Coronavirus: Healthscope nurses told it’s two masks a day

Australia’s second-biggest private hospital operator, Healthscope, is asking staff to limit their use of protective masks.

Australia’s second-biggest private hospital operator, Healthscope, is asking staff to limit their use of protective masks to two per nurse per shift as it combats global shortages of precious personal protective equipment.

Anxiety is rising among frontline medical staff, including nurses, doctors and other hospital employees, as the coronavirus pandemic fuels a worldwide shortage of masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE).

It comes after global gloves and PPE maker Ansell warned the shortage was creating a “wild west” mentality in Europe, with countries seizing and diverting equipment at borders for use in their own hospitals.

Meanwhile, local PPE manufacturers have been stepping up production and the federal government has secured an additional 30 million masks for the national PPE stockpile.

Healthscope chief executive Steven Rubic said all staff working in the group’s emergency departments, intensive care units and respiratory wards must wear surgical masks.

“People in these environments are asked to limit your use to two masks per shift,” Mr Rubic wrote in an email sent to all staff and seen by The Australian.

“Wearing masks in these environments is now effectively the fourth element of required ­hygiene measures for ED, ICU and respiratory ward workers, alongside maintaining 1.5m physical distancing, hand hygiene and surface wipe-downs.”

Healthscope head of human ­resources Katherine MacHutch­ison and chief medical officer Victoria Atkinson said in the same email: “As no doubt you are aware, there is a worldwide shortage of masks and other PPE supplies. While we have ample stock, we must use resources prudently.”

A Healthscope spokesman said staff could wear surgical masks for up to four hours, but they must be changed between COVID-19 suspected or confirmed patients under the company’s policy. “Otherwise, where possible, limit masks to two per shift,” the policy states.

“Our policy reflects the Victorian DHHS guidelines for the safe and clinically appropriate use of PPE in high-risk areas. By adopting these guidelines for our hospitals nationally, Healthscope is protecting our staff and patients in these areas, while still ensuring PPE stocks are carefully managed,” the spokesman said.

NSW Nurses and Midwives' Association general secretary Brett Holmes said it was “highly unlikely” that masks could be limited to two per shift”, given a surgical mask could not be worn if it became moist, soiled or removed to drink or eat, under NSW government guidelines.

Meanwhile P2 and N95 masks can be worn continuously for up to eight hours but, like a surgical mask, must be removed if they ­become moist or loose.

“I can understand Healthscope saying wherever possible limit use but the reality is that would be very hard for people to follow under the infection control guidelines and the human requirement to replenish fluids, particularly in an environment where you are wearing heat-generating equipment such as fluid-resistant gowns,” Mr Holmes said. “I’d be very worried about the safety of workers if they could drink once a day at work.”