PPE since COVID masking has been dropped. A significant % of OR staff (esp anesthesia & RTs) not bothering to mask inside actual OR even when sterile fields are open & set up.
Nurses inside OR generally much more consistent (they directly handle & set up sterile equipment).
I’ve seen unmasked anesthesiologists & RTs for emergency CS & gyne cases… I don’t get it. We mask to prevent contamination of open surgical wounds. Just because COVID mask mandates are over doesn’t mean INSIDE an operating room is a mask free zone.
Used to be that it was unthinkable to be unmasked inside an active OR. Even in the hallways during active OR time. It’s a sad commentary on the impact of the antimask stupidity spilling over to areas where it can impact quality & safety of the patient care environment.
I’m just one person who chooses to be fastidious about masking inside the hospital, I can’t take on the entire system. But it’s discouraging to see & I wonder how many patients go on to have nosocomial surgical infections because of relaxed cultures around masking now.
@heiltsuk_paleo I have seen some RNs/scrub techs pop their mask after the case before the patient even leaves the room 😕
@heiltsuk_paleo You'd think there would be a hospital 'rule' that masking in OR is mandatory.
@heiltsuk_paleo You can tell your hospital admin that I won't be seeking medical care until doctors start caring about their patients again. Not masking in the surgical theater, never mind during an airborne pandemic, is negligent.
@heiltsuk_paleo @beansprouts_mom Agreed. I know someone having cardiac surgery soon in BC. New protocol is for the patient to use a specific mouthwash 4x/day prior to reduce chance of infection. Yes, I'll be counting all the staff who don't bother to mask during pre-op procedures. 🤞🏽for infection-free surgery
@heiltsuk_paleo I have seen many medical shows which are series where on ones like Chicago Med, Grey's Anatomy where often now there are no masks worn for surgical procedures. Also have seen surgeons scrubbing hands but not having their mask on which must be worn prior to the hand washing.
@heiltsuk_paleo And it is infuriating, particularly in an OR, where circumstances typically require patients to be unconscious and therefore unable to advocate for themselves!
@heiltsuk_paleo I am putting off surgery & dental visits, partly because I suspect this will happen- as soon as patient is unconscious, masks will come off.